Active Learning
Bible Studies
Active Learning Bible Studies
Dive Deep
These studies plunge into the Bible's wonders, walking through a liturgical year. Many of these exercises suppose that you are teaching others: a classic method of active learning. (Even if you're not currently an instructor of family or groups, teaching is an excellent way to study and learn because teaching leaves no room for fuzzy thinking! Teaching clarifies and organizes understanding.) Use these studies for continued growth, with others or independently.
Remember to always listen to Scripture speaking (instead of bending it to our limited understanding). Remember also to form purposeful questions for the studies you create, using them to guide learners in discovering important concepts. Use active learning's conversational, interactive nature well: listen for areas people need to grow in, guide them to verses that correct misunderstanding, encourage believers to practice sharing insights and applying God's word. Together, build up the body of Christ.
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Ascension
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Christ's triumphant ascension to the right hand of the Father is often considered a relatively minor church festival. But Scripture teaches the importance of this great event...
Trouble and death face us all. It is good to listen, comfort, and support each other. But why do we so often hesitate to also fix each other's gaze on the joy set before us?
Choose one Bible verse about the glory that awaits God's children. Practice using it to encourage yourself, family, or a friend.
Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that Christ was looking ahead, with death a mere step on the road to "the joy set before him." (Notice the depth of the original Greek word for "scorning" the shame of the cross!)
Jesus' struggle in Gethsemane shows that he knew how terrible would be the punishment he took for the world's sin. But his focus was on ___________.
Read Luke 9:51.
Jesus himself, perfect in faith, repeatedly teaches us to look ahead to the fulfillment of God's plan. Delightfully, he uses the pun "exalted" (literally "lifted up") to do so: with Nicodemus, with those who would kill him, with the crowds.
Read John 12:23–33. In verse 23, what time had come? Verse 28 repeats aloud the goal: what is it?
In fact, Hebrews 5:5–10 discusses Jesus' temptation and death in terms of "the _____ of becoming __________" (v 5)!
This foreshortening of faith—looking head-on at God's plan and joyfully striding toward his purpose—is evident throughout Scripture.
We children of God aim to share his attitude. What is earthly suffering, what is physical death, but a step toward __________?
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
—Psalm 73:21–24
Try It!
Advent is a season to learn from the Bible's prophecies about the Messiah and his work.
Two thousand years ago, that savior arrived in this world: Jesus of Nazareth.
This Advent, let's study some roles that the Father appointed him to.
Advent 1
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Scripture reveals that Jesus is our substitute.
Read the astounding prophecy found in Isaiah 52:13–53:12.
What is the text's main point that you should ensure is clearly understood?
Like Isaiah, this text unveils the beauty and power of Christ's substitution.
Turn also to
Compare Isaiah 53:11 with 2 Corinthians 5:21: Christ gives us his death (to pay our sins' debt) and his ________________!
Which verse in the Corinthians passage explains that Christ's substitution itself completely transforms those who believe in God's salvation through Christ's substitution?
Help your study group engage with the text by discovering these important truths through active learning.
What questions could you ask to guide this process?
Remember to form your questions so they direct learners to discover what is important, interesting, powerful, etc.
Shaping purposeful questions takes practice. One approach is recreating your own thought process when you read the text, breaking down that process into steps.
Try it! Recall something that thrilled, intrigued, puzzled, or impressed you in one of these texts. Explore it in Scripture.
Guide fellow participants through your discovery process with a few questions; try answering their questions. Learn from each other.
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"As in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders."
―Isaiah 9:4,6a
Advent 2
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Scripture proclaims that Jesus is our warrior.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."
(1Jn 3:8b)
Scripture names our oppressor: Satan, the devil. Find some Bible passages teaching these truths:
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Satan spreads the lie that sin is good.
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Sin enslaves all who practice it.
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Satan murders people through the death sentence God's holy law imposes on wrongdoers.
Scripture also foretells Christ's victory over Satan and sin.
Read Exodus 15:2... and it quoted about the Christ in Isaiah 12:1–3. (Go back to chapter 11 to see what "in that day" refers to.)
Notice that God overthrowing outward Israel's enslaving oppressor ________ is a typological prophecy foreshadowing God overthrowing spiritual Israel's enslaving oppressor, ________!
Isaiah isn't the only prophet to announce that Jesus would triumph.
Choose one of the three pairs of texts below; study it. Compose good questions teaching what that text pair emphasizes about Christ fighting for us. Share with each other.
Unlike Satan, God doesn't deceive or compel us. He pleads with us to turn from evil, to not in unbelief choose the devil's path and punishment. But he will not force us to return to him as our God and father.
