Galatians 4

1. 4:1-3 How is being under the Law like being an under-age heir?
   Class Answer: As members of the class pointed out, the Law isn’t mentioned in these verses, but in context, that’s the subject of Paul’s discourse and the aim of this comparison. Though an under-age heir will one day benefit from the inheritance, as long as he’s not of age, he has no freedom, being subject to guardians and trustees. Being under the Old Law is like having the promise of an inheritance, but not the reality of the inheritance. The heir has no control, no freedom.
   
   “Religious legal systems are for the moral immature.” Studies in Galatians, R.C. Bell, pg. 49.
   
   Just as during a child’s ministry his guardian may ill-treat and even tyrannize him in ways which his father never intended, so the devil has exploited God’s good law, in order to tyrannize men in ways God never intended. God intended the law to reveal sin and to drive men to Christ; Satan uses it to reveal sin and so drive men to despair. God meant the law as an interim step to man’s justification; Satan uses it as a final step to his condemnation. God meant the law to be a stepping-stone to liberty; Satan uses it as a cul-de-sac, deceiving his dupes into supposing that from its fearful bondage there is no escape. From The Message of Galatians, John Stott, page 105.
2. 4:4-7 Name four blessings we receive because God sent His Son.
   Class Answers:
   v. 5 – redemption (for those under the law)
   v. 5 – full rights of sons, or adoption as sons (for you Gentiles.)
   v. 6 – The Spirit of His Son (Given to us)
   v. 7 – We are no longer slaves, but children of God.
   Note: All three members of the Godhead are mentioned in verse 6: God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Also note the word Abba: The Aramaic word for Father – a personal, pet name. Now the Gentiles – for whom God was formerly far away – can address him personally, as their Father.
3. 4:8-11 How were the Galatians – who had been pagans – turning back to those principles by observing special days?
   Class Answers: They were being legalistic and ritualistic. They were superstitiously observing rituals as if the rituals saved them. They were enslaving themselves to those (Judaizing teachers) who were not gods. 
4. 4:10-11 Why is Paul condemning the observance of special days? (See Colossians 2:16-17)
   Class Answers: They were only shadows of things to come, according to Colossians 2:16-17. The observance of days does not bring salvation. They were judging and being judged by whether or not they observed days and by what they ate and drank.
5. 4:12-16 How had the Galatians welcomed Paul when he first preached to them? (See Acts 13:13 - 14:26)
   Class Answers: As if he were an angel of God or even Jesus himself. They would have torn their eyes out and given them to him if they could. Possible References: In Acts 14:11, those in Lystra at first wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. In Acts 14:20, after Paul was beaten and thought to be dead, he and Barnabas went to Galatian cities. Note on verse 12: Become like me – free – because I became like you when I was among you.
6. 4:17-18 Who were “those people”? (NIV) What motivated them?
   Class Answers: Judaizing teachers: In 1:7 – “some people.” In 1:9 – anyone who was preaching another gospel. In 3:1 – those trying to bewitch them. They were motivated by envy. They were trying to ruin Paul’s influence.
7. 4:19-20 What was Paul’s motivation?
   Class Answers: He wanted to “form Christ in them,” for them to be conformed to the image of Christ. Instead, it was like going through the pain of childbirth a second time.
8. 4:21-23 What was the difference between Ishmael and Isaac? (Old Testament reference: Genesis 16:1-2, 15; 21:1-3)
   Class Answers: Ishmael – born of a slave, in an ordinary way (NIV), or according to the flesh (NKJV), not an heir. Isaac – born of a free woman, a child of promise (Hebrews 11:11). His birth was not ordinary – Sarah was too old to conceive a child. (Historical Background)
9. 4:24-27 What symbols does Paul use for the two covenants? (OT reference: Exodus 19:1-6; 20:1-2)
   Class Answers: 1) Old Law – Mt. Sinai, Hagar, the present city of Jerusalem, slavery 2) New Law – Jerusalem above, free, children of promise. (Allegorical argument)
10. 4:28-31 How was the “physical” son persecuting the “spiritual” son? (OT reference: Genesis 21:8-10)
    Class Answers: Just as Ishmael taunted Isaac, those who were Jews physically were trying to persecute, or enslave, those who were born again spiritually. (Personal application)

Choose a verse from Chapter 4 to memorize (or to post in a prominent place).

Verses chosen were 4:4-5, 4:6, 4:7, and 4:18.

