Acts 21:16-28:31; Lesson 31

Chuck's study this week!

Lesson    31

Passage  Acts 21:16-28:31

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Paul’s witness to Jerusalem Christians and Jewish Conflict (Acts 21:16-22:29) a. Report of God’s work to Gentiles (21:16-25) b. Jewish purification and conflict at Temple brought on by Ephesian Jews (21:26-36) c. Paul speaks to Crowd (21:37-22:29)

Paul’s witness and Defense of Ministry with Encouragement (Acts 22:30-25:27) a. Paul before Sanhedrin (22:30-23:11) b. Paul protected and transferred to Caesarea (22:12-35) c. Trial before Felix and witness brought personal fear (24:1-27) d. Trial before Festus and sent to Agrippa(25:1-22) e. Trial before Agrippa and sent to Rome (25:23-26:32)

Paul’s journey to Rome and witness of Christ (Acts 27:1- 28:31) a. Paul’s warnings trip peril in Crete (27:1-12) b. Paul’s encouragement in Storm and shipwreck (27:13-44) c. Paul’s healing of man bitten by snake and result (28:1-10) d. Paul’s preaching in Rome 28:11-31

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Paul’s witness to Jerusalem Christians and Jewish Conflict	Acts 21:16-22:29
Paul’s defense of ministry with God’s Encouragement	Acts 22:30-25:27
Paul’s journey to Rome and his Witness of Christ	Acts 27:1- 28:31

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Paul’s defense of Gospel, Jerusalem, courts and journey to Rome

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To Learn that it boldly proclaiming salvation through Christ is the ministry of all Christians; we are under God’s will and protection.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       How bold are you in standing for your faith?
	2.       When you are called on to share your faith; do you clearly share resurrected Jesus?
	3.       When hardships arise, is Jesus your anchor?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	God is our support in all circumstances
	God wants us where we are to witness clearly for Him
	Jesus is our anchor; hold fast and he will be present.

Book of Jude; Lesson 30

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Jude 1

1. v1-3 Jude greets those who are called, loved and kept for Jesus by God, urging his friends to contend for the faith of God’s holy people.

2. v4-6 Beware of the ungodly among you who are condemned and who are perverting the grace of God into something endorsing immoral behaviors and deny the deity and sovereignty of Christ and that though the Lord delivered his people and destroyed those who did not believe, He also will bind the angels for judgment and who did not keep their positions serving as examples of God’s punishment.

3. v7-10 Just like Sodom and Gomorrah gave themselves over to disobedience, sexual immorality and perversion, the ungodly pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander whatever they do not understand; even the archangel Michael did not himself dare to condemn him (Moses) by slander.

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 4. v11-13  Woe to those who follow Cain’s way of anger; woe to those who follow Balaam in greed and woe to those who follow after Korah in envy, woe to these who are a part of the congregation but do not believe for they are like clouds without rain, wild waves and wandering stars without purpose.

5. v14-16 Enoch prophesied that the Lord and his holy ones will come to judge and convict the ungodly and their acts, those that follow their own evil desires.

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6. v17-19 Remember what the apostles told that in the last times will be unbelievers who do not have the Holy Spirit who are among us who will try and divide by following their own sinful desires.

7. v20-23 Strengthen yourselves in your faith, praying in the Spirit, keeping yourselves in God’s love and be merciful to those who doubt and save those from eternal hell and hate sin.

8. v24-25 Give God, our savior, glory, majesty, power and authority who is able to keep us from stumbling.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Beware of evil in your midst even as you experience God’s love.

Jude 1-10

Application:  Who will you share of God’s love this week?

Application: How will you guard yourself and the church from false teachers?

II. Be on guard as to why believers stray from God’s love.

Jude 11-16

Application: How will strengthen your walk with Christ this week?

Application:  Who can you encourage in their Christian walk this week?

III. Be strengthened yourself as you stay in God’s love.

Jude 17-25

Application: If insanity is defines as doing the same this over again expecting different results, what will you do differently this week in following Christ?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Staying in God’s love strengthens us in our Christian walk.

