Bible Searchers: 1995

We have come to the book of Proverbs at a very appropriate time in our journey through the Bible. This book contains the priceless wisdom of God intended for our blessing (if we use it) as we live and walk through this world each day of our lives.

It is especially timely that we are starting a new year by beginning our trip through this wonderful book which contains God’s wisdom for all the situations of our lives.

The man whom the Spirit of God used to write much of this inspired book was King Solomon. God gave him such great wisdom that no man (except the Lord Jesus) was smarter than Solomon. However, in the very first chapter of Proverbs, Solomon tells us that the “beginning” (or “foundation”) of all knowledge is the fear of the Lord. No matter how much we may know about the Word of God, it will do us little good if we are not concerned about what God thinks of us and our ways.

In the Proverbs we will meet “wise men,” “fools,” “simple ones,” “scorners” and others. Each of these people are used by the Spirit of God to teach us important lessons. Perhaps the most important individual whom we will meet in Proverbs is one called “my son.” Many of the writings are directed to this individual.

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, God is your Father and you can read these words as though God were personally talking to you -whether you are a boy, girl, man or woman.

Let’s rest for a while now so you can find the following verses before going further in our journey through Proverbs.

1. The ____________ of this world is, at best, foolishness when compared with God’s ____________ . (The word is the same in both blanks.)

1 Corinthians 1:___

Where

2. The Apostle Peter tells Christians that they should return ____________ to those who speak in evil ways of them and persecute them. 1 Peter 3:___

Not

3. The only way Christians can submit (humble) themselves to one another is if it is done in the ____________ of God. Ephesians 5:___

Submitting

4. When the Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem, _____________________ (2 words) came to see Him. Matthew 2:___

Now

5. God gave His beloved ____________ so that any who believe in Him will have eternal life. John 3:___

For

1 Corinthians 1 - January 1, 1995

The next two letters (epistles) that we have recorded in our Bible are those Paul wrote to the believers in the city of Corinth. Paul loved these believers very much, for they had been saved through his preaching. He was their spiritual father and he had very deep affection and concern for them and their spiritual welfare.

The Corinthian believers were in great spiritual difficulty because of their worldly ways (carnality). They had wealth, intelligence and many other outward signs of prosperity. Sad to say, however, they were living just like the world around them so that it was difficult for the heathen Corinthians to see any difference in these Christians’ lives.

Paul was inspired by God to write two letters to the assembly in Corinth in which he has to correct many things that were wrong there and which contain solemn warnings to them and to all believers through the ages. It is also nice to see how First and Second Corinthians come in order in our Bible right after Romans.

In Romans the way a holy and righteous God can reach out in blessing to lost man is presented. Then in First and Second Corinthians the conduct of those who belong to the Lord and that which is pleasing to Him is presented. Godly order and care in the assembly forms a large part of these letters. How important that believers study these wonderful epistles and seek by His grace to walk according to the doctrines and principles presented in them!

1. Though Paul was about to write some very stern and solemn words to his beloved children in Corinth, he opens his first letter by telling them how thankful he was for them and for the way in which God had blessed them. What two elements did Paul tell the Colossian believers should always be found in their talk? Colossians 4:___

2. Though rich in wisdom and gift, the Corinthians were not living faithfully as children of God. God, in His blessed faithfulness, inspired Paul to write some very strong warnings to them. How does Proverbs describe words that sometimes hurt though spoken by those who love us? Proverbs 27:___

3. The first sign of problems in the assembly at Corinth was the divided opinions that the believers had. They were not practically “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit.” What is necessary before two individuals can walk in unity with each other? Amos 3:___

4. The Corinthians were attracted by (and no doubt possessed much) natural wisdom. But man’s wisdom can never enter into the understanding of the preaching of Christ crucified. What comparison does God make between His thoughts and ways and ours? Isaiah 55:___

5. The Corinthians (and all believers), who were glorying in themselves and their gifts, were told that the only object worthy of glory is the Lord. How did the Apostle Peter tell the suffering Jewish believers to react to their trials and persecutions? 1 Peter 4:___

Proverbs 1 (Continued) - February 5, 1995

The first chapter (as with many other chapters in Proverbs) is addressed to “my son.” If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then you can call God your Father, and it is as though He is writing this book directly to you. A “son” in the Bible often is a symbol of a very close and loving relationship that exists between God and His children. A “son” has a special place in the heart of God and has special responsibilities in living to please God the Father. Because of this, boys and girls should read this as though it were addressed to themselves personally.

The first thing that God our Father wants us to do is to hear - to listen carefully to the advice and wisdom He wants to give us. The very starting point of this advice is to “fear God.” (That doesn’t mean to be afraid of God - but to be very respectful and reverent of Him and to be very concerned about what He thinks about you.)

The next advice God gives is that those who belong to Him should refuse to go along with the plans and activities of sinners. The wicked person will try to make his naughty ways seem very attractive, but those who love God must not be fooled by his deception and lies.

Before going further in our journey, find the following verses.