Luke 13 and 14

1. 13:1-9 Were the people who died worse sinners than others?
   Comments: No. Everyone – Jew and Gentile – must repent. Hendrickson: “Not for a moment should they imagine they can escape God’s judgment just because they are Jews.” Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 – Death comes to us all. Matthew 7:1-3 – Judge not, lest you be judged by the same standard. Note: In the first example, they were Gentiles; in the second example, they were Jews. We must ask ourselves, “When calamity strikes, what lesson is there for me to learn?” One lesson here: Look to yourselves! The time to repent is now.
2. 13:10-17 What was the ruler of the synagogue really concerned about?
   Comments: His man-man rules for the Sabbath, and a desire to discredit Jesus. (See 12:1.) The ruler shows his cowardice here: Notice he speaks to the crowd, not to Jesus. Other comments: He is jealous; as ruler of the synagogue, he feels like he must warn the crowd away; he is afraid Jesus will usurp his authority.
3. 13:18-21 How is the kingdom like a mustard seed? How is it like leaven? Consider: What is the kingdom of God?
   Comments: It is like a mustard seed in that it started small and grew to fill most of the world – it grew numerically. It is like leaven in its influence on society, making every community, every culture, better. See Mark 4:26-29 – God grows it. Neither the seed nor the  leaven can be seen as it does its work.
4. 13:22-30 How did Jesus teach that entrance into the kingdom is both inclusive (everyone can enter in) and exclusive (only a few can enter in)?
   Comments: As in John 3:16, salvation is available to all, but will be given only to those who believe and accept God’s grace. Philippians 2:12-13: We work, relying on God to work in us. “Make every effort” = strive = Greek for agonize. All who strive to enter in – before it’s too late – can enter. The time to repent is now.
5. 13:31-35 How did Jesus show both His courage and His compassion when told of Herod’s threat?
   Comments: He was not afraid of Herod; he laments over Jerusalem. John 1:11: His own people rejected Him. Note in Mark 3:6 and 12:13 how both the Herodians and Pharisees joined in opposing Jesus. It’s possible these Pharisees were sent by Herod.
6. 14:1-6 Why didn’t the lawyers and Pharisees answer Jesus’ questions?
   Comments: 1) They chose not to answer (See also 6:9), silently allowing to go ahead – waiting to see if He would? 2) They couldn’t answer, verse 6. It would show their inconsistency, that all they were trying to do was discredit Him.
7. 14:7-14 Jesus teaches lessons to both guests and hosts? What are those lessons?
   Comments: Guests: Wait to be asked to take a better place and avoid humiliation. See Proverbs 25:6-7. Hosts: Don’t limit your invitations to those like you. In doing so, you cheat yourselves.
8. 14:15-24 Why was the master of the house angry when those he invited made excuses not to come?
   Comments: He had prepared the feast, expecting them to come. It  appears they had initially accepted the invitations, then made lame excuses. Lesson: The kingdom is not limited to Jews. Again – Accept Christ’s invitation now.
9. 14:25-27 What are two requirements for becoming a disciple of Christ?
   Comments: 1) Following Christ is our top priority. 2) Bearing our cross means denying ourselves. See Galatians 2:20. Re: the use of the word “hate”:  In Genesis 29:31, Jacob “hated” (KJV) Lea in comparison to his love for Rachel. Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies, so this must be a question of priority. The class had a good discussion about what it means to put Christ first. Does this mean we never miss worshipping on Sunday morning, no matter what, or is it more than that? The question is: If we had to deny Christ in order to keep our families, which choice would we make?
10. 14:28-35 What is the cost of becoming a disciple of Christ? Why is it so important to count the cost? Comments: The cost is our own selves – our time, resources, energy, personality. It’s important to count the cost so we’ll know how to respond when choices come, to prevent failure. Verse 29 – To prevent ridicule and defeat.

