Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 3, 2010
Topic: Sin/Temptation, Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


Bothered By Sin

Do you like the feeling of discomfort you get when you know you've done something wrong? Neither do I. But the Bible tells us that to be bothered by sin, while very uncomfortable, is often an indication of spiritual health--even of our salvation.

What Does God Say?

    * First, let's get a handle on what the Bible teaches about those who are not bothered by sin.

"And yet you say,
'I have done nothing wrong.
Surely God isn't angry with me!'
But now I will punish you severely
because you claim you have not sinned" (Jeremiah 2:35, NLT).

"And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil" (John 3:19, NLT).

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth" (1 John 1:8, NLT).

   1. In the Jeremiah passage what did God find so objectionable about the people's attitude toward sin?
   2. Why do people love darkness more than light(see John 3:19)?
   3. Who are we deceiving if we say we have no sin?

    * Second, notice what the Bible says about the source of conviction.

"And when he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment" (John 16:8, NLT)

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:10, NASB).

   1. Who will convict the world of sin?
   2. Who are we making a "liar" if we say we haven't sinned?

    * Third, notice what the Bible assures us is possible when we honestly acknowledge our sin and deal with it through Jesus.

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17, NLT).

"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19, NLT).

"Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?'"

"Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:37-38, NLT).

    * Why did God send His Son into the world?
    * How can you have your sins wiped away according to John 3:17?
    * What will you receive when you turn to God?

My Thoughts

    * How do you respond when you are bothered by sin?
    * What is the right response to sin according to the scriptures we just read?
    * Are you bothered by one sin in particular? What is it?
    * What besides that important step of confessing that sin and receiving forgiveness for it, can you do so you will bothered less and less by that specific sin?

My Part

What's bothering you right now? Is there any sense of conviction of sin? Then it's a good time to talk to the Lord. Give Him your guilt, receive His mercy and forgiveness, and ask for His help in living His way.

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper,  but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" (Proverbs 28:13, NLT).

You can count on that! Guilt and shame will be replaced with gratitude and peace.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 4, 2010
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Obedience Is Proof

So, how do you know you're saved? How can you--or anyone else--tell that you belong to Christ? That you know Him? Well, it's a big question, but the answer couldn't be simpler.

What Does God Say?

It's right there in 1 John 2:3: "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments" (ESV). If you know God, if you've trusted His Son Jesus to be your Savior and you're a new creation in Christ, the evidence is in your obedience. You obey--or keep--His commands.

John goes on to say, "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:4-6, ESV).

Knowing God means obeying God. Loving God means obeying His commands. Abiding in the Lord means walking as He walked. When you love and respect someone, you want to do what pleases him or her. In John 14:15 and 21, Jesus says, "'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.... Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him'" (ESV).

Salvation through Christ makes your relationship with the Father possible; obeying His commands makes it visible.

My Thoughts

So, you belong to Christ and you obey His commands. What are these commands? Start with John 15:10-17.

    * What is the foundational command?
    * How is that put into action?
    * What else should result from obedience?
    * What benefits might you find in obedience?

The Word of God is packed with commands or instructions that will reveal our relationship with God when we obey them. Here are just a few; jot down any commands you find:
Romans 12:9-21
Hebrews 13:1-18
Ephesians 5:1-21

My Part

Are you going to keep His every command perfectly? No. When you fail to keep those commands, does that cancel your salvation? No. Your salvation is safe and secure because it's the work of Christ, and it doesn't depend on you.

Keeping the commands of Christ is evidence--outward confirmation that your life has changed. And even when you slip up or don't get it right, God in His grace gives you an opportunity to try again. First John 1:7 tells us "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" and in verse 9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). He cleans us up, sets us back on our feet and renews our desire to obey Him.

So, how are you doing? Can those around you tell that you belong to Jesus because you obey His commands? Do they see that you love like Jesus does? Are there a few commands you struggle with? In what areas have you seen improvement? Obedience is just the evidence or proof. And you not only have God's Word to show you the way but the Holy Spirit to guide and give you power to obey.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 5, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Nothing but Ashes

As someone said, "It's not what we possess that counts, but what possesses us." When we come to love the world and the things of the world, it comes to possess us. And then we're in trouble.

