Patricia A

Q3. (Matthew 7:9-11). What do these verses teach us about God's relationship to us? God's relationship to us is one of a loving Father. What do they teach about God's characteristic response toward us?

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)? We are to continue to pray and not give us. Perhaps when we first ask, it is not the right time but we are continue to pray and when it is right in God's time, our prayer will be answered if it is in God's will. How do these relate to the commands in Matthew 7:7-8? This same lesson as above is given in this scripture. We are to ask, seek and knock and continue in prayer until our request is in God's time and in God's will.

Q1. (Matthew 7:7-8) What do the words "ask," "seek," and "knock" have in common? What distinguishes them from each other? ASK; One of the lessons Jesus is teaching us is to ask for the things we desire, rather than just trying to seize them on our own. One thing we eventually learn as children is that for some things the answer is always, "No." We learn not to ask any further. We also learn that in some areas if we ask, and conditions are right, we will receive. SEEK: "Ask" indicates a petition. "Seek," however, indicates a search for something that is either lost or has not yet been found or discovered KNOCK Basically, knocking is confined to closed doors, not open ones. You've faced closed doors in your life, ones you sought desperately to open or reopen. Some of them you have banged on again and again. But then you learn to try other doors to see which one God will open. Does one word convey more intensity than another?T think knock does. What is the significance of the present, continuous, imperative tense of these verbs? Each of the commands in verse 7 are in present tense imperative, and therefore stress continued, persistent action.

Q4. (Matthew 7:6) In Jesus' day, what did dogs and pigs have in common? One of the keys is to understand the view of dogs and pigs in Hebrew culture. Pigs, of course, were considered unclean animals; Jews were forbidden to eat pork of any kind. Only Gentiles raised pigs What would holy food and pearls have in common? Pearls were extremely precious. To throw them into the pig pen would be to not only lose them in the slime, but also to anger the pig, who might come after you for throwing him inedible food. 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? When people openly reject the gospel. To what kinds of people did they continue their witness? They continued to witness to those who wanted to hear--the Gentiles

[/color] Q3. (Matthew 7:3-5) What about this parable is humorous?Just imagine a log sticking out of someone's eye! Compare the contrast in size of a speck to a log! There certainly is humor here. Why do you think Jesus compares a speck of sawdust with a plank or beam? There is such a difference in size. When we consider our sins, we may find they are the size of a log or plank compared the the little speck for which we are condemning our neighbor. What does the speck represent? The speck represents a small transgression.What does the plank represent? The plank represent a large transgression.According to this parable, when is it okay to remove a speck? We must first humble ourselves before God and ask for forgiveness of our own sins knowing we are sinners. Then we try to help our brother with love and showing compassion. When is it not okay?It is not OK, we are have the attitude of being superior, better and sinless and when we do not admit we are sinners too. It is not OK, when we lack love and compassion for our brother.

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? We must remember that if we withhold forgiveness of others, Christ will withhold forgiveness from us and all of us are sinners in need of forgiveness and mercy. According to Luke's account, how can measuring be both positive and negative? Measuring can be positive if we are forgiving to our brothers and sister because that is the measure of forgiveness we will receive from Christ. However, it can be just the reverse if we are not forgiving to others. What should we measure out instead of judgmentalism?We need to be forgiving, loving and caring about others and truly care about their relationship with the Lord rather than judging and condemning. We need to pray constantly to ask God's grace and guidance--grace for us who are sinners and guidance in helping us be gentle, loving and kind to others.

Q1. (Matthew 7:1) Have you ever caught yourself severely criticizing others Christians behind their backs -- or to their faces?Yes, I hve and I ask the Lord for forgiveness for this. I also ask for strength not to do this in the future. What is the attitude that underlies censoriousness?It is an attitude of wanting to project my thinking on another and doing it in a harsh and unloving manner. It often comes from anxiety and insecurity in person doing the criticizing. How can the psychological concept of "projection" motivate harsh judgment? Insecurity and anxiety can be involved in person projecting the harsh judgment.Why must Christians show love in the face of a brother's or sister's failing?Jesus forgave us and continues to forgive us. We must struggle to do the same for our brothers and sisters and above all to show love and care for them as Jesus taught us to do. I ask the Lord to give me the courage and strength to love all as He loves me and all of His children.

Q5. (Matthew 6:34) Is there humor intended in verse 34? What is the point of Jesus' joke here? What is the command in this verse? Truly, it is quite humorous to think tomorrow setting around worrying. Why would tomorrow be worrying? It doesn't even know what will happen! The point we must remember is that the only time that is real is right now and we need to live it with enthusiasm because we know God is with us. Irregardless of what happens, God will give us the strength to endure if we only trust in Him. Knowing this is true, we can have complete peace. The command is to live each day trusting in God to be with us in all circumstances. What a blessing to know beyond a doubt that this is true. Live each day with joy knowing God is with us every minute and in every circumstance.

