Bible Studies
Reflections:
- In our verses in 2 Samuel, Nathan confronts David and leads him to an understanding that his sin not only affected the people around him but he had sinned against God, despising Him and paying little regard toward the many blessings God had given him. Nathan’s story illustrates the courage it takes to confront the sins of others but it also reminds us to be aware of when our own self-righteousness has led us into to trouble.
- In his letter to the Ephesians, after outlining the magnificence of God’s love, Paul is calling Christians “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” As we immerse ourselves in the one body and spirit of Christ, we discover that we produce fruit in abundance through the gifts and talents that God has given us. We must not, however, take our spiritual growth lightly but, instead, “we must grow up in every way.”
- In Psalm 51 David repents of his sins against God. He laments of his transgressions and beseeches God to blot out his transgressions and to create in him a clean heart. This Psalm powerfully illustrates the manner in which we are to turn to God for repentance. He will not turn away from your prayer of forgiveness. Instead, He will restore you and lift you to new heights.
- In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches us that it is through our faith in God that all of our spiritual hunger in life will be fulfilled. God has instilled within us a hunger to know him but in our search we frequently find ourselves looking in the wrong places or overlooking the signs of God that are right before us. To know God, to grow closer to Him, and to have our spiritual hunger fed, all we need to do is to believe in Jesus Christ, the “Bread of Life.”
- Do you think you have the courage it takes to stand up for the injustice you encounter in the world? Do you think you have the courage to face your own sins when they are brought to your attention? Can you be both a “Nathan” and a “David?” Do you realize that even the smallest injustice is a sin against God and against yourself? Do this week’s verses give you the courage to face those sins and to ask God for forgiveness?
- Did you “grow up in Christ” this week? What caused you to grow closer in your relationship with God? Was it a regular and consistent awareness of His presence? Did you maintain an active prayer life? Did you immerse yourself into scripture, reaching deeply into its meaning for your life? Did you share with others your faith and the things that you were learning? Did you grow others up in Christ? As you read Paul’s verses did you feel a sense of urgency in his writing? Did you gain new insight on the importance the he places on our oneness with God?
- How does David’s story of repentance and reconciliation, this week, relate to Paul’s eloquence in outlining the importance of growing stronger in our faith? Do you see that we generally find ourselves in situations similar to David, separated from God by our selfishness, and looking for a way to achieve what Paul envisions? Have you worked hard building God’s kingdom only to have a sudden awareness that you have fallen short? The crowd following Jesus to Capernaum was probably in a similar situation, desperately seeking ways to draw closer to God. Where have you been seeking fulfillment of that hunger God has instilled in your heart? Do our verses this week help to point you in the right direction?
- Are you ready for the divine gift God has to offer? As you reach out to Christ as the “Bread of Life” are you preparing yourself for a holy life? Do you accept that God’s kingdom needs you to mature and grow in your faith? That you have an important role in the building of His kingdom? Are you willing to grow others in their faith? Can you take the steps of faith that are necessary to separate yourself from a focus of earthly issues and turn, instead, to a focus on the holy? What is keeping you from being the disciple you are called to be?
Giver and Sustainer of life: We turn to you as unworthy vessels, broken and cracked from years of selfishness and sin. We have come to realize that when we sin it is you that is most affected. We pray that you forgive us, repair our brokenness, heal our pain, and transform us into fully devoted disciples of Christ. Help us to dwell in your Spirit in order that we will bear your fruit of peace, humility, joy, kindness, gentleness, love, patience, and self-control. We have learned that it is only through you and our faith in Jesus Christ, your Son, that our spiritual hunger will be fed. Feed us, sustain us, nourish us, and guide us to a maturity that brings us into that place where we can experience the fullness of your love. We pray all this through the “Bread of Life,” Jesus Christ. Amen.
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