Simply, powerfully, he loves us.
Triumphantly, he loves us.
A final note: hell is not a comfortable topic, even for many Christians. But the sword Jesus bears justly destroys his enemies.
We ask, "How could a loving God sentence people to hell?" God answers with integrity in Psalm 45:3–7: what's the answer?
He answers from his heart in Ezekiel 33:10–11: what's the answer?
He answers on the cross: what's the answer?
See also Matthew 25:41. For whom did God prepare the punishment of hell?
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"You who bring good news to Zion... lift up your voice with a shout... 'Here is your God!'
He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
―from Isaiah 40:9,11
Advent 3
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Scripture assures us that Jesus is our shepherd.
Our shepherd is able to guarantee us peace because he has overcome our enemy.
Read Micah 5:2–5a. Verses 4 and 5 powerfully connect the strength and authority of Jesus' shepherding to the peace he gifts us—just as the angels said at his birth!
Consider what the three fascinating passages below teach about God establishing peace. What does each say about God's strength? About God's name [reputation]? About the kind of peace he provides?
These texts all discuss God's two-fold motivation for making peace with us: to save us and to restore us to holiness.
One couldn't happen without the other.
With sparkling clarity, Isaiah 59 illustrates this truth... about Jesus in verses 16–17 and about us in verse 21.
"He will be our peace." (Micah 5:5a)
Choose a single phrase you've read in one of these passages that really caught your attention. Create a short study composed of 3–4 active learning questions teaching the significance of that phrase.
Share these with each other.
"'He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed.' For 'you were like sheep going astray,' but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
(1 Peter 2:24–25)
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"To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent... but born of God.
The Word became flesh."
―from John 1:12–14
Advent 4
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Scripture glories in Jesus being our brother.
Why does God glory in this?
This week, let's focus on a single mindblowing passage answering that question in multiple ways.
Read Hebrews 2:14–18.
Which phrases speak of our brother justifying us? Which discuss him sanctifying us?
(1 Corinthians 15:56–57; Romans 8:1–4,14–17; and Hebrews 4:15–16 help clarify the meaning of some phrases in Hebrews 2.)
Which pre-Mosaic incident foretold the Father's gift of his only Son, the Son willingly bearing the cross as our substitute, and where that atonement would take place?
"If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!" (Pr 24:10)
Find a phrase or two in the Psalms reminding God's children that he is our strength.
The Old Testament also bears witness to these truths. Why does this matter?
Now open Hebrews 2:10–13, which assures us that a hard truth truly is God's plan.
It is "fitting" that God should perfect (that is, complete) both Jesus' earthly race and ours through ____________.
Pair "the Word became flesh" with a passage from this exercise or a different relevant passage. Outline a brief active learning study on our brother's plan for his believers, basing it on those two texts.
Pray God for help with a trouble you face today. Try asking for his plan rather than suggesting yours.
We will find grace to help in our need. (He 4:16)
If we were designing a fitting way for God's Son to swoop in and rescue us, would it look like the cross?
If we designed a fitting earthly life for God's adopted children, would it look like Jesus' path? Or perhaps like something a bit more... comfortable?
Try It!
"'What shall I do?
I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'"
―God the Father
("owner of the vineyard" in a parable: Luke 20)
Christmas
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Christmas celebrates the incarnation: that the Son of God, to save us, became also Son of Man.
Few people grappled more directly than Joseph did with looking foolish for believing the incarnation. The angel simply points him—and us—to Scripture.
Notice how Jesus' response to the high priest uses the title "Son of Man." He alludes to two prophecies: Psalm 110 (with which he proves his incarnation in Matthew 22:41–45) and Daniel 7:13–14.
Were Jesus' accusers stumbling over his divinity or his humanity? How does Daniel's prophetic vision of the "Son of Man" show that this man is God? Was Jesus testifying to truth that was easy for them or difficult?
Read Hebrews 1:2. Does this verse emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both? Explain.
Bonus question: which words in this verse obliquely reference the Last Day, when God's Christ will visibly reign over everything after destroying all opposition?
We began this exercise quoting Luke 20 on the incarnation. God-in-human-flesh is fact. It's history. It's also a stumbling block to people who don't accept God saving us his way.
Read also Acts 17:31, which speaks of that same Last Day. Does this verse emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both? Explain.
The incarnation is still hard for people to accept. Satan very much wants people to dismiss it as mere church tradition, to smile at a baby in a manger—without also anticipating his return with the clouds of heaven.