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to stay in God’s Word, pray in the Spirit and look for Christ’s coming.

I Peter 3-5; Lesson 29

Chuck's study this week:

Lesson    29

Passage  I Peter 3-5

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Living together in harmony and respect (I Peter 3) a. Wives live in submission and inward beauty (1-6) b. Husbands live consideration  respect for wives (7) c. Everyone live in harmony (10-12) d. Doing good in Christ (13-17) e. Christ work brought submission of all (18-22)

Arm yourselves with Christ’s attitude toward suffering (I Peter 4) a. All will account to him; stay free of evil desires (1-6) b. All activity should gracious and reflect Christ (7-11) c. All suffering can connect us to Christ (12-19)

Instructions and warnings to those with influence (I Peter 5) a. Be servant shepherds (1-4) b. Be submissive and humble (4-7) c. Be  self-controlled and alert for devil (8-11)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Living together in harmony and respect	I Peter 3
Arm yourselves with Christ’s attitude toward suffering	I Peter 4
Instructions and warnings to those with influence	I Peter 5

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Peter encourages respect, attitude in sufferings and influence - reflect Christ

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To Learn that it is how we live as Christians can reflect our relationship with Christ; we are set apart by Him.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       Where are you demonstrating living in harmony and respect?
	2.       Are we grumbling in sufferings; how can we change our attitude?
	3.       What kind of influence are you to those who look up to you?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	Respect is more than the things you do
	Sufferings are proving our faith
	Influence is not pushing your will; lasting influence is acting out faith in real life situations

1 Peter 1 - 2; Lesson 28

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

1 Peter 1

1. v1 - 4 Peter writes and greets the Asian churches extolling them of God’s greatness to those obedient to Christ who in His mercy has given us new birth and hope of eternal inheritance.

2. v5 – 7 Our heavenly inheritance awaits us by God’s power and supports us through the trials of life, proving our faith to be greater than gold which perishes.

3. v8 – 9 By faith we love Christ and are filled with joy, even though we have not seen him, and will receive salvation as an end result.

4. v10 -  11 The prophets who told of the grace to come searched to find the timing of the Holy Spirit’s prediction of the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that followed.

5. v12 The prophets were not serving themselves but serve you by preaching the Gospel message.

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6. v13 -  16 Set your minds on the hope of Christ and knowing better now that you have Christ in your life, do not be conformed and be tempted by evil desires of your old life for it is written:  “Be holy, because I am holy.”

7. v17 - 19 Live life as foreigners with reverent fear of a loving God, and not be tempted of this world, but live as a redeemed people, by the precious blood of Christ.

8. v20 – 25 Through Christ we believe in God, who raised him from the dead and has been revealed in these last times and is to be glorified so that our faith and hope will be in God, so purify yourselves by obeying the truth having been born again, and love one another from the heart.

1 Peter 2

9. v1 – 3  Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind and like newborns crave the spiritual milk and taste and see that the Lord is good.

10. v4 - 6 We are like living stones being built into a spiritual house and are to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus who is the basis of our faith.

11. v7 -  8 To believers the stone (Jesus) is precious and the cornerstone of our faith who keeps us from stumbling unlike those who disobey the message and do stumble.

12. v9 – 10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

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13. v11 – 12 Abstain from sinful desires and wage war against our earthly desires, living good lives among the pagans of this world so they will see good deeds exemplified.

14. v13 - 15 Submit ourselves for the Lord’s sake to earthly authorities for by doing good we will silence the criticism of foolish people.

15. v16 - 17 Live as free but god fearing and righteous people; even as God’s slaves, showing respect and love believers yet fear God and honor the authorities over you.

16. v18 - 22 As God’s slaves submit yourselves to your masters for it is right to bear up under suffering as they know God, even in receiving unjust punishment suffering in doing good before God.

17. v23 -  25 Remember how Christ suffered bearing our sins and by his wounds we are healed.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Holy living is expressed in the Gospel message and prophets tell of God’s plan for salvation through Christ.

