012906

Things that Matter
Purity Matters
Genesis 2; Proverbs 5, 6, 7

Genesis 2:18-22 (Monday)
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." (NIV)
1) Important note: In all creation, this is the only instance where God spoke of His creation being, "...not good." Why? Does this statement in any way suggest that our God isn't enough to satisfy the heart of man? Explain your reason.
2) Did Adam realize he was alone? What brought him to this realization? Why do you think God let Adam ponder this truth for a while?
3) Did Adam have any part in making woman. Why not?
4) The first surgery ever performed by none other than our Lord God Almighty!
5) Why didn't God just make Eve out of the dust of the earth as He did so with Adam? I like the way my NIV Bible commentary states this: "God forms men and women for various tasks, but all these lead to the same goal--honoring God. Man gives life to woman; woman gives life to the world. Each role carries exclusive privileges; there is no room for thinking that one sex is superior to the other.
6) The word here for "helper" is "ezer", which translated means, "one who can provide what is lacking in another." What are some immediate things you can think of that a man would not be able to do by himself? Be nice!
7) The word helper, or "ezer" comes from the primitive root word "azaq", which translated means to "fence about, surround, protect or aid". Can you think of some ways that a wife, man's helper, would be such to her husband?
8) Does this word "helper" imply in any way that a woman is inferior to a man?
9) God brought woman to Adam! If someone is being introduced to you, how are they usually presented? Right! Face to face! Equal on every level, yet each is a completely distinct individual.
10) When God presented Adam and Eve in much this same way, they complimented one another and became completely blended--one flesh! Quite often that is exactly the case in many marriages—one partner is strong in the area(s) where the other is weak? Good plan! Maybe, this is why opposites attract!

Genesis 2:23-25 (Tuesday)
"The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called `woman, ' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (NIV)
1) Why is it important for a man (yes, this is addressed only to the man) to break ties with his family and be joined wholly to his wife?
2) Here's that expression again, "one flesh." Exactly what do you think that means? (Yes, God instituted the grace gift of marriage and sex!)
3) Okay, we can't go around naked today, but what allowed this freedom for Adam and Eve?
4) In the intimacy of this first marriage, instituted by God Himself, there was no shame. Why?
5) Do you feel that there can be shame today in intimacy? How about inside the sanctity of marriage? Explain.
6) Take time to read The Song of Solomon. This book of the Old Testament speaks with great intimacy of the joys of marital union. Read particularly, chapter 4:11-16 and 5:1. Who enters and encourages these young loves in this most intimate of intimate relationship?
7) If God is in the marital bed, why is purity so important?

Proverbs 5:1-6 (Wednesday)
"My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not." (NIV)
1) Adultery. Please know, that I am not speaking condemnation here (Thank God Almighty, Christ has paid for everything, even this one!) but there is only one God-given reason for divorce--infidelity (Matthew 19:9)! Why? What is it about stepping outside of your marital vows that can utterly destroy the marriage relationship?
2) How can obtaining wisdom, listening to God's Word and preserving knowledge keep one from falling into the seductive trap of adultery?
3) Scripture clearly tells us that sexual sins are the only sins we commit against our own bodies and selves (1 Corinthians 6:15-20!) Why?
4) How can impurity affect others connected to an impure relationship?
5) How does impurity reflect upon our Christian witness to a lost world?
6) Who first practiced seduction (Genesis 3)? How was this adultery?
7) Today's world offers all types of spiritual, emotional and physical seductions. Name some of the ways we are daily encouraged to turn away from spiritual purity and our God?
8) Did you realize that impurity can lead to more and even worse impurity (Ephesians 4:19!)
10) We've spoken mostly about sexual impurity. Now, you don't have to commit adultery to become ensnared by sin. How does any sin ensnare us?
11) There are other areas of purity we should concern ourselves with. Among them are:
a) Our fear of the Lord and the keeping of His commandments (Psalms 19:11; Psalms 119:9-11!) b) Pure hands and pure hearts (Psalms 24:4; Matthew 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:5!) Who gives us a pure heart (Psalms 51:10?)
c) Pure consciences (Titus 1:15; Hebrews 10:22!)
d) Pure thoughts (Proverbs 15:26; Philippians 4:8!)
e) Pure conduct (Proverbs 20:11!)
f) Pure speech (Proverbs 22:11!)
g) Pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3!)
h) Pure motives (1 Thessalonians 2:3!)
i) Pure lives (1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Timothy 5:22!)
j) Pure religion (James 1:27!)
k) Pure wisdom (James 3:17!)