The apostle John warns us about this in his letter, 1 John. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

    * What two things are we not to love?
    * What three things are from the world?
    * What will eventually happen to the world and everything it desires?

My Thoughts

When John says to not "love the world," he is not talking about people; he is talking about the philosophy or value system of the world. What does the world value? It values sensuality; it values power; it values possessions. But none of these last. The richest, most beautiful, most powerful people in the world sooner or later pass on. Even the world itself is not permanent; Peter reminds us: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10-11, NASB). All the world values will be gone. Those who love the world and the things of the world will be left with nothing but ashes.

My Part

Jim Elliot wrote, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." What are you putting ahead of God today that will be gone tomorrow? What could you replace it with that will be eternal?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 8, 2010
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times


Looking for His Return

A soldier returning from Iraq appeared at his child's school. When he walked into the classroom, all the children looked up in wonder, but one child's mouth gaped open and his eyes grew wide in surprise. He scrambled from his chair and ran, launching himself into the arms of his parent. Have you seen that video on television or YouTube?

Think about how you'll feel when you, as a child of God, see your Lord return.

What Does God Say?

"And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8, NLT).

"We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed" (Titus 2:13, NASB).

   1. What can you expect on the day Christ returns?
   2. What makes you personally look forward to that day?
   3. What does Titus 2:13 mean by "the glory of our great God and Savior"?
   4. What are some reasons you might not be anticipating that day?

Read the following verse from 1 John:

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2, NKJV).

Dr. Kroll, Teacher for Back to the Bible radio and TV, comments on the verse:

"If you are saved and you want to be like the Lord, you're looking forward to this day that He describes in verse 2--that we'll be like Him. If that's of interest to you, it's probably proof that you are born again, that you're in the family of God."

The apostle Paul adds one other characteristic of those who truly are the children of God.

"For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which comes from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News"(Colossians 1:4-5, NLT).

My Thoughts

Are you born again? Have you experienced the transforming work of Christ in your life? All those who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord have new life, eternal life, life given to them by the Spirit of God. Now, they are the children of God and love the Lord, His Word, His people and His appearing.

Their heart cry is this:

"He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20, NKJV).

My Part

The early Christians had a unique greeting. When meeting Christian brothers or sisters, they would say, "He is coming again." And the response would be "Maybe today."

Imagine the day the Lord returns. What does it look like in your mind's eye? Now, draw the picture that's in your head.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 9, 2010
Topic: Sin/Temptation


God's Cure for Habitual Sin

The post office in a small town received a letter that was addressed to "Any Sinner." It was undeliverable because every person in the town qualified! The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It also tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8 ).

If you have trusted Christ, you have been saved from your sin by the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross (see 1 John 1:7).

Does that mean, then, that you will never have a problem with sin again in your life? No. Like the bumper sticker says: "Christians are not perfect; just forgiven." Every believer is tempted, and may sin against God. If that happens, we're to confess our sin and receive God's gracious forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9). But there is a difference between committing a sin and continuing to practice sin. Let's see what the Bible has to say about "practicing sin."

What Does God Say?

1 John 3:9-10 (ESV) says "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who  does not love his brother."

    * What prevents a Christian from making a practice of sin (v.9)?
    * What two groups of "children" do you see in this passage (v. 10)?
    * What two characteristics prove that people are "not of God"(v. 10)?

My Thoughts

The word, "abide," is seldom used in ordinary conversation these days, so when you hear it or read it in the Bible, you may wonder about its meaning. The dictionary says that to "abide" means "to remain in a place, to continue to be sure or firm, or to dwell."

Jesus talked to His disciples about "abiding" in John 15:4 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

1 John 3:6 (ESV) says, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." Now let's put the dictionary definition into the verse to clarify what "abiding in him" means. It would read like this: "No one who continues to be sure and firm in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."

How can you be sure and firm in Christ? Read 1 John 3:24 and answer the questions.

