Search The Scriptures — Study 14 — Exodus 19 and 20

Study 14  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 19 and 20

We are stopping here to go back to the book of Acts and finish it. It will take us a little while before we go back to the book of Exodus again.

1. What revelation is given in these chapters concerning (a) the character of God, and (b) His purposes for His people?
2. What are the standards of worship and behaviour that God expects of His people? Try to summarize them briefly in your own words.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 13 — Exodus18

Study 13 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 18

1. Consider the parts played by Jethro, Moses and God in this chapter.  What can we learn about guidance from this?
2. What kind of men are to be chosen as rulers of the people of God?  Cf. Acts 6:1-4

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Search The Scriptures — Study 12 — Exodus 17

Study 12  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 17

1. What is the significance of the sequence of the two events recorded in this chapter?
2. What lessons are taught here about the importance of prayer and its relationship to activity in the life and witness of the church? What further lesson was Israel meant to learn from the defeat of Amalek (verses 14-16)?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 11 — Exodus 15:22-16:36

Study 11 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 15:22-16:36

1. What reason is given twice in this passage as to why God allowed His redeemed people to suffer thirst, disappointment, and hunger?  Cf. Dt. 8:2, 3; 1 Pet. 1: 6, 7
2. What response is demanded from those for whom God provides? In what ways does God’s provision test this response?

Note. 1 Cor. 10: 1-6 indicates that these experiences in the wilderness where spiritual as well as physical and material.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 10 — Exodus 14:1-15:21

Study 10 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 14:1-15:21

1. Chapter 14. What can we learn here about God, about faith, and about the completeness of God’s salvation?
2. Chapter 15. What does this song of triumph teach us about how to worship God?  How ought we to follow its example?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 09 — Exodus 12:37-13:22

Study 09  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 12:37-13:22

1. What are the two major responses that God expects from those who are redeemed?
2. What lessons about guidance are taught in 13:17-22?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 08 — Exodus 12:1-36

Study 08 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 12:1-36

1. Why did the angel of death pass over the houses of the Israelites? How does this illustrate our redemption in Christ? Cf. 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.
2. How were the Israelites to use the lamb’s blood and its flesh? What is the New Testament counterpart of this? Why was unleavened bread used? Cf. 1 Cor. 5:6-8; 2Tim. 2:19.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 07 — Exodus 10 and 11

Study 07 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 10 and 11

1.      What was the outcome in Pharaoh’s life of his persistent refusal to heed God’s warnings? See particularly 10:29.

2. What lesson can we learn from Moses’s consistent refusal to compromise where God’s command was concerned? What was the source of Moses’s great courage?  Cf. also Heb. 11:27

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Search The Scriptures — Study 06 — Exodus 9

Study 06 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 9   

1. How does Pharaoh’s attitude show the difference between sorrow for the consequences of sin and true repentance?
2. Contrast the nature and the consequences both of faith in God’s word, and of unbelief, as illustrated in this chapter.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 05 — Exodus 8

Study 05 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 8

1.      What is mentioned in this chapter as the double purpose of the plagues? Cf. Is. 45:22-25;

Rom. 1: 18.

2.      What new evidences are given of God’s power, and how would these encourage the Israelites?

Note Verse 26.  A reference to the sacrifice in Israelite worship of bulls, cows or oxen, which in Egypt were sacred to Isis and therefore sacrosanct. 

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Search The Scriptures — Study 04 — Exodus 6:10-7:-25

Study 04 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 6:10-7:-25

1.      God had called Moses and promised deliverance to the people. Why did He delay so long

in fulfilling His promise? What did Moses learn from these difficult experiences and delays?

2.      Why was Pharaoh so confident and so adamant in disobeying God’s command?  See particularly 7:11-13, 22, 23. How does this kind of opposition to God show itself now? Cf. 2 Tim. 3:1-9.

Note. 6:12. ‘Of uncircumcised lips’: uncircumcision symbolizes unfitness for God’s presence, and hence, more generally, unfitness for His service. Cf. 4:10.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 03 — Exodus 4:18-6:9

Study 03 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 4:18-6: 9

1.      Contrast 4:29-31 with 5:20-21.  What had happened to change the people’s attitude?

How did Moses react?

2.      Consider God’s answer to Moses’s cry.  What does it teach us about the faithfulness of God and the reliability of His promises?