Read the account of Joseph in Matthew 1:18–25. The angel references three OT prophecies: what are they? Outline a short study based on the angel's words here. Follow Joseph's example, and believe!
When people in Jesus' day stumbled over the incarnation, he clung to the truth. He pointed both the crowds and his enemies to Scripture's testimony.
In Mark 14:60–64, Jesus testifies of his incarnation even at his sham trial, even knowing they'd convict him of blasphemy for it.
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"The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
―Psalm 121:8
New Year
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New Year meditation could easily center on one of many aspects of God, his relationship with us, and our relationships with our neighbors:
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Jesus' naming and circumcision
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resolutions: God's for us and ours for him
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your idea?
Whichever theme your study or service centers on, let the biblical texts themselves design it. (Build the study/service from Scripture; don't create something and then jam God's word into it.)
Selecting just one Bible passage can lead to deep focus on a single phrase or word. Choosing 2+ passages often works well for a broader look at a topic the texts each discuss.
During her last year, Mom leaned on Scripture's psalms. As I step into the unknown, Psalm 121 quiets my heart and offers eternal guidance. Let's use it as an example for this exercise.
For me, this new year is a time of separation and new starts. I've been caring for my mom, a kind and godly woman of courageous honesty. The angels recently carried her home... and I'm now reshaping my earthly home.
Write an outline of an brief study based on both Psalms. Make sure to include a purposeful question leading to a significant biblical truth.
Which of the two studies you outlined better suits a New Year setting? Choose one of your two studies. Share your selected studies with each other. What did—and didn't—work well?
Study your chosen passage(s).
Psalm 121's main point is __________.
A noteworthy phrase in Psalm 121 is ____________.
This phrase matters because _____________.
Outline a brief study on Psalm 121. Include at least one purposeful question leading to an important point.
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"Magi from the east came to... worship him."
―from Matthew 2
"'Peace, peace to those far and near,' says the LORD."
―from Isaiah 57
Epiphany
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Epiphany celebrates the Savior Jesus being revealed not only to Jews but also to the wider world.
Some churches highlight the Magi worshiping Jesus: the first recorded time that Gentiles honored him as Lord. Others emphasize Jesus' baptism: the beginning of his public ministry in the world.
This week, practice a living study:
Help remove a barrier you identified (this may simply be kindness to someone very different from you).
Be ready: memorize a simple verse proclaiming God's law and gospel.
In prayer, conversation, and life, be contrite and humble; praise God!
"'Peace, peace to those far and near.'" (Is 57:19)
"He [Christ Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." (Ep 2:17)
Read Ephesians 2:11–22: who are the "far" and the "near"?
Though believing Gentiles have always belonged to spiritual Israel, this was a shocking idea to many in Jesus' day. People then and now often mistakenly focus on the earthly rather than on the spiritual.
Isaiah 57:18 depicts true Israel as "mourners" grieving their sin. Verse 15 describes them as ________ and ________. Are these descriptions of an earthly people or a spiritual people?
Do these words remind you of some famous blessings Jesus spoke?
Read Luke 6:17ff and note the Gentile fulfillment! Where was this mix of people from?
"...Not all who are descended from Israel [which meaning?] are Israel [which meaning?]. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring."
―Romans 9:6b–8
Your congregation may well be filled with both Gentile and Jewish Christians. But Epiphany's message of salvation for all remains relevant!
In your own circle of acquaintances, who is outwardly "far away" from God? Be specific.
What barriers make it hard for them to hear and/or believe the peace that God proclaims?
Many passages teach that the deepest biblical meaning of Israel is spiritual: not a location, nor an ancestry, nor a nation. Context determines the meaning of "Israel":
1) a specific person (name),
2) outward Israel (the OT nation), and/or
3) spiritual Israel (God's kingdom of believers).
Prophecies can deliberately overlap an earthly and a spiritual fulfillment.
Note also God's "holy mountain" in verse 7... and its reappearance in 57:13b. Here, God tells us that the real Israel is whoever ______ in God.
This is in stark contrast to the outward OT nation Israel God addresses from 56:9–57:13a ("...let your collection of idols save you!") But spiritual Israel takes refuge in her Savior: the savior who in chapter 53 was "pierced for our transgressions," who justified the world and bore our iniquities. And spiritual Israel will inherit _______ land: believers' home is in _________.
Consider Isaiah 56:4–8: which kind of "Israel" is found in verse 8?
The text has clues: does it describe the blend of faithful and heathen found in the outward nation Israel? Or is this Israel filled purely with those who believe, regardless of location or ancestry?