Proverbs 7:7-14 (Thursday)
"I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: "I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows." (NIV)
1) Take a ride (if you dare) down certain areas of of anytown USA late at night and you'll see this type of woman, and/or man (and God help us, children) these days!
2) We have mentioned this in a previous lesson, but it bares repeating! There are only two ways that God tells us to fight temptation—flee! Or, stand firm, with your full battle armor on (Ephesians 6:11-18!) Which should this simple young man have chosen?
3) Just a personal observation--ever notice how sin screams at you, but God's voice is most often heard in the silences?
4) Sin does have a way of taken hold and it can be very brazen. Do all adulterers or sin appear this way? Why or why not?
5) Oh, my goodness! This woman has all the pretense of being "religious," all the while trying to lead this man astray! Of what use are offerings and vows when sin is crouching at the door? Do you think sexual impurity goes on in the church today? more so than in the world? Why or why not? One word—run!

Proverbs 5:15-23 (Friday)
"Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife? For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly." (NIV)
1) In other words,--take a dip only from your own pond, men and women of God! We are given the best reason why right here! What is it?
2) Do you think women are less immune to sexual impurity? Why?
3) Scripture mainly cautions the male (most of the proverbs written by Solomon were directed to his son) in these situations. However, it appears that women are more often unfairly singled out as the perpetrator, much like the adulteress thrown before Jesus' feet (John 8:3-11.) What happened to the man if she was caught in the act? Why weren't they ready to stone him along with her? Not male bashing--just thinking out loud!
4) In regard to sexual purity, do you think we teach a double standard to our own sons? Oh, you know most do! "Good going, son!" What kind of message are we sending? (Fathers, reading Proverbs with your sons!)
5) We can add other soul saving attribute to the list for avoiding any type of impurity—Discipline! What are some disciplines we need to practice in order to maintain sexual purity?
6) Sexual immorality is all around us. How does this lack of spiritual discipline result in death--physically or spiritually speaking?
7) Okay, this is not giving you guys any excuse, but what can we, as spiritually mature women do to help our men be satisfied in our bosoms--even unto our old age?
8) How can and should godly women help men not fall into the trap of seduction—physically or mentally?

