Table of contents - Free Bible Study

Table of contents

Using This Guide ………………………………………………………………………….……. i

Welcome ………………………………………………………………………………………....1

Agenda …………………………………………………………………………………………..2

Course Objectives ……………………………………………………………………………….3

Lesson 1: A Test Drive …………………………………………………………………………..4

Lesson 2: How did the Bible come into being ……………………………………………………9

Lesson 3: Overview of the Bible ………………………………………………………………..21

Lesson 4: The First process of the Bible GPS is Understanding ………………………………...35

Lesson 5: The Second process of the Bible GPS is Application ………………………………....51 The Third process of the Bible GPS is Communication

Lesson 6: The Bible GPS on Galatians 5: 16-26 ………………………………………………...63

Lesson 7: The Bible GPS on Ephesians 5: 8-20 ………………………………………………....71

Lesson 8: The Bible GPS on Romans 3: 21-26 ……………………………………………….…79

Facilitator guide information

Last updated 01/01/2012

Notes:

Instructional durationrecommendations arelisted here

Ask Question

Coach and Direct

Feedback

Group Exercise

Instruct

Using this Guide________________________________________________________________

Location of MaterialsAll instructor materials are located in this manual.Participant materials can be printed from the CD.Address any questions to Kobus Genis at [email protected]

Conventions used in this GuideThe list of the icons found in this manual and their meanings.

Interaction is requested. Ask participants a question as listed in the Guide, or makeup one that is more relevant to the participants.

You are about to begin an activity and the participants need direction. Specificdirections accompany this icon.

Let the participants know how they are doing against the course and moduleobjectives.

Signals that a group activity is underway.

Present information. Be sure that you ask clarifying questions throughout thepresentation of information..

Materials and Equipment NeededFlipcharts, Student guides, Evaluation forms, Attendance sheets, Dry erase

markers, Flipchart markers, PC/laptop , PowerPoint presentation, Projector,

Replacement projector bulb, Projection screen suitable for facility and an

extension cord.

© Kobus Genis 2008

Notes:

20 minutes

Ask Question

Welcome

Welcome

⌂ Facilitator information

⌂ Introduction of students

⌂ Agenda

________________________________________________________________

Welcome participants and congratulate them for taking the study!

Provide your name and relevant information about yourself (why you are fit toinstruct this course; additional areas of subject-matter expertise.)

Review information about facilities – where bathrooms are, when there will bebreaks if any and so forth.

Discuss course structure

Ask participants to introduce themselves and what they expect from this course.

Open with a prayer and scripture reading e.g. 2 Tim 3:16-17 or Psalm 19: 7-11 orPsalm 119: 105

Play any song that relates to Scripture like “Thy Word” by Amy Grant

Transition into agenda slide

1. How to interpret Narratives

© Kobus Genis 2012 2

Notes:

5 minutes

Ask Question

Agenda


Agenda

3. The Bible GPS on Genesis 22: 2-19 > Abraham

2. The Bible GPS on Genesis 6: 5-8 > God

4. The Bible GPS on Exodus 2: 1-10 > Moses5. The Bible GPS on 2 Samuel 11:1-27 > David

6. The Bible GPS on Luke 12: 15-21 > Jesus

7. The Bible GPS on Acts 9: 1-20 > Paul

8. The Bible GPS on Luke 15: 11-32 > God

________________________________________________________________

Discuss the agenda. Tell participants that the passages chosen follow the storylineof the Bible, starting with God and the through some of the major characters inthe Bible and back to God.

Ask participants if there are any questions at this time.

Transition into next slide



Notes:

5 minutes

Instruct

Course objectives

Course objectives⌂ Goal: You will be able to use the tools in the Bible asyour GPS to understand, apply and communicate theessentials of the Bible narratives into the 21st century.

⌂ How will we accomplish our goal?- You will demonstrate knowledge of the GPS model.- You will learn how to get to the message to theoriginal receiver of the Bible passage.

- You will learn how to discern if the message to theoriginal receiver is applicable or not to our situation.