    * Who abides in Christ? (Look at John 15:12 for one of Christ's commandments.)
    * Who confirms that Christ dwells in the believer?

This verse, joined with 1 John 3:9, tells us that the Holy Spirit plants the seed of God's truth in a believer's heart, so that the transformed believer cannot continue to practice a life of sin, even though he or she can never be totally free from sin in this life.

My Part

Read through the Book of 1 John (it isn't very long) and jot down the reference for each verse where you find a form of the word "abide." Go back over your references and consider how each one affects you.

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17. It clarifies what God has done to enable a Christian to abide in Christ and not practice sin.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 10, 2010
Topic: Love, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Love One Another

"Love one another." You'll see that phrase over and over again in the New Testament. Why? Because it's the new commandment, the law of Christ: love one another. It's visible proof that you've received the gift of salvation and belong to Christ.

What Does God Say?

First John 3:14 tells us, "If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead" (NLT). You can know for sure that you've passed from death to life (salvation through Christ) because of the love you have for others in the same condition (saved through Christ).

Because this is true, it's also a command. Look at 1 John 4:7: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (ESV). In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples--and us--that "a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (ESV).

Love for others is proof of your salvation. When you obey the command to love, when you follow Jesus' example of love, others will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong to Him. So, how do you do it--how do you love like Jesus loved?

My Thoughts

Read through these passages with the following questions in mind.

John 15:12-16

    * What is Jesus' example of love like?
    * What will the result of loving one another be?

Romans 12:9-10; 13:8-10

    * What attitudes go with "love one another"?
    * What actions does this love take?
    * What does this love not do?

Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22

    * What attitudes mark our love for one another?
    * What actions does this love take?
    * How have you shown this love? What else can you do?

My Part

When we talk about love, we often turn to 1 Corinthians 13. It shows us real love, the kind God pours into our hearts when we belong to Him (see Romans 5:2-5). But sometimes we don't understand the actions that should characterize our love.

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (ESV).

List each thing that love is or does, and jot down ways you show love. For example:

    * How do you demonstrate patience?
    * What situations can you think of today that require your kindness?
    * What does your relationship with a friend or spouse look like when you "believe all things" or "bear all things"?

This is love in action, not emotion or an impossible goal. This is "love one another" lived out today in you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 11, 2010
Topic: Salvation


Conscience

We all have a conscience, whether we like it or not. It's that little--often irritating--voice inside that tells us we're about to go somewhere or do something we shouldn't. However, our conscience is a gift from God to guide us into the best life we can live and to reassure us of our salvation.

Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

In his first letter, the apostle John tells us "By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him" (1 John 3:19-22, ESV).

If you're like me, you want to live a life consistent with what Jesus taught. You want to know when you are doing wrong so you can change your course and begin doing the right things, the things that will please God. The surest way to do that is by taking in God's Word on a daily basis.

You see, the Word of God heightens our conscience. It's in the Bible that we learn what does and does not please God. And the more we take in God's Word, the more we'll be reminded to steer clear of the wrong path.

We'll look more into this in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read our verses for today, think about the following questions:

1. When was the last time you felt your conscience prodding you to do the right thing?

2. When your heart condemns you, who is greater than your heart?

3. What does John mean by our heart "condemning" us?

4. How does all this relate to what John said about receiving what we ask for from God?

My Part

Our conscience rarely, if ever, gives popular advice; but it does give us good advice. This week, pay attention to what your conscience is telling you. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the reminders He gives you about the path you should walk. And on the days when, despite your conscience, you find yourself in sin, remember Johns words from earlier: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 12, 2010
Topic: Holy Spirit, Obedience/Discipleship, Salvation


Your Best Source

Did you know that you have all the help you need to live the Christian life? When you put your faith and trust in Christ, when you are in an intimate relationship with Him, you have the Holy Spirit as your ally--a limitless resource for living.

What Does God Say?

First John 3:24 tells us, "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us" (ESV). The Holy Spirit is not just present in your life like a shadow looking over your shoulder, He is your power source for every need and your ally for every battle.