012206

Things that Matter
Character Matters
Matthew 15; Proverbs 4, 6 and Romans 5


Matthew 15:1-10 (Monday)
“Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, `Honor your father and mother' and `Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, `Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' he is not to `honor his father ' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' "Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand.” (NIV)
1) Can you think of some “traditions, requirements” or, “rules taught by men” that some people consider essential to their faith?
2) Is it possible for Christians to “honor God with your lips, but have their hearts be far from Him?” Have you ever been in this situation in your walk with Christ? What brought you to this realization? How did you respond when you realized your actions and/or motives? Share, if you feel comfortable.
3) Is the adherence to “traditions”, “rules” and “regulations” God’s way of reaching out to man, or always man’s way of trying to reach up to God?
4) Why is adherence to rules useless, in fact, impossible in forming a relationship with God?
5) Jesus always has a way of getting to the “heart” of our actions, motives and thoughts! How would you respond if Jesus turned to you and asked, “And why do YOU?”
6) The Pharisees and teachers of the law put on a good “show” of being religious, but their hearts were as cold as stone. Man’s form of religion has always been an outward expression that exalts one’s own effort, or one’s own supposed goodness. Self-effort is as old as Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7-10), Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-5), the Tower of Babel (11:1-9), etc., etc.. Didn’t work then, won’t work now! Why is our own effort(s) unacceptable to God? Why is it never enough ( Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21-26 and Romans 10:1-3)?
7) During this time in Biblical history, giving monetary gifts to the synagogue instead of taking care of your family would have probably resulted in a person being highly elevated in the eyes of the religious rulers. After all, the rulers of the synagogue would have highly profited from it! In all likely hood this, in turn, would have given an individual a certain amount of respectability in the community. This just won’t hold water with God! Why is it hypocritical to meet the needs of your church or any other type of ministry and/or charity and not care properly for your family (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Job 22:5-22; Malachi 3:5 and 1 Timothy 5:8)?
8) Was Jesus saying you don’t have a responsibility to give to your church and/or other charities?
9) What does James 1:27 say is God’s idea of true and pure religion?
Matthew 15:12-20 (Tuesday)
“Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." Peter said, "Explain the parable to us." "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. "Don't you see that whatever of enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man `unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man `unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him `unclean.'"” (NIV)
1) Why were the Pharisees offended? Why did this seem to surprise the disciples?
2) What does Jesus mean by “blind guides?”
3) Israel was commanded to have God’s commandments “upon” their hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6.) In the passages for Monday and Tuesday, we see find that this did not result in love of God or building Godly character. Why not?
4) Last week we touched on what it must have felt like to be thought of as “unclean” by society. Here, Jesus tells us what truly makes us “unclean—our hearts!” The heart—always, always God’s bull’s eye target spot! Ouch! Why (Genesis 6:5; 8:21; ?
5) Read Matthew 12:33-6; Mark 7:20-23.
6) What can we do about our hearts?
7) Why did Jesus speak in parables to the disciples and why were they too “dull” to understand what Jesus meant by them (Matthew 13:13-16?)
8) You can tell a good tree by it’s fruit (Luke 6:43-45; Luke 8:15!) What does the fruit of the spirit have to do with having good character?
9) We need new hearts (Psalms 51:10 and Ezekiel 11:19!) Surprise! How is this possible 2 Corinthians 5:14-19—new creation, new heart!!
Proverbs 4:20-27 (Wednesday)
“My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (NIV)
1) Here we see that we do have some part in allowing God to build character into our lives. What is it?
2) Still think this is self-effort? Read Joshua 3:1-17. This scene is very similar to God parting the waters for the Israelites leaving Egypt, only God did all the work there. But, here in Joshua, we find the children entering their promised land and now God requires more of them. (Keep in mind that Egypt is often a word used for sin and the promised land is our portion and inheritance through Christ Jesus!) So, what part does obedience play in this scene? Who receives the glory?
3) God works the same way today. He does all the work in saving us—Jesus and the cross! Praise His name! Then, as we grow in the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, (1 Corinthians 12:1-19; Galatians 5:22-23) step by step we are able to faith walk in obedience to His commands. Don’t become discourage—this is a process! This is your spiritual sanctification! Remember, you have two natures; your old sin nature and the new life you have in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-32)! Believe me, they are always at war (Romans 7:18-25)! Be patient with yourself and with others, just as Christ is patient with you! Good thing, or we would all be consumed (Hebrews 12:28-29)! Don’t grow weary (Galatians 6:9!) Your fruitful harvest is coming!
4) What does it mean to “guard” our hearts? Ephesians 6:14 tells us to make sure our breastplate is in place! This part of a warrior’s armor was worn over his chest to protect his vital organs—mainly the life-giving heart! According to this verse, what is our “breastplate?” Why is knowing we have the righteousness of God essential to guarding our hearts?
5) What place does "hiding" God's Work in our hearts play in this commandment?
6) Have you ever thought of God’s Word bringing life and health (Psalms 38:1-13; Isaiah 38:12-16; Jeremiah 30:1017?) Does character come into play here (Proverbs 3:5-8?) How so?
7) What are some examples of perverse or corrupt conversation?
8) What is the result of having your eyes “fixed?”
9) How can we keep our “feet” from evil?
10) What part do these two commandments have to do (#5and #6) with building Godly character?
Proverbs 6:16-19 (Thursday)
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (NIV)
1) I have often heard that sin is sin. If you commit one sin you have broken all the entire law. Thank God, we’re no longer under the Law of death (Romans 8:1-2)! Still, this passage pointedly tells us that some sins are “particularly” detestable to God. What is it about these sins that distinguishes them from other sins?
2) Notice that these sins all have one thing in common—our relationship with one another. Is the church body immune to these sins, or do you think God would speak even more severely to us? Why or why not?
3) The church is certainly not immune to dissension. Many churches have split, or worse, totally dissolved as the result of dissension. What types of things can bring dissension?
4) What message does this send to the lost world around us? Do you think this is one reason it is so repulsive to God (John 13:35; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:18-21?)
Romans 5:1-5 (Friday)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (NIV)
1) Ah, peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ! Those precise words should put an end to all haughtiness, boasting, all striving to make a name and/or claim a position for ourselves and certainly, any ill will toward our brethren (Romans 3:27-28.) Every single one of us needs a Savior—we all need Jesus Christ! Sisters, we are all equal at the cross! If you notice, the sins mention on Thursday all result from a self-centered, a self-seeking heart—yes, back to the heart! More so, a person who treats others in such a manner is indeed heartless! There is no reason for God to mention idolatry (first and second commandments) after stating those sins. Why?
2) We talked about it on Sunday—as Christ followers, we are now all under the same governing law in our lives. What is it (1 Corinthians 13)?
3) If you are Christ’s, then you are going to share in His sufferings—count on it! Have you ever been in a place where you could truly say you rejoiced in your suffering? Share.
4) What role does suffering play in building character?
5) Why is character so important to our having eternal hope?
6) Can you honestly say that your hope has not disappointed you?

