Bible Study Fellowship – Page 3

BSF Acts: Week 16, Day 3: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 with Revelation 13:6–13

Summary:

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12

Paul describes the bold act of the “man of lawlessness” that will precede the return of Christ. That he will exalt himself and place himself in God’s temple, claiming to be God. And, he reinforces to them that work has already begin. Paul does this to reassure the Thessalonians against false teaching and to not lose sight of Christ’s triumph.

Revelation 13:6–13

The time that the beast is given authority over the earth. A time when there is no more agnostics, everyone takes a side – either God or the beast. Then the second beast, the dragon comes out of the earth and performs great and miraculous signs. All preceding the Day of the Lord.

Questions:

6. That day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction

7. He is a deceiver. His authority is only that allowed to him, not anything he has of his own power.

8. a. Their refusal to love the truth and be saved. A delusion, they believe the lie and delight in wickedness, bringing condemnation

b. Entering the gate of righteousness is a choice that is revealed to us to choose. Other choices are abundant, there are thousands of other things we can serve and fall into depravity, but only one gate (Jesus) leads to God

c. A favorite hymn:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Conclusions:

The revelation of the gospel is not just for our curiosity or enjoyment, like an action movie, but it is there so that we are not deceived as we stand with Christ at the narrow gate, bringing the called into the house of God. Paul’s emphasis is well noted, though. It is important to understand the events that will occur, but the important place to focus your eyes is not on the activities but on the outcome – Christ rules forever.

BSF Acts: Week 16, Day 2: 2 Thessalonians 1

Summary:

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians opens with prayer, praise and thanksgiving. Paul also, as always, keeps the focus on the object of our faith, our reunion with Christ on the day of the Lord.

Questions:
3. a. Paul is grateful that their faith is growing, their love is increasing. They show perseverance and faith in the face of persecution and trials. Paul thanks God for these things because he understands that all of this comes from God, it is not by their own doing but only through the power and authority of God that these blessed things are occurring.
b. (Personal) I can see the maturity in my spiritual walk increasing this year. I can see my faith and conviction to the word growing and my love for others expanding. I am truly experiencing joy in seeing the legacy that I have been blessed to be a part of in helping teach 1st and 2nd graders about God – hopefully in a way that encourages them to stay in the word their entire lives. I understand when Paul talks about the blessing he feels from God by being able to share the gospel with these new converts – it isn’t just a blessing to them.

4. Paul says:
a. Jesus will be revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He comes to punish and be glorified and marveled.
b. Christ is glorified IN his holy people and marveled at AMONG all who believe.
c. Punished with everlasting destruction, shut out from the presence of the Lord and cut off from the majesty of his power.

5. Paul prays that God may

count them worthy of his calling
fulfill every good purpose of theirs
fulfill every act prompted by faith
the name of our Lord Jesus glorified in them and them in him

Conclusion:

I was particularly struck by the prepositions in verse 10. He comes to be glorified in his holy people and marveled at among all those who have believed. I had always read this as: He comes to be glorified BY his holy people and marveled at by all those who have believed. Being glorified “in and among” the body of believers is a completely different and richer meaning.

Jesus doesn’t require any further exaltation – he is already at the right hand of God. He comes to reunite with the believers to raise the church up into glory with Him. What a magnificent reunion that will be!

BSF Acts: Week 15, Day 5: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11

Summary:

Do not lose hope or mourn the dead. The promise of Jesus’ return and the reunion with him is not only for living believers, but for all, living and dead in a trumpet shout and majesty.

Questions:

12. a. The Lord’s return is for all believers, living and dead. Jesus’ promise of reunion is for all and, in fact, those who pass from this life experience the reunion first.
b. The magnitude of the reunion and yet that it will be a personal experience. The power of the trumpet call of God and the eternity that it begins.
13. Belong to the day, wear faith and hope as armament, as something we physically put on each day for protection and strength.

14. a. Give two points with verses (chapter 5). To light and to salvation (v5 and v9)
b. To suffer wrath
c. Encouraged because as I spend more time with God and in His love I grasp more fully the wrath that I so rightly deserve. The fact that God who is loving and fair understand this so much more immensely and deeply than I do, yet, appoints me to receive a gift of salvation.

Conclusion:

What does it mean to belong to the day? I think there are 2 aspects to this. The first and most obvious is to live a life of transparency, as if all we do is in public, in the light. In other words, if we are doing something we don’t want others to know about or see, then we are not living in the light, but in darkness. However, it also means that we belong to the day of the Lord. That everything about my life today should be pointed at and longing for today to be the day that the trumpet blows and Jesus comes to claim him believers from this world for an eternal reunion party.