1 Peter 1:1-12

Application:  Who will you tell this week of God’s plan of salvation?

Application: What can you do to live up to the message of the Gospel?

II. Holy living is what Christ would have for believer’s lives.

1 Peter 1:13- 2:10

Application: How will you bring holiness into your everyday life? At work and play?

Application:  How does one become holy without becoming “holier than thou” in our attitudes?

III. Holy living is what we are to do, as slaves of God to be living examples to this pagan world.

1 Peter 2:11-25

Application: How will you remember to imitate Jesus this week?

Application: Are you a light to this world, at home, at work, at play and not just at church?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Believers’ Holy Living is central as examples of the Gospel.

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to live holy lives as is God’s desire.

James 3 - 5; Lesson 27

Chuck's study this week:

Lesson    27

Passage  James 3-5

Content (List of Topics or Events)

It’s the little thing -- our Tongue (James 3:1-16) a. Teachers tongue is to a strict standard  (1-2) b. Tongue is small but like other small things can do significant things (3-8) c. Tongue can praise and is a mirror of heart (9-16)

It’s the heart thing -- Godly Wisdom (James 3:17-4:12) a. Wisdom of heaven defined 3:17-18) b. Quarrels come from wrong motives (4:1-3) c. Friendship with world is hatred to God’s motives (4-10)

It’s the life focus  thing -- Goals and Destiny (James 4:13-5:16) a. Our future is in the Lords hands (4:13-17) b. Use of Wealth can condemn (5:1-6) c. Wait patiently for the Lord (7-11) d. Be honest in your dealings (12) e. Pray on all occasions; prayer is powerful (13-16)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
It’s the little thing -- our Tongue	James 3:1-16
It’s the heart thing -- Godly Wisdom	James 3:17-4:12
It’s the life focus thing -- Goals and Destiny	James 4:13-5:16

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Tongues express heart; Godly Wisdom brings patient prayerful endurance

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To Learn that our heart should focus on God desire and plans for our lives

Specific Application Questions

	1.       How is your speech reflective of your relationship with God?
	2.       Where do you go for wisdom?
	3.       How do your goals reflect your heavenly vision?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	Our tongue reflects our heart
	Doing your own thing is not what God desires; it’s doing His.
	Our goals are fragile unless connected to God

James 1 - 2; Lesson 26

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

James 1

1. v1-4 Be joyful in all kinds of trials as our tested faith and perseverance brings maturity that we will lack for nothing.

2. v5-8 Ask God if you lack wisdom, and He will give it to you without finding fault doing so believing w/o doubts you will receive, and conversely, if you doubt, you will be like a wave tossed on the sea and should not expect anything from God.

3. v9-11 Those in humble and rich places should both understand that all things, like flowers) wither and that they should only take pride in their relationship with God.

4. v12 Whoever perseveres through trial by standing with God will be blessed with promised a crown of life promised by the Lord.

5. v13-18 When tempted don’t say that it is God who tempts and God does not temp with evil as only good gifts come from above. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we be the first fruits of His creation.

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6. v19-21 Be quick to listen, slow to speak and watch your temper as this does not produce righteousness, and, get rid of moral filth and evil in your life holding on to the word of God which can save you from such.

7. v22-25 Don’t just listen to the Word, but apply it to your life, looking intentionally at the perfect law that gives freedom and blessing.

8. v26-27 Take control of your speech lest it deceives you, care for orphans and widows in need, which will help you keep from being polluted by the world.

James 2

9. v1-4 Don’t show favoritism by outward appearance thus betraying unrighteous thoughts by our discriminating and judgmental thoughts.

10. v5-7  Look inside the hearts of though of humble and poor lives as they are the ones who are rich in faith and will inherit the kingdom He promised as opposed to the men who outwardly look good who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong.

11. v8 -11 Keep God’s laws found in scripture and don’t show favoritism as that is sinful, but rather love instead of being a law breaker, as Christ commanded, for we are all guilty as we all have sinned.