Paul addresses the power issue in his prayer in Ephesians 3:16, "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (ESV). The Holy Spirit powers you up; He gives you strength. You don't have to do it on your own.

The Spirit helps us in other ways too. Look at Romans 8:26-27, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (NLT). He helps us pray, and He intercedes for us even when we don't know what to pray.

In John 14:26, the Spirit is our teacher: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (ESV). And He gives us the words to speak up for God, "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Luke 12:12, ESV).

My Thoughts

Jesus introduces the coming of the Holy Spirit to His disciples in John 15:26, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me" (ESV)

    * How does He describe the Holy Spirit?
    * What is the mission of the Spirit?
    * Where does He come from or get His authority from?

Later in John 16, Jesus explains more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit or the Helper. Take a look at John 16:7-15, with these questions in mind:

    * What will the Helper come to do to the world?
    * What is the advantage of having this Helper?
    * How will the Helper assist those who belong to Christ?
    * What is the relationship between the Helper and the Father?

If you have time, read through John 14-17 to see what else Jesus says about the Holy Spirit and what He does for you.

My Part

For most of us, the Holy Spirit is the forgotten factor for living the Christian life. Where do you most need His help? Are you trying to "do it all" in your own strength or have you learned to tap into His power? Do you struggle to know how and what to pray about? Are you looking for comfort in things or other people instead of leaning on the Spirit? When you open your Bible, do you ask for His help and guidance to make it understandable and to live out what you learn?

These are the areas where the Holy Spirit proves to be our best ally. Take a few moments today to evaluate your life and to seek His assistance as you abide in Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 15, 2010
Topic: Salvation


Gift of the Spirit

When you're in school and looking for a job, there's really only one thing you're concerned about--what the job pays. Once you're out of school and looking for a career, though, the size of the paycheck isn't all that matters. You have to begin looking at the benefits a company offers such as the kind of insurance coverage you get, the retirement plan and how many sick/vacation days a year are being offered.

Because you will be spending a significant part of your life in your career, the benefits package is very important. The Christian life also comes with a benefits package. We all know the big benefits--salvation from our sins and an eternity in heaven; but that's not all.

What Does God Say?

In his letter to the Romans Paul lists several benefits that come with faith in Christ. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, ESV ).

We've been justified and can now have peace with God. Through our faith, we've been "set right" with God. Before, we were under His judgment; now we are under His mercy and can experience the peace of knowing that our God and Savior is in control.

"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2, ESV).

Because we are now under God's mercy, we have access to His grace--the giving nature of God. Read through your Bible, and find all the promises God makes--you'll have a hard time counting them. Now, that we've been made right with God through our faith, we stand ready to receive those promised gifts.

"God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5, ESV).

And then we come to the greatest gift given to believers this side of heaven--the Holy Spirit. The person of God Himself dwelling inside each of us. The Holy Spirit is God's assurance that He will come again. He is your seal of salvation and the proof of your faith.

We'll look at this more in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Romans 5:1-5 do the following activities and answer the questions:

    * Write out some of the benefits you enjoy every day because you believe in Jesus. (They might be included in the preceding verses or they could be other benefits you recognize.)
    * How does the Holy Spirit make it possible for us to experience hope and peace?
    * What's your current motivation for serving?
    * How is it that we can even rejoice in sufferings?

My Part

One thing that distresses many young Christians is that they don't feel saved. But think of it this way: There are a lot of things that are true about you even if you don't necessarily feel it. Your brain is working now; your heart is beating; your lungs and other organs are working like they should and the majority of the time you're not consciously aware of it. And just because you're not explicitly aware of the Spirit's presence in your life a hundred percent of the time, that doesn't mean He's not there. But over time and with the Spirit's guidance, you'll find yourself becoming more and more like Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 16, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Concerning Spiritual Gifts

The apostle Paul begins 1 Corinthians 12 with these words: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed" (1 Corinthians 12:1, ESV).

Why would Paul believe it was so important for believers to be educated about spiritual gifts?

Well, if you are uninterested or uninformed about them...

