Author Archive: for Jeff

Letters from Jail – Part 6

Posted by Jeff on Friday, June 10th, 2011 | Comments (0)

6:5-9
Why does Paul admonish slaves to obey their masters? Is Paul advocating slavery?

How can Paul’s advice to slaves be applied to our jobs? How about his advice to slave masters?

How would your co-workers describe your attitude at work? If you worked before knowing Christ and after, has your attitude about work changed since becoming a follower of Christ?

See Philemon Questions below

6:10-6:24
Make a list of each piece of armor described. What piece of armor is associated with it? Why might it be significant? Why is it needed for our battle? Paul doesn’t associate every piece of physical, Roman armor with something spiritual. Why does he choose what he chooses?

There’s no armor listed for prayer. How does it fit in? What can we learn from Paul’s prayers?

It is easy to see that Paul was on the front lines of the battle. What is your role in the battle?

In the past or in recent times, which piece of armor have you found most useful in your own life? What piece of armor is in most need of repair?

Want a really in depth look at the armor of God. Check out this Bible study.

Who was Tychicus (21)? Where else do we see him? In Acts 20, we see Tychicus listed with several others. What does this diverse group of people tell us about Paul and how he mentored people? Have you ever mentored someone or been mentored by someone else?

Philemon
To whom is this letter addressed? How many other letters in the New Testament does Paul write to individuals? How would you describe the recipient of the letter by Paul’s address of him?

What was Onesimus’ crime (consider v. 18)? What has happened to Onesimus since those crimes?

For those who have children: What did you name your kids and why? Have you ever been given any nicknames that have significant meaning—or that were meant to be ironic? What does the name Onesimus mean?

Considering Onesimus could be killed for his crimes, why doesn’t Paul just come out and demand he be released, etc.? What are the chances that Philemon did what Paul asked?

If Philemon is asked to forgive Onesimus, why does Paul send him back to Philemon? What obligation do we have to make things right with another believer we have wronged? If Philemon is asked to forgive Onesimus, how are we to respond when another believer wrongs us? Does this change when we deal with one who is not a believer? Paul plays a big part in the reconciliation of both people here. What role should believers play in the reconciliation of others?

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Categories : Bible Study, curriculum

Letters from Jail: Ephesians – Part 5

Posted by Jeff on Sunday, April 24th, 2011 | Comments (0)

5:21-33

How was the culture of the Ephesians like ours today? How was it different?

What does it mean to submit to one another? Notice that while Paul admonishes a wife to submit to her husband, he also says that the two are one flesh (5:31-32).

Ladies: How do you feel about verses 22-24? Guys: How do you feel about the standards in 25-33? Both: Which role is more difficult-the one prescribed for men or women? What experiences or parts of our culture make it hard to understand/obey these verses? How do these roles demonstrate our need to live filled with the Spirit (18)? Do these verses make marriage easier or harder?

From what we understand from these verses, what advice would you give a young Christian about marrying someone who is not a believer? How should these verses change the way people in our culture date? What should a man/woman be looking for as they pursue a spouse?

Notice how Paul wraps everything up in 5:33. Does a wife submitting to a husband make him feel respected? Does a husband loving a wife make her feel secure? Some psychologists say there are primary needs in men in women. Do you think that’s true?

6:1-4

How do TV shows today depict the relationship between parents and children? Does this reflect general cultural values?

What is expected of children here? What two motivations does Paul list? What is the significance of the phrase “in the Lord” (1)? As a child, is verse 3 more of a threat or a promise?

Cultural Notes: In ancient Greco-Roman society, the father had complete control of the family–including the right to kill a child even when the child was an adult (although this was rarely invoked). If a father sold a child into slavery and the child earned or was granted their freedom, the father could sell them back into slavery if he wanted. In the case of divorce, the children stayed in the father’s household. In Jewish culture, the Hebrew Scriptures allowed for execution of a disobedient child (cf. Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 21:18-21).

What two motivations does Paul give Fathers?

If you have children (or plan to have kids), how will you apply verse 4? If your children are grown, how have you grown in your understanding of this verse? As an adult, how should we apply this to our parents now? Doewas it still apply? How does it change with age?

Does Paul’s view uphold or contradict the thoughts of his culture?

Excurses: Do you think Christianity elevated or demeaned the status of women and children in ancient Roman Society?

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Letters from Jail: Ephesians – Part 4

Posted by Jeff on Sunday, April 10th, 2011 | Comments (0)

4:17-5:20

What did you grow up believing about God? Paul is addressing people who lived apart from God for the first part of their lives. How difficult would it be for them to change their way of life? What might make it easier?

What does Paul mean when he says that the Gentile unbelievers have “darkened in their understanding” (18) and “lost all sensitivity” (19)? Compare these verses 1 Timothy 4:2.

Various translators use “debauchery”, “licentiousness”, “lasciviousness,” etc. to translate verse 19. What do these mean?