011506

Things that Matter
Life Matters
Matthew 9:18-38

Matthew 9:18-26 (Monday and Tuesday)
"While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region." (NIV)
1) Sunday, I mentioned the passing of my special friend. I cannot tell you the absolute faith this woman had that even while on her death bed, God would touch her body and restore her to complete health. I, too, dared to believe for this miracle. God reminded me that Lazarus was four days in the grave when Jesus raised him up. More so, one great day, Jesus is going to raise all the dead, broken bodies back to life that have been in the grave for ions of time. Nothing is impossible for our God! So, I knew in my heart that if God chose to, He could still lift up my sister. Did my friend's faith fail? Did mine? Did God fail both of us? No, a thousand times, NO! I have never seen the glory of God like I witnessed it that day in that room when my friend died and went home to be forever with the Lord. Oh, His presence was so thick, so heavy (sort of like that darkness that fell on Abraham--Genesis 15:12)—the entire room was filled with His glory! I so wanted to flee from His presence, but God would not! Funny, a few days later, I was standing in line at the bank and a man came out of nowhere and started speaking to me, giving God the glory for raising his son from a life-threatening coma that was the result of a terrible accident. I was so excited for him and praised God with him. But, I had to share this dear friend's testimony with him and let him know that God's healing power was just as evident in her death! I didn't tell him this, but one day, his son will still taste the sting of death. My friend, on the other hand, had her faith completed in death. She was given the gift of eternal life and a brand new body—one made especially for her by God Himself. Glory, indeed! Praise Him when he heals on this earth and praise Him with He heals us eternally! Amen!
2) This ruler was probably from a nearby synagogue. More than likely, he was aware of the tension between the other religious leaders and Jesus (Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 9:1-13.) Perhaps he had questions and doubts himself. Be sure that the risk this man was taking was great. By seeking out Jesus, he and his family could be excluded from participation in temple worship (John 9:1-23.) Believe me, that's major if you are Jewish because not only would you have been ostracized from the synagogue, but it was very likely from one's own family and friends as well. A lot was a stake here! So, you can be certain that not only had he heard of Jesus' healing power—he believed it without a shadow of doubt! Mark 5 tells us that when this man first reached Jesus, his daughter was still alive. Mark 5 also tells us that Jesus had just stepped away from the scene of another great miracle to heal this ruler's daughter. However, there was an interruption that delayed Jesus' immediate response to this ruler's (Jairus') request. What was it?
3) How do you respond to delays in your prayer requests? What was Jairus' response?
4) Matthew 9 and Mark 5 make it clear that the child died before Jesus could reach her. What were Jesus' words to Jairus upon hearing the pronouncement of death?
5) How could the "delay" have helped strengthen Jairus' faith?
6) These two individuals that came to Jesus for healing could not have been further apart in gender, position, or their social status. Yet, both knelt at His feet. What does that speak to you of the way God looks upon us as individuals?
7) What do you feel was this man's motivation in seeking out Jesus? How about the woman's?
8) Do you read anything in this passage that indicates that either believed that Jesus was the Christ, the long awaited Messiah?
9) Up to this point in Matthew, Jesus was a curiosity, an irritant, a disruption in the ritualistic lives of the religious rulers. However, these two miracles in particular are seen by many commentators to be a definite turning point in the events that led up to Jesus' crucifixion. It was after these healings that the religious rules wanted to do away with Christ and all that followed Him! What was so different about these two instances?
10) This passage speaks twice of touch. In one instance, it was the desire for Jesus to reach out and touch (one coming on behalf of another). In the other instance, it was the desire of a human being to reach out and touch Him (one pleading for ones self), even if it was only the hem of His garment. Several obstacles were in the way of those who wanted to receive Jesus' touch. What were they?
11) Have you ever experienced the blessing of touch (Please read Gary Smalley's wonderful book, "The Blessing"!)? Did you feel touch to be healing, even if only to calm and comfort? Share. Now, I want you to try and imagine yourself in this woman's place. How long it had been since this woman had been touched—12 years. Remember under Jewish law, "she" was unclean, for the duration of her bleeding. She dare enter the temple to worship and no one would dare to approach her! Unclean (Leviticus 5:2-3; Leviticus 11:39; Leviticus 13:45-46; Numbers 5:1-3; Leviticus 15:19-27)! Ever felt that way yourself—unapproachable to man and certainly to God? That was the situation Jesus faced in both these miracles. Under Jewish law, touching the dead (the child) or touching a woman during her menstrual cycle made a "clean" individual "unclean". The religious ruler certainly was aware of the law, yet he came boldly and without hesitation asked Jesus to do this "unclean" thing. The woman did seem considerate of the law and she tried to at least be secretive, honoring Christ by not touching His person. Still, Jesus, the Law Giver, did not hesitate. What was Jesus' motivation? What was lacking in the hearts of the religious rulers (Matthew 9:13?)
12) It is interesting to note, that the child who was raised back to life had actually lived for 12 years. The woman, who had been unclean, had, for all intents and purposes, been "dead" to society for 12 years. Hmmm!
13) Mercy and compassion always, always trump the law! Praise God! Ever wonder if what you are doing is the right thing? Judge it according to the law of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-13!) Love never fails!
14) Would you say that both these individuals knew exactly who to turn to? To whom or what do you turn to in desperate situations?
15) hy is it we often wait until things are so dire before we turn to Christ?