Q4. (Matthew 6:33) What is the command in this verse? How must our seeking God differ from our seeking of food and clothing, according to this verse? What is the promise found in this verse? In this verse, Jesus tells us to seek God first. God is the giver of all good things including food, clothing, etc. However, the things of this world are not the most important things in our lives. God promises us if we seek Him first, we will know true peace and He will supply our other needs. Nothing in this world can take the place of knowing the joy and peace that comes from a close relationship with God.

Q3. (Matthew 6:31-32) Why does Jesus mention the "pagans" or "Gentiles" in verse 32? What point is he making? How should a Christian differ from a Gentile, according to Jesus' teaching in this passage? What emotional and faith effect does the phrase, "your heavenly Father knows that you need them," have in your life? There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often insnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for to-morrow, or the events of it. God has given us life, and has given us the body. And what can he not do for us, who did that? If we take care about our souls and for eternity, which are more than the body and its life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and raiment, which are less. Improve this as an encouragement to trust in God. We must reconcile ourselves to our worldly estate, as we do to our stature. We cannot alter the disposals of Providence, therefore we must submit and resign ourselves to them. Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, and make religion your business: say not that this is the way to starve; no, it is the way to be well provided for, even in this world. The conclusion of the whole matter is, that it is the will and command of the Lord Jesus, that by daily prayers we may get strength to bear us up under our daily troubles, and to arm us against the temptations that attend them, and then let none of these things move us. Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal. Let thy Spirit convince us of sin in the want of this disposition, and take away the worldliness of our hearts.

Q4. (Matthew 6:33) What is the command in this verse? How must our seeking God differ from our seeking of food and clothing, according to this verse? What is the promise found in this verse? The command in this verse is to seek God as the priority in our lives. Live each day keeping eternity in mind and not being caught up in the things of the world. If we do this, we will receive other things as well especially the fruit of righteousness which includes peace and joy. These gift are much more valuable than any of the "gift" of the world.

Q2. (Matthew 6:25-34) How many times in this passage does the phrase "do not worry," "do not be anxious," or "take no thought" occur? In what way does excessive worry border on sin? Are worry and trust exact opposites? Do Not Worry is indicated many times in the above passage. Excessive worry does border on sin because it indicates a lack of trust in the Lord taking care of us and our needs. It is a struggle to turn our want of control over to Him but to have true peace we must do that. Worry and trust are opposites as when we have complete trust in God, we can turn our cares over to Him.

Q1. (Matthew 6:26-30) What point does Jesus make with his twin Parables of the Birds of the Air and of the Flowers of the Field? Is the point trivial or is it valid? THE POINT JESUS IS MAKING WITH THESE TWIN PARABLES IS THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF OUR NEEDS. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE DO NOT USE OUR TALENTS WISELY BUT RATHER THAT WE LIVE ACCORDING TO HIS WORD AND THEN PUT OUR TRUST IN HIM TO PROVIDE OUR NEEDS (NOT NECESSARILY OUR WANTS BUT OUR NEEDS). THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE WILL HAVE TRUE PEACE AND COMFORT IN THIS WORLD.

Q5. (Matthew 6:21, 24) The love of money can be a pretty subtle thing. Both the rich and the poor can love money. Can you describe a time in your life when you were deceived about this, and when the light in you was really darkness? According to Jesus, could desire for money **** a person (Luke 12:15-21)? Jesus knows that if a person is that caught up in his own wealth, he can't be a disciple. He can't serve both God and Money. There have been many times in my life when I have been deceived about the love of money and it takes constant prayer and staying close to the Lord to keep priorities in order. God comes first and money is used wisely to serve the Lord.

Q4. (Matthew 6:24) Jesus seems to make it sound like you can't seek wealth and God simultaneously. Does he really mean this? Is this hyperbole? Figurative? Literal? Can wealthy people serve God in actual fact? Seeking money is not bad. The important question is what does one do with money. How is it used to serve God? As Christians we must remember that everything we have belongs to God and we should use our wealth to serve God. If money and wealth is more important than God, it is bad but if used to serve God it becomes a blessings.

Q3. (Matthew 6:19-21) According to the Bible, how does one "store up treasures in heaven"? We live according to God's Word and we do good works to glorify God. Good works do not save us but are a result of our relationship with God. What advantage does this have over accumulating earthly possessions? Earthly possessions do not last beyond our life on this earth but treasures stored in heaven will be our forever. Why are we uncomfortable with the concept of rewards in heaven? I think it important to understand that we are unable to comprehend heaven in our finite minds. Just being in the presence of the Lamb that was slain should be our desire and is reward enough. Suffice it to say if any one of us could have a glimpe of what God has in store regardless of what we have accomplished, we would not be concerned about rewards.