- You will learn how to communicate the essentials tospecific target groups.

- You will practice the GPS model on Bible narratives.

________________________________________________________________

Discuss the points on the slide.

Explain how personal attainment of the objectives will help the participants intheir life. We will see hoe the stories of the Bible connect with the stories of ourlives.




Notes:1 minute

Ask Question

Instruct

1. HOW TO INTERPRET NARRATIVES________________________________________________________________

Objective: To apply the GPS method on the Narratives of the Bible.

Ask a participant to read the objective.

Ask a participant to read the following story.

CELEBRATE?

A new monk arrived at the monastery. He was assigned to help the othermonks in copying the old texts by hand. He noticed, however, that they werecopying copies, not the original books. The new monk went to the head monk toask him about this. He pointed out that if there were an error in the first copy, thaterror would be continued in all of the other copies.

The head monk said, 'We have been copying from the copies for centuries, butyou make a good point, my son.' The head monk went down into the cellar withone of the copies to check it against the original.

Hours later, nobody had seen him, so one of the monks went downstairs tolook for him. He heard a sobbing coming from the back of the cellar and foundthe old monk leaning over one of the original books, crying. He asked what waswrong.'The word is 'celebrate,' not 'celibate' 'sobbed the head monk.

Please answer the following questions:

1. What do you think is the message of this story?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Which part(s) of the story makes it interesting and help us to understand themessage?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Would you have arrived at the message by only reading the first two paragraphs?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. What are the implications of your answer for understanding Biblical stories?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………



Notes:20 minutes

Instruct

Ask Question

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A NARRATIVE

1. A narrative has a CHRONOLOGICAL framework and is also

NON-PRESCRIPTIVE. The message is IMPLIED.

INSTRUCTIONEXPLANATION

PROCEDURENARRATIVE

PrescriptiveNon-prescriptive

Non-chronologicalframework

Chronologicalframework

________________________________________________________________

Read the sentence and ask the participants to fill in the blank space.

1. Chronological FrameworkAndrea took a bath and played a little bit with her doll before her mom put her inbed and prayed for her.

took a bath played put in bed prayed event 1 event 2 event 3 event 4

Timeline

Tell participants that in a story events happen in a timeline.

2. Non-prescriptiveThis means that the reader or listener does not explicitly know what to do, thinkor how to behave.

Ask participants if a direct instruction was given in the first story “Celebrate?”Answer: NoHow the do you know what the message from the story was?Answer: The message is implied





Notes:

Instruct

Ask Question

DIFFERENT KINDS/GENRES OF NARRATIVE

NARRATIVEDramatic history

Non-prescriptive

Chronologicalframework

Allegory

Parable

Apocalyptic text

Story

Conversation

________________________________________________________________.Discuss the points on the slide.

Stories - An account or recital of an event or a series of events, either true orfictitious e.g. the birth of Moses (Ex 2:1-10) http://www.answers.com/topic/story

Allegory – Characters and events are symbols of something else (Example: TheSower in Mt 13: 3-23 and the trees in Judges 9: 8-15)

Dramatic history - History of the birth and death of Jesus (Luke 1: 26-45)

Parables - A story intended to teach a moral lesson or answer an ethical question.In the West, the best examples of parables are those of Jesus Christ. (Example:“The parable of The Good Samaritan” in Luke 10: 25-37)www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/glossary/glossary_p.htm

Conversation - The use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas orinformation etc. Peter’s confession of Christ (Luke 9: 18-27) (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Apocalypse - A genre of literature which refers to early Christian and Jewishwriting between 250 BCE and 200 CE which focuses upon dreams and visions ofthe future, secrets of the cosmos, and revelations from God about the ultimatefate of the world or humanity.





Notes:

Ask Question

Instruct

THREE GENERAL TYPES OF PLOT STRUCTURES

ResolutionProblem

ExplanationMystery

ExecutionPlan

Element which resolves tensionElement which creates tension

________________________________________________________________

Most narratives (stories) have plots.What is a plot structure?Answer: The plot is the way in which a story develops and serves to keep the interest of theaudience.

