To the Church in Smyrna

Introduction:

Is there a time in your life that you haven’t had enough money to buy what you wanted?  What you needed?

Have you ever “known” about something before it happened?  What was that like?

Observation:

Where else do you see the phrases “the First and the Last”, “was dead”, and “is alive again” earlier in this book?

What are the church’s strengths?  Weaknesses?

What will happen to some of the members of this community?

Interpretation:

Why would the facts that the Son of Man is the First and the Last and that He died and came to life again be of particular importance to the church at Ephesus?

How can they be both poor and rich?

What is the “synagogue of Satan”?

What is the second death?

Application:

In what kind of economic situation have you found it most difficult to live out your Christian faith—with money or without it?

The church at Smyrna is commended for its perseverance and urged to continue to be faithful.  How does the word that Jesus brings to them have an impact on you?  What does this teach you about suffering?

How does this word help you to overcome?

To the Church in Ephesus

Introduction:

What is one of the more “out there” dreams you’ve ever had?  Do you think it meant anything?

How do you keep up with old friends?

Observation:

For some background reading on the church of Ephesus, check out Acts 19, I Timothy, and the Book of Ephesians.  What do we know about the church at Ephesus?

Where else do you see the phrase “who holds the seven stars in his right hand” and “walks among the seven golden lampstands” earlier in this book?

What the church’s strengths?  Weaknesses?

Interpretation:

Why would the facts that the Son of Man holds the seven stars in his right hand and that He walks among the seven golden lampstands be of particular importance to the church at Ephesus?

What do you think it means that the Ephesians have “lost their first love”?

Why is it so crucial for the church in Ephesus to “hate” the practices of the Nicolaitans? (look on ahead to v. 15)

Application:

What did you first do as a follower of Jesus that you don’t do anymore, or rarely do anymore?  How do you keep that first love alive?

The Ephesian church is commended for their belief, but rebuked for their lack of prophetic witness.  How does the word that Jesus brings to them have an impact on you?

How does this word help you to overcome?

The artwork is on display in the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s through June 20th.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Introduction:

As a child, where was your favorite hiding place?

In what situations have you known a lack of peace?

When was the first time you can remember forgiving someone?  What was it about?

Observation:

When does this event occur?

Why are the doors locked?

What does Jesus show the disciples in v. 20?

Interpretation:

What’s the significance of it being the first day of the week?

Why do you think it’s important that Jesus shows the disciples His hands and His side?

Is there a connection between receiving the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins?

Why do you think we have this passage about the reception of the Holy Spirit, as well as Acts 2/Pentecost?  How are the situations similar?  How are they different?

Application:

Is there anyone you need to forgive?  Is there anyone you need to be forgiven by?

Where are you seeing His peace have an impact on your life?

How have you known the infilling of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus Prays for All Believers

 Introduction:

 Who was your favorite teacher?  Why?

 Have you ever taught someone something and he or she “got it”?  What was that like for you?

 What images come to mind when you think of the term “unity”?

 Observation:

             For whom is this prayer?

             How have these believers believed?

             What has Jesus given them in v. 22?  Why?

             How long has the Father loved the Son?          

 Interpretation:

 How is each generation of believers responsible for sharing the Message?

 What kind of unity exists between the Father and the Son?  How is it possible for believers to have that same kind of unity?

 How should this unity affect others?

 What does v. 24 reveal about Jesus’ heart for you?  For the world?

 Application:

 How have you believed through the apostles’ Message?  Who shared the Good News with you?  Who shared it with them?

 How do you treat believers from different denominations?  How can you tangibly demonstrate more unity with them? 

 How can you participate as Jesus continues to make the Father known?

Jesus Prays for His Followers

Introduction:

Besides AAA, who would you call if you had a flat tire in the middle of the night?  A deep personal problem?

What are you more inclined to deal with–the urgent or the important?

From either movies or literature, who’s your favorite “secret agent”?  Why?

Observation:

Who hates Jesus’ followers?  Why?

In v. 15, what does Jesus not pray?  What does He pray?