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The church year isn't God-ordained; we can use it or not. Like all human tools, it's most effective when we learn how to wield it purposefully. This week's exercise is a high-level overview: a study in planning for spiritual growth.
Plan to Grow
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A church year—especially paired with a lectionary—aids in breadth of study. As Paul reminded the Ephesian elders, "I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
What does Paul mean by "the whole will of God"?
(Read the points he raises in his message.)
This week's challenge:
Create—or find—a good yearlong Bible study plan.
Share plans. Discuss the pros and cons of each.
If you plan a festival season, use a gospel harmony. (Example: Epiphany was Jan 6; Transfiguration is Feb 11. Only five weeks for this harmony's B.9 to H.30: what will you focus on?) How will you use an ordinary time season? If not a church year, what study approach will you take?
Scripture isn't opposed to a faithful life of Christian love. No, Scripture reveals to us the Lord we love and his will for our lives! So we study it... with faith.
Church years ought to help people study, keep, and teach the whole will of God. The church year commonly has a "festival" half following Jesus' life from Advent to Ascension and an "ordinary time" half allowing topical flexibility. To shape a good plan for the year, try asking good questions.
What does it mean to study all of Scripture?
It means:
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law and gospel
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Old and New Testaments
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all genres (history, wisdom, prophecy, letters)
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easy and difficult books
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familiar and new passages
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anything else?
Which areas do I need to grow in?
Consider:
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which passages you return to—and why
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which Bible books you rarely open—and why
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which genres are difficult for you to understand
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which teachings are hard for you accept (logically, culturally, emotionally, etc.)
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anything else?
What does my local church need?
Consider:
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spiritual strengths and weaknesses: aim to grow!
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controversies: resolve them with God's word!
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our lives: lack of love, addiction, family problems, forgetting Jesus' promise to return very soon...
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building each member to be a witness!
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anything else?
Consider Jesus' own reliance on Scripture; how often he said, "It is written..."! Why did Christ lean on God's word when he could instead have used his divine abilities?
Also notice in Luke, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, 1 Corinthians, and James that being an "expert in the law [Scripture]" is useless without what?
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At about age thirty, Jesus began three+ years of public ministry as an itinerant rabbi. Scripture was already taught in homes, synagogues, and the temple. Why would God want Jesus to wander Israel, teaching his Father's word?
Jesus' Ministry
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John the Baptist prepared hearts for Jesus. Notice that John _________ Jesus as Christ (Jn 1:29–37) and that Jesus' preaching __________ as John's faded (Jn 3:22–30).
On a gospel harmony, find when John was imprisoned (around the ______ year of Jesus' ministry) and killed (around the ______ year of Jesus' ministry).
The Bible often depicts God and his work as fire:
Dt 4:24, Is 4:4, Je 23:29, Mal 3:1–4, Lk 24:32, 1Th 5:19... and more.
Jesus' ministry was "in the power of the ______." Certainly, this includes miracles (more on that next week)—but which aspect of ministry does Luke 4:15–21 emphasize? Mark 1:22? John 4:42? John 7:46?
Give an example of the Lord's word that burns in your heart with the authority of God himself: removing your impurity, refining and transforming your nature—forging you into a holy person fit for his service.
Now think of someone you know. Which word of the Lord does that person need to hear? How do you know his/her spiritual needs?
Jesus announced God's kingdom in all its holiness, power, and beauty.
He spoke:
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blessing and condemnation;
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hard truths and good news.
Create a short active learning study on either:
1) a single teaching of Jesus', or
2) an overview of one aspect of his teaching.
Share your studies with each other. What aspects of studies help them be fruitful?
Was Jesus' message the same as John's message?
Was it the same as the prophets' message and the apostles' message?
Is it the same as our message?
1 Peter 1:10–12 reveals the author of this single message. Who is it?
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John sent his disciples to ask, "Are you the one who is to come?" Jesus replied, "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."
―from Matthew 11
Jesus' Miracles
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Why did God anoint Jesus with divine ability to perform miracles?
(for whose benefit?)
(who is the "we"?)
(for whose benefit?)
(speaking to whom?)
(speaking to whom?)
(speaking to whom?)
(for whose benefit?)
Christ Jesus performed astonishing miracles: on people, with animals, over nature, on believers, even to unbelievers...
Name one of Jesus' miracles that amazes you.
Discuss with each other.
How did that miracle you chose bear witness to Jesus' message?
God's miracles always testify of him and his word.
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Read in Numbers 22 about Balaam and his donkey. How did this miracle emphatically point him to God's message?