Share examples of each element:Plan – execution structure: the overall structure of the book of Acts is anexample. In the first chapter Jesus instructs his disciples to be witnesses to theends of the earth (the plan) and the rest of the book describes how this plan wascarried out (the execution).Mystery – explanation structure: The riddle of Samson is a good example. InJudges 14: 12-18 Samson tells his 30 wedding companions a riddle at a wedding(he mystery), and eventually they find the answer to the riddle (the explanation)Problem – resolution structure: Moses in the basket is a good example of thisstructure.

Ask participants if they can tell the plot structure of the “Celebrate” story.Answer:Problem: “He pointed out that if there were an error in the first copy, that error would becontinued in all of the other copies.”Resolution: The head monk went down into the cellar with one of the copies to check it againstthe original.Result: 'The word is 'celebrate,' not ‘celibate' sobbed the head monk

Show participants from “The Bible as Your GPS: a few examples of stories.Show them how stories can be divided in “tension” (plan, mystery and problem),“relief of tension” (execution, explanation and resolution) and then there is alwaysa ‘result” or an “outcome.”





Notes:

Instruct

Ask Question

UNDERSTANDING

DIFFERENCES of

LanguageTradition

TimeSituationHistory

Essential =Moral

COMMUNICATIONAPPLICATION

Message tothe original

receiver

The GPSTargetGroup

Incidental = Cultural, Ceremonial & Civil

________________________________________________________________

Discuss the points on the slide and tell participants that we use the same methodof Module I to interpret Narratives.Tell participants that we will use Genesis 37: 1-11 as an example how to interpretnarratives.





Notes:

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

UNDERSTANDING (S.T.A.R.T.)


1. Situation ………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………….

2. Type of literature

InstructionExplanationProcedure

* Psalms* Prophets* Wisdom literature

NarrativePOETRY inPROSE

________________________________________________________________

Ask participants what the first step of the GPS method is.Answer: UNDERSTANDING

Ask participants what the purpose of this process is.Answer: The Purpose of this process is to understand the message as well as or almost as wellas the original receivers did.

Ask participants to use their certificates to follow along.

1. SituationYou can either ask a participant to read from a study Bible or you can share thesituation (background) of the Genesis 37.

2. Type of literatureAsk the participants if they can tell what type of literature this passage is.Answer: Narrative – story





Notes:

Instruct

Ask Question

3. Analyze the passage

3.1 Divide the Story in Episodes(An Episode is chain of events that are related, having the

same location, time and major participants)

3.2 Determine the Plot-Structure and Main Themes(The plot is the way in which the story develops and

serves to keep the interest of the reader)

3.3 Conclude and summarize the message to the originalreceiver……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.1 Tell participants that the smallest unit of a story is and episode. Genesis 6: 5-8is an episode because the events are related, it is the same location, time and majorparticipants.

3.2 Read through the passage and try to find the plot structure as well as mainthemes.The plot structure of Genesis 37: 1-11 is:

Tension (Problem): Joseph gossips (verses 2-3)Relief of tension: (Resolution) Joseph’s brothers take a dislike in him

(verses 4-10)Result: Tension in the family (verse 11)

.Establish the meaning structureA = Joseph gossipsB = Jacob shows favor to JosephC = Joseph’s brothers hated himD = Joseph shares his dreamE = Joseph’s family is not happy about his dream

3.3 In this step you summarize the findings of 3.4.Arrogance and favoritism can cause a lot of turmoil in that family.





Genesis 37 (story)Tension: Joseph gossips2 This is the account of Jacob. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tendingthe flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’swives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he hadbeen born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him.Relief of tension: Joseph’s brothers take a dislike to him4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, theyhated him and could not speak a kind word to him.5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all themore.10 When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said,“What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actuallycome and bow down to the ground before you?”Result: Tension in the family11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

(New International Version)

AA

C

D

E

B

________________________________________________________________

The meaning structure:A = Joseph gossipsB = Jacob shows favor to JosephC = Joseph’s brothers hated himD = Joseph shares his dreamE = Joseph’s family is not happy about his dream



Notes:

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

4. Relate the message to the broader Biblical andtheological framework?

5. Test your findingsUNDERSTANDING

Message to the OriginalReceiver

Arrogance and favoritism can cause a lotof turmoil in a family.


receiver

________________________________________________________________

4. Tell participants that steps number 4 and 5 are to make sure that your findingsfrom step number 3 are in line with the broader Biblical message.

