Lisa Wolf

Q4. (Matthew 7:24-27) Does Jesus require obedience of his disciples? (John 15:14). Is there a kind of true Christian who believes, but does not obey? How do you justify Jesus' requirement of obedience with Paul's teaching that salvation is a gift, not because of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-10)? John 15:14 states clearly, "You are my friends if you do what I command." Jesus showed us by His life example exactly what that meant--He only did what the Father directed Him. Matthew 7:19-24 lets us see clearly what Jesus asks of us, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." James reminds us that we need to look intently into Jesus, not just express faith and walk away. Rather, "whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." (James 1:25) The wonderful thing about the Ephesians 2:8-10 words is that GOD prepared in advance the good works He wants us to do. His Presence, His Spirit already walked before us in preparation. How much more will He give us His Holy Spirit to enable us to complete the work He commands?

Q3. (Matthew 7:21-23) How is it possible to deceive yourself, so that you presume that you are "doing" when you are only "hearing"? (see James 1:22-25). How might it be possible to prophesy, drive out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus' name and not enter the Kingdom of heaven? I see the presumption of only "hearing" too much, "I thought he was a Christian because he was in my Sunday School class," words actually spoken to me by a pastor!!!!!! I was floored. Jesus holds a MIGHTY Name. Scripture tells us that at His Name EVERY knee will bow. MIGHTY. His Name moves mountains. Unfortunately some of heard of the Name but have no relationship with the Person of Jesus.

Q2. (Matthew 7:15-20) Jesus says that one's inner self will eventually become apparent (Matthew 12:34). What kinds of "fruit" might be clues to a false prophet? Clues to a false prophet are first of all ANYTHING that DOES NOT LINE UP with the Word of God. If that 'leader' will not listen; if that leader will not call sin, sin; if that leader focuses on his self-importance; if a leader spends most of the time judging and casting stones--they are false. Run away. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Q1. (Matthew 7:13-14) If Jesus' teaching about the narrow gate and the narrow road to life is to be believed, what change would this make in how you conduct your life? What difference would it make to how you witness to your neighbors? How might it affect your acceptance of Universalism? I do believe Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate and narrow road to life. Since I believe this, I do my best to ask, listen, and go where He needs me to go. I do talk with my neighbors a lot. I pray for them and ask them how I can pray for them. Universalism---not a chance. That 'religion' is so wide open that it's ludicrous.

Q42. (John 3:30) In what ways are you observing Christ’s influence increasing in you? How is your seeking of your own way decreasing? What are the biggest obstacles to humility currently before you? What are you doing to humble yourself in these circumstances that challenge you? Terrific self-reflective questions! John 3:30 is the perfect verse, "He must become greater; I must become less.” As I focus more on the character quality of humility, I find myself more focused on patience, forbearance, and rejoicing in others. This study has opened my eyes to just HOW humble our Savior was as He walked on the earth. I'm doing my best to live as Jesus, "But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1John 2:5-6)

Q41. (1 Timothy 6:3-4,17; Colossians 2:18) Why does having an abundance of wealth and knowledge tend to make us feel superior? Why do false doctrines and heresies often come with a feeling of superiority over lesser Christians who believe differently? How can you show humility if you are wealthy? How can the well-educated show humility? Why do we feel superior with wealth and knowledge? Perhaps that false sense of security and false thinking of our own self-importance. False doctrine and heresy often come with feeling of superiority because the people in cults are deceived--whether it be a 'religious' cult or a 'cult' faction of our local culture. If you are wealthy, you can show humility by the way you live--not flaunting your wealth-- and by your generosity. The well-educated can show humility in stating tand living in such a way that shows that they do not know everything!!!!

Q40. (Romans 12:16; James 2:1-9) Why does Christ’s humility require us to associate those considered lowly? Who are the “lowly” in your community? What are you and your congregation actively doing to break down the barriers between these people and yourselves? What message does lack of favoritism send to a world that is intently watching Christians? Christ gave us an example is His walk on the earth. He associated with everyone, including the outcasts. "lowly" in a community are any people that are overlooked. My husband has a huge heart for older singles 35-65+ in our former church that was our ministry group and in Eastern Europe that was a dear ministry to us in two countries. Our congregation welcomes everyone who comes in the door. They have built the church to have a HUGE foyer that all can talk and mingle there even during snow. This talking with and welcoming everyone is taught and encouraged. The message sent to the world is that we love. Romans 12:16a reminds us, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position." James also reminds us, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

Q39. (Matthew 5:38-39; Romans 12:19; 13:4) Why are unforgiveness and humility incompatible with each other? Why must we distinguish between personal forgiveness and judicial determination and sentencing? Unforgiveness and humility are incompatible because they are opposing. Humility holds others in high regard; unforgiveness refuses to see another as a person with faults and foibles just as we are. Jesus taught us to love even our enemies. Personal forgiveness can be granted by us at any time we choose; however, sin has consequences. If a person has done wrong, Romans 13:4&5 are still true, "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience."