Luke 7 and 8

1. 7:1-10 The centurion showed great sympathy, benevolence, and humility. However, what was his greatest attribute?
   Comments: Jesus commented about his faith, calling it greater than any faith He had found in Israel.
   Note: It’s possible that this centurion had been responsible for the building of the synagogue where the man in Luke 4:31-37, was healed. William Hendriksen points out that though the elders (v. 4) told Jesus He should heal the centurion’s servant because the centurion was “deserving,” the centurion saw himself as “not worthy” (vv. 6-7).
2. 7:11-17 What was the reaction of the people after Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead?
   Comments: Fear came upon all, and they glorified God. (However, they saw Jesus only as a prophet, a representative from God, not God Himself.) Other words for “fear” might be “awe” or “shock.”
3. 7:18-23 How was John to know whether or not Jesus was the Christ?
   Comments: By the things He did. He healed the blind, the lame, the leper, and the deaf and even raised the dead. Besides that, He preached the gospel to the poor, perhaps the greatest work of all.
   Note: John was imprisoned in the fortress at Macheurus, a Herodian palace east of the Dead Sea. (F, 12.5 on this Map of Israel.)
4. 7:24-35 What were the two different responses to the teaching of John?
   Comments: 1) Some – even tax collectors – justified God (acknowledged  He was right), and were baptized with John’s baptism. 2) Some “rejected the will of God for themselves” and rejected baptism.
5. 7:36-50 Who are the three main characters in this section? How are they different?
   Comments: Jesus: discerning, forgiving, loving; Simon the Pharisee: self-righteous, critical, judgmental; the sinful woman: repentant, sorrowful, and loving. According to Hendriksen, Luther called her tears “heart water.”
6. 8:1-15 What are the characteristics of a good and honest heart?
   Comments: One with a good and honest heart hears the word, keeps it, and bears fruit with patience. A “noble and good” heart is responsive and perseveres.
7. 8:16-21 With what attitude should we hear the word of God? (18, 21)
   Comments: 1) Taking heed, and 2) doing it. We listen with the attitude that we need to hear it, and then we put it into practice.
   Hendriksen: There are 4 ways to listen: 1)Not at all; 2) For entertainment; 3) To find fault; 4) To find wisdom and use it.
8. 8:22-25 What does His ability to calm the winds and waves indicate about the nature of Jesus?
   Comments: He had power over nature, and he was willing to demonstrate His power as the Son of God. He was disappointed in their lack of faith.
9. 8:26-39 What kind of power did Jesus have over demons? How was the man changed?
   Comments: He could command them, communicate with them. Once again, His power frightened people.
10. 8:40-48 What characteristics of the afflicted woman would be good for us to follow?
    Comments: Her faith, her courage, her fear of God.
11. 8:49-56 How complete was the recovery of the ruler’s daughter? Consider: If Jesus didn’t want anyone to know about it, why did he heal her?
    Comments: Her spirit returned. She got up immediately and needed food. One reason is because Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal her. But it was not His time yet, so He asked the parents not to broadcast it.

Matthew 5-7 Class Comments

Notes from Thursday Class Discussion

The Sermon on the Mount

1. 5:1-12 Who was listening to this sermon? Why might they appreciate these blessings? (Also read 7:28.) Class Answer: His disciples – those who wanted to learn from Him, not just be healed by Him. The beatitudes (“blessed” could also be translated “happy”) assured them that even though they would go through difficult times as His disciples, they would be blessed by God. They also encouraged those who at this time were without either political or religious power.
   
2. 5:13-16 What are the qualities of salt and light that Jesus emphasizes here? What is the purpose of letting our lights shine? Class Answer: Salt enhances flavor and preserves. In the same way, the influence of Christians gives life meaning and also slows the moral decay of the world around us. As lights, we can show the way to the Savior and glorify God.
   
3. 5:17-20 What law is Jesus talking about? What did Jesus say about lawbreakers? Class Answer: His listeners would understand this as the Law of the Old Testament. Those who broke it would be the least in the kingdom. We weren’t sure exactly what this meant, except to refer to those who are weak. Still, like the Corinthians with all their problems, they are still in the kingdom.
   
4. 5:21-37 In these verses, how is Jesus “changing” the commandments and traditions of the (Old) law? Class Answer: He is not changing them, but fulfilling them. He is stating their intended purpose, which had been interpreted as external actions only. Not just “do not murder,” but do not hate, do not call others names, be reconciled to those with whom you disagree. Not just “do not commit adultery,” but don’t lust and bring your  body under control. And don’t treat divorce lightly. It causes adultery, against which there is a clear commandment. Not just “don’t break an oath,” but tell the truth without having to make an oath.
   
5. 5:38-48 What should be our attitude toward those who treat us badly? Class Answer: To rise above bad treatment. With all his power, Jesus never physically resisted authority, though he did combat false teaching and hypocrisy. We are to love  and try to understand those who hate or resent us, though that doesn’t mean we enable them. Prayer helps us to learn to love others.
   
6. 6:2-18 What should be our motivation when we give, pray, or fast? Class Answer: To please God and to glorify Him.
   
7. 6:19-34 List at least three attitudes we should have about material wealth. (19-21; 24; 25-34) Class Answer: Humility, happiness and contentment. Wealth doesn’t last; it causes divided loyalties; worrying about it shows a lack of faith.
   
8. 7:1-6 What are at least two things we should consider before we begin to judge someone? Class Answer: We will be judged by the same standard; we all have our own failings – planks in our eyes.
   
9. 7:7-12 What does our Father in heaven want to give us? Class Answer: Good things, just as we would give our own children. Note about 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: it includes acts of commission and omission – things we do for other people we would want done for us, and things we choose not to do that might hurt others.
   
10. 7:13-27 How can we tell the difference between true and false followers of Jesus? (verses 16, 21, 24) Class Answer: By their fruits, by watching their actions and the results of their actions, though that may take time. Also, by whether or not they do the Father’s will.
    
11. 7:28-29 Why were the crowds astonished at his teaching? Class Answer: This carpenter’s son spoke with wisdom that should have been beyond his experience. He also spoke with authority – beyond what they had heard from others – like someone who had not just learned from a book, but as someone who really knew.