1. In answer to a request from Thomas to see the ____________ , the Lord Jesus said that as the disciples looked at Himself they saw the ____________ (same word in both blanks). John 14:___

Jesus

2. Jesus said that those who would enter into the kingdom of heaven must become as little ____________ who believe in simple faith what they are told. Matthew 18:___

And

3. The Lord Jesus referred to those who believe in Him as His sheep who ____________ His voice. The true sheep of the Lord Jesus not only ____________ (same word in both blanks) Him, but they also follow Him.

John 10:___

4. Those who hated the Lord Jesus and wanted to find fault with Him were unhappy because they said He was found in the company of ____________ . Luke 15:___

And

5. The world will be able to tell that we belong to the Lord Jesus if we ____________ other believers. John 13:___

1 Corinthians 2 and 3 - February 5, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. Paul loved the Corinthian believers very much, for they had been saved through his preaching and he was their spiritual father. He had deep affection and concern for them and their spiritual welfare.

Worldliness (carnality) was a very serious problem in Corinth. Though the believers there had much intelligence and gift, even in spiritual things, they had become proud and were glorying in themselves and their abilities. This led to the allowance of many very serious sins which the beloved Apostle brings before them that they might repent of their ways.

We also want to remember the beautiful moral order of the placement of these epistles in our Bible. In Romans, the way a holy and righteous God can reach out in blessing to lost mankind is presented. Then, in First and Second Corinthians, the proper conduct of those who belong to the Lord and form His assembly here is given.

1. There was nothing about Paul’s preaching which attracted the attention of the heathen Corinthian world, for it was given out in much weakness and without human eloquence. The “mystery” of God’s wisdom could only be understood and received by the work of the Holy Spirit in men’s hearts. The Lord Jesus in an earlier time had thanked the Father because what He had spoken had been hidden from the “wise” of this world. To whom had those things been revealed? Luke 10:___

2. Paul taught the Corinthians that the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God. Natural man treats God’s wisdom as foolishness. What “treasures” are “hid” in Christ? Colossians 2:___

3. Paul had wished to speak about spiritual things to the Corinthians, but because of their worldly lives he was unable to do so. How does God characterize believers’ friendship with this world? James 4:___

4. The Corinthians’ worldliness was proven by their jealousy, arguments and divisions with each other. No doubt each group in the Corinthian assembly thought themselves more gifted, spiritual and wiser than all the others. One group held Paul for their head while another held Apollos for theirs. Where should believers keep their hearts’ affections fixed? Colossians 3:___

5. The Corinthians were the building of God; Paul had laid the foundation -Christ - and there were those in Corinth who were building on this foundation. Because of their worldliness, they were not using good materials (such as gold and silver) and the day would come when their work would be tested by God and would be destroyed by the fire of His righteous judgment. If a believer wishes to be a “vessel” fit for the use of his Master, from what must he separate (2 verses)? 2 Timothy 2:___

Proverbs 1 (Continued) - March 5, 1995

After the sinners have tried to deceive and corrupt the young person to whom these words are addressed by a loving father, another individual seeks to get the attention of the young person. This individual is called wisdom and the message she brings will provide happiness and contentment to any who listen to her.

Wisdom’s message goes to different classes of individuals, including the “simple,” the “scorner” and the “fool.” These descriptions fit those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord or as their Saviour.

The sad results of not accepting the message which wisdom gives results in fear, desolation and destruction. Those who have rejected wisdom will try to call to her for help, but she will not answer them. How important to accept God’s message of love and wisdom immediately!

We will rest for a while as you find the following verses.

1. Some Christians think that once they are saved they can never sin again. Those who believe this ____________ themselves. 1 John 1:___

2. All of the unsearchable riches of ____________ and knowledge are hid in the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:___

3. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to be the ____________ of the world.

1 John 4:___

And

4. There were people who believed in the Lord Jesus when He was here in this world, but they did so in secret because of the ____________ they had of those who hated Him. Joseph of Arimathea was one of these disciples.

John 19:___

And

5. We who are believers are invited into the very presence of God to receive the ____________ we need as we journey on our way to heaven.

Hebrews 4:___

Let

1 Corinthians 4 - March 5, 1995

1. The carnal Corinthian believers did not see in Paul one who was given by Christ to be the steward of the mysteries of God concerning the Church. Their worldliness (carnality) blinded their eyes and caused them to make wrong judgments about those who were true servants of Christ. How does Paul describe the “carnal mind” to the Roman believers? Romans 8:___

2. The proud, worldly Corinthian believers, seeing the sufferings and persecutions through which Paul passed, disdained the Apostle and his afflictions. Because they gloried in themselves and had not yet learned what it was to be “crucified with Christ” (to the world), they were not able to truly value Paul or his ministry. What was it that Paul himself “gloried” in? Galatians 6:___

3. Paul knew there were those in Corinth who opposed him while they took a place of prominence for themselves. He sent Timothy to warn the Corinthians about their waywardness. He did this in the spirit of a “father,” for if he were to come to them, it might have to be as one bearing a “rod” for their correction. Paul much preferred to come to Corinth in meekness and love. In what two characters had Paul served the Thessalonian believers (2 verses)?

