Understanding the Bible
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'Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.' Acts 17:11. 

BIBLE STUDIES

                                               (for individuals and groups)                                                  

In 1907 there was a revival in Korea under the teaching of Jonathan Goforth. He 'claimed that when people were really taught the Word of God, new spiritual life would inevitably follow, whether through people becoming Christians for the first time, nominal Christians coming to understand what they professed to believe, or true Christians learning to live in the light of what they already believed '. Quoted by Valerie Griffiths in 'Not Less than Everything' p.248

                                       

                                     Contents                                            

Most of these study outlines are to be found each on their own separate page which may be reached by clicking on the title here in the contents list.

1.   A series of five studies in 1 Peter.

2.   Four (Lent) studies on what the Cross achieved for believers.

3.   Eight Studies in Colossians

4.   Four Studies on Christ's Second Coming

5.   Isaiah - references to the first and second Coming of Christ

6.   Three introductory studies for new Christians

7.   Three studies on the Christian's use of time, gifts, money and possessions.

8.   A One Session Study on Christian giving from 2 Cor.8.9. (follows on this page)

9.   Mark's Gospel in One Session

10. A series of seven group studies in Philippians

11. The Mission and Experiences of the Apostle Paul - the complete story of Paul and his mission, referenced stage by stage in the Book of Acts; on three pages.

12. The Heart of the Gospel: Phil.3:1-11 - a one-session group study

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BOOK SPOT

This book is highly recommended for leaders

DIG DEEPER

Tools to unearth the Bible's treasure

by Nigel Beynon and Andrew Sach

pub. by IVF, Leicester, UK

ISBN -13:978-1-84474-103-8

Sources and Preparation:  These Bible study  outlines were written by people associated with The Lay Institute, particularly by John Coekin, for use in actual church Bible study groups. Others' contributions are acknowledged as appropriate. In the original preparation, other published material may sometimes have been consulted, but an earnest effort has been made not to plagiarise it and to reference it  where possible. 

Use of these Studies:    There are no restrictions whatever in the way the following studies may be used. They may be copied in full or in part or incorporated into other material. Obviously if there is too much material in any study it may be divided or some omitted. Direct quotations should be acknowledged. Any acknowledgement would make this web site better known. Thank you. The NIV is used throughout. 

It is recommended that in producing notes to accompany group studies, serious attention is given to lay-out, which should be well spaced with lots of white space. This way the studies as written will communicate better. Simple cartoons or graphics can also be included - they have been excluded from these web pages because they greatly increase the time to download. 

[Readers are also recommended to consult the website of the Good Book Company (www.thegoodbook.co.uk) for excellent literature for group and individual Bible study, commentaries and study aids. The Proclamation Trust (www.proctrust.org.uk) also publishes excellent literature, tapes (audio and video) and digital CDs, and holds conferences particularly on teaching and preaching the Bible.]

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8. 2 COR. CHAPS. 8 and 9  A STUDY ON CHRISTIAN GIVING

[2 pages when printed; second part of the web page]                 

To start please read both chapters right through (read aloud around the group). The passage refers specifically to the contribution of the churches in Macedonia to the needs of the Christians in Judea, but in so doing Paul sets out principles which can apply to our giving too.

1. Were the Macedonian Christians giving out of their wealth (8:2)? Out of what then? How difficult is that and why? What accompanied their giving? How could they be experiencing everything Paul describes in this verse?

    2. How much did they give and what was their attitude (vs.3,4)? How do you explain this? See v.5. What aspect of God's Will did these Christians understand which we don't always grasp?

    3. According to vs. 1,6,7 what sort of work is giving? What does that mean?

    4. How good should we be at giving? Is that how we usually see it? Why?

    5. What in v.9 should be the motivation for our giving? In what ways are you rich? (perhaps each group member could make a suggestion)

    6. What sort of harvest can we expect if we sow sparingly (9:6 and Malachi 3:8-11)? What does the idea of 'harvest' refer to? (Be specific not vague)

    7. According to 9:7a who is responsible for our giving? Implications?

    8. Be honest, how much do the three characteristics Paul describes, feature in our giving?

    9. What does God do for the giver (9:8-11)?

    10. In 9:12-14 what is the proper result of worthy giving? What is giving a matter of, in v.13?

    11. From 8:5 and 9:15 what is the secret of it all?

Some further thoughts;

    1. The money we have is not ours but God's. (find  a scripture to confirm this)

    2. We are God's stewards of this money. (in what ways are we accountable?)

    3. We should walk loosely but not irresponsibly to money. (how?)

    4. We must not let the world set our standards. (how does it try to do this?)

    5. Our attitude to the use of our money should have (the work of) eternity in mind. (discuss this)

(For a three-part study on the Christian's use of  time, possessions, gifts and money see part 7)

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