BSF Acts: Week 15, Day 2: 1 Thessalonians 1 with Acts 17:1–10

Summary: Interesting that we left last week discussing encouragement. 1 Thessalonians is a book overflowing with encouragement for a growing church. You’re doing great, stay the course. Stay true to what we modeled and taught you. Challenge yourself to do more, grow more, love more, give more. Stay assured and true. There is also a repeating message of hope, hope for the family of believers, brothers and sisters, and hope for a reunion with Christ upon His return.

1 Thes 1:10″and to wait for his Son from heaven”

2:19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

4:15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Their strength came from the gospel, which they received and lived out withe the power of the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.
5. 1:3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Because this is the perfect eulogy. What better thing could anyone say at your funeral

Conclusion: 1 Thessalonians is such a notable and encouraging book because it is so multi-faceted. It provides a stable base to build on. It provides a vision of what is to come. It reinforces and strengthens the existing foundation and structure. It encourages and admonishes continued growth. It warns of pitfalls and concerns. It beams love.

BSF Acts: Week 15, Day 4: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 5:12–28

Summary

Faith is not just words that we say or a oath that we take. It isn’t just an intellectual endeavor. Faith is a changed life. Faith is being brought into a new family. Faith is being filled with the spirit and love of God and immediately beginning an eternal life, different that the ways of this world.

Questions
10. a. The way we live our lives. To be sanctified. To avoid sexual immorality. To be holy and honorable. To lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work with your hands. To acknowledge those who work hard and hold them in high regard. To live in peace. To warn those who are idle, encourage the disheartened, help the weak and be patient. Strive to do what is good for everyone. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. Reject evil.
b. They are opposite. Current culture says focus on yourself only, look out for number 1. Do what is fun and enjoyable. Gossip and rumor and leisure are the entertainment of the day.
c. To warn the idle, encourage the disheartened and help the weak and most importantly – to be patient. I very much need more patience with people.
11. a. To give thanks in all circumstances. Paul is such a great example of extreme persecution and extreme joy and rejoicing.
b. Through the holy spirit, through prophecy (the word of God), through God himself and the peace he provides. Through God’s faithfulness. Our responsibility is to not quench the spirit, to test the messages provided to us and hold to what is good. To accept God’s strength.

Conclusion:

There are significant rewards to living a life pleasing to God. Not something earned by this work, but in the same way that a father shows praise and encouragement to a good report card. The love doesn’t come from the work, but it provides an opportunity to demonstrate it.

BSF Acts: Week 15, Day 3: 1 Thessalonians 2–3

Summary: These central chapters of this book focus on the specific, personal, loving connection the authors have for the recipients of the letter. This is family. This is and overflowing love.

Questions:

2:2 with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel

2:4 speek as thos approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel

2:7-8 cared for as a nursing mother, shared not only gospel but lives as well

2:9 Not a burden

2:10 holy righteous and blameless

2:12-13 As a father: encouraging, comforting and urging

3:10 Night and day we pray earnestly
7. a. We are destined for trials and persecution. But greater angst is in concern for other believers and greater joy comes from encouraging reports of them.
b. Whenever I begin to feel that I stand strong on faith, challenges occur, discipline ebbs, energy wains. My spirit is strengthened by the gospel and family of Christ, but that does not mean I don’t suffer temptation, weakness, doubt and fear.
8. a. 3:1 When we could stand it no longer. 3: 12 make your love overflow for each other and for everyone else as ours does for you.
b. Both are true, but in comparison, I am so reserved in my love for others. I feel the love for fellow believers, particularly those I share with through BSF (especially the kids), but does it overflow? Do I reach the point that “I could stand it no longer?” I’m much more reserved and would love to be more free.
9. A strong heart, strengthened by God, overflowing with love and waiting in anticipation for the return of Christ.

Conclusion: I am amazed by the love Paul felt. I have felt homesick and longed to be back with family. This is the closest I can relate to the feelings that Paul is expressing. He not only calls the Thessalonian believers brothers and sisters, but he longs to reconnect and commune with them exactly like a mother or father longs to be with their family.

Bible Lesson 14: Hebrews 11-13 Lecture

Scripture: Hebrews 11-13

Aim: CATL faith is essential in God’s family

Introduction: Last week we learned about covenants, the old and new, our need for a priest and how Christ serves as our permanent high priest interceding on our behalf with the Father. We learned that a covenant is made between two or more people, like God and mankind. This week we learn about faith. What is really interesting is that faith is a form of covenant. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and the demonstration of His relationship with us.