1 Thessalonians 2:___

4. What wonderful message did the Lord give to the women whom He met after His resurrection concerning their new relationship to God? John 20:___

5. What is the reason that God our Father “chastens” (disciplines) those who are His dear children? Hebrews 12:___

Proverbs 2 - April 2, 1995

There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. Someone has observed that it would be good to read one chapter for each day of the month in order to have God’s wisdom for our lives!

In chapter 1 we were told that “simple ones,” “scorners” and “fools” reject wisdom while sinners try to “entice” (tempt) young people to follow them. As we go through the wonderful chapters of this book, we also find out about a “strange woman” and an “evil man.” The “strange woman” is one who seeks to destroy the souls of those who make friends with her, while the “evil man” is motivated by pride and his ways are crooked.

Proverbs teaches us that the “strange woman” is very dangerous, for she looks very nice on the outside, but those who follow her find the end of their path is death. Another woman - “wisdom” - is repeatedly presented to the reader. If one follows her and her ways, the result is life and joy and blessing. Those who read this book are constantly encouraged to diligently seek for wisdom.

Let’s stop for a while in our journey while you look for the following verses.

1. The Lord Jesus quoted the Scriptures when Satan tried to ____________ Him to disobey His Father. Luke 4:___

And

2. The Lord Jesus told some fishermen that if they would ____________ Him, they would become fishers of men. Matthew 4:___

And

3. The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus has ____________ the one (Satan) who had the power of death. Hebrews 2:___

Forasmuch

4.Sin pays wages. God tells us that these “wages” are ____________ .

Romans 6:___

For

5.The greatest ____________ that the Apostle John had was to hear that his “children” were continuing in the truth of God. 3 John ___

1 Corinthians 5 - April 2, 1995

Worldliness (carnality) was a very serious problem in Corinth. In chapter five we will see the awful fruit of this worldliness in the way in which the consciences of the Corinthians were dulled to the terrible immorality which was happening among them. Though the believers there had much intelligence and gift, even in spiritual things they had become proud and were glorying in themselves and their abilities. This led to the allowance of many very serious sins which the beloved Apostle brings before them that they might repent of their ways.

1. The awful immorality which was allowed to continue in the assembly was reported by local unbelievers to be the common (or normal) way of life of the Christians at Corinth. What would the unbeliever report about the assembly if, rather than showing off its public gifts such as speaking in tongues, the assembly gave itself to prophesying the Word of God as led by the Spirit?

1 Corinthians 14:___

2. What was the nature of the report that Joseph gave his father concerning his brethren? Genesis 37:___

3. What was the nature of the report that the majority of the Israelites gave of the land of Canaan that they had been sent to spy out for Moses?

Numbers 13:___

4. How did the Queen of Sheba characterize the report she had heard in her land of the glory and wisdom of King Solomon? 1 Kings 10:___

5. What kind of a report was required of those men (brethren) who were to be appointed to oversee the financial needs of the early assembly at Jerusalem? Acts 6:___

Proverbs - May 7, 1995

The early chapters of Proverbs each begin with the father giving a special message to his son. There are also repeated instructions to the son to take care that he “receive” and listen carefully to what his father is telling him.

The father wants his son to “receive” his words and “hide” his commandments. He is also concerned that his son does not “forget” what he has said but that the words remain in the son’s heart. He further directs his son to take care that the words not depart from his son’s eyes. Later the son is told to “bow” his ear to hear the wisdom of the father and to see that he “forsake” not the law of his mother.

All of these appeals are given to one who is loved and for the purpose that he may enjoy a happy and fruitful life free of the sorrows which those who are fools and refuse instruction find. Violence, sorrow, contention, wrath and even death are all shown to be the result of refusing the words of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs.

Before going further, we will rest a bit in our journey while you find the following verses.

1. We receive good and perfect gifts from above from the ____________ who never changes in His love and ways. James 1:___

Every

2. Those who are saved have believed in their ____________ that the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, rose from the dead after He was crucified.

Romans 10:___

That

3. Paul tells Timothy that the time is coming when those people who have heard the truth will turn away the ____________ to hear lies and falsehood concerning the truth of God. 2 Timothy 4:___

And

4. Christians have a hope in this ____________ for the wonderful joy and rest that is coming. If believers did not have this hope, we would be the most miserable of all living in the world. 1 Corinthians 15:___

5. Every treasure and precious thing concerning ____________ and knowledge are hid in the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:___

1 Corinthians 6-8 - May 7, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. Worldliness (carnality), which was a very serious problem in Corinth, caused many of the believers there to walk just as the world. They even went so far as to go to court with lawsuits against their brethren in the Lord. Their worldly ways also caused them to have many questions about marriage relationships and the conduct which was proper for Christians who were already in a marriage relationship.

Paul further (chapter 8) has to explain how believers were to act regarding the various meats which were offered to the heathen idols at Corinth. Some believers, weak in faith, would be offended or stumbled if they were to knowingly eat such meat. Though it was not wrong for a believer to eat thus, seeing that the idol was nothing at all, he warns the Corinthians that they should not use this liberty if they knew it would offend or stumble other believers.