Ask participants if they think that the message can relate to the broader Biblicaland theological framework.Answer: Yes, it does! (1 Sam 2: 3, 1 Sam 15: 23, Proverbs 14: 3, 2 Corinthians 12: 20)

5. Tell participants that this step is to test your findings by reading commentaries,Study Bibles etc. We need to understand that many godly people have wrestledwith this passage before.

After you realized that your findings corresponds with the findings of others youhave come to the message to the original receiver.





Notes:

Ask Question

UNDERSTANDING

Essential =Moral



receiver

TargetGroup



Arrogance and favoritism can cause a lotof turmoil in a family.

________________________________________________________________

Ask participants what the second step of the GPS method is.Answer: APPLICATION

Ask participants what the purpose of this process is.Answer: The Purpose of the process of Application is to bring the message to the originalreceivers across time by applying it to our situation.

Ask participants how we determine whether the message to the original receiver isan essential or an incidental.Civil and Ceremonial laws as well as Cultural practices are incidental.Only the moral laws are essential and therefore applicable.

Ask participants whether the message to the original receiver is essential; orincidental.Answer: Essential





Notes:

Ask Question

Coach and

Direct

Feedback

Ask Question

Feedback

UNDERSTANDING

Essential =Moral



receiver

The GPSTargetGroup


A friend

________________________________________________________________

Ask participants what the third step of the GPS method is.Answer: COMMUNICATION

Ask participants what the purpose of this process is.Answer: The Purpose of the process of Communication is to communicate the essentials in arelevant way.

Tell the participants to form groups of four to five people. Tell them that yourfriend got a promotion and following the promotion she experienced that some ofher colleagues were very jealous and did not treat her very well.

Discuss in the group how you will comfort her.

Share in your groups of a situation in your life where you also experiencedarrogance and jealousy and how you dealt with it.

Get some feedback from the group. If there is time, ask the group to read day 7from “The Bible as Your GPS”

Ask the group how they feel about this devotion and how it can help to addressthe problem of jealousy.

Ask participants how they have experienced this session.

Close with prayer

2. The Bible GPS on Genesis 6:5-8


Notes:

2-5 minutes

Ask Question

Agenda


Agenda







________________________________________________________________

Discuss the agenda.





Notes:

2 minute

Instruct

UNDERSTANDING

DIFFERENCES of

LanguageTradition

TimeSituationHistory

Essential =Moral



receiver

The GPSTargetGroup


________________________________________________________________

This slide is to reinforce the GPS method. Don’t spend too much time on this.




Notes:

2-3 minutes

Instruct

The FIRST process: UNDERSTANDINGThe FIRST process: UNDERSTANDING

1. Situation

S.T.A.R.T.



4. Relate the message to therest of the Bible

5. Test your findings

UNDERSTANDING


receiver

________________________________________________________________

This slide is to reinforce the First process of the GPS method. Don’t spend toomuch time on this.




Notes:

10-15 minutes

Instruct

1. SituationYou can either ask aparticipant to read from astudy Bible or you canshare the situation(background) of theGenesis 6.

Ask Question

2. Type of literatureAsk the participants ifthey can tell what type ofliterature this passage is.Answer: Narrative – story



1. Situation ………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………….


InstructionExplanationProcedure

* Psalms* Prophets* Wisdom literature

NarrativePOETRY inPROSE

________________________________________________________________

1. Situation……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. Type of literature……………………………………………………………………………………



Notes:

20-25 minutes

Instruct

Ask Question


3.1 Divide the Story in Episodes(An Episode is chain of events that are related, having the

same location, time and major participants)

3.2 Determine the Plot-Structure and Main Themes(The plot is the way in which the story develops and

serves to keep the interest of the reader)

3.3 Conclude and summarize the message to the originalreceiver……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

________________________________________________________________

3.1 Tell participants that the smallest unit of a story is and episode. Genesis 6: 5-8is an episode because the events are related, it is the same location, time and majorparticipants.