Q2. (Matthew 6:19) Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...." Is he speaking figuratively? Hyperbolically? Generally? Specifically? Is this a new teaching, or an old one? I feel Jesus is speaking in all the above ways.Where I set my heart is really the critical issue in my spiritual life. It will determine how I perceive everything. If my heart is right and my treasure is toward God, then I am going to have the right kind of spiritual perception. My treasure will be where my heart is because I have to attach myself to my investment. In contrast to the Pharisees, the Lord is saying, "You must have a right heart." The key verse in the Sermon on the Mount is Matthew 5:20b: "...your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees...." They had an external righteousness without a right heart. Your heart and your treasure go together -- they both need to be toward heaven. Our Lord is speaking of a single-minded devotion to God and His causes that is undistracted by the world.

Q1. (Luke 12:15-21) Read the Parable of the Rich Fool. What did Jesus condemn him for? Storing his harvest? What is the key verse in this passage? What is the context of this parable? How does this relate to the Sermon on the Mount? What do we do with our abundance? The man in this parable was so thrilled with his good crop. He knew he had more than enough to last for a long time so he made up his mind to build bigger barns to store the excess so he could take life easy from that time on. Little did he know that God had other plans and he would not live to see the next morning. Jesus condemned him for his greed. We do need to plan and use resources wisely including planning for our future. However, we must never let things get in the way of our love for God and must always remember that ultimately things do not belong to us but are from the Lord. Our plans must be based on using our material things to share with others and thus to glorify God as this is what He taught us to do.Jesus is protesting against the kind of storing up that is a symptom of greed and acquisitiveness, of the love of money, and a love of the independence from God that it seems to allow. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:19-24) These verses remind us that God must have first place in our lives.

Q4. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) Why should we continually ask forgiveness? How can unforgiveness on our part block God's blessing? How can unforgiveness block God's forgiveness? If we forgive others only a little and hold grudges, we are asking God to forgive us only a little and bear a grudge against us. If we are to know and understand God, we must love. We must know and understand forgiveness. If we reject this part of God, we reject the kernel of who he is (1 John 4:16-21). So when Jesus puts it so bluntly in our passage (6:14-15) -- you must forgive to be forgiven -- we dare not reject this truth. We must continually ask forgiveness because of our weak nature. God makes a way where there is no way when it becomes difficult to forgive. He takes us beyond ourselves. Two simple lessons we disciples learn from this petition: (1) we must ask for forgiveness time and time again, and (2) unforgiveness blocks God's blessing.

Q3. (Matthew 6:11) Why do we seek to be independent of asking anyone for help? Why do we seek to be independent of God? Why should we ask God to "give" us daily bread so long as we can earn a living for ourselves? So often in the Western world we have a regular salary that comes like clockwork, month after month, and we take our livelihood for granted. Only when we are laid off or touched by serious illness do we begin to ask daily for his provision. Jesus teaches us to learn to become dependent upon our Father, and to bring to him our daily needs -- though we disciples are to put our own needs after the Father's holiness and kingdom and will. We should pray for Jesus to give us the will and desire to use the provisions he provides us and to use these to serve Him. We seek to be independent of asking anyone for help so often because of pride and wanting to feel we can be totally independent. We like to be in control and in charge. However, Jesus taught us that we are totally dependent on Him and to recognize this brings peace of mind. We do need to use the skills and talents we have but must remember these are also from the Lord.

Q2. (Matthew 6:10) In what sense are we asking that the Father's kingdom should come? Why are we asking for the Father's will to be done here on earth? How should this prayer affect our living? "The kingdom of God" more specifically is referring to Christ living and ruling in our hearts. So praying "thy kingdom come" is praying for the expansion and influence of God's rule in the hearts of men everywhere. God's Word reveals (or is) His will. Praying for God's will means praying in agreement with His Word> We do not have to live a beggarly existence here on this earth and just wait till we all get to heaven to begin to experience the benefits of our salvation. Jesus told us to pray "thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." In heaven, He will "wipe away all tears from our eyes" (Rev. 21:4), so here on earth we can pray and believe to receive "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. 1:8). Healing, prosperity, and all the other benefits of heaven are ours here on earth to the degree that we can believe and receive them.

Q1. (Matthew 6:9) What about our lives and words "hallows" the name of our Father? What desecrates and besmirches it? How should we "hallow" the Father when we begin to pray? Our Father's name is holy and should only be used with reverence. To use God's name in a manner that does not give honor and glory to Him is to use His name in vain. We should "hallow" the Father when we begin to pray by speaking words and raising thoughts that glorify Him and show reverence for our Heavenly Father. It is a privilege to be allowed to speak His name and it should only be done with reverence and in awe of who He is--truly our Heavenly Lord and Father.

Q4. (Matthew 6:8) If God knows what you need before you ask him, why should you ask him at all? What sense does prayer really make? One popular answer is that we pray more for our own benefit than God's. Are we mainly to talk for our own edification and encouragement? Why or why not? Prayer is not primarily speaking to hear ourselves talk (no matter how beneficial that may be). Prayer is communicating with God. It is speaking to him. It is formulating our thoughts to him. And, more important yet, it is engaging him in conversation. Jesus wants us to learn to communicate with God.