Matthew 9:27-31 (Wednesday)
"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" when he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region." (NIV)
1) Now, talk about irony! Jesus had been preaching to the leaders and rulers and they didn't get it! Yet, here are two blind men, yes blind, but they "saw" Jesus for Who and What He is! To be given the title of Son of David is to acknowledge that Jesus is the expected Messiah (2 Samuel 7:8-29), the rightful King of the Jews!
2) After acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, why do you suppose Jesus asked the men if they believed He was able to give them sight? (Yes, Lord!) Profession!
3) What exactly did Jesus mean when He said, "According to your faith will it be done to you."? 4) Why did Jesus command the men not to mention their healing?
5) Why do you suppose they did not keep silent?

Matthew 9:32-34 (Thursday)
"While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. and when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."" (NIV)
1) Yes, there are recorded healings, even the raising of the dead in the Old Testament Scriptures, but nothing, nothing of the magnitude of the healings and miracles performed by Christ. Jesus was moved by compassion for the people, but what was the main purpose behind His many, many miracles?
2) The miracles were obvious—they could not be denied, so why did the Pharisees (a segment of the religious rulers at the time of Christ) claim that God was not the power behind Jesus' miracles?

Matthew 9:35-38 (Friday)
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (NIV)
1) Just because you are a member of a church, it doesn't mean you are necessarily being shepherded. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. These religious rulers wanted to keep their flock in bondage to the law and even added more rules and regulations upon them (called oral tradition!) How did Jesus' laying down His life free us from the law, as well as, rules and regulations (Romans 7:14-25, 8:1-19; Revelation 1:4-7?) Glory!
2) Compassion. In a previous study we mentioned that this word comes from the Greek roughly translated, meaning "gut". Jesus was moved in the very depth of his being for these people. He still is moved for each of us today in that exact same way. That's why He commands us to pray for workers to go out and harvest souls. Be like Isaiah and say to Jesus, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:1-8)

Take time to read all of Mathew 9 and Mark 5. What a day in the life of Christ! Oh, Praise Him!