12. v12-13 Live by the law of freedom in Christ, showing mercy rather than judgment, as mercy triumphs over judgment.

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13. v14-25 Faith by itself saves, yet our faith in Christ and His saving grace will produce works of righteousness for Christ’s sake as faith is demonstrated by action.

14 v26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Consider it joy when encountering temptations & trials  

James 1:1-18

Application:  With whom can you share how trials have brought about maturity in Christ?

Application: When temptations come, how are you showing the joy of having Christ in your life?

II. Live by the God’s law that gives freedom

James 1:19-2:13

Application: How are you handling your muttering, complaints and wrath?

Application:  How does one become a doer of the word?

III. A believer’s faith will be naturally demonstrated in our works because of Christ’s saving grace.

James 2:14-26

Application: How is that faith thing working for you?

Application: We’re not saved by obedience, but our obedience shows we’re saved.

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

James speaks to believers’ attitudes concerning trials, freedom, and works. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

Cause audience to think about their attitudes concerning trials, judgment, and faith demonstrated works.

Ephesians 6:10-24; Lesson 25

Chuck's study this week:

Lesson    25

Passage  Ephesians 6:10-24

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Put on Armor of God and take a stand against devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-12) a. Our Struggle is not earthly  (10-12a) b. Our Struggle is against dark world and evil forces (12b)

Put on Armor of God to Stand when evil comes (Ephesians 6:13-18) a. Stand Firm in truth, righteousness and peace(13-15) b. Hold fast to faith, your salvation and word of God (16-17) c. Pray in the Spirit alertly for all saints (18)

Put in prayer time (Ephesians 6:19-24) a. Pray for fearless presentation of gospel (19-20) b. Encouragement in faith (21-24)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Put on Armor of God and take a stand against devil’s schemes.	Ephesians 6:10-12
Put on Armor of God to Stand when evil comes	Ephesians 6:13-18
Put in prayer time	Ephesians 6:19-24

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Put  on armor of God hold fast when facing evil

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To Learn that God is our protection against evil and source of our salvation which is an encouragement for Christian living

Specific Application Questions

	1.       In what ways am I standing firm in God?
	2.       What is it that I do when evil comes?
	3.        How do I encourage those spreading the Gospel?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	Our strength for life is in the Lord
	Evil will come we need to be ready for it
	We can be an encouragement to others in the faith through prayer

Ephesians 4 - 6:9; Lesson 24

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Ephesians 4

1. v1 - 6 Paul starts with an encouragement that like a prisoner for the one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, we are to live lives worthy of His calling in us: humble, gentle, patient, loving, unity of the Spirit.

2. v7 - 13 To each us is given grace by Christ’s gift and that we should be in unity, some using their gifts to be apostles, some to be prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service that the body of Christ be built up, united in faith and knowledge and maturing in Christ.

3. v14 - 16 We are to no longer be children in Christ, but strive to mature so we will not be blown by differing doctrine. Instead, speaking truth in love we grow so as to edify the body in love.

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4. v17 - 24 Testify of God’s work, no longer living like Gentiles: futile thinking, darkened understanding, separated from God, hardened. Spiritually insensitive, indulge in sensuality. Put off the former way of life and the old corrupt man and put on the new man renewed in the spirit of your mind created according to God.

5. v25 – 32 So put off falsehood and be truthful. Get rid of bad stuff and turn from sin and do not grieve the Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 5

6. v1 - 7 Therefore be imitators of God as children, thankful in nature,  walking in love, not in foolish things of this world such as fornication, course talk, as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, not being deceived by empty words and wrath for these come from the “sons of disobedience.”

7. v8 – 14 Where once we were darkness, now we are light, so walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them for all things that are exposed are made visible.

8. v15 - 20 Walk in wisdom, nor as the foolish walk, understanding what the Lord’s will is, being filled with the Holy Spirit,  speaking and singing hymns and spiritual songs making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God.