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Read in Acts 10 about Cornelius' household visibly receiving the Holy Spirit. What truth did God know the early Church needed help believing?
So why didn't Jesus just always do miracles? ...With a snap of his fingers, fix this whole broken world?
Mark 1:45: Why hadn't Jesus wanted this?
Mark 6:5–6: Why not many here?
John 6:30: What had Jesus just done?! (look back in the chapter)
Luke 11:29: Why did he refuse—and what was the sign he gave?
Mark 15:32: Why didn't he now prove himself with a miracle?
Miracles aren't the point—miracles point. Test the message the miracles point to.
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Matthew 7:15–23: Jesus defines "good fruit" as _________ (v 21). (Re: Jesus, see Jn 5:36! How is this like his response on the first slide?)
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2 Thessalonians 2:7–12: What is the "breath of his mouth" with which Christ kills Satan and false prophets? (Jn 12:48)
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Revelation 13:11–13: False religion seems Christlike, but speaks like ______ (v 11).
With a gospel harmony, consider patterns in Jesus' miracles. Create a short active learning study on one pattern. Share. Learn from each other.
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Did Jesus' miracles change over time? With what effect(s)?
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Were Jesus' miracles the same or different from OT miracles? With what effect(s)?
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Why did some of Jesus' miracles include prayer?
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Your question?
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Jesus' Example
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What all does Jesus here mean by "follow"?
John 12:26 layers meaning upon meaning in the simple word "follow." Read Jesus' entire statement (vv 23–28) to understand the full depth of Jesus' command... and example.
In Luke 9:51, "resolutely" is the Hebrew idiom "set his face." This calls to mind the prophetic voice of our Christ: "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." Hear our Savior in Isaiah 50:4–9.
When in Jesus' life did he fulfill each prophecy in this portion of Isaiah?
Hear our Savior again proclaim his perfect life, credited to us:
...John 8:46 says his life ______ that he is God!
...John 13:15 says his life is an _________ for believers!
Discuss a few times in your Christ's life when he set a powerful example for you. How does Jesus' example help you also follow God in similar situations?
Find an example Jesus set that:
Have fellow believers been an example strengthening you in the Lord's ways? Tell them so! Build each other up.
...your church needs.
...your family needs.
...a Christian friend needs.
...you need.
Name some simple ways to store Jesus' example in your hearts. Try one method.
Try It!
"I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips." —Isaiah
"I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.' And you forgave the guilt of my sin." —David
Lent 1
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Lent is a 40-day season emphasizing the great weight of sin—and our greater Savior. Church customs, such as ashes, fasting, or giving up something during Lent, can help us focus as we in Scripture follow Christ to the cross. But it is only Jesus who gives this season meaning—and only his sacrifice that atones.
Do we bear those fruits of repentance once we recognize our own sin? Discuss why we do/don't do so.
Our Lord cares about small sins, too; they reveal the thoughts of the heart. Consider the white lie that Ananias and Sapphira told. What might fruits of repentance from them have looked like?
God calls all to repent: the wicked, who reject him—and his children of faith, for we still sin daily. Repentance is a change of heart, a turning to God. Read the context of each passage below: whom is God addressing?
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"Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!"
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"The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins."
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"Repent and believe the good news!"
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"Remember... what you have received... hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief."
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"Be earnest and repent."
This Lent's exercises are studies in repentance.
Read Hosea 14. Think how you can encourage yourself and others to live repentantly. What might be effective around believers? Around unbelievers?
Trying to cover sin ourselves instead of turning to our Savior for cover involves lying—to others, ourselves, and/or the LORD.
Imagine yourself speaking with unclean lips (spreading gossip; misusing God's name; being nasty when angry; in pride, not owning your error; flattering others; etc.). How quickly can we think of excuses to "justify" these ordinary sins?
Which phrases in Psalm 32 describe this spiritual turning of repentance?
"Whoever comes to me I will never drive away," Jesus promises (Jn 6:37). Both the Old and New Testaments pledge that God forgives repentant sinners, no matter how _____ the sin.
God covers sin with ________: see Isaiah 61:10, Galatians 3:27, 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Try It!
Jeremiah the priest was one of God's last OT prophets, warning Judah to repent before God destroyed it for loving sin. We hear Jeremiah's grief in 15:10: "Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends! ...Everyone curses me."
Lent 2
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Understanding the grief that came with Jeremiah's calls to believe and to prophesy, read this week's study in repentance: Jeremiah 15:15–21.