Notes:

1.       4:24. This seems to mean that Moses was struck down by a severe and dangerous illness, the result of his neglect to circumcise his son; and his life was saved by Zipporah’s prompt action.  He could not act as God’s instrument while in disobedience to His covenant. Cf. Gn. 17:10

2.       6:3. ‘Did not make myself known: i.e, as One whose name is ‘the Lord’ or ‘I AM’. Cf. 3:14. Once only in Genesis did God use that name of Himself, and then without emphasis or explanation (Gn. 28:13)

             

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Search The Scriptures — Study 02 — Exodus 3:1-4:17

Study 02 From The book of Exodus Is: 3:1-4:17

1.      Consider God’s revelation of Himself in the incident of the burning bush. How would you sum up God’s being and character as revealed in this incident?

2.      Was Moses’ reluctance to accept God’s call to be commended? Cf. 2 Cor. 3:5; Rom.12:3. Why was God angry with him?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 01 — Exodus 1 and 2

Study 01  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 1 and 2

I felt important to give you the author’s background on Exodus because mid 2000 during my wilderness walk with Him, I was surprised to see that God took me back to basics in this book of Exodus to learn how important each steps were to Him, how they must be applied to our lives and our souls and how to avoid responding like the Israelites. It is there, I learned to talk boldly about the wilderness life as if it was something expected in the Christian life. I was pleasantly surprised when I read the author's thoughts on the same issue, penned in black and white.

The name Exodus, taken from the Septuagint translation, means ‘going out’. By applying the word ‘redeem’ to the great deliverance from Egypt (Ex: 6:6; 15:13), the book itself shows us in which direction to look for the spiritual meaning lying behind the historic fact.  These twenty chapters are indeed full of teaching; not only the Exodus itself, but also the Red Sea, Marah, Elim, the manna, the rock, and the life-giving water, to name only the chief examples, all speak to us of spiritual truth.

In these chapters we read:

(a)    Of redemption from bondage by power, and from death by the shedding of blood.

(b)   Of the love of God, manifesting itself first in compassion for His suffering people, then in action for their deliverance, and in wonderful patience with their faithlessness and obstinacy.

(c)    Of the holiness of God demanding consecration, separation and purity, and giving a law which must be observed.

(d)   Of the amazing ingratitude of man, despite the countless benefits showered upon him, and of a ready promise (so soon broken) to do all that God commanded.

(e)    But also of one man, Moses, who, like Abraham and Joseph before him, lived in the consciousness of God’s presence and showed steadfast fidelity and conspicuous faith.

HERE IS THE STUDY

1.      What are the contrasting attitudes of the Israelites toward their circumstances, as revealed in this passage? Cf. Heb. 11:23-25. What is God’s attitude to the situation? See especially 2:23-25.

2.      By what varied means from birth onwards was Moses prepared for his life-work? Cf. Acts 7:20-29. What does this reveal concerning God’s way of working?

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LAST STUDY IN THE BOOK OF ACTS—STUDY 22

Search The Scriptures — Study 22 — Acts 12:1-24

Study 22 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 12:1-24

This study of Chapter 12 concludes the first part of the book of Acts. We will jump into the first part of the book of Exodus, from chapter 1-20 then go back to the book of Acts once again, to finish it.  

1.      Sum up Herod’s character from verses 1-4 and 18-23. How and why was his life abruptly ended? Are we living to the glory of God? Cf. 1 Cor. 10:31.

2.      Prayer was the church’s weapon to free Peter.  Note (a) its character, (verse 5), (b) its obstacles (verse 6-11), (c) its results (verses 12-17).  Those who had prayed did not believe that what had happened was true (verse 14, 15). Do you believe that intercessory prayer can do great things? Cf. 2 Cor. 1:8-11 and Eph. 3:20, 21

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Search The Scriptures — Study 21 — Acts 11: 19-30

Study 21 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 11:19-30

 The city of Antioch, capital of the Roman province of Syria, was one of the three largest cities of the Empire. It was famous for its commerce art and literature, and infamous for its vice and frivolity.  It was to become ‘the jumping-off point’ for Paul’s missionary journeys.

1. What was the distinctive feature that from the beginning marked the preaching of the gospel at Antioch, and with what far-reaching results?
2. What stages marked the establishment of the church there, and what part did Barnabas play? How can we teach and encourage young Christians?
3. Verses 27-30. A young Gentile church helps the older church at Jerusalem. Note the signs of this Church’s vitality, influence and Christian spirit. Cf. 2: 44, 45; 4: 34-37.  Does your Christian faith find expression in practical giving like this?