1st division: Hebrews 11: 1-16 Biblical characters model faith.

Principle: Faithful followers stand as pillars to build on

Illustration: Every home land has culture, norms, traditions, laws and practices. (Talk briefly about some different cultures, driving on different sides of the road, etc.)

Application: Have you justified something based on comparison to your neighbors? If so, is that comparison to your current neighbors or the ones who will be down the block from you in heaven, like Abel, Enoch, Noah and Abraham? Are you conforming to earthly culture or do you look forward to your heavenly home?

2nd division: Hebrews 11:17-12:29 Faith is like a muscle – it needs work to remain strong

Principle: God provides work and challenge to strengthen our faith

Illustration: I have an issue with my elbow. The range of motion is restricted and I’m going to a physical therapist to help me. She is having me do some challenging and painful exercises, stretching and building back the motion in my joint. I don’t enjoy it, but I understand it is necessary. God works the same way in our lives. If we weren’t tested, if we didn’t face resistance we would grow weak.

Application: Are you actively participating in God’s exercise and training plan for you? Do you seek out God’s spiritual therapy or do you try to avoid it? What are you doing that is outside of your comfort zone?

3rd division: Hebrews 13 True faith is demonstrated not just discussed

Principle: Faith is the character of a christian

Illustration: There was a man in a small town who was “the bravest man in town”. He wore a t-shirt with that slogan on it. He had a sign in his yard. It was on his business cards. He rode on the back of a convertible in the annual parade. Then one day some robbers came to town and the man was found hiding behind a group of children. Faith is the same way – the true nature is evident in our actions in difficult times, not in how much we talk about it in easy times.

Application: Are you a hypocrite or poser? Do you live one life at church and a different life at school or work? Do you wear your faith on your sleeve, chest, around your neck, on the back of your car or is it something people clearly see in times of trouble and need?

Conclusion: Chapter 13 sums it all up – what it means to be part of God’s family: It starts with love, ends with grace and at the center of it all is the sacrifice Christ made for me so I can be his brother.

BSF Acts: Week 13, Day 5: Hebrews 13

Hebrews 13.

Summary:

I see the last chapter of Hebrews like the last lecture (good book by the way) or the bedside chat that any dying patriarch or matriarch of the family would love to have with their family. I’ve just spent 12 chapters teaching and enlightening you – and there is so much more you need to learn, but let me leave you with these things.

Questions:

14. Write several specific ways you can put these exhortations into practice.
a. Show God’s love to others upclose and personal – not just by writing a check

b. Working to help my wife feel safe, secure and loved daily

c. Be joyful not wanting – my perspective is my choice – my situation isn’t always that way

d. Sad but so true – we are taught the right path by the bible, Jesus and leaders, but we look for a new easier way. It works – stick with it.

e. If it is in my comfort zone it is not a sacrifice

f. Nothing is as satisfying and fulfilling as praise
15. a. Those who follow the Lord

b. Pray. Give to them all that is due to them. Respect the office or position. Work to change them or change them out of the position.

Conclusion:

It starts with love (vs 1). It ends with grace (vs 25) and at the very center is Jesus, the disgrace he suffered for us, and us joining him outside of this world in a city that is to come.

BSF Acts: Week 13, Day 4: Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12

Summary:

Have you every watched a herding dog work? Part of the time it is out in front, leading the way, then it loops to the back, side to side, nipping at the heels as necessary to keep everyone on course, then back out in front again. Hebrews 12, to me, is the personification of a herding dog. The first verses are the dog, out in front – this way, here we go, keep going, doing great. The last verses are back behind – don’t get off path, stay the course, are you insane, do you know what happened to the Israelites who just touched the mountain, nip, nip. And I particularly love the very center of the chapter – verse 14-15 – Be holy and don’t let anyone miss the grace of God. (that is what it is all about, right?).

Questions:
9. a. what you must reject (verse 1a): shame, guilt, inadequacy, pride, self-reliance, self-confidence, distraction, wavering, (baggage and sin)
b. with perseverance – my own race (the one marked out for me)
c. on Jesus

10. a. It is provided in love and for training, not punishment. It is provided by a loving Father for my growth and development. I am allowed to receive the rewards eternally from the pain of the short-term training.
b.

1. Pray: One way to exercise your arms and knees is to bend them together, like we do when we pray

2. Work: Another is to get out and do good works for the kingdom. Help, the poor, the widows and orphans, the disabled, those in need – for the purpose of serving God, not man.