010806

Things that Matter
Work Matters
Genesis 1, Psalm 127, Proverbs 6, 12 and Colossians 3; 4:1


Genesis 1:26-30; 2:15 (Monday)
“Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so.” 2:15 “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (NIV)
1) Adam was commanded to subdue and rule the whole earth and all that is in it—quite a task! Still, notice that God placed Adam in a relatively small part of this earth and told him to work and care for that area. Why?
2) Today, if someone were to ask you if you enjoyed your work or your daily responsibilities, what would be your response? Do you think Adam enjoyed his responsibilities and work? Why or why not?
3) From these passages, what do you see as God’s heart concerning man and work? Curse, blessing, neither? Explain.
4) What role does obedience have in our response to our responsibilities or work?
5) What are some reasons as to why it would it not be good for a man or a woman not to have a responsibility, a work, a purpose? Are these the same thing?
Psalm 127:1-4 (Tuesday)
“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” (NIV)
1) Any work outside of God’s purpose and will for your life is vanity—worthless and meaningless! And, work without rest is foolishness! Have you ever observed a workaholic? What are some of the characteristics of a workaholic? How does this person’s obsessive response to work (and/or any activity) affect that person and/or his or her family? Why does this not glorify God? Why is this considered by God to be a fruitless effort?
2) God mentions children in the same verses pertaining to work and responsibility. Many today would consider this to be child abuse. Why is teaching obedience, responsibility and good work ethics important to bringing up a child?
3) Remember, spiritual sons (and/or daughters) could also be applicable to this passage. Why would it be good to have someone spiritually trained and aligned with you to stand against your enemies (i.e., satan and the world!)

I just have to quote this from our study guide, this week’s Transformation:

The Protestant Work Ethic
1) belief that work gives meaning to life
2) having a strong sense of duty to one’s work
3) belief in the necessity of hard work and of giving work (even before the family) the best of your time [and ability]
4) belief that work contributes to the moral worth of the individual and to the health of the social order (Go, our precious Sarah!)
5) viewing wealth as a major goal in life
6) viewing success in work as resulting primarily from work and as preparation for work
7) viewing success in work as resulting primarily from the amount of personal effort
8) viewing wealth that accrues from work as a sign of God’s favor

4) Do you agree with this creed—parts? Explain.
Proverbs 6:6-11 (Wednesday)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (NIV)
1) Talk about productive and effective work—have you ever observed an ant farm? They are a community! Each having an important role, working side by side, all for the survival of the entire colony! No me onlys! How is this like the church, the body of Christ?
2) Okay, without prejudice, how would you apply this passage to today’s welfare system?
3) Gotta ask—does our current welfare system help or hurt society as a whole?
Proverbs 12:13-15 (Thursday)
“An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” (NIV)
1) You can tell a hard, dedicated worker by his conversation? Comments?
2) How can advice advance someone in the home, or workplace? Is it always necessary?
Colossians 3:22-25; 4:1 (Friday)
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” 4:1 “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (NIV)
1) I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear Jesus say to me, “Well done! Thou good and faithful servant!” Wow, that would be the ultimate for me—to know I pleased my God! What about bosses who refused to acknowledge a job well done? Or, an unappreciative spouse? What should be our response? Why?
2) Husbands and bosses have a responsibility, too! They have to give an account! That won’t always be pretty, will it! Does that fact help you when faced with harsh or unfair treatment?
3) Just want to leave you with one reminder: Work is not part of the curse that resulted from sin entering the world! No, God gave Adam work prior to the curse (Work was commanded in Genesis 1, 2:15 and the curse that came upon the earth is found in Genesis 3:17-19! Something did happen to our work as a result of sin. What was it?
4) Sisters, we are meant for the good works that Christ has prepared for us since the beginning of the world (Ephesians 2:10!) This is so in our homes, in our jobs, in our communities. Let’s remember that even our God, and His Son, Jesus Christ are still working to this day (John 5:17.) Let’s get busy—we want that inheritance, but especially we want to please our God!
5) Another thing, if work was a curse, then why does Christ promise that we will rule with Him (2 Timothy 2:12 and Revelation 20:6!) It ain’t over!