3.2 Read through the passage and try to find the plot structure as well as mainthemes.The plot structure of Genesis 6: 5-8 is:

Problem: God is grieved (verses 5-6).Resolution: God makes a decision (verse 7).Result: God’s grace triumphs (verse 8).

Establish the meaning structureA = The wickedness on earth grieves GodB = God decides to destroy human beingsC = God changes his plan

3.3 In this step you summarize the findings of 3.4.God doesn’t stand over against but with his creation.The evil heart of humankind troubles the heart of GodGod’s love always supersedes his wrath!God can change his mind!





Genesis 6 (story)Tension: The wickedness on earth grieves God

Relief of tension: God decides to destroy human beings

Result: God changes his plan

(New International Version)

A

C

B

5 The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, andthat every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.6 The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heartwas filled with pain.

7 So the LORD said, ‘I will wipe mankind, whom I have created from the faceof the earth – men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground,and birds in the air – for I am grieved that I have made them.’

8 But Noah found favor in the Eyes of the Lord.

The meaning structure:A = The wickedness on earth grieves GodB = God decides to destroy human beingsC = God changes his plan



Notes:

10-15 minutes

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

4. Relate the message to the broader Biblical andtheological framework?

5. Test your findingsUNDERSTANDING


……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………Message to

the originalreceiver

________________________________________________________________

4. Tell participants that steps number 4 and 5 are to make sure that your findingsfrom step number 3 are in line with the broader Biblical message.

Ask participants if they think that the message can relate to the broader Biblicaland theological framework.Answer: Yes, it does! (Hosea 11: 8-9, Joshua 10: 10-15, Genesis 18: 16-23; Jonah 3: 10)

5. Tell participants that this step is to test your findings by reading commentaries,Study Bibles etc. We need to understand that many godly people have wrestledwith this passage before.

After you realized that your findings corresponds with the findings of others youhave come to the message to the original receiver.





Notes:

5 minutes

Ask Question

UNDERSTANDING

Essential =Moral



receiver

TargetGroup



……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………

________________________________________________________________

Ask participants how we determine whether the message to the original receiver isan essential or an incidental.Civil and Ceremonial laws as well as Cultural practices are incidental.Only the moral laws are essential and therefore applicable.

Ask participants whether the message to the original receiver is essential; orincidental.Answer: Essential





Notes:

20-30 minutes

Ask Question

Feedback

UNDERSTANDING

Essential =Moral



receiver

The GPSTargetGroup


A Seeker

________________________________________________________________

Someone you know is asking you really tough questions about God. This personis very honest and is seeking to know more about God. The seeker doesn’t mindyou referring to the Bible.

In the light of our passage, how will you answer the seeker’s following questions?

1. Is God aloof or is He involve in what is happening on earth?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. If God is Almighty, why is there so much suffering in the world?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. Can God change his mind?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

To you as a participant:

What have you discovered in today’s session that you didn’t know before?

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. The Bible GPS on Genesis 22: 2-19


Notes:

30-40 minutes

InstructUse PPT slides 1-8 forthis page

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

The Bible GPS on Genesis 22: 2-19


Agenda







________________________________________________________________

S You can either ask a participant to read from a study Bible or you canshare the situation (background). You can also refer to page 35 in “The Bible asYour GPS.” (slides 4 and 5)

T Ask a participant if they can tell what type of literature this passage is.Answer: Prose, narrative – story (slide 5)

A Ask a participant to read the passage. Ask participants if they can tell theplot structure? Refer to Day 6 in “The Bible as Your GPS” for the plot structure.

