The Scriptures —Study 3 — Romans 2:1-16

Study 3 From The Book of Romans Is: 2:1-16

1.      What four things are said about God’s judgement in verses 22, 6, 11 and 16? What else do you learn about it in this passage?

2.       By what general test will God judge men? See verse 7:10. How will this bring condemnation on (a) the self-righteous person, (b) the Gentile, and (c) the Jew? Why  does God delay the day of wrath?

Notes

1.        Verses 7 and 10 in no way contradict the truth that salvation cannot be earned by works. Paul is not dealing at this point with the method of salvation but with the nature of the test in the Day of Judgment. The test is righteousness (cf. 1 Jn.3:7, 10). If a man is not righteous in heart and life, he will be condemned. Later Paul will show that the only way to become righteous in God’s sight is through faith in Christ.

2.      Verses 12-15. The meaning is that men will be judged by the light they have had. If they have been under the law of Moses they will be judged by that; if not, they will be judge by the standards they possess by nature through reason and conscience.

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The Scriptures —Study 2 — Romans 1:18-32

Study 2 From The Book of Romans Is: 1:18-32

1.      How does Paul show the sin of man to be (a) deliberate, and (b) inexcusable? How did it begin, and what spiritual, mental, moral and physical effects does it have.

2.      How is God’s wrath said to manifest itself?   Notice the three stages in verses 24, 26, and 28. Cf. Ps. 81:12; Acts 7:42. In what ways do you see God’s wrath at work in the world of today?  Cf. Rom. 12:19; 13:4.

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The Scriptures —Study 1 — Romans 1:1-17

Study 1 From The Book of Romans Is: 1:1-17

1.      What does the apostle say in these verses about himself? See verses 1, 3 and each verse from 9 to 16.  With verse 14, cf. 1 Cor. 4:1-9:16, 17.

2.      What does Paul say about the gospel, its origin, content, purpose, power and propagation? Have you any eagerness or sense of obligation to preach it?

Note. Verse 17. The phrase ‘the righteousness of God’, here and in 3:21, means a righteousness provided for man by God in Christ. It should be distinguished from ‘the justice of God’ (3:5) or ‘righteousness’ (3:25) which means God’s character as righteous.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — The Book of Roman’s Introduction

Study 0 From The Book of Romans Is: The Introduction of the Book

The letter to the Romans was written by Paul from Corinth during three months which he spent in the province of Achia, as described in Acts 20:2, 3. Its purpose is to present to the Church in Rome (which he had not founded, but which he hoped soon to visit) a reasoned statement of the gospel which he preached, together with a discussion of the great problem of Jewish unbelief and of the relation of both Jews and Gentiles to Jesus Christ and His salvation.

From 15:23, 24 it would seem that the apostle to the Gentiles felt that he had some everything possible to carry out his task in the east. The time had now come to put into operation his plans for extending his work westwards. In such a task it would no doubt be an advantage to have the prayerful support and practical fellowship of the church in the metropolis. Rome was a strategic centre and the church there would seem to have been as cosmopolitan as the city. A clear statement of the gospel which he would be preaching would be the best means of clearing up any misunderstandings which might arise through Jewish-Gentile tensions or through other causes, and of gaining for Paul the fellowship and co-operation he desired.

At the outset Paul declare that the gospel is he power of God for salvation to everyone that believes. The great themes of the Christian gospel are dealt with in turn: human guilt; redemption by grace; righteousness which comes from God; justification by faith; the new life in Christ; the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer; the certainty of the final triumph of the Christian; the divine sovereignty; and the inclusion of ‘the nations’ in God’s purpose of mercy.  These are followed by a section on the practical outworking of the gospel in all spheres of life.  Little wonder that this Epistle, with its comprehensive treatment of the gospel and the compelling logic of its argument, is regarded by many as the most remarkable book on volume of remarkable books. 

The Scriptures —Study 21 — Proverbs 31

Study 21 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 31

With this lesson we end the book of Proverbs and tomorrow we will dive into the book of Romans.

1.      What three virtues did King Lemuel’s mother urge upon him (verses 1-9)? Are they any less necessary for all who will occupy positions of responsibility?

2.      Make a list of the qualities of the ideal housewife as depicted in verses 10-31.

Notes

1.        Read verses 6, 7 in the light of verses 4, 5, ie., as ‘a cutting reminder that an administrator has better things to do than anaesthetize himself’

2.        Verse 10, ‘Good’: the Hebrew word includes both moral word and practical efficiency. Cf. 12:4.  Ruth was such an one. See Ru. 3:11.

