40 Days of Discipline

Category Archives: Bible Study

Posts for the Discipline Bible Study


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 7 – Bible Study

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1 – 2, New International Version)

Theme:  Rejoicing and Thanksgiving

Context:

Yesterday we reflected on the need to study the Bible to increase our knowledge of who God is, recognizing that our inclination to rejoice and give thanks is linked to the image we have of God.  Through the excellent contribution of those who commented we were able to reflect on some important biblical images of God that inspire rejoicing and thanksgiving.

Today we acknowledge the fact that our attitude towards rejoicing and thanksgiving is sometimes conditioned by the world, not the Bible.  We are subject to powerful influences in our social and professional circles, the media, and academia.  These influences are not always biblical.     

Bible Study Passage:

Our Scripture passage reminds us of the need for a renewed mind that does not conform to worldly influences.  Please study the passage and respond to the question below.       

Question:

Think about the way society in general relates to rejoicing and thanksgiving.  Can you think of some ways that Scripture conditions us to think differently?

Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else.  Please leave a comment on the blog.


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 6 – Bible Study

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3 – 9, English Standard Version)

Theme:  Rejoicing and Thanksgiving

Context:

Our study yesterday emphasized the need to be rooted in Scripture.  Our commentators did an excellent job of explaining how our study of Scripture enables rejoicing and thanksgiving as a way of life. 

Today we will focus on one of the key reasons why we need to be committed to studying all of Scripture.  It is the entire Bible that provides a true characterization of who God is, and we can reasonably assume that our view of God impacts our approach to rejoicing and thanksgiving.  For example, if a Bible reader concludes that God is more concerned about revenge than love, their relationship to rejoicing and thanksgiving will likely differ from a Bible reader who reaches the opposite conclusion.      

Bible Study Passage:

Our Scripture passage above presents a view of God and paints a beautiful picture of a joyful response because of who God is.  Please study the passage and respond to the question below.       

Question:

What biblical image(s) of God best underpin your attitude towards rejoicing and thanksgiving? 

Please share the most prominent image that comes to mind.


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 5 – Bible Study

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15 – 17, English Standard Version)

Theme:  Rejoicing and Thanksgiving

Context:

Having laid some groundwork in our group Bible study last week, we now turn our attention to the Spiritual Disciplines.  As is our custom, we will consider how the practice of the Disciplines can support our theme and ultimately deepen our relationship with God. 

During our discussion last week, we noted how challenging it is to live lives characterized by Rejoicing and Thanksgiving. We also briefly discussed some of the ways we can rise to the challenge.  Today, let us consider how allowing the Scripture to govern our lives can serve as one of the contributors to our success. 

Bible Study Passage:

Our Scripture passage today is one of many that encourage rejoicing and gratitude.  This particular passage also references ‘the word of Christ.’ Please review the passage and answer the question below.      

Question:

How would you describe the relationship between being deeply rooted in Scripture and living a joyful and grateful life?

Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else.  Please leave a comment on the blog.


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 3 – Group Bible Study

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, New International Version) 

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, New International Version)

Theme:  Rejoicing and Thanksgiving

Context:

Yesterday we considered the high bar set for Christians with regards to the biblical prescriptions to rejoice in the Lord always and give thanks in all circumstances.  However, as we saw in the excellent comments yesterday, the bar is not too high when God provides the necessary resources. 

The comments yesterday also provided honest reflections on how we often feel when we are under the pressure of life’s challenges. For example, when we are experiencing significant trials related to health, relationships, or finances.  Also, the times when we mourn because of significant losses.  As we close out our Group Bible Study, we will focus more specifically on the dilemma of rejoicing in the Lord and giving thanks in all circumstances when we are dealing with serious challenges. 

Bible Study Passages:

Our Scripture passages are again presented above.  Please continue your reflection on the verses and respond to the question below.    

Question:

Are there any passages of scripture, thoughts, or activities that encourage you in reconciling the biblical expectations related to rejoicing and thanksgiving with our typical responses to the challenges of life?

Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else.  Please leave a comment on the blog.


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 2 – Group Bible Study

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, New International Version) 

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, New International Version)

Theme:  Rejoicing and Thanksgiving

Context:

Many thanks to those who shared their definitions yesterday.  Words can lose their significance through common usage.  It is sometimes helpful to revisit and reflect on important words.  Rejoicing and thanksgiving certainly fall in the important category.

One important take-away from the definitions provided yesterday is the implied recognition that our views of rejoicing and thanksgiving are impacted by how we relate to God.  We will return to this important concept later in our 40-day journey.    

Today we want to focus on Paul’s insistence that we perpetually maintain an attitude of rejoicing and thanksgiving.  Rejoicing “in the Lord always” and giving thanks “in all circumstances.” Paul’s admonitions hold the potential to profoundly impact our lives.       

Bible Study Passages:

Our Scripture passages are again presented above.  Please continue to reflect on the verses and answer the questions below.    

Questions:

How do you relate to the expectations of rejoicing in the Lord always and giving thanks in all circumstances?   Do you think these are realistic expectations?

Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else.  Please leave a comment on the blog.