Paul ends chapter 8 with a wonderful statement, one which all believers today would do well to heed: “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

1. The Corinthian believers had so taken up with the character of the world that they were suing each other - bringing dishonor to the name of Christ by dragging one another into the courts of the world to find justice. What is the “Christian” reaction towards one who would take away our possessions through lawsuits? Matthew 5:___

2. Paul taught the Corinthians that their bodies belonged to the Lord who had purchased them and now were the temple where the Holy Spirit dwelt. What was the price paid for their purchase? 1 Peter 1:___

3. Because of the immorality rampant in the idolatrous city of Corinth, the believers had many questions concerning God’s thoughts about the marriage relationship. Paul stresses that even in homes where one of the marriage partners was not saved, the believer should seek to remain. If the unbeliever separated from the believing partner, the believer, though not under bondage, was instructed to seek reconciliation. What warning did the Lord Jesus give concerning marriage? Matthew 19:___

4. Though the believer might, with a clear conscience, eat meat that had been offered to an idol, this liberty was not to be used to stumble a weak believer. How do the prophets characterize the action of the Lord Jesus towards a believer whose testimony was so faint that its light was about to go out?

Matthew 12:___

5. Paul warned the Corinthian believers not to live in such a way that would cause a weak sheep of Christ to perish (lose his Christian testimony). What did the Lord desire that Peter should do for His lambs? John 21:___

Proverbs - June 4, 1995

Though it seems that the Proverbs of Solomon were only written by him, the last two chapters are written by two men named Agur (chapter 30) and Lemuel (chapter 31). The very last chapter is especially striking, for in these words of Lemuel (written through divine inspiration of God) we find recorded the wisdom that his mother gave to him.

How wonderful to see that Proverbs closes with the wisdom of a mother passed on to the son she loves and that this wisdom concerns the characteristics of a virtuous woman. Perhaps Lemuel’s mother desired that her son would find such a virtuous woman as she described for his wife.

The book of Proverbs began with the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom, and it ends with the statement that “a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” How important that we learn in our journey through the Bible the blessings that will be ours if we walk in the fear of the Lord.

Let’s stop and rest in our journey while you find these verses.

1. The Lord Jesus promised that if someone followed Him, even though it meant that he would have to forsake his ____________ and other members of his family, he would receive great reward. Matthew 19:___

And

2. The Lord Jesus also said that if someone ____________ their family more than Himself, that person cannot be worthy to follow Him. Matthew 10:___

3. God has promised ____________ to anyone who, realizing their lack, asks it of Him. James 1:___

4. Jesus healed the mother of Peter’s ____________ when she was very sick with a fever. Matthew 8:___

And

5. The moment God opened Zacharias’s mouth (Zacharias was the father of John the Baptist), he began to ____________ God. Luke 1:___

And

1 Corinthians 9-10 - June 4, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. There were those in the assembly at Corinth who tried to undermine the authority and teaching of the Apostle Paul. They tried at first to criticize the Apostle for his manner of life. Among other things, they accused him of trying to make gain of the Corinthians by expecting the believers there to financially support him.

Paul clearly shows that the laborer rightfully could expect to be supported by that which his labor produced. But even though this was so, he had not used his rights in demanding anything of the Corinthians. His reward was the ministry he was given to preach the gospel freely and without charge to all men. He, being free from obligation to any man, could thus use any means at his disposal that the gospel might be freely preached to all.

He turns then to a most critical subject in chapter 10: the table of the Lord. In introducing this subject, the example of the children of Israel and their moral history is given first. Having been so gloriously delivered from Egypt, many of the Israelites perished because of their idolatry and unbelief. The Corinthians are thus warned that, as they have been brought into such blessing, they should not follow the example of the unbelieving Israelites and fall under the same judgment. If they were to have the privilege of partaking of the table of the Lord, it was to be done in purity and holiness and in separation from idolatry.

1. Paul presses upon the Corinthians that one who was serving another as a soldier, a farmer or a shepherd could expect to be supported by them. The law given to Israel confirmed this. What preparations were the Lord Jesus’ disciples to make for themselves when they went forth to labor for Him?

Matthew 10:___

2. Later, after they had been serving the Lord, He asked them what provisions they had lacked while they served Him. What was their answer?

Luke 22:___

3. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to live their faith with the kind of dedication that an athlete would use when running a race to win a prize. What must believers lay down if they are to run a successful Christian race for the Lord’s glory? Hebrews 12:___

4. Though delivered in a miraculous way from slavery in Egypt, many Israelites died in the wilderness. They had turned away from God their Saviour and to the wickedness of idolatry. What had the Thessalonian Christians done which was a cause of thanksgiving to God from Paul? 1 Thessalonians 1:___

5. Paul pleads with the Corinthian believers to flee from idolatry, for it led the Israelites into awful sin and immorality. What warning does the Apostle John give to his children in the faith? 1 John 5:___

Ecclesiastes - July 2, 1995

This wonderful little book was also written by King Solomon. Solomon is the same person that the Spirit of God inspired to write the book of Proverbs, through which we have just passed on our journey through the Bible. We found in Proverbs God’s wisdom provided for each one who desires a happy life and a life which pleases and glorifies the Lord.