3.      Verse 18b.  This does not mean that she worked all night, but that her house was well ordered and ready against emergencies. Cf. 13:9.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20 — Proverbs 30

Study 20 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 30

The last two chapters of Proverbs are appendices.  Chapter 30 gives the words of Agur, of whom nothing further is known. Agur first looks Godward, and is humbled by the mystery of the divine being and power. Later he looks out upon the world of men and animals and notes a number of striking facts which the records.

1.      Notice the definiteness, urgency, content and motive of Agur’s prayer.  Compare with it the prayer which our Lord taught His disciple to pray.

2.      Are the classes of men mentioned in verses 11:14 still present? State in four words the sins of which they were guilty.

3.      What four lessons may the four creatures mentioned in verses 24:-28 teach us?                          

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The Scriptures —Study 19 — Proverbs 28 and 29

Study 19 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 28 and 29

1.      Gather out in these chapters the verses which present a contrast between the righteous and the wicked. How do these differ in character and conduct? Consider also their influence for good or evil on society, especially if they hold positions of authority.

2.      What is said about the importance of keeping the law, and about a right attitude to the poor? There are four references to the first and at least five to the second.   

3.      Put a mark against verses in these two chapters that you feel to be specially incisive and memorable.         

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Search The Scriptures —Study 18 — Proverbs 26:13 – 27:27

Study 18 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 26:13 – 27:27

       1.      What various kinds of wrong speech are exposed in 26:18-27:2?

       2.      ‘Be wise, my son’ (27:11). What directions for wise living do you find in 27:5-22, especially in regard to friendship?

       3.      What, according to 27:23-27, is the reward of diligence? Cf. also 27:18; 28:19; Rom. 12:11

Note. 27:25, 26 should more probably read, ‘When the hay is removed and the after-growth appears and the grass of the mountain is gathered then thy lambs will supply thee with clothing, and thy goats furnish the price of a field’ (ICC).

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The Scriptures —Study 17 — Proverbs 25:1-26:12

Study 17 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 25:1-26:12

1.      How does our Lord in one of His parables adapt the teaching of 25:6, 7?

2.      Observe in 25:8-28 how many illustrations are given of the power and influence of words both to do good and to do harm.  Am I sufficiently careful in this matter?

3.      In what ways does the passage 26:1-12 enforce the familiar injunction, ‘Don’t be a fools’? Cf. Mt. 7:26; 23:17; 25:2; Lk. 11:40; 12:20; 24:25.

Note.  The ‘fool’ is one who is willfully unresponsive to the teaching of divine wisdom, and going his own self-chosen way, hurts himself and others.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 16 — Proverbs 24

Study 16 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 24

1.      What missionary call is heard in verses 11, 12? Am I saying concerning those who are going down to death, ‘Behold, we did not know this’?

2.      What other sayings here challenge my standards of neighbourly love?

3.      What did the wise man learn from the field of the sluggard? Find and ponder the positive teachings of this chapter on thoroughness and forethought.                           

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The Scriptures —Study 15 — Proverbs 22:17-23:35

Study 15 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 22:17-23:35

1.       According to 22:17-21 what steps are involved in a full reception of God’s word?  What blessings are promised as the outcome?

2.      What are the marks of a wise ‘son’ (23:15)? What will he avoid and what will he practice?

3.      What, according to 23:29-35, are the effects of too much indulgence in wine?                           

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Search The Scriptures —Study 14 — Proverbs 20:14 – 22:16

Study 14 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 20:14 – 22:16

1.      Gather out from this passage those principles for wise living that most impress you.

2.      Make a list from 20:17-25 of different kinds of action which ought to be avoided; and notice why.

3.      20:24 speaks of God’s sovereignty, and 20-27 of man’s responsibility.  What other verses in this passage touch on these two complementary truths?

Notes:

1.        20:27. ‘The spirit of man’: here a synonym for the conscience.

2.      22:16, ‘He who…. Gives to the rich’: i.e., solely with his own advantage in view—‘to increase his own wealth’.

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The Scriptures —Study 13 — Proverbs 19:1-20:13

Study 13 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 19:1-20:13

1.      Make a list of the varied conditions and circumstances in respect of which counsel is given in this passage. Which of them apply more particularly to yourself? Note particularly the warning and the challenge of 20:6.  Cf. Mt. 7:21.

2.      What is said about the Lord?  Note carefully how the fact of His presence forms the foundation on which the writer’s counsels are based.                                                        

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Search The Scriptures —Study 12 — Proverbs 17 and 18

Study 12 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 17 and 18

1.      Make a list of the sins condemned in chapter 17.  What choices concerning our conduct ought we to make, if we wish to avoid them?

2.      What reasons are given in chapter 18 why we should ‘watch the door of our lips’?

3.      Consider the two fortresses in 18: 10, 11; and cf. Jn. 10:27, 28; Lk. 12:15-21.

Notes. 18:10. ‘The name of the Lord’ denotes the character of God Himself, as revealed to us in the Scriptures. Cf., Ex. 34:5ff.  For us it is summed up in ‘Jesus’.               