1. What was Jeremiah's sin(s) in verse 18?
2. How did God respond?
3. Why is it helpful that the Holy Spirit recorded this/these sin(s) and God's response in Scripture?
We who are called to faith are also called to testify of the Holy One who saves. Yet the Holy One doesn't save the way we often think would be best.
1. Why do we sometimes picture salvation as earthly happiness?
2. Why do we, like Jeremiah, at times doubt that God really is all he says he is?
3. We know Jeremiah repented. What evidence does Scripture show of his faith after this incident?
4. The Bible says that God's restoration of repentant sinners (Je 15:19–21) is certain. Find one such passage.
Find two instances when Jesus overcame the same temptation(s) faced by Jeremiah, you, and me.
1. What's a Bible verse assuring us that Jesus has given us his perfect obedience?
2. Consider the example Jesus set for us to follow: what did he do instead of falling prey to this temptation?
People often want a god who thinks their way: "Tell us pleasant things... Stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" (Is 30:9–11)
Isaiah was sent 100+ years before Jeremiah to confront people with God's message of repentance. Read Isaiah 30:8–18.
1. What is the LORD's response here to rejection?
2. What makes one wall weak (Is 30:13) but the other strong (Je 15:20)?
Read again Jeremiah 15:15–21, pausing to pray while reading.
Read again the victory Jesus won over those temptations through his perfect life, pausing to pray while reading.
Share this victory with others also going through these struggles.
Try It!
"Forgive us our debts... "
―Matthew 6:12
Lent 3
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Jesus preached repentance. At a dinner, in Luke 7:36–50 he taught both the contrite and the arrogant with a single parable.
1. Our love for God, his forgiveness... which of these two causes the other? The key is the parable (vv 41–43).
2. What do we learn about ourselves from Simon?
From the woman?
3. Which of Jesus' words here are spoken only to repentant sinners?
Jesus directs us toward awareness of our inmost thoughts by helping us realize that our actions hold a mirror up to our hearts.
We are all wretchedly prone to slowly cooling in love for our Savior. Outline a short active learning study based on Revelation 2:4–5. What does Scripture say will grow our love for him?
Repentance is a spiritual turning of heart to a right relationship with the Father. Through faith, we have Jesus' perfect love of God as our own! His pure love was not choked by "the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things" as ours so often is. Share an example of Jesus' love for the Father bearing fruit.
"Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them." (Pr 26:12)
Jesus: "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
Prominent churchgoers: "What? Are we blind too?"
Jesus: "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." (Jn 9:39–41)
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." (La 3:40)
Let's make our lives a living study of love for the Lord who forgave us. Reflect on what your actions reveal: are there areas where your love for God is weak? Repent, trust in his forgiveness of this, too... and walk in the new life we have in Christ.
"I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes." (Ps 119:59)
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" ...as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
―Matthew 6:12–15
Lent 4
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As seen last week, Scripture is clear: God forgave sinners before we ever loved him. So also, the Lord's Prayer shows that forgiving as he forgave us is a fruit of repentance, reflecting the true nature of our faith.
Describe the characteristics of God's forgiveness.
Another study in repentance and forgiveness is Joseph and his older brothers. Our circumstances may not be as dramatic—but who among us has hasn't at one time been left out, sold out, or betrayed? These are hard things to forgive.
God helping Joseph lead his brothers to repentance and Joseph forgiving them is a powerful lesson. Pray about a time you were wronged; ask for a wise heart like Joseph's.
Why would the Lord's Prayer ask God for help fighting temptation right after discussing forgiveness?
"Jesus said to his disciples: '...Watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying "I repent," you must forgive them.'
The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!'"
―from Luke 17:1–5
What does Jesus mean by "brother or sister": physical, spiritual, or both?
Recall from Scripture that Jesus knew something about forgiving family... see Mark 3:20–21,31–32 and John 7:2–5.
And rejoice to read Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 9:5, Galatians 1:19! (The Lord's biological brothers, now also brothers through faith, may well even have been graced to write James and Jude.)
Jesus again told Ananias "Go!" ...and he went, showing forgiveness as he himself was forgiven.*
Does one of this week's examples of forgiving hit close to home? Let it affect your heart ...and your behavior.** (As appropriate, openly sharing your real struggles with fellow Christians and family—even with children—helps us all to grow in grace.)
*Which apostle was given the words to write Colossians?
**Forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or abuse. A different Joseph models forgiving even while ending bad situations: Matthew 1:19.
A long time later, repentance and forgiveness were still bearing fruit, saving many.
Is it good, bad, or neither that Stephen didn't wait for his killers to repent before forgiving them? Discuss.