In Ecclesiastes we find a book which contains the experiences of one who has tried everything that this world has to offer and can find no happiness in any of it. It is important to remember that it is no doubt Solomon himself who is described in these pages. The wisest and richest man who ever lived in this world (apart from the Lord Jesus Christ) could not find anything in it to satisfy his heart! This is an important lesson for Christians to learn. Only the Lord Jesus can provide true happiness, satisfaction and peace to you and me.

Almost the very first verse in this book tells us that all the world can offer to us is “vanity.” (This word means “empty” or “nothing.”) Solomon tests the wisdom, the pleasures and the labor of this world. There was nothing he did not try to see if he could find satisfaction. His conclusion is that everything he tried and everything he gained in this world was all vanity.

Let’s stop and rest in our journey while you find these verses.

1. The person whose iniquities and sins have been forgiven is truly ____________ . (The word means the same as “blessed.”) Romans 4:___

Saying

2. The Lord Jesus wants believers to live in such a way that when the world sees our good works they will ____________ our God and Father.

Matthew 5:___

Let

3. Believers have God’s promise that every need they have will be supplied through the ____________ found in glory in the Lord Jesus. Philippians 4:___

But

4. The disciples of the Lord Jesus questioned Him one time because they did not understand how they could ____________ the hunger of the great crowd of people who had come to hear the Lord Jesus. Mark 8:___

And

5. The Lord Jesus warned that men should not ____________ for food which would perish but for that which would be given them by the Son of man (Himself) and would be eternal life. John 6:___

not for the meat

1 Corinthians 10 - July 2, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul is taking up the subject of the table of the Lord and the conduct which should characterize those who are invited to eat at it.

Paul has shown that not all those who were Israelites and were delivered from Egypt’s bondage were pleasing to God. Many of them died in the wilderness because of their disobedience and idolatry. He clearly shows that those who claim a relationship with God must walk in separation from the corruptions and defilements of this world, if they are to please Him.

The Corinthian believers were, in like manner, to flee from idolatry, for if they partook of that which was offered at the table of demons, they could not partake of that which was the Lord’s. Paul also showed that, even though the meat which was offered to demon idols and then sold in the market (shambles) was nothing, as the idol itself was nothing, to knowingly partake of these things connected the individual in fellowship with the table of demons. And one connected with such wickedness could not then have fellowship in the communion of the blood and body of Christ at His table.

It was not a legal restriction which Paul pressed upon the Corinthian believers. If they were invited to a feast, they were to eat whatever was set before them without asking questions about it. If, however, the host were to tell them that the food they were eating had been offered to idols, for the sake of the conscience of the host, and others there who may have been believers, the Christian was to refuse to eat. The thought of fellowship is very closely connected with the subject of the Lord’s table.

1. What fellowship is it possible for moral light (righteousness) to have with moral darkness (unrighteousness)? 2 Corinthians 6:___

2. What is required if two individuals are to walk together in happy fellowship? Amos 3:___

3. At the beginning of his first epistle, the Apostle John, who enjoyed fellowship with the Father and the Son, declared that which he had witnessed of the person of the Son of God. Why did he make this “report” (see JND translation)?

1 John 1:___

4. What did the early assembly in Jerusalem continue in, with steadfastness and purpose? Acts 2:___

5. What attitude did Paul tell the Ephesian believers they were to have towards the “works of darkness” (unrighteousness)? Ephesians 5:___

Ecclesiastes - August 6, 1995

The word “vanity” (or “emptiness”) is often used in Ecclesiastes. King Solomon found that this was the result of all that he tried in seeking to satisfy his heart in this world. He also, as directed by the Spirit of God, drew other important conclusions about the world “under the sun.”

Solomon found that two people can withstand an enemy better than one alone. But he concluded that a “threefold” cord is best, for it is not quickly broken. He also found that a man who works will have peace and rest at the end of his day, while the rich spends his nights worrying about his wealth.

As Solomon considered all that men found in this life, he decided that a good name was better than luxurious possessions, that sorrow is better than laughter, for it causes men to be sober, and rebuke, if it come from wise men, is better than singing. Since men have no power to keep hold of their life, the king concluded that only those who fear God can be truly happy.

Solomon’s final warnings in Ecclesiastes are to a young man who, in his youth, is seeking to find joy and has forgotten about a coming day when God will bring him into judgment for his ways. He tells the young person to remember his Creator in the days of his youth. Solomon’s final conclusion is that the whole responsibility of man is to fear and obey God.

We’ll stop and rest now for a while in our journey while you find these verses.

1. Paul instructs believers to be kind to their ____________ , for this kindness will produce a good effect on his conscience. Romans 12:___

Therefore

2. Paul told the Corinthian believers that they should be seeking the good and ____________ of others rather than thinking only of themselves.