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Search The Scriptures —Study 11 — Proverbs 15:24-16:33

Study 11 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 15:24-16:33

1.      How does 15:24-33 illustrate what has been called ‘the sanity of religion’?

2.      Gather out what is said in today’s portion about the Lord, and about man’s proper attitude to Him.

3.      Consider in 16:27-30 the multiplied evil wrought by evil men. Cf. Jas. 3:6-10.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 10 — Proverbs 14:22 – 15:23

Study 10 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 14:22 – 15:23

1.      What is said in this passage about the beneficent effects of right words?

2.      What is said about ‘the Lord’?  How may we discern the fear of the Lord in our own hearts?

3.      Can I claim to have the four things making for satisfaction which are enumerated in 15:13-17?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 9 — Proverbs 13:1 – 14:21

Study 9 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 13:1 – 14:21

1.      ‘Consider the outcome of their life’ Heb. 13:7). What is said in today’s portion concerning the outcome of their life in the case of the righteous and of the wicked respectively?

2.      Gather out what is taught about ‘fools’ and ‘folly’. If we are wise, what should be the manner of our life (a) in relation to the Word, (b) in relation to our neighbours, and (c) in conduct and speech?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 8 — Proverbs 11:14-12:28

Study 8  From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 11:14-12:28

1.      What two kinds of sin or sinners are said in this passage to be as abomination to the Lord?

2.      What other sins are here condemned?  In what verses are they traced to their origin in the heart?  Cf. 4:23; Mt. 12:34, 35; 15:18, 19.

3.      Apply to yourself the five principles for the using of money expressed in 11:24-28.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — Proverbs 10:1-11:13

Study 7 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 10:1-11:13

1.      In 10:2-6 there are four conditions of well-being in circumstances, mind and character.  What are they?

2.      In the light of Jas. 3:10, what uses of the faculty of speech are here (a) commended, and (b) to be avoided.

3.      What will the possession of integrity secure for a man (11:1-13)?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — Proverbs 9

Study 6 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 9

1.      Set 9:1-6 and 9:13-18 side by side. In what respects are wisdom and folly (9:13, RV mg.) alike, and wherein do they differ?

2.      In my reactions to criticism and advice, do I show any of the symptoms of the scoffer or the wise man, as shown in verses 7-9?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Proverbs 8

Study 5 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 8

1.      Contrast the description of wisdom with that of the woman in 7:5-27. How do they differ in speech, in conduct, in what they offer, and in the goal to which they lead their followers?

2.      What is said of wisdom in verses 22-31 concerning (a) its existence from the beginning; (b) its part in creation; (c) its communion with God; (d) its interest in man? Consider how in all these respects there is here a foreshadowing of Christ. Cf., e.g.’ (a) Jn. 17:5; (b) Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17; (c) Mt. 11:27; (d) Heb. 2:17, 18.

3.      What similar but greater gifts than those which wisdom offers in 8:32-36 are offered in Christ? Cf., e.g., Mt. 11:29; Lk. 11:28; Jn. 14:21; 17:2, 3:3:36.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — Proverbs 6 and 7

Study 4 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 6 and 7

1.      Verses 1-5 give warning against foolish financial commitments and pledges.  What other warnings are given in these chapters?

2.      In what forms do the sins here spoken of manifest themselves at the present day?

3.      Test your life in the light of 6:16-19.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Proverbs 4 and 5

Study 3 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 4 and 5

1.      What are the main lessons that the speaker seeks in these chapters to impress upon us?  What heed have I given, and am I giving, so these most urgent counsels?

2.      4:23-27 provide an admirable guide to successful living. Heart, lips, eyes, feet:  what directions are given concerning each? Note how much is implied for the Christian by verse 18.

3.      What are the results, at various levels, of neglecting this way of wisdom? See 4:19;  5:9-14; 5:21-23.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Proverbs 2 and 3

Study 2 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 2 and 3

1.      What directions are given in these chapters for the attaining of wisdom? Make a list of them as a guide to your own life.

2.      What benefits does wisdom brings us, and from what evils does it preserve us? How far have I proved this in my own experience?

3.      ‘My son’: what application does the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews give to these words? Cf. Heb. 12:5-10.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Proverbs 1

Study 1 From The Book of Proverbs Is: Proverbs 1

1.      From the purpose of the book, as expressed in verses 1-6, what personal profit may we expect, to gain from studying it? How, according to verse 7, can we (a) begin right, or (b) show our folly? (See Note under Study 17.

2.      List some of the attractions in the enticing talk of verses 11-14. What positive attitudes will forearm me against them?

3.      What is the essence of the outlook deplored in verses 20-32? And of the promise given in 33?

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