Have you ever played on a team? When players join a new team, they get a new uniform. How does the analogy of new uniforms describe what Paul describes as putting off the old self and putting on the new (4:22)? What part of the process is up to God and what is up to you? In other words, who is responsible here: you or God? Read More→

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Categories : Bible Study, curriculum

Letters from Jail: Ephesians – Part 3

Posted by Jeff on Friday, February 11th, 2011 | Comments (0)

4:1-16
Factoid: Notice the verb “walk” (ESV) in v. 4. (Hint: the NIV translates the same word used in verse 4 as “live”. (See above discussion.)

After the last three chapters explain God’s plan and our new position in Christ, how does Paul admonish us to live? Why? Is it easy? How does following Christ give us a new perspective that helps with this goal?

Why might unity be such a big goal for Paul? Are Christians knows better for unity or divisiveness? Why is unity so hard for many Christians? Read More→

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Letters from Jail: Ephesians – Part 2

Posted by Jeff on Saturday, February 5th, 2011 | Comments (0)

We’re still moving through Ephesians, but not quickly. Here’s the questions for this week:

Chapter 3

3:1-13
What is the “mystery” (3) of which Paul is given “administration” (2, NIV) or “stewardship” (2, ESV) over? (Look where it shows up later in this chapter too.) To whom is this mystery now made known? How long has this been a part of God’s plans?

How did Paul come to know the Gospel? To what extent can we learn the same way? Does this mean we should get rid of commentaries, group discussion, classes or Bible study? Why or why not?

How does Paul describe the Gentiles in verse 6? Why does Paul focus on this theme in this letter? Why might the readers have needed to hear it repeated? What types of people might feel awkward or uncomfortable in church today? How can we break down those barriers?

What is the role of the church in God’s plan (6, 10)?

Paul writes that we have boldness and confidence though faith in Christ (12). What does that result in? Is that always easy? Why or why not? How would you explain the Gospel to someone using verse 12?

What is Paul’s all-consuming desire? How do we know what it is? How would friends describe your all-consuming desire?

3:14-20
What is the biggest thing you can think of? What is the biggest thing in the universe? How would you describe it?

What does Paul pray for the Ephesians? Outline the elements of this prayer.

What does it look like for God to strengthen the “inner man”?

Considering 2:19-22, why does Paul pray the way he does here? Is Christ dwelling in our hearts permanent or temporary? How should that change us?

Have you ever been overwhelmed by God’s love? What does it mean that this love “surpasses knowledge”? What is the result of this in our lives?

Which of the above elements of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians have you most felt the need for in the past? Which do you need the most right now? Which are your family or friends most in need of?

Paul’s prayer life and ministry might be described here as feasting. Are most believers feasting or fasting on God’s love?

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Categories : curriculum, ministry, small groups

Letters from Jail: Ephesians – Part 1

Posted by Jeff on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 | Comments (0)

I once heard of a pastor preaching through Ephesians for 30 years. The book is so rich, that as I’ve studied it, I can see why it took so long! Of course, I am not planning on preaching through it for the next couple of years. In fact, I managed to preach the whole 1st chapter a few weeks ago. If I had the time, I think I’d make it a multi-week series, but I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity to do that in the future. I don’t have the mp3 right now, so I’ll post a link to the sermon later.

Since we’ve already started the class, here are the questions for Chapters 1 & 2 of Ephesians. Just reading the questions I hand out can be difficult. In class each question connects to the next through the dialogue. But, please give me some feedback or suggestions…

Chapter 1

1:1-14

If you were choosing players for a sports team, who would you choose?

Since Paul is “an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will (1)”, why do you think God chose Paul?

Why do you think God chose to save people?  What is the significance of God choosing us before “the foundation of the world (4)”?

How are we “holy and blameless in His sight”?

Who is the “agent” through which God adopts us (5)? How does this “agent” accomplish our adoption (7)?

What is the “down payment” that we have received?

With all that God has done for you, what do you think He expects in return?

    1:15-23

    What does Paul pray for the Ephesians? How would each benefit the Ephesians? Make a list.

    If there is “great power for us who believe” (19) and everything is “under His feet” (22) and we are part of His body, the church, how should that affect our struggles?

    If God answered Paul’s prayer completely in you, how would it change your life?

    Chapter 2

    2:1-10

    What is the greatest gift you ever received?

    How does Paul describe the Ephesians before knowing Christ? Who did they follow? What did they do? What background information that we discussed about Ephesus might give us insight into what the Ephesians might read this part of the letter?

    How do people move from death to life? What do you think Paul wants people to understand about this? Why?

    How do we express thanks to someone who gives us a great gift?

    Notice the verb “walk” in v. 10. (Hint: the NIV translates the same word used in verse 10 as “live” in verse 2. Read the ESV version of verse 2.) Where else do we see that verb—in this book and in the rest of Bible? Describe the contrast between the first usage here and the second.

    If you are a believer, how is your life different now than from before you became a Christian? What still needs to change?