Ask a participant to read Day 6 from “The Bible as Your GPS.”The meaning structure follows the plot structure. (A, B, C – see slide 7)Ask them if they can tell from this devotional what the message to the

original receiver is. Remember that the message is implied. (slide 6)

Summarize the message to the original receiver: is …God can provide a way out in surprising and unpredictable ways.Human beings are active in the way God provide. (slides 7 & 8)

R Ask participants if this message relates to the rest of the Bible? Answer isYES (slide 8)

T Tell participants that the commentaries confirms our finding.

Message to the original receiver is …God can provide a way out in surprising and unpredictable ways.Human beings are active in the way God provide.

Ask participants if there are any questions at this time. Move to next page …

UNDERSTANDING

3. The Bible GPS on Genesis 22: 2-19


Notes:

30-40 minutes


Ask Question

Ask participants if this isan incidental or essential

Ask Question

Ask participants thefollowing questions.

Incidental …………………………………………………………...……………

Essential Answer: It is an essential (Moral) (slide 9)

Please answer the following questions in the light of Day 6 of “The Bible as YourGPS.” (slides 10 and 11)

1. What touched you the most in this story and why?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. How can this story comfort us in difficult times?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. Can you tell of other places in the Bible where God also provided a way out?

E.g.

Joseph: from a dark well to the prime minister of Egypt (day 9)

Naomi: from a defenseless widow becomes a happy grandmother (day 60)

Esther: from an orphan to a queen (day 277)

4. Feel free to share your own story where God also provided a way out.

APPLICATION

COMMUNICATION

4. The Bible GPS on Exodus 2: 1-10


Notes:

30-40 minutes

Instruct

Ask Question

Ask Question

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

The Bible GPS on Exodus 2: 1-10


Agenda



4. The Bible GPS on Exodus 2: 1-10 > Moses

5. The Bible GPS on 2 Samuel 11:1-27 > David




________________________________________________________________

S You can either ask a participant to read from a study Bible or you canshare the situation (background). You can also refer to page 46-47 in “The Bibleas Your GPS” as well as Exodus 1:8, 14 & 22

T Ask a participants if they can tell what type of literature this passage is.Answer: Prose, narrative - story

A Ask a participants to read the passage. Ask participants if they can tell theplot structure? Refer to Day 11 in “The Bible as Your GPS” for the plot structure.

Ask a participant to read Day 11 from “The Bible as Your GPS.” Askthem if they can tell from this devotional what the message to the original receiveris.Summarize the message to the original receiver: is …

God can provide a way out in surprising and unpredictable ways.Human beings are active in the way God provide.

R Ask participants if this message relates to the rest of the Bible? Answer isYES


Message to the original receiver is …God can provide a way out in surprising and unpredictable ways.Human beings are active in the way God provide.


UNDERSTANDING

4. The Bible GPS on Exodus 2: 1-10


Notes:

30-40 minutes

Ask Question


Ask Question


Incidental …………………………………………………………...……………

Essential Answer: It is an essential (Moral)

Please answer the following questions in the light of Day 11 of “The Bible as YourGPS.”

1. What touched you the most in this story and why?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. How can this story comfort us in difficult times?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. Can you tell of other places in the Bible where God also provided a way out?

E.g.

Joseph: from a dark well to the prime minister of Egypt (day 9)

Naomi: from a defenseless widow becomes a happy grandmother (day 60)

Esther: from an orphan to a queen (day 277)

APPLICATION

COMMUNICATION

5. The Bible GPS on 2 Samuel 11: 1-27


Notes:

30-40 minutes


Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

The Bible GPS on 2 Samuel 11: 1-27


Agenda







________________________________________________________________

S You can either ask a participant to read from a study Bible or you canshare the situation (background). You can also refer to page 111-112 (Our FourthStop: The United Kingdom) in “The Bible as Your GPS.” (slides 4 & 5)

T Ask a participants if they can tell what type of literature this passage is.Answer: Prose, narrative – story (slide 5)

A Ask a participants to read the passage. You could only focus on the firstepisode (verses 1-5) or read the whole chapter. Ask participants if they can tell theplot structure? Refer to Day 66 in “The Bible as Your GPS” for the plot structure.