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 1 – Group Bible Study

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, New International Version) 

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, New International Version)

Theme:  Rejoicing and Thanksgiving

Context:

The Covid-19 pandemic dominated world events for the last 3 years and featured extensively in our 40 Days of Discipline journey during those years.  Rejoicing and thanksgiving may not have been dominant activities during the worst of the pandemic, but now with the hope of a return to normalcy, these activities may feel a bit more appropriate.  This highlights an interesting issue for Christians though, because the biblical prescription for the relationship between rejoicing/thanksgiving and our circumstances doesn’t align with the world’s view.   

Bible Study Passage:

The Scripture passages we will consider for our study over the next three days are provided above.  From the Apostle Paul’s perspective, there is no doubt about the importance of rejoicing and thanksgiving.  Please spend some time reflecting on the passages and respond to the question below.     

Question:

The Bible has numerous references to rejoicing and thanksgiving.  How would you define these terms from a biblical perspective?    

Please share your thoughts.


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40 Days of Discipline:  Day 7 – Bible Study

1Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 16 “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’— 18things known from long ago. 19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” (Acts 15:1 – 21, New International Version)

Theme:  The Local Church

Context:

Our passage is a bit long today, but that shouldn’t be a problem when we are considering Bible Study, right 😊?  As we consider today’s passage, we are reminded that biblical interpretation is an essential component of Bible study. Differing biblical interpretations can result in serious differences amongst believers and also between believers and non-believers. We encounter such a situation in today’s passage. 

Scripture Passage:

The passage is from Acts 15:1 – 21 (presented above) and embedded in the story is a very important role for the local church where biblical interpretation is concerned.  Please prayerfully read the passage and note how the local church functioned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in interpreting Scripture. 

Questions:

  • What role did the local church play in addressing the clash of interpretations?
  • How do you see this role being displayed in your local church?    


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 6 – Bible Study

1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.  2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.  4 Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.  5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.  7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.  9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:1 – 9, New International Version)

Theme:  The Local Church

Context:

I hope you benefited from considering the questions about Bible Study posed yesterday.  Thank you very much for the comments! 

While technically the word church (translated from the Greek word ekklēsia) doesn’t feature in the Old Testament, there are similar words (e.g., the Hebrew word qāhāl, which means assembly), and there are lots of lessons from the Old Testament that can be applied to the church. 

The Old Testament story of Nehemiah leading the Children of Israel in the rebuilding the city wall in Jerusalem is a powerful story at many levels.  However, in keeping with our focus on the Discipline of Bible Study we will focus on the impact of the word of God on the assembly. 

Bible Passage:

Please prayerfully read Nehemiah 8:1 – 9 (presented above) and consider the question below.

Question:

How can we encourage and support the kind of passion for Scripture exhibited in the Nehemiah passage within our local churches?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 5 – Bible Study

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (1 Timothy 4:13, New International Version)

Theme:  The Local Church

Context:

We will be doing something different this year as we consider each of the Disciplines.  We will use the first day of review for each Discipline to ask questions about how that Discipline is practiced in your local church or a local church you are considering.  As a practical matter, we associate with local churches for a variety of reasons including tradition, relationships, and convenience.  However, we know that the primary reasons should be based on biblical directives.  The questions are meant to sharpen our focus on biblical considerations.  Please note that you will not be expected to share your answers to the questions. 

After the first day review of a Discipline, we will revert to the historical format of considering thoughts from a selected passage of Scripture.  If this sounds a bit confusing don’t worry it will become clearer as we proceed.

Today we start our review of the Discipline of Bible Study.  Before considering some questions about your local church’s approach to Bible Study, this quote from a noted theologian, Thomas Oden in his book Systematic Theology, emphasizes the importance of the Bible to the church and the church to the Bible: “The Bible is the church’s book, lodged within the church for safekeeping and to provide continuing inspiration and instruction… It is the church (not the university) that has for centuries kept it, translated it, studied it, meditated upon it, and repeatedly looked to it for guidance.” 

Primary Questions:

  1. Does your local church consistently include Bible reading as an integral part of its worship service?
  2. Does your local church consistently have group Bible studies (e.g., small groups, weekly services, and Sunday School programs) and promote personal Bible study?
  3. Does your local church have a stated position on the authority of the Bible (e.g., views on inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility)?
  4. Are the leaders of your local church fully committed to Bible study?

Optional Secondary Questions (if you have the time):

  1. Does your local church provide instruction on appropriate approaches to interpreting the Bible?
  2. Does your local church provide guidance on appropriate English translations of the Bible (e.g., explanation of different approaches to Bible translations and preferred versions of translation)?

Your Feedback:

While you are not expected to share your answers to the questions above, we would still love to hear from you.  Based on your answers to the questions, what are your thoughts about the priority of Bible Study in local churches?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 3 – Group Bible Study

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  (Hebrews 10:19 – 25, New International Version)

Theme:  The Local Church

Context

Yesterday was another good day of insightful commentary.  Thanks to all who contributed.  Today we will conclude our group Bible study by looking at a third passage that focusses on the purpose of the local church.  Of course, we have only considered a small subset of biblical passages that refer to local church activities.    Over the next few weeks, we will go broader and deeper.

Bible Study Passage

After spending the last two days in the book of Acts, today we will review Hebrews 10:19-25 (presented above).  The author of Hebrews documents some important activities of a local church.

Questions:

  • Based on the passage, what are key activities that the local church should be engaged in?
  • Why are these activities important?

Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else.  Please submit a comment.