1 Corinthians 10:___

Let

3. A very sad thing happened in the assembly at Jerusalem after it had been formed. Two believers lied to the Spirit of God about a ____________ which they had sold. Acts 5:___

But

4. Because the Lord Jesus is our ____________ , when he appears in glory for all to see, we shall appear there with Him. Colossians 3:___

When

5. The Apostle John teaches believers that they will have boldness in the day of God’s ____________ , for we will be just like the Judge (our Lord Jesus Christ). 1 John 4:___

Herein

1 Corinthians 10 - August 6, 1995

He stresses very strongly that believers who partake of the cup and bread at the Lord’s table express communion (fellowship) with the blood and the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. He also reminded them that there were many in Israel who partook of the blessings of deliverance from Egypt and Jehovah’s wonderful care of them in the wilderness, yet who died in that wilderness, for there was no reality of faith in Jehovah in their hearts.

He plainly shows that if the Corinthians were to partake of the table of the Lord, they could not at the same time show communion with wickedness. Such actions would call forth a display of the Lord’s jealous care of His table. Those who are invited to sit at His table are invited there by virtue of His shed blood. In partaking of the loaf, believers express the fellowship and oneness of His body. Partaking of the cup and the loaf shows fellowship with the table, which is the Lord’s. As mentioned, this requires separation from evil. The table of the Lord is how believers express fellowship with the Lord and with each other.

1. Paul teaches that the cup on the Lord’s table is an expression of the Lord Jesus’ blood shed at the cross. What did the Lord Jesus teach His disciples that the cup meant? Luke 22:___

2. Those who partake of the Lord’s table are to be “holy.” Why?

1 Peter 1:___

3. Those who partake of the loaf at the Lord’s table give expression to His body. Paul told the Ephesians that each believer supplies something to His body. What? Ephesians 4:___

4. One of the commands that Paul gives the Thessalonians shows that the conduct of believers affects the table of the Lord. What did he say?

1 Thessalonians 5:___

5. Paul refers to “one” loaf and cup and “one” Lord’s table in 1 Corinthians 10. What instructions concerning unity found in Ephesians are given to believers in order that we might walk worthy of the name by which we are called? Ephesians 4:___

Song of Solomon - September 3, 1995

This lovely little book was also written by King Solomon. It was written by one (Solomon) who loved another (a young shepherdess - the Shulamite) very much. He expresses his love and his delight in the young woman who is his bride. She has made him happy and he delights to remind her of this and of his desire for her joy and blessing.

In this book, the bride also expresses the desire and joy of her heart for her bridegroom. She often expresses her love for her bridegroom and, when she is unable to find him, her sadness at his absence.

At the end of this beautiful series of “poems” or “songs,” love is shown to be so strong that even death cannot stop it. This reminds us of the greatest love of all, the love that our blessed Lord Jesus Christ has for each of us - a love so great that He died on the cross in order to save us and have us with Himself forever.

We will rest for a while in our journey while you search for the following verses:

1. Paul warned Timothy that those who had a ____________ of money would fall into many sad and solemn difficulties in their lives. 1 Timothy 6:___

For

2. In the vision that God gave to John, he was invited by an angel to view the ____________ of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:___

And

3. The Apostle Peter told the Jewish believers that, as they suffered for Christ and for doing what was right, they would be ____________ in that suffering.

1 Peter 3:___

But

4. The Lord Jesus endured the cross and all of its terrible sufferings because He saw the ____________ that would be His afterwards. Hebrews 12:___

Looking

5. When a Christian is persecuted and evil things are done to him, he is to return ____________ rather than evil back to the evildoer. 1 Peter 3:___

Not

1 Corinthians 11 - September 3, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. In chapter 11, the important subject of submission to headship is introduced and explained by the Apostle. The woman is to publicly display by her conduct that she is subject to her head, the man, while the man is to publicly display by his conduct that he is subject to his Head, Christ. This very important subject is covered before the Apostle takes up the issue of remembering the Lord in His death by partaking of His supper.

Before Paul could teach the Corinthians about the Lord’s supper, he had to rebuke and correct them concerning the divisions that were separating them. He also spoke to them concerning the manner in which they were eating meals together. They were allowing such excesses that some even became intoxicated, while others, too poor to bring food to this so-called “fellowship” feast, were allowed to go hungry.

After these rebukes to their conduct, Paul presents to the Corinthians the Lord’s supper. He makes four distinct points concerning the remembrance of the Lord. (1) What he was teaching them he had received by divine revelation from the Lord Jesus. (2) The Lord instituted this remembrance feast shortly before He suffered on the cross. (3) The Lord Jesus Himself has given the meaning of the bread (His body) and the cup (His blood). (4) Those who partake of the Lord’s supper without judging their conduct bring God’s solemn judgment upon themselves.

Those who partake of the Lord’s supper are to do so in a spirit of humility and reverence for the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each one who eats the Lord’s supper is responsible before God for his or her conduct.