Q38. (Matthew 7:1-2; 9:13; Hosea 6:6; 2 Corinthians 10:12) What prevents a judgmental spirit from being compatible with humility? How can we maintain an attitude of mercy towards sinners in our fallen world while still maintaining godly standards within our Christian community? In what way does comparing ourselves with others work against humility? How do backbiting and a critical spirit betray a judgmental spirit? A judgmental spirit equals a person with no compassion. Anyone putting themself into the place of BEING THE JUDGE has no humility or at best very little. Hosea speaks God's Word to us: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." It is important that we share the gospel--the good news of Jesus--with all. Someone judgmental will refuse to associate with some people - for whatever reason, thus showing no mercy. Comparing ourselves to anyone other than Christ brings no benefit for growth and assumes we are in charge of our growth and character rather than God being in charge working in each unique person, the Spirit helping us to become like Jesus. Backbiting and critical spirit show judgement by demeaning another and not showing love. 1 John 2:9-11, Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. John continues with stronger rhetoric in 1John 3:10, "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister."

Q37. (Romans 12:16; Ephesians 4:1-3) How does conceit make it difficult to live in harmony with others? Why do you think maintaining the unity of the Spirit is such a high value for Jesus and his apostles? What are the tensions in your own congregation that threaten the unity of the Spirit? How can you lessen those tensions and promote harmony? Interesting that Jesus prayed for unity--that His followers and He and His Father would be ONE. (John 17:20-23) Romans 12:16 commands us to live in harmony and it tells us clearly: do not be conceited. Conceit and arrogance are the opposite of humility and the pride behind them creates a huge barrier to unity. With every decision made, there are always people who think differently. One example of tension in our church is in regards to women in leadership. Promoting harmony, I do not voice my opinion loudly; I pray for the pastors and staff, and pray asking God to work.

Q36. (James 1:19-20; Colossians 3:13) What is the relationship of patience to humility? What in us motivates impatient outbursts? What does it take for God to work in us “long-suffering”? Why is forbearance so vital in a marriage? In the patience arena, this verse always reminds me of who God is: "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) I saw His incredible patience waiting for my Dad to want salvation - which he asked for at age 88. He loves us so very much; how can we be impatient with anyone? Impatient outbursts are motivated by putting ourself and our way first. Thankfully, God works in us through the Holy Spirit to develop forbearance which is so vital to marriage. Any relationship will have its ups and downs, good days and bad. We keep working, keep forgiving, and pressing on to know Jesus better--thankful He gives us His Word and His Spirit.

Q35. (Titus 3:1-2; Colossians 3:23-25). How is appropriate submission related to humility? Why does opposing church leaders so often exhibit pride? When you have to submit to a harsh person, how can you look at it in a way that is spiritual? How can we submit voluntarily in our hearts without being slavishly servile? "...Be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." Titus 3:2 reminds us how we are to act in regards to everyone. Only a humble person can achieve peaceable, considerate, and gentle to EVERYONE! Thus, submission when appropriate exemplifies the character quality of humility. When we oppose a church leader, it shows we think ourselves above that leader. However, if the person is teaching false information, I believe we have to speak with them privately in hopes they will align themself with the Word of God. Submitting to a harsh person is nearly impossible. Two of my children worked for horrible bosses who would yell and scream and be unreasonable. Both were quiet and respectful, but I let them know they had my permission to quit those jobs. Both of them grew in patience during that experience. Romans 8:28 promises that all things work for the good of those who love Jesus. All things. Submitting by being quiet is easier than submitting your heart to a harsh person. Colossians 3:23 gives us encouragement and hope, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," As I told my granddaughter last week, we can do hard things, with God's help.