Note. Verse 26. The onlooking world, realizing that this clearly was not a synagogue of Jews, gave them a new distinctive name-‘Christians’

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Search The Scriptures — Study 20 — Acts 11:1-18

Study 20  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 11:1-18

The circumcision party (verse 2) was a conservative group in the church at Jerusalem, who insisted on the necessity of circumcision for all. Cf. 15:1, 5. Peter had to explain to them his action with Cornelius.

1. What main point does Peter emphasize when he recounts his meeting with Cornelius? Notice what Peter says about prayer; the vision and action of God; the part played by the angel and the Holy Spirit.  What was the result of God’s action upon (a) the Gentiles (verses 14, 17, 18), (b) the circumcision party (verse 18), and (c) Peter (verses 16,17)?

2. Compare 1:5 with 11:16, 17 and Eph. 3:6. Peter had to learn that there was more truth in God’s word than he realized at first, and that he must not keep up social, national and religious barriers when God has removed them.  Do you retain any such barriers between yourself and someone else which ought to be removed?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 19 — Acts 10:34-48

Study 19 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 10:34-48

1. What new truth had Peter learned from the vision? See verses 34, 35 and cf. verse 28. Notice that the work could not develop until Peter had learned this. Is our willingness to learn some divinely-revealed truth hindering God’s work in and through us?
2. When Peter addressed Jews, what truths did he use to awaken their conscience (cf. 2:36 and 3:13-15)?  What truth did he use now? Do you find any other indications in this address that it was spoken before a Gentile audience? What ought we to learn from these features concerning our presentation of the gospel to non-Christian?
3. Consider the character of Cornelius as revealed in this chapter. If he was such a devout man before, what did he gain by believing on Jesus? Cf. 11:13-15

Note. Verses 34, 35.  The meaning of Peter’s words is not that men can be saved by their own good works, but that men like Cornelius and his friends are not excluded from God’s favorable regard on the ground of their nationality.  Their devout spirit is just as pleasing in God’s sight as a similar spirit and behaviour would have been in a Jew.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 18 — Acts 9:43 – 10:33

Study 18  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9: 43 – 10:33

1.  See Notes 1 and 2. Contrast the two towns of Joppa and Caesarea, and the two men and Cornelius.  The scene is not set for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel. Whose intervention was necessary to bring it about? Whom ought we to thank for our reception of the gospel?
2. How did God teach new truths to both Peter and Cornelius? Notice the prejudice that had to be removed and the obedience that was shown. Are you also willing to obey God when He teaches you something new and different from your natural prejudice or preference?

Notes:

1. 9:43. This verse really belongs to the Cornelius story. Joppa was a very Jewish town, loyal to ancient tradition; Caesarea was a semi-pagan city, modeled on Rome.
2. 10:1. Cornelius was a Gentile and a God-fearer, who joined with the Jewish worship, without becoming a proselyte.
3. 10:4. ‘As a memorial’: the word is that used in Lv. 2:2 in connection with the remembrance offering. The angel’s message assures Cornelius that though, in his uncircumcision, he had no share in the sacrifices of the Temple, yet his prayers and alms were acceptable before God.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 17 — Acts 9:32-42

Study 17 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9:32-42

1. What evidences do you find in these verses that a widespread revival was going on at this time, and that Christ, dwelling in His people, still moved among men as Saviour, Teacher, Healer, and Friend? What prayer ought such a record to stir us to pray?
2. How do you picture Dorcas? What ideals of Christian character and service are exemplified in her? Can you find ways to go and do likewise?
3. Peter continues to heal in the name of the Lord Jesus, (a) Cf. Also 3:6, 7,16; 4:30; 5:12-16; 6:8 and 8:6,7 for other examples. (b) Compare what Peter did with the work of his Master. With verse 34, cf. Mk. 2:11 and Jn. 5:8; and with verses 40, 41 cf. Mk. 5:35-43. (c) Peter was experiencing what Christ had promised in Jn. 14:12. Peter believed the promises of Christ and experienced the co-operating power of God the Spirit. The question is---Do we? And if not, why not? 

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Search The Scriptures — Study 16 — Acts 9:19b-31

Study 16  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9:19b-31

1. How did Paul prove his sincerity from the very beginning of his Christian life? Cf. 1 Jn. 3:14; Acts 26:19,20.
2. Comparing verse 31 with 6:7, notice how the church had extended its boundaries. Notice, also the two marks of healthy spiritual life that are especially mentioned in verse 31. Are these marks, together with those seen in Paul’s life (Question 1), found in yours
3. Compare the Jewish opposition and the Christian fellowship that Paul experienced at Damascus (verses 22-25) and Jerusalem (verses 26-30). May becoming a Christian today still give a person new enemies and new friends?