1. The woman is instructed to cover her glory (her hair) when praying or prophesying. What did Rebecca do when she heard that the one coming to meet her was her bridegroom? Genesis 24:___

2. Paul said there should be no contention; the woman should have her head covered for prayer and prophesying. What instructions did Paul give Timothy concerning debating and arguing about the Word of God? 2 Timothy 2:___

3. What are wealthy believers instructed to do with their worldly goods? 1 Timothy 6:___

4. How are believers to look upon intoxication (drunkenness)?

Ephesians 5:___

5. The Corinthians were to judge themselves so that they would not be judged. What will be the result for a believer who lives according to the Spirit and says “no” to the flesh? Romans 8:___

Isaiah - October 1, 1995

We have now come to an important place in our journey through the Bible. From this place until we reach the end of the Old Testament, we will be visiting a group of writers who are called “prophets.” The first prophet we will be visiting on our journey is a man named Isaiah. This dear servant of God, who wrote the book of Isaiah, lived during the reign of several kings of Judah, kings that we have already visited in our journey.

An Old Testament prophet was a very special servant of God and proves to us how very much God loves His people and desires to bless them even though they are being disobedient to Him.

When the people (the nation of Israel) had become so disobedient that they could no longer offer sacrifices of worship to God through the priests, it seemed like all was over for them. But in His tender love and kindness, God raised up special servants, called prophets. These men brought God’s words of warning and love to His beloved but disobedient people.

Sad to say, the people often hardened their already disobedient hearts and refused to listen to the messages which God sent them by His prophets. These prophets all were a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ who was the great Prophet of God. The people showed their awful rebellion against God and His message to them by crucifying His Son, Jesus.

1. God spoke to His earthly people, the Jews, through men called ____________ . Hebrews 1:___

God

2. The Apostle Paul taught Timothy that a ____________ of the Lord was not to argue with others but to speak gently with all men. 2 Timothy 2:___

And

3. The Word of God tells us that before a person becomes a Christian, he acts in a ____________ way to God. Titus 3:___

For

4. Satan tried to tempt the Lord Jesus to ____________ him, but the Lord Jesus said that ____________ (same word) must only be given to God.

Luke 4:___

5. Paul wrote to his beloved Corinthian brethren to ____________ them to turn from their disobedient ways. 1 Corinthians 4:___

1 Corinthians 12 - October 1, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. In chapter 12, Paul teaches how the Spirit of God moves in and among the body of Christ in order that it might function effectively. The importance of each member of the body is presented at the same time that Paul reminds us that what affects one member of Christ’s body has an effect on the whole body.

In Christ there is no longer a distinction between Jew and Gentile, free or slave. All are partakers of the same Spirit and by that same Spirit have been baptized into the body of Christ.

There are many different kinds of gifts which God has set in the body of Christ that it might be blessed and function together for the glory of God. But even though one might have been given as an apostle or have been given a special gift of healing, there was something more wonderful than all of these gifts of God for the blessing of the body: that greater thing is divine love.

1. What did the Lord Jesus have to do first in order that He might give gifts to His body? Ephesians 4:___

2. Believers are not to endeavor to keep the unity of Christ’s body. What are we asked to endeavor to keep? Ephesians 4:___

3. What word is used to describe the Church, the body of Christ?

Ephesians 1:___

4. Where does all the fullness of the Godhead dwell? Colossians 2:___

5. What was it that caused Christ to give Himself for His Church?

Ephesians 5:___

Isaiah - November 5, 1995

The Lord sent His word to Israel through the prophet Isaiah. Because the people of God were being very rebellious and disobedient to the Lord, He sent warnings to them. He desired that they would repent of their naughty ways and turn back to Him so that He might be able to bless them.

The children of Israel were in a terrible condition because of their sin. The prophet told them that God saw them as a very sick and wounded person who was refusing to take the necessary medicine to be made well again. The Lord also saw the pride of the Israelites’ hearts who refused to believe that anything was wrong.

Though they would have to suffer if they did not listen to God’s message to them, His purpose of blessing to them would not be changed. Someday they will be blessed as God has promised. This blessing will come when they receive the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, as their rightful King.

One of the best-known passages in Isaiah is chapter 53. This chapter tells of the sufferings of the Lord Jesus for His beloved earthly people and of the day coming when He will have all His people around Himself and His heart satisfied. The prophet Isaiah closes his prophetic book with a promise from God that the day would come when the whole world will see displayed in Israel the blessing of Jehovah.

Now let’s rest before going further in our journey while you find the following verses:

1. The Word of God describes the condition of people before they are saved as being ____________ . Titus 3:___

For

2. The Lord Jesus instructed His disciples to ____________ those who curse them and to love those who are their enemies. Matthew 5:___

But

3. The Apostle John said that the desires of the world are not from God our Father. One of those desires is ____________ . 1 John 2:___

For

4. A title written by the Roman soldiers and put on the cross of the Lord Jesus called Him the ____________ of the Jews. Matthew 27:___

And

5. The Apostle Paul learned that whatever the circumstances of his life were, he could be ____________ (satisfied) because he belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:___

Not

1 Corinthians 13 - November 5, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. At the end of chapter 12, the beloved Apostle shows how God has given certain offices and gifts to the assembly in order that it might be blessed. These gifts include apostles, though by the end of the first century A.D. apostles no longer existed in the Church. However, many of the other gifts listed, such as prophets and teachers, still exist today for the blessing of the body of Christ.