Define “sanctified”.  How are Jesus’ followers sanctified?

For whom does Jesus sanctify Himself?  Why?

Interpretation:

What does the “full measure of my joy” mean?

How does God’s Word act in the process of sanctifying His followers for His mission?

Why is it important that Jesus “sanctifies Himself”?  Isn’t He “sanctified” already?

Application:

How are your prayers like Jesus’ prayer?  How are they not like them?

How do you see Jesus dealing with the urgent vs. the important here?

What are the ways you are “not of the world”?

How is Jesus sanctifying you?

• Repentance
• Obedience
• Action

Where is your relationship with the Lord? Is it first?

Do you see every moment as a teachable moment?

Turn away from the things that are distracting you from God.

• Repentance
• Obedience
• Action

Where is your relationship with the Lord? Is it first?

Do you see every moment as a teachable moment?

Turn away from the things that are distracting you from God.

Putting the cart before the horse.

The scriptures today are about doubt.

Job Ch 42 verse 1- 6, Revelation Ch 1 verse 1 -19, John Ch 20 verse 19 -31

Are you so fixated on what you think is right you are not able to hear from God?

Have you submitted to Him in such a way the you are willing to seek the truth over all things?

Do you think God is big enough to answer your deepest questions?

Ephesus today:

Week of February 13 Ruth 4:13-22

The Royal Line

Introduction:

Have you ever studied your family’s history?  What have you discovered?

What are some of the things about your family you’re proud of?  Not so proud of?

How have the actions of parents or grandparents affected you, positively or negatively?

Observation:

What is the women’s blessing?  Whom do they bless?

What is Ruth “better than” (v. 15)?  Why?

What is the number of generations mentioned in the genealogy?  Where does Boaz fall in the genealogy?

Interpretation:

Why does the author highlight the fact that God enabled Ruth to conceive?

How will Obed be a “redeemer” (v. 14) to Naomi?

Why is Boaz’s placement in the genealogy important?

What is so significant about David’s name in this genealogy?  Who is David’s heir?

Application:

How has this book had an impact on your walk with the Lord?  How is your view of suffering different?  Where do you see Jesus in this book?

As a result of this book, how do you see God’s love for the “foreigner”, or even the one you’d least expect Him to be reaching?

What has this study shown you about the relationship between God’s providence and human actions?   How will your prayer life be different?

Do you make yourself available to God?

Do you put each day in the hands of God?

Your character will be shaped when you make yourself available to God.

JOY. J – Jesus first, O – others, Y – yourself.

Study guide:

Week of February 6 Ruth 4:1-12

Redemption

Introduction:

What is one of the bigger promises you’ve made?  How have you kept it?

Have you ever “gone to bat” for someone?  What was it like?

Has anyone ever “gone to bat” for you?  What was it like?

Observation:

What is the setting for the legal proceeding?  Who’s present?

How does Boaz present the matter?  What does he commit to?

What is the official sign, the gesture that “seals the deal”, in that culture?

What is the blessing given by the witnesses?

Interpretation:

Why is the setting of this legal proceeding important?

What is significant to you about the fact that there’s an even closer kinsman-redeemer?  Why do you think the other kinsman-redeemer refused?

Contrast the unnamed kinsman-redeemer and Boaz.

Application:

Boaz has demonstrated integrity both privately, at the threshing floor, and publicly, at the gate.  Ruth has demonstrated this integrity, too.  Who is a regular witness of how you live your daily life?  What changes do you feel God leading you to, in order to live your Christian life with more integrity?

How do you see Boaz’s redemption of Ruth in light of God’s redemption?  How does Boaz’s activity mirror God’s activity?

The witnesses at the gate bless Boaz’s actions.  Who do you know that God is calling you to thank or to bless for their faithfulness?

Study Guide:

Week of January 31 Ruth 3:1-18

The Threshing Floor

Introduction:

Has anyone ever tried to play “matchmaker” for you?  How did it go?

Have you ever tried to play “matchmaker”?  How did it go?

Are you a natural risk-taker?  Why or why not?

Observation:

Sum up Naomi’s plan.  What could go wrong?  What could go right?