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8. v21 - 33 Wives and husbands submit to Christ’s leadership and His plan for marriage, loving God giving each other respect helping one another in unity of purpose and in other relationships submit to each other as though you submit to the leadership of Christ as we are members of Christ’s body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Ephesians 6

8. v1 - 4 Children honor and obey your parents with respect that you will prosper, obeying the first commandment that it may be well with you and similarly fathers do not provoke your children to wrath, but raise them up in admonition of the Lord.

9. v5 – 9 V5 – 9 Whoever you serve or lead, be obedient to those leading you, or kind to whom serves you, doing such as if to Christ, serving with goodwill from the heart, for your doing good will be received in like kind from your Master who is in Heaven.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Paul examines life of the church to grow and mature, using our gifts to prepare hearts for service.

Ephesians 4:1-16

Application:  How are you contributing to the maturity of your church?

Application: How is God’s gift demonstrated in your life?

II. Paul urges the Ephesians to live in the light and God’s love, testifying of God’s work in believer’s lives.

Ephesians 4:17-5:20

Application:  Live as children of the light. What will you put off? What will you put on?

Application:  How are you testifying of God’s work in your life?

III. Paul gives guidance for all husband & wives, children and leaders & followers.

Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Application: Submit to others as though they were Christ; care for others as though you were Christ. What relationships will you tweak to conform to God’s principle?

Application: How are you leading or following?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Paul outlines a Christian’s life as worthy of God’s calling. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to live lives worthy of their calling.

Ephesians 2 - 3; Lesson 23

Chuck's study this week:

Ephesians 1 - Lesson 22

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 - 20 sentences)

Ephesians 1

1.  v1 - 3 Paul greets the holy and faithful church in Ephesus, in the name of Christ, praising God who blesses us (believers) with every spiritual blessing.

2. v4 - 5 Paul introduces us with the doctrine of predestination as Christ chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, predestined for adoptions as sons and daughters of God through Christ according to his pleasure and will.
3. v6 – 8a  Praise to God for the doctrine of God’s grace freely given to us in Christ (the One he loves) through whom we have redemption and forgiveness from our sins through Christ’s shed blood profusely bestowed (lavished) on us.

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4. v8b – 10 With good pleasure, wisdom and understanding God revealed the mystery of His will and purpose in Christ to bring unity to all things in Heaven and on Earth under Christ’s reign.
5. v11 -12  According to God’s plan to work everything in conformity with the purpose of his will those who put their hope in Christ were predestined and chosen in order to bring praise of his glory.
6. v13 - 14 When we heard the message of truth and believe, we were marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.

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7. v15 – 17 Paul gives thanks for the Ephesus church’s faith, love of all God’s people and remembers them in his prayers for their good works, asking God to give the church wisdom and revelation given through the Holy Spirit that they may know Christ better.

8. v18 – 19a That the eyes of their heart would be opened so that they may more fully know the hope given, his glorious inheritance and the great power given to us who believe.
9. v19b – 21 The power God wants to give is the same as that which He used when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Christ at His right hand in heaven ruling over all earthly powers and dominion in the present age and also the one to come.
10. v22 – 23 God placed all things under Christ’s authority appointing him to be in charge of everything for the church (us) which is His body and the fullness of him who fills everything.

 Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

 I. God blesses - God blesses believers and predestines our adoption by Christ’s atoning sacrifice of blood.

Ephesians 1 – 8a

Application: How have you been specifically blessed?

Application:  Are you praying for both those who need God’s help as well as those who are being successful in their faith?

II. God seals and reveals - According to God’s perfect plan we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and by that the mystery of God’s will will be revealed.

Ephesians 8b - 14

Application: How do you know God has placed the seal on your heart?

Application: How do you understand the mystery of God’s will for you?

III. God empowers - Paul prays for the continuance of their knowledge and hope, with respect to the heavenly inheritance, and to God's power working in them.

Ephesians 8b - 14

Application: How are you using the power given to you by God?

Application: Are you sharing the message of the inheritance you have received?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

God blesses, reveals and empowers believers fulfilling his willful purposes. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to be encouraged that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our place in His will as a part and member of the body of Christ.