Note. The visit to Arabia of which Paul speak in Gal. 1:17 should probably be fitted in between verses 21 and 22 of the story in Acts 9.  

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Search The Scriptures — Study 15 — Acts 9: 1- 19a

Study 15 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9: 1-19a

1. What do these verses reveal of Christ’s power, majesty and glory and also of His compassion, love and grace? Cf. 1 Tim. 1:12-14.
2. What task was Ananias given to do? In what way is he an example of the help we can give to a recently converted person?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 14 — Acts 8:26-40

Study 14  From The book of Acts Is: Acts 8:26-40.

1. Note how much of active interest and response the Ethiopian was already showing before Philip met him. What more did he need before he was able to go ‘on his way rejoicing’? What similar aids may we use in order to find God and to discover more of His truth for ourselves?
2. Learn from Philip (a) the qualities needed in and (b) the methods used by, one man an when leading another person to trust Christ. Are you willing to be sent on such an errand (verses 26, 29)?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 13 — Acts 8:5-25

Study 13 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 8:5-25

1.  Measure the success of Philip’s ministry in Samaria by the difficulties with which he had to contend. Cf. Jn. 4:9. To what was his success due? Cf. Jn. 14:12; Acts 1:8.  What results followed when the power of God was manifested? See verses 6, 18-21. In what ways should such a record make us give heed?
2. Simon was intellectually convinced of the truth and power of the gospel, but his heart was unchanged. How did this come to light? In what ways is it right or wrong for us to covet the power of God’s Spirit?

Note.  Verses 14-17.  The reason, no doubt, why the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon the Samaritan believers was that, as this was the first extension of the Church beyond the borders of the Jewish people, it was fitting that the seal of the Spirit (Eph. 1:13) should be given through Peter and John, as the representatives of the apostles. In a similar way Peter was chosen to go to Cornelius (10:5), though Philip was probably in Caesarea at the time.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 12 — Acts 7:44-8:4

Study 12 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 7:44-8:4

1.   In his conclusion (7:44-53) how does Stephen teach the divine origin and yet the inadequacy of both the Tabernacle or ‘tent of witness’ and the Temple or ‘house’ which Solomon built?  What charges does he bring against his accusers?  To what positive truths here indicated or implied ought we to pay heed?

2.   Consider the likeness between Stephen and his Lord in his life, character, and in his death.  Where did this likeness come from? How may we follow his example? Cf. 2 Cor. 3:18.

3.   What were the results for the Church of Stephen’s witness (a) in suffering (see 8:1, 3) and (b) in expansion (see 8:4, 5; 11:19, 20)? Notice what God can do through one man fully yielded to His service.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 11 — Acts 7:9-43

Study 11 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 7:9-43

Stephen’s speech seeks to show (a) that God’s presence with His people is not limited to a particular place or building (verses 2, 9, 10, 30, 34-38, 44-49); and (b) that far from overthrowing Moses, Christ is the promised Prophet like Moses of whom Moses himself spoke (verse 37).

   1.   God intended Joseph (verses 9-16) and Moses (verses 20-43) to deliver His people from bondage.  Notice (a) the places in which they lived, (b) the work they had to do, (c) the treatment they received from their brethren, and (d) the results they achieved. In What ways do they foreshadow the work of the Lord Jesus Christ?

2.   The tragedy of Israel’s spiritual blindness is described in verses 25 and 35-43. How did it manifest itself first in thought, will and desire (verse 39) and finally in action (verse 40-43)? What was its penalty? Does God still deal with His people like this?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 10 — Acts 6:1-7:8

Study 10 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 6:1-7:8

     1.   How did the apostles deal with the incipient troubles mentioned in 6:1? What three results followed for the widows, the Seven, and the Twelve?  What lessons may we learn from their handling of the situation?

2.   Notice three things about Stephen’s life and ministry (6: 5-15): (a) the outstanding features of his life (verses 5, 8); (b) the nature of the persecution against him (verses 11-13); (c) the charges laid against him (verses 13, 14).  Cf. Mk. 14:57, 58 and Acts 21:27, 28.  What are the indispensable qualifications for, and the possible consequences of, faithful witness for Christ?

Notes

1.   6:1. ‘Hellenists’ denote Jews who had lived abroad and spoke Greek. ‘Hebrews’ were Jews of Palestine who spoke the Jewish language.

2.   Stephen’s ministry marked a vital stage in the growth of the early church. His teaching ‘first drove a wedge between Judaism and Christianity’

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