Q34. (1 Peter 3:15; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 3:9) How is humility related to respect for others? To honoring others? How can we minister to someone for whom we have no respect? In what way does insulting speech trample upon humility? How does interrupting a person show disrespect? Humility is an undergirding gentleness that shows kindness and peace in all situations. It brings honor to others in careful response to them, not interrupting them, and truly listening to what they have to say. Insulting speech and interrupting tramples humility and shows disrespect to others in denying their incredible worth before God. Ministering to someone for whom we have no respect can only happen when we are willing, as Jesus in washing feet--becoming a servant--becoming a servant of our Lord and asking the Holy Spirit to help us see the person through His eyes, not our own. 1Peter 3:8 lets us know HOW to act, "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." and 1Corinthians 7:22b-23a reminds that, "Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price..." Since our lives belong to Jesus, we are part of His body whenever we honor another, for we represent Him (2Cor. 5:20).

Q33. What is the difference between temperance and abstinence? How can use of alcohol and drugs disrupt the humble life? Why is self-control so important in the Christian life? How does self-control differ from the idea of “moderation in all things”? Temperance differs from abstinence by some(temperance) to none(abstinence). My great grandmother was part of the Temperance Union of long ago; her definition of temperance was none. However, for purposes of this study, self-control is the fruit of the spirit important here. Use of anything--anything--that becomes an idol takes God's rightful place in our lives, compromising our willingness to be obedient to Him. Self-control (Galatians 5:22) is integral to the Christian life. We have a difficult time avoiding things that tempt us, but the Spirit of God helps us in our weakness especially when we ask Him for help! The idea of “moderation in all things” prevalent in some places in our culture is false. While this adage may work in some areas such as food and drink, it does not work in areas of evil such as violence...

Q32. (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:1-2; James 2:17-18) How are good deeds related to humility and compassion? What kinds of good deeds were common in the early church? Is it possible to have faith without any fruit of good deeds that demonstrate your faith? Prior to the huge list of character qualities associated with humility, you noted in the lesson information that , "humble lives that are no longer essentially selfish, but considerate of others." The character quality of compassion is a list leader. Jesus so often had compassion. In the early church we know that they shared everything (Acts 4:32), healed many (Acts 5:12), distributed food daily to the widows (Acts 6:1), and when the church was scattered, they "preached the word wherever they went" (Acts 8:4), and throughout all of this early church time, they prayed. When we are truly humble all of the characteristics of Jesus will begin to show in our lives. The Lord says it is impossible to have faith with no fruit of good deeds. James reminds us about the faith and the actions of Abraham, "You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. " (James 2:22) Titus 3:1-2, "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone," reminds us to seek all of these things as we long to become more like our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q31. (James 4:1-3) How does pride fuel conflict? How do fighting and quarrelling prevent a peaceable life? According to James, what is at the root of our fighting? How do we respond to conflict knowing that peace doesn’t depend solely upon us? Since conflict is inevitable, what are some ways we can disagree agreeably, humbly? Pride fuels conflict in the strong certainty that one is right. Pride says 'I must be right and win at all costs!' Fighting and quarreling prevent a peaceable life because you are always mad at someone. There is always someone you won't welcome. James 4:1-3 states, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." Thus, the root cause of fighting is desire, coveting, and not asking. If asking happens, the motives are wrong--only desiring your own pleasure. God's Word tells us that in the part of a relationship that depends on us, live peacefully with all (Romans 12:18). To agree to disagree sometimes the topics to be discussed must be limited. We agree not to bring up topics that ignite discord.

Q30. (Titus 2:15-3:2) How does living God’s way require humbling ourselves before God? Titus 2:15-3:2 says, "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." In order to live God's way and follow the guidelines in these verses, we cannot be on the throne of our lives; we need to let God be in charge. We need the strength and help of the Holy Spirit. We need to be humble to receive all God has for us.

Q4. (Matthew 7:12) In what way does the "Golden Rule" capsulize the message of the law and the prophets? This seems like a different "summary" of the law and the prophets than Jesus indicated in Matthew 22:37-39. How are they the same? How are they different? The "Golden Rule" capsulizes the law and the prophets but is only partially explicit. It delivers what a person is to do in regards to our fellow man. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Jesus tells us this is the sum. In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” This second quote makes clear God's COMMANDMENTS. We are not only commanded to love our fellow man, but commanded to Love the Lord with every aspect of our being. If we really are able to keep the "Golden Rule", it means we have a strong connection to our Heavenly Father, so that His Spirit can help us truly be kind and loving toward others and ourselves at all times; without His help, we are toast.