At his trial, Stephen preached law and practiced mercy. Did this fail to affect the guilty? Discuss.
How did Jesus both strike Saul and tenderly touch him?
Ananias quickly went from "Yes, Lord" to "Are you serious?" When have you reacted this way?
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"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
―Colossians 3:16
Lent 5
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Admonishing as Christ would is neither easy nor enjoyable. Yet we are able to accomplish this difficult feat when God's word lives richly within and among us.
What does God's word dwelling "richly" among us look like?
2. Read next of Paul rebuking Peter in Galatians 2:11ff... an incident that may have occurred during the time of Acts 15:35. Why was it godly for Paul to deliver this rebuke publicly?
We aren't specifically told of Peter's and Barnabas' repentance, but Scripture implies it through their continuing work for the Lord. See Acts 15:36; also John 21:19 with 2 Peter 1:14.
Rebuking sin always aims to restore a right relationship with the Lord. Repentance is both the start and continuation of Christian faith: it's our way of life.
As we mature in Christ, we improve at correcting ourselves with his word. But when we can't—or won't—see our sin, we need fellow believers to speak truth to us, guiding us toward repentance and life. This week's studies in repentance are examples of such admonishment.
It's easy to sin when scared. Fear is an emotion the LORD gifted the post-sin world: he meant it to warn of danger. But allowing fear to dethrone God in our hearts is wrong... and a temptation common to all.
Share with each other a time when Jesus—for us—perfectly overcame fear's temptation to not trust our heavenly Father.
" ...remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."
—James 5:20
Thoughts to ponder as we go about our lives...
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What were these people each scared/proud of?
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How should each have handled this fear/pride?
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Why would God send believers to admonish the people whom he knew wouldn't listen to them?
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Does your church body or a believer you know (including you yourself) need rebuke?
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How are these examples from Scripture helpful to you personally?
3. Finally, consider two incidents the Bible records when believers corrected others who sinned with self-based pride ...another achingly familiar temptation.
Job was justly rebuked by young Elihu for arrogance. Happily, Job's repentance is also a study in God's purifying forgiveness!
King Uzziah was justly rebuked by ________. We can't say for sure if he truly repented. How do this chapter and 2 Kings 15 both hint he may have?
Consider the following accounts of people sinning out of fear, even though they knew God...
1. Joash was king in Judah and restored God's temple; he "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him" (2 Ki 12:2). But read also 2 Kings 12:17–18 and the fuller account of his later years in 2 Chronicles 24:17–27.
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"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
―Proverbs 28:13
Lent 6
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The Bible describes renouncing sin as integral to repentance. In its original Hebrew, the word Proverbs 28:13 uses for "renounce" signifies leaving something.
Think on your own life: in which areas does your old sinful way of thinking try to follow both Christ's path and the path of sin?
Consider also these biblical examples of renouncing sin. What do these repentant sinners' actions all have in common?
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Before Israel was a nation: Genesis 35:1–7.
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Under Mosaic Law: 2 Kings 7:3–11.
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In the New Covenant era: Acts 19:17–20.
Jesus, to his followers: "...unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
Then he holds a mirror up—not to hypocritical church leaders, but to our hearts. Look into his mirror, reading Matthew 5:20–7:27. Which parts of God's holy law do you joyfully keep ...and which does your heart follow grudgingly or rationalize ignoring?
In this famous "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus in Matthew 5:13–16, 5:48, and 7:24–27 tells us whether he's talking about justification, sanctification, or both. Which is it?
Jesus also reminds us whose power enables us to joyfully live God's beautiful law! Specify what Matthew 6:10 and 7:13–14 each teach about this power.
"Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble."
—Proverbs 28:14
Create a 5-minute active learning study about believers living lives of repentance, renouncing sin. Choose your own specific focus. Share your study!
In Daniel 4:27, the Hebrew word for "renounce" sin means to break off.
Daniel, to Nebuchadnezzar: " ...Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue."
Did Nebuchadnezzar? What did God do?
In Jonah 3:8, the Hebrew word for "give up" sin means to turn from it.
The king of Ninevah: " ...let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence."
Did they? What did God do?
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"'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'" ―Luke 19:40
Palm Sunday
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This week we study praise that Jesus rightly claims: praise confronting us with the mystery of his incarnation.
Read this passage; use it to answer these questions.
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Notice the phrase "our God" in verse 5. Who is on the throne? Compare verse 4 with Revelation 5:1–6 and 22:3. It's possible the speaker is ______ himself!