The carnal Corinthian believers, however, were so used to showing off their gifts that Paul ends chapter 12 by pointing to something that was even better than these gifts: divine love. In the early verses of chapter 13 Paul points out how useless all other gifts and talents are if they are not used with divine love.

Chapter 13:48 are perhaps some of the best-known and most often quoted verses in the Word of God. They are a lovely, divine description of that love which the Lord Jesus Christ has for His Church, and as such sets a perfect pattern for each member of His body to follow in our love for one another.

All of the gifts, such as prophecy, will have an end when we are united with Christ in glory. But divine love will never have an end and we will dwell in its sunshine with our Lord Jesus forever. That is why love is the greatest of the three - “faith, hope and love.”

1. In what relationship is “love” first mentioned in the Word of God?

Genesis 22:___

2. In what relationship is “love” mentioned the second time in the Word of God? Genesis 24:___

3. Who is it that places divine love in the believer’s heart? Romans 5:___

4. How is it that a believer can have assurance that he has passed from death to life? 1 John 3:___

5. What is it possible for a believer to “know,” though it passes knowledge?

Ephesians 3:___

Jeremiah - December 3, 1995

The next prophet we are going to visit on our journey through the Bible is Jeremiah. This prophet of God is sometimes referred to as the “weeping prophet.” This was because Jeremiah prophesied God’s warnings to the Jews in Judah just before they were carried away captive to Babylon.

The people had not listened to the messages that God had graciously sent to them through the prophet Isaiah. Now they were not listening to Jeremiah either. Jeremiah knew that God was going to have to punish the rebellious people even as He had been warning for so many years.

Knowing that this punishment was about to fall and that still the people would not listen and repent made Jeremiah very sad. He believed God’s message and loved God’s people - that was why he felt such sorrow.

Jeremiah is a beautiful little picture to us of how our blessed Lord Jesus felt about His beloved people when He walked among them and they refused to believe Him. He knew all that would happen and all the sorrow that would come on Jerusalem and the Jews. The Lord Jesus felt so sad that He even wept when He saw Jerusalem, knowing what was going to happen there because of their naughtiness.

Now we will rest in our journey while you look for the following verses:

1. The Lord Jesus solemnly warned of the place of ____________ and gnashing of teeth where the servant who did not obey would be sent.

Matthew 25:___

And

2. God told those disciples who were with the Lord Jesus when He was transfigured in His glory to ____________ (listen to) what He said to them.

Matthew 17:___

While

3. The Jewish leaders who hated anyone who was a Christian wanted to ____________ the apostles. However, they could find nothing wrong with them. Acts 4:___

4. Paul preached the Word of God that he had received by divine revelation. He described this preaching as a ____________ to every man.

Colossians 1:___

Whom

5. The Apostle Paul so loved the Jews that he said he always felt ____________ in his heart because of their disobedience and rejection of the Lord Jesus and His Word. Romans 9:___

That

1 Corinthians 14 - December 3, 1995

We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. In chapter 14 the Apostle takes up a specific gift (tongues) and how the Corinthian believers were to use it. The formation of the assembly on the day of Pentecost was marked by a special demonstration of the power of the Spirit of God, which caused the disciples to speak with tongues in order that those Jews present who spoke foreign languages would be able to understand the wonderful thing that God had done.

Some in the assembly at Corinth, because of worldliness, seemed to enjoy displaying the various gifts that they had received from the Lord for the blessing of the assembly. Tongues was one of those gifts which would attract much public attention. This was never the mind of God, and Paul uses this whole chapter to correct the wrong way in which tongues were used at Corinth.

Paul said gifts used in the assembly were to edify the assembly. Speaking an unknown language (tongue) in the assembly did not edify the believers. So Paul would rather speak five words that could be understood and edify than ten thousand in an unknown tongue. If an unbeliever came in and heard them speaking a strange language, he would not understand and think they were out of their mind. But if he heard words of prophecy in his own language, he would recognize that God was among them.

All things were to be done in an orderly way in the presence of the Lord and, thus, no more than two or three were to speak with tongues or prophesy. If no one was available to interpret for one who spoke with tongues, that one was to remain silent.

1. According to what measure is a believer to prophesy? Romans 12:___

2. What did the Apostle John have to do before he could prophesy to many nations and peoples? Revelation 1:___

3. The Corinthian believers seemed to love to make a display of their gifts. What did the brethren of the Lord Jesus want Him to do to prove that He was the Messiah? John 7:___

4. Paul had an earnest desire that the assembly might be blessed and strengthened. What was one of Paul’s daily occupations?

2 Corinthians 11:___

5. Paul had given all these instructions to the Corinthians because he wanted the assembly there to be characterized by a beautiful order. What was one of the things that brought Paul joy in the assembly at Colosse? Colossians 2:___