    2:11-22

    Can you describe a people group that doesn’t get along with another group? What divides the group of people? What would it take for there to be peace between them?

    How did Jesus tear down the “dividing wall of hostility” (14)?

    Paul says Jesus abolished the “law with its commandments and regulations” (15). How does this relate to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:17? Romans 3:31 and 13:8-10?

    How does the new Temple described in this chapter compare to the Temple in Jerusalem?

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    Letters from Jail: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon

    Posted by Jeff on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 | Comments (0)

    I am currently teaching a class on what are commonly called “The Prison Epistles”. These letters are part of the New Testament penned by the Apostle Paul while imprisoned for his missionary activity. Since I love academics, this class will explore the history and culture surrounding the writing of these books, but is also geared toward those in our church who want to grow in their faith–that is, we hope for transformation as we study study, not just knowledge! Here is is our class description from the syllabus:

    CLASS DESCRIPTION
    Paul wanted to minister and serve in Rome. When finally arriving in Rome, Paul was in chains, but used that time in jail to spread the Gospel further as God used him to write part of the New Testament. Join us as we explore the message of each book along with the history and culture surrounding it.

    I’d like to post the questions and resources as we go through the class. Feel free to follow along–or join the conversation!

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    Back to Blogging…

    Posted by Jeff on Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 | Comments (0)

    For the most part my blog has been silent for a while. While there have often been things worth writing, all my energy has been focused on writing what we came to call “The Paper”. Finding out that my project was approved by the outside reader (as required by the program) was an early Christmas present. So, I am officially on track to graduate in the spring. And although I have a few minor tasks left for school, including a presentation at graduation, I am about to not be a student–for the first time in a long time!

    A few pieces of “The Paper” will show up on the blog. Since I had to cut off so much of it to fit the maximum number of pages, you may get the unedited version from time to time.

    For now, I’d like to leave everyone with a few thoughts from the Acknowledgments section of the project:

    I cannot begin to thank all the people in my community or a part of the church I currently serve or the churches, communities, and ministries I have served in the past. It has been a privilege to serve you as I serve Christ and try to live out the gospel, following Paul’s model of sharing the gospel and my life (1 Thess. 2:8). Thanks for putting up with the drafts of this project. You may not have read them, but you heard them in my preaching, leadership coaching, Bible studies, small group meetings, and countless conversations over coffee.

    Most of all, I thank God, who not only created me, giving me the intellect and will to pursue education, but transformed my life. An encounter with the life-giving grace offered through Jesus changed my heart, mind, and career plans. It has been an unmerited privilege to follow and serve Him in ministry while being molded, shaped, and led by the Holy Spirit.

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    Categories : life online, ministry

    Book Review: Radical-Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

    Posted by Jeff on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 | Comments (0)

    Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

    To a degree, our culture blinds us from some biblical truths. We make assumptions about what it means to follow Jesus. It has been said that many people who claim to be Christians don’t follow Jesus. That is, we don’t always choose to become like Jesus; rather, we ask Jesus to follow us and become like us. Even those of us who set out to radically follow Jesus, develop blind spots in our lives. Radical challenges many of the assumptions we have about how we live our lives and inspires readers to live a radical life.

    If you’re looking for a book to challenge you to a radical life of following Jesus–check this book out! In fact, there’s a year long challenge at the end! Find Radical here on Amazon.

    Want to know more about the book, check out what the author, David Platt (Pastor of The Church at Brook Hills) has to say about it:

    (Trouble viewing this? Click  check it out on YouTube: David Platt on Radical)

    Want a free copy? Be the first to hit me up on Facebook, Twitter or with a comment below and you can have the extra copy the publisher sent me. Or Multnomah is giving more away while supplies last–so check it out here.

    Btw, this book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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    Categories : book reviews, books I read, Uncategorized
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    Book Review: Jesus the Final Days

    Posted by Jeff on Saturday, April 10th, 2010 | Comments (2)

    As the preface by Troy Miller observes, “Often in matters of Scripture and theology, the gap between the academy on one side and the church on the other is wide–often, regretfully, too wide” (vii). Although the three chapters derive from scholarly lectures, the book is readable and accessible for non-academics looking for historical background and evidence on the death burial and resurrection of Jesus.

    Predictably, some new theory or archaeological find surfaces every year around Easter. These claims normally try to show the contradictions between much of what Christians believe and the latest theory or finding. To someone with little training, many of these theories seem logical and often convincing–and therefore confusing. However, the “scholars” who purport them have their own agendas. While this book does not directly deal with all of these modern theories, it does an excellent job dealing with the historical evidence and background.

    The first two sections, covering the death and burial of Jesus, are written by Craig Evans. Currently at Acadia Divinity College, Dr. Evans happened to be one of my teachers while an adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary. I learned a lot in his class and still refer to my class notes. A prolific scholar, N.T. Wright wrote the third and final section, covering the resurrection.

    I’m fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to study the historical issues and details at a scholarly level, but still learned some new things reading this–and it’s only 107 pages. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in the background and history of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

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