What does Ruth do?  How is she described?

How does Boaz react?  How could have he reacted?

What is Boaz’s plan?  How quickly does he move on this plan?

Interpretation:

What are Naomi’s intentions?

The phrase “corner of your garment” (v. 9) is the same word translated “wings” in 2:12.  Why is this significant?

How does Boaz interpret Ruth’s actions?  What are his intentions?  What still needs to happen with Boaz’s plan?

Ruth uses the word “empty-handed” in v. 17.  Why is this important in her communication with Naomi? (look back to 1:21)

Application:

How do you see God’s plans and human plans coming together here?  How does that have an impact on how you view His plans and your plans?  What’s going to be different for you?

Each of the three people in this chapter demonstrates selfless love and kindness (hesed) on behalf of another.  Where is there a need for more of this demonstrated love in your life?  What about on behalf of others?

Frank and June Williams talk about their experience during and following the earthquake in Haiti.

Study Guide:

Week of January 24 Ruth 2:5-23

Boaz

Introduction:

Who is one of your favorite protagonists or heroes from film or literature?  What strikes you about that person?

Have you ever volunteered or helped those in need?  What was that like?

Observation:

How does Boaz greet his workers?  Does this tell you anything about him?

How does Boaz communicate with Ruth?  What has Boaz heard about Ruth?

Does Ruth get enough grain?

What is Naomi’s response to what Ruth shares with her?

Interpretation:

Describe Boaz’s character based on what you observe here.

What is a “kinsman-redeemer”?  What are they obligated to do and what are they able to choose to do?  (passages to help:  Lev. 25: 25-28, 47-49; Num. 35:19-28; Deut. 25:5-19)

There are other instances throughout the Bible of this redeemer role and even the Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer (go’el) being used about God Himself.  Can you find some?

Application:

We struggle to translate go’el and even this concept of kinsman-redeemer into English.  What are some words or word pictures that could help in the translation or in the communication of this concept to someone without any Biblical background?

Boaz is generous beyond his obligations.  How has God been generous to you, beyond “expectations”?

Much of this chapter takes place in the workplace.  How could what’s happening here have an impact on your workplace?

Study Guide:

Week of January 17 Ruth 1:19-2:4

The Return to Bethlehem

Introduction:

What has been stressful this year?  What is stressful right now?

Who in your life has been with you through the tough times?  How?

Have you ever been a part of a harvest or grown anything at home?  What was it like?

Observation:

Where do the women arrive?

What does Naomi asked to be called?  What does it mean?

What time of year do they arrive?

How are the women going to meet their need?

Interpretation:

The place of the women’s arrival—what’s significant about it?

Where are there signs of hope as Chapter 2 begins?

Who is Boaz?  What do you notice about him at first glance?

Look up Leviticus 19:9-10.  What impact do you think that has here?

Application:

When have you felt “empty”?

Who has been a “Ruth” in your life—loyal in a time of emptiness?

Who is a “Naomi” right now?  How do you see their situation in light of this passage?

Study Guide:

Week of January 10 Ruth 1:1-18

Naomi and Ruth

Introduction:

What was the economic climate like for your family as you grew up?

Have there ever been times in your life when you’ve felt alone, or left out?

Have you ever spent time in another culture?  What was it like?

Observation:

What do you know about this book of the Bible coming in to this study?

What has life been like for Naomi?

Where does the conversation in v. 8 take place?

Who is Ruth?  What is her ethnic group?

Why does Naomi return to Bethlehem?

Interpretation:

What kind of future is Naomi facing?

Naomi asks that the Lord would show “kindness” to Orpah and Naomi.  This word is the Hebrew word hesed, sometimes translated “loving-kindness” or “covenant love”.  Where else do you find this concept in Scripture?

What about Ruth’s loyalty is so significant?

Application:

How has God shown you His loving-kindness?

Who are the people in your life that need to know this about God?

Who has been an “Orpah” in your life?  Have you let them go/forgiven them?

What are you looking forward to in this study?

The questions for the Hebrews study are available here.