Week 47, One Year Bible Challenge: “Serving the One True God”

Christ the Rock Community Church, Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study

This week’s reading November 18-241
Ezekiel 39:1 to Daniel 2:23
James 2:18 to 1 Peter 4:6
Psalm 118:1 to 119:80
Proverbs 28:2 to Proverbs 28:14

Gate of Tyre
“Gate of Tyre,” from The Holy Land and the Bible (1888)

Next Week’s Reading November 25 to December 1
Daniel 2:24 to Daniel 11:1
1 Peter 4:7 to 1 John 3:6
Psalm 119:81 to 121:8
Proverbs 28:15- to 28:28

Discussion Questions:

Old Testament

  • Psalm 118:8-9 says it is better to take refuge in the Lord than in men or princes. Most Christians would probably say they understand and agree with this verse. But why do our actions sometimes indicate otherwise–that is, we place our trust in other people before we bother consulting God?
  • In Ezekiel 47:1-12 the prophet explains his vision of the stream flowing out from under the “Temple” (some translations say “house”). Does this vision sound familiar? What does it mean?2 Compare to Rev. 22.1 (River of Life); John 4:10 (living water).
  • Why did the Babylonians give new names to Daniel and the other three sons of Judah? Daniel 1:7.

New Testament

  • Is it possible to have faith in God, and not do any good works? James 2:14-26.
  • Is it a better strategy to avoid the devil or to resist him? James 4:7. See also, Proverbs 4:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 10:14.
  • Some say James 5:12 prohibits the practice of habitually swearing oaths in ordinary conversations. This view holds that an oath required to be taken in a court proceeding is not prohibited. Does this interpretation seem reasonable to you?

FOOTNOTE:

  1. If you are participating in the Saturday morning class, “The One Year Bible Challenge,” you should read the daily materials as set out in The One Year Bible.” The verses listed on this page will include a couple of extra days each week.
  2. Barnes Commentary suggests the river refers to the different states of the Christian Church; The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell talks about our walk as Christians being a process; Clarke’s Commentary says it may refer to our gradual discovery of God’s plan of salvation; and the Easy English Commentary says since every living thing needs water to live, perhaps this growing source of water is a sign of God’s kindness.
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