(Marvel also at Luke 1:30–35, Hebrews 1:8–9, and John 20:17!) -
Finally, compare Revelation 19:5 with Psalm 8:2. What does this teach you about Yahweh's delight in your praise? In what ways do you honor him?
Keep Psalm 118 open; use it to answer these questions.
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Which phrases in this psalm draw a picture of Palm Sunday?
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Read Luke 19:35–40. Did the crowds' praises, quoting Ps 118:26, emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both?
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What connection is there between Ps 118:27 and Ex 12:3? (A chronology helps to answer this; find "10th of Abib.") Does this emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both?
Read Psalm 8 (recall that Hebrew reads right to left). Answer these questions.
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List the things this psalm says God purposely did (vv 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6).
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Read Matthew 21:1–17. In verse 16, Jesus says he himself is the "you" of Psalm 8. Therefore, what divine personal name is Jesus' own? (Ps 8:1,9)
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Read Hebrews 2:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:27. These passages powerfully attest that ___ verses of Psalm 8 are Messianic.
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Does Psalm 8 emphasize Jesus' divinity, humanity, or both? BONUS: Refer to your list from Q1. Which work(s) of God are Psalm 8's focus?
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Maundy Thursday
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" ...we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code."
―Romans 7:6
"Maundy" Thursday's name focuses on one of many significant things Jesus accomplished that eventful night. Between sundown and sunrise, what all did our Christ do? (See M.9 through N.10 in this gospel harmony.)
Ponder the types of things Jesus took care of that final night before his execution. Why would he spend so much precious time doing those?
Some of Jesus' words and actions that night are special treasures we tuck in our hearts' memories for times we need them.
Did Jesus do or say something on Maundy Thursday that is particularly meaningful to you? Share it ...and why it matters so much.
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Good Friday
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" ...we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom... "
―1 Corinthians 1:23–25
"Cross Medley" performed by Anthem Lights
"Jesus Paid It All": Elvina Hall (text), John T. Grape (tune)
"The Old Rugged Cross": George Bennard (text and tune)
YouTube may play a short ad prior to "Cross Medley." This site cannot control, and does not endorse, any ads.
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Resurrection
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" ...if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ...If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." ―from 1 Corinthians 15
"'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee, "The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again."'"
―two angels to the women at the empty tomb
(Luke 24:5–7; see Matthew 16:21)
" ...he appeared... " (1Co 15:3–8)
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How many people does Scripture record Jesus appearing to after his resurrection? Count them in:
" ...Jesus ...gave many convincing proofs that he was alive... " (Ac 1:1–3)
Many different proofs are recorded in the passages just read. Does one particularly impress you? Why?
Little children should simply trust their Father—but we are weak and naive, often not knowing whom to believe. Jesus lovingly, purposely, repeatedly provided proof that he lives. How is this personally helpful to you?
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Ascension
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Christ's resurrection itself testifies that the LORD God is exactly who he says he is! This week's study considers five truths proved by the simple fact that Jesus lives.
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Acts 2:22–36, Acts 17:2–3, Romans 1:1–4, Revelation 1:17–18
Jesus is _____. -
Acts 21:27–28,40–22:22; Acts 23:6–9
Christianity is _____. -
Acts 17:22–32, Acts 26:6–29, 1 Peter 1:3–5
There will be _____. -
1 Corinthians 15:42–49, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
On the last day, people will _____. -
Colossians 1:18
Jesus is _____.
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Acts 2:22–36, Acts 17:2–3, Romans 1:1–4, Revelation 1:17–18
Jesus is _____. -
Acts 21:27–28,40–22:22; Acts 23:6–9
Christianity is _____. -
Acts 17:22–32, Acts 26:6–29, 1 Peter 1:3–5
There will be _____. -
1 Corinthians 15:42–49, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
On the last day, people will _____. -
Colossians 1:18
Jesus is _____.
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Acts 2:22–36, Acts 17:2–3, Romans 1:1–4, Revelation 1:17–18
Jesus is _____. -
Acts 21:27–28,40–22:22; Acts 23:6–9
Christianity is _____. -
Acts 17:22–32, Acts 26:6–29, 1 Peter 1:3–5
There will be _____. -
1 Corinthians 15:42–49, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
On the last day, people will _____. -
Colossians 1:18
Jesus is _____.
...Christianity is _____.
2. Acts 21:27–28,40–22:22 and Acts 23:6–9 use Jesus' resurrection to prove that...
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Acts 2:22–36, Acts 17:2–3, Romans 1:1–4, and Revelation 1:17–18 use Jesus' resurrection to prove that...