...you may think spiritual gifts are for your own benefit, or

...you may believe you can earn a spiritual gift, or

...you may feel you should be praying for some special gift, or

...you may have the opinion that certain special gifts are to be possessed by each and every believer, or

...you may think that the gift of tongues is a sign that you are filled with the Holy Spirit, or

...you may believe that the Holy Spirit is waiting for every believer to ask for a special gift, or

...you may think that spiritual gifts are something that God gives only to "super-believers," or

...you may simply feel the whole subject doesn't concern you.

What Does God Say?

To find out some of the things God wants you to know about spiritual gifts, take this quiz. Read the verses and write down your answers:

    * Which of the following verses show that every Christian has at least one spiritual gift?
          o Ephesians 4:7
          o 1 Corinthians 12:7
          o 1 Peter 4:10
          o 1 Corinthians 12:11
          o None of the above

    * To what does Paul compare the Church in 1 Corinthians 12:14-27?

    * Which of the following passages of Scripture does NOT speak about gifts?
          o Ephesians 4:11
          o Romans 12:3-8
          o Colossians 3:1-4
          o 1 Corinthians 12:1-27

    * What five gifts to the Church are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11?

    * What three "varieties" (ESV) or "differences" (KJV) do you find in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6?

My Thoughts

Spiritual gifts are gifts of grace, unearned and undeserved by those who receive them. They are totally controlled and authorized by the Triune God and are distributed to each and every believer by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving and building up the Body of Christ, the Church.

As you have opportunity to study the Bible Minutes over the next several days, you will become more and more acquainted with God's wonderful plan for using spiritual gifts for the Church's service, direction and growth in Christ. Hopefully, you will come to a deeper understanding of what gift or gifts you have been given for service, both in your local church and as a member of Christ's Body worldwide.

My Part

As a believer in Christ, you have at least one, possibly more than one, spiritual gift that you have received to use for God's glory. Your gift is not the same as your natural talent (although it could be closely related in some cases).

Study the instructions and principles about gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:7-16 and 1 Peter 4:10-11. Begin to do some thinking about what gift you may have been given and how you can use it to minister to others. Ask other believers what they think your gift or gifts might be.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 17, 2010
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Gifts for Body-building

In body-building, it's all about you: toning and sculpting your muscles and getting your body into peak condition. But God's "body-building course" isn't really about you at all. It's about developing others. And God has given you a spiritual gift (or perhaps more than one) to build up His Body, the Church.

What Does God Say?

When you are placed into the Body of Christ (also known as the Church) through faith in Jesus Christ, you're given at least one spiritual gift: a tool to use in helping the rest of the Body grow and develop. With these spiritual gifts, given by God's grace, what are you to do?

Well, 1 Peter 4:10 sums it up: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (ESV). You've received this gift; now use it! Not for your own glory but to serve others. Put it to work in the lives of fellow Christians. If your gift is teaching, teach so that others can grow. If it's mercy, extend it to those in need of a second chance or comfort.

The second part of 1 Peter 4:10 talks about being a steward of God's grace. You've been entrusted with a gift from God. Using it wisely demonstrates God's work in your life. It allows other people to catch a glimpse of God's grace at work. Spiritual gifts, used rightly, can multiply spiritual growth in the life of the Body. That's real Body-building!

My Thoughts

Read Romans 12:3-8.

    * How are you supposed to regard others in the Body?
    * What is your role as an individual in the Body?
    * What attitude do you need to develop when it comes to your spiritual gifts?
    * Paul lists several gifts here. In your own words, how is each to be used?

Turn to Ephesians 4:11-16.

    * Why did Christ give the gifts listed in verse 11 to the Body?
    * What is the ultimate result when we use these gifts as Christ intended?

My Part

So, how are you doing with your spiritual gifts? Are you using them to build up the Body? This is a challenge for us. Our world today and our natural selfishness influence us to "do our own thing" and only focus on ourselves. But Christ calls His followers to invest what He gives us into the lives of others.