Q3. (Matthew 7:9-11). What do these verses teach us about God's relationship to us? What do they teach about God's characteristic response toward us? How does this differ from a cynical view of God? Why is a positive understanding of God important to be able to pray with faith? Jesus says in Matthew 7:9-11, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" He teaches us that we have a Father in Heaven that will give good gifts to those who ask. He teaches that we are His children. God wants to have a relationship with us where we ask! This is not a cynical view of God, but a relationship view of God. We need to have this positive understanding of God so that we know He listens, He hears, and He gives.

Q2. (Matthew 7:7-8) Which lesson is taught in both the Parables of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-10) and the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-6)? How do these relate to the commands in Matthew 7:7-8? Both parables teach ask, seek, knock...pray!!! And don't give up. In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus is recorded saying, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." The same sentiment only in straightforward rhetoric rather than in a parable. Parable illustrations do help us remember.

Q1. (Matthew 7:1-2) What do the words "ask," "seek," and "knock" have in common? What distinguishes them from each other? Does one word convey more intensity than another? What is the significance of the present, continuous, imperative tense of these verbs? All three words, ask, seek, knock are words that signify pursuing something we want. They are different in that ask = a request that may or may not be granted; seek = look for, chase, hunt for something you have not yet attained; knock = permission to enter. I think the intensity in word meaning increases from ask = mild, seek = ernest pursuit, knock = I want in. The verb tense is significant as you taught in this section because it is God letting us know to persevere, pursue, and don't give up.

Q4. (Matthew 7:6) In Jesus' day, what did dogs and pigs have in common? What would holy food and pearls have in common? Read Matthew 10:14; Acts 13:44-51; 18:5-6; and 28:17-28. In what kinds of circumstances did believers turn away from a continued sharing of the gospel? To what kinds of people did they continue their witness? In Jesus day, both dogs and pigs ate anything-- food that was clean or unclean. Jews bound by dietary law, considered both animals unclean. Holy food and pearls were both precious and rare. In the passages here, the gospel was shared with Jews: some believed, some did not. Those who did not believe incited crowds against Paul and Barnabas. At that point, Paul knew it was God's will that the gospel travel to the gentiles rather than casting their precious words of life toward hostile people that intended to trample the words and those who spoke them.

Q3. (Matthew 7:3-5) What about this parable is humorous? Why do you think Jesus compares a speck of sawdust with a plank or beam? What does the speck represent? What does the plank represent? According to this parable, when is it okay to remove a speck? When is it not okay? Jesus certainly illustrated the words recorded in the first two verses of chapter 7, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." In verses 3-5, He calls his listeners hypocrites. When we notice a small fault with another while toting around huge faults of our own. I think the illustration contrast of a speck and a plank in ones' eyes as humorous. I think Jesus compares those two opposite pieces of wood because He was a carpenter, and He spent a lot of time with sawdust and wood planks. It was a very clear illustration! The sizes of those two examples are certainly different! We can remove the speck from our brother's eye if FIRST we have removed the plank from our own eye!

Q2. (Matthew 7:1-2) Read a similar passage in Luke 6:37-38. According to Matthew's account, what is our fate if we measure out big heaps of judgment with a critical spirit? According to Luke's account, how can measuring be both positive and negative? What should we measure out instead of judgmentalism? According to Matthew, we will be judged with the same measure that we use to judge others with. According to Luke, measuring can be both positive and negative. He says judge and you will be judged just as in Matthew's gospel, but he adds condemn and you will be condemned. However, Luke adds 'forgive' and 'give'--as we forgive and give, we will be forgiven and given. The end of verse 37 and verse 38 offers us hope! "Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Q1. (Matthew 7:1) Have you ever caught yourself severely criticizing others Christians behind their backs -- or to their faces? What is the attitude that underlies censoriousness? How can the psychological concept of "projection" motivate harsh judgment? Why must Christians show love in the face of a brother's or sister's failing? I am happy to say this happens less now than earlier in my life! WE do need to judge our brothers and sisters who continue to live in strong willful sin. 1 Corinthians 5 reminds us of this. Verses 9-13 make this clear, "I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” HOWEVER ,this is a very careful line. We are never to broadcast another's failings. We need to be TRULY RIGHT with God if we are going to admonish someone; we cannot criticize them because we have not walked in their shoes. We can only show them the way and lead them to Jesus for everything. He said it best in Matthew 11:28-30,“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The attitude under censoriousness, projection, and harsh judgement are loathsome things crawling up from the evil swamp of our own self-loathing. We don't like to sin and if we don't seek forgiveness immediately, we tend our feeble attempt to 'hide it', pretending we are holy. Thus, since we know we are sinners and that we ourselves fail, we must always be tender to our brothers and sisters in their failing.