Ask a participant to read Day 66 from “The Bible as Your GPS.” Themeaning structure follows the plot structure. (A, B, C – see slide 7)

Ask them if they can tell from this devotional what the message to theoriginal receiver is. Remember that the message is implied. (slide 6)Summarize the message to the original receiver: is …

You are responsible for your choices. Choices have consequences. Noone is exempt from temptation. Be faithful to your partner …

R Ask participants if this message relates to the rest of the Bible? Answer isYES


Message to the original receiver is …You are responsible for your choices. Choices have consequences. No

one is exempt from temptation. Be faithful to your partner


UNDERSTANDING

5. The Bible GPS on 2 Samuel 11: 1-27


Notes:

30-40 minutes

Ask Question


Ask Question


Incidental …………………………………………………………...……………


Please read Day 66 of “The Bible as Your GPS” and answer the followingquestions.

1. What touched you the most in this narrative and why?

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. The name “David” conjures up images of a shepherd, a poet, a brave soldier, aking and the precursor of Jesus. He is one of the great characters in the OldTestament. But David also had a dark side, which the Bible does not hide. He wasa deceiver, a liar, an adulterer and a murderer. Yet David is still called a man afterGod’s own heart (Acts 13:22). Why do you think he is called a man after God’sown heart? Read Day 67 from “The Bible as Your GPS” to get to the answer.

Answer: David was willing to confess his sin (2 Samuel 12 verse 13 and Psalm 51). He didn’t

look for excuses. David usually wholeheartedly sought God's will. He didn't withdraw from the

responsibilities of life.

3. Why is it not easy to admit (confess) our wrongdoings?

Answer: We feel ashamed, don’t want to let others down, afraid what people will say, concerned

about your image, think it will disappear …

4. Why is it important to deal with the garbage in our life? Read James 1: 13-15.

Answer: Psalm 51: 10, 12, 15 and Proverbs 4: 23 (The heart is the wellspring of life)

5. It is believed that David wrote Psalm 51 after the Bathsheba-episode. Read itas a prayer to close this session.

APPLICATION

COMMUNICATION

6. The Bible GPS on Luke 12: 15-22


Notes:

30-40 minutes


Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

The Bible GPS on Luke 12: 15-22


Agenda







________________________________________________________________

S You can either ask a participant to read from a study Bible or you canshare the situation (background). (slides 4 & 5)


A Ask a participants to read the passage. Ask participants if they can tell theplot structure? Refer to Day 252 in “The Bible as Your GPS” for the plotstructure.


Ask them if they can tell from this devotional what the message to theoriginal receiver is. Remember that the message is implied. (slide 6)Summarize the message to the original receiver: is …

God consider you foolish when you are greedy and when money becomesyour significance.

R Ask participants if this message relates to the rest of the Bible? Answer isYES You can refer to passages like: Proverbs 22: 1; Ecclesiastes 5: 10, Matthew 6:16-34 and 1 Timothy 6


Message to the original receiver is …God consider you foolish when you are greedy and when money becomes

your significance.


UNDERSTANDING



Notes:

30-40 minutes

Ask Question


Ask Question


Incidental …………………………………………………………...……………


Answer the following questions …

1. Jesus talked about money more than anything else except the Kingdom of God.

Why? (Page 131 in Hearing God’s Tweet)

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. Count the number of times you find the personal pronouns "I," "me," "my" in

vss. 13-21.

What is the significance of this? (Page 142 in Hearing God’s Tweet)

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. The rich man seems like a wise businessman. Where does Jesus fault him?

What was the man's error?

……………………………………………………………………………………

4. Is it more likely for a poor man or a rich man to be greedy?

Why did you choose the answer you did?