3. Stay on the course: When the running gets hard it is easy to want to go rest under that nice oak tree, just for a little bit. God stays to stay on the course, not off in the weeds. We can become so distracted by “easy self-help guides” that we forget that we are given challenges to teach us to rely on God not ourselves. (duh!)

4. Play well with others: There is no extra prize for getting through life first, but there are eternal rewards for running in a pack with others helping them even as they help you.

5. Be holy.

c. (Personal) My family, coworkers, those in mission work that I help support, other BSF leaders and HQ, my co-leader in BSF, my pastors and elders of my church, my family and the 16 kids in my class.

11. The analogy I think of is that of electricity. Under the old covenant, the work was not complete. The power was there, turned on and all could feel and knew of its presence, but any misstep was deadly – not out of threat or punishment, but out of reality. Under the new, the work is complete, the electricity lights the landing field, sending a beacon of welcome to all believers to come home.
12. Following the analogy – do not mistake: the pretty lights are lit by the same power – and now that they are on and fully lit we have no excuse or justification for not following the beacon. Choosing to not follow God is far more deathly than accidentally coming too close to him in the old testament. In the old, they lost their earthly life, in the new someone loses their eternal life.

13. a. Hero worship – I think we are living in a generation and a time of information and communication that hero worship (except for the fanatical) is gone. No man is good and thus no man is great. In the past, blemishes were hidden and people were idolized. Today it is all but assumed that those who have risen to power are flawed and deceitful.

b.By being unshakable in my faith and devotion. By not wavering from the path. By keeping my focus on Jesus.

Conclusions:

1. I loved part 5 of question 10b – be holy. It made me think. Most of us have some sensibility of what we would do or bring into church. We wouldn’t stand up in a church and start cussing. We wouldn’t go to church and take money from the offering plate to line our own pockets. We wouldn’t bring pornography or drugs or other vices into church. But church is not a place, it is a body – my body as a believer. Why would I do or bring any of those things into this church any more than I would into the four walled structure. It gave me some new thoughts about being holy.

2. Question 13a – Wow, that sounded cynical – Please don’t mistake this for a lack of admiration and respect for those who live a humble life of service to God and the church. That is not what I mean. But I think there was an era, maybe our parents generation, maybe grandparents, where people admired “great men”. The history books seem to be filled with them. But my sense is that the people of today are not better or worse than those of history, but the information we have about them is more honest. The history books are filled with men of honor and duty to principle and values. The people in equivalent positions today are accused of adultery, child molestation, transmitting nude pictures, etc., etc. The higher we try to climb on our own self worth, the harder we fall under the light of scrutiny and information. But those who lead as servants, who serve in prayerful obedience to God, those are the ones to be modeled.

The people I look up to the most? Those who spend the most time down on their knees!

BSF Acts: Week 13, Day 3: Hebrews 11:17–40

Hebrews 11:17–40.

Summary:

A review of how some old testament pillars of faith acted in faith despite the fact they they only had faith, not the full revelation of the completed work of Christ.

Questions:
6. Abraham, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.

Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.

Moses, chose to be mistreated along with the people of God; he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible; he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

7. First comes God’s love and calling, then comes our answer and faith, finally comes our maturity in doing works pleasing to God. Rahab was a seeker – God is God of all whether they choose to accept His gift of salvation or not. Even if someone decides to reject God, that does not mean that he or she may not be part of God’s plan of salvation for others. Also, just because someone has sinned (acted unethically) does not mean God doesn’t know that they will someday be part of His family and reward and protect them as such. However, that does not mean that God encourages us to be broken or deceitful – if that were the case then Christ would have acted in that manner while on earth.

8. Other than Moses (who was allowed to see the back of the almighty) the others only had a shadow. We have the spoken word of God, the living messiah who came to earth. We have the revelation of the old testament prophecies and the comprehension of God’s plan for salvation of His people. Basically, we have a full set of the blueprints, in 3D, of God’s plan of saving the world from sin through his son. How great was their faith that they were pillars of this building without any idea of the plan of the completed structure. They stood by faith because of hope alone and trust in the master builder, not assurance that the work was completed.

Conclusion:

I really liked that BSF looped in Rahab and the spies. Sometimes the characters of the old testament can seem a bit larger than life, particularly to a new believer. Not that any of these men were without sin. The bible is unsympathetic in pointing out their faults as well as their strengths, but, I mean, when is the last time you dropped everything and constructed an Ark? But God is God, almighty and all knowing. He can use a sinner just like me, particularly if I am willing to stand out in faith, the same that he can and does with any other person on this planet.