……………………………………………………………………………………

5. How do we overcome greed? (Page 131 in Hearing God’s Tweet)

……………………………………………………………………………………

APPLICATION

COMMUNICATION



Notes:

30-40 minutes


Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

The Bible GPS on Acts 9: 1-20


Agenda







________________________________________________________________



A Ask a participants to read the passage. Ask participants if they can tell theplot structure? Refer to Day 271 in “The Bible as Your GPS” for the plotstructure.


Ask them if they can tell from this devotional what the message to theoriginal receiver is. Remember that the message is implied. (slide 6)

Summarize the message to the original receiver: is …Everyone (good and bad, rich and poor) needs God’s grace.

R Ask participants if this message relates to the rest of the Bible? Answer isYES You can refer to passages like: Proverbs 22: 1; Ecclesiastes 5: 10, Matthew 6:16-34 and 1 Timothy 6

T Tell participants that the commentaries confirm our finding.

Message to the original receiver is …Everyone (good and bad, rich and poor) needs God’s grace.


UNDERSTANDING



Notes:

30-40 minutes

Ask Question


Ask Question


Incidental …………………………………………………………...……………


Answer the following questions …

1. Saul was considered a very good person (Phil 3: 4-8). Why did he and all people

(good and bad, rich and poor) also need grace? (Romans 3: 23; Ephesians 2: 8-9)

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. Why do you think is it not always easy for good people to accept grace?

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. Why do you think Saul's conversion was so dramatic? (Acts 26:16-18, Acts 22:6-

21)

……………………………………………………………………………………

4. What do you think is so amazing about grace (Page 153 in Hearing God’s Tweet).

……………………………………………………………………………………

5. CS Lewis once made the comment that grace is Christianity’s unique

contribution among world religions. Do you agree?

……………………………………………………………………………………

APPLICATION

COMMUNICATION



Notes:

30-40 minutes


Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

Instruct

Ask Question

The Bible GPS on Luke15: 11-32


Agenda







________________________________________________________________



A Ask a participants to read the passage. Ask participants if they can tell theplot structure? Refer to Day 253-Day 256 in “The Bible as Your GPS” for the plotstructure. This parable can be divided in four distinct episodes.

Ask a participant to read Luke 15: 11-32. The meaning structure followsthe plot structure. (A, B, C – see slide 7)

Remember that the message is implied. (slide 6)

Summarize the message to the original receiver: is …Self-discovery (younger son) and moral conformity (older son) can never save you. It

doesn’t go deep enough to take you to the father’s heart. How can we be saved?1. We need the initiating love of the Father (Luke 15: 20, 28) 2. We need to repent of our

sins as well as the wrong reasons why we do good. 3. We need to be melted and moved at what itcosts the Father to bring

us back home.

R Ask participants if this message relates to the rest of the Bible? Answer isYES (Romans 1: 16; Acts 15: 9, 11; Ephesians 2: 8-9; 1 John 5: 10-13)

T Tell participants that the commentaries confirm our finding.

Message to the original receiver is …Ask participants if there are any questions at this time. Move to next page …

UNDERSTANDING



Notes:

30-40 minutes

Ask Question


Ask Question


Incidental …………………………………………………………...……………


Please read Days 253-256 of “The Bible as Your GPS” or pages 143-145 ofHearing God’s Tweet and answer the following questions.

1. What do you think was the young son’s problem and how does that relate to

what parents experience today? Day 253 of the Bible as Your GPS: or Days 143

and 145 of “Hearing God’s Tweet.”

……………………………………………………………………………………

2. The young son lost everything, except one thing. What was that, and what can

we learn from that? (Day 254 of “The Bible as Your GPS”)

……………………………………………………………………………………

3. “The parable should never have been called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, for

the son is not the hero. It should be called the Parable of the Loving Father,”

(William Barclay in his commentary on Luke, p 213). How do you feel about this

comment? (Day 255 “The Bible as Your GPS”)

……………………………………………………………………………………

4. What was the older son’s problem? (Page 145 of “Hearing God’s Tweet)

……………………………………………………………………………………

5. What does this parable tell us about God ?

……………………………………………………………………………………

APPLICATION

COMMUNICATION

Documents

Table of contents - Free Bible Study