If you know what your gift is, make it your goal this week to use it directly in the life of another believer. Look around, and you'll be surprised at who needs encouragement, a generous hand, a word of teaching, a little "truth-telling," help with a struggle or a comforting presence. Stretch your spiritual muscles and get involved in building up the Body. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). That's what your gifts are for!

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 18, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


God's Work Done in God's Way

In the Book of Exodus there is a beautiful picture of how the sovereign God gives gifts to human individuals to accomplish the work He wants done.

God wanted a temporary dwelling place where He could meet with His people and live among them while they journeyed through the desert to the Promised Land. God Himself revealed the plan (Exodus 25:1-9). Read how He accomplished His purpose in Exodus 31:1-11 and Exodus 35:30-36:6. As you read, note these things:

    * The plan was God's, not man's (Exodus 35:30).
    * The skills were gifts from God, not the people's natural talents (Exodus 36:1).
    * The abilities were gracious gifts from God to men to accomplish the work in His way (Exodus 36:1).
    * Even the men's teaching of skills to other workers was inspired by God (Exodus 35:34).
    * The materials and workers needed to get the job done were all provided by God's grace (Exodus 36:2-7).
    * When the work was done, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-48 ).

Now, fast-forward to the year 2008. What is God doing? He is not building a temporary tabernacle. He is, instead, building an eternal, spiritual house, the Church, the Body of Christ, to achieve His purposes (1 Peter 2:5). How is He doing it? By His sovereign grace, as He gives spiritual gifts to His people to accomplish His work according to His plan (Ephesians 4:7-16).

What Does God Say?

Look carefully at this verse:

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone" (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV).

    * What three Persons do you see in this passage?
    * How do you see the oneness or unity of God in this passage?
    * What "varieties" are connected with each Person?

My Thoughts

God works all His spiritual gifts together in the Church, locally and universally, to accomplish the work He wants done. The Holy Spirit provides each believer with at least one spiritual gift of God's grace, which is to be used for the benefit of all (not for one's own gratification). The Lord Jesus Christ provides the gifts of people for ministry or service (Ephesians 4:7-18 ). God the Father provides the gifts of enabling and energizing all the activities of the Church.

You have at least one spiritual gift. It is not something you pray for, and it is not something you earn. It is not a sign of your spirituality or holiness. It is evidence that the Holy Spirit indwells and uses every believer for God's glory.

My Part

These are lessons that introduce you to the subject of spiritual gifts. As you prepare for more Bible Minute studies about them, read Romans 12:3-8 and write out everything you see there that gives you insight about spiritual gifts in the Church. Consider what your spiritual gift may mean to your church.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 19, 2010
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Gifts That Give

So, they're calling it Oprah's Big Give, a reality TV show where individuals are each given a big sum of money. And the challenge is to give it away. No hanging onto the hundreds of thousands of dollars for yourself (although the winner is surprised with a million dollars at the end); you have to put it to work changing people's lives. It's a pretty exciting concept but hardly original because God has been doing that for thousands of years. He gives you gifts--spiritual gifts--and He wants you to give with them too.

What Does God Say?

Let's look at God's plan for the "big give." When you come into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ, you're part of the Body of Christ. And God in His grace gives you one or more spiritual gifts to use in the Body. "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Ephesians 4:7, ESV).

However, these gifts have a purpose, and it's not just for your own spiritual growth or personal edification. They're to be "given away" by investing or using them in the lives of other believers. First Corinthians 12:4-7 says, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (ESV) or "is given to each one for the profit of all" (NKJV).

These gifts have a clear purpose: to do good for others in the Body. They help us build each other up spiritually, keep each other on the right track, come alongside in times of need. And they strengthen our bond and interdependence within the Body. We can't do it alone. When you use your gift, I benefit; when I use mine, you stand to gain too. Gifts are not just for personal use but for the "profit" or "common good."

My Thoughts

Referring to believers as the Body gives a clear picture of how we fit and work together for our mutual benefit. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-13:3 and work on these questions.

    * Describe how the physical body works together. What are the benefits? What's similar in the Body of Christ?
    * Since God designed your place in the Body, how does that influence your view of yourself and your gifts? Your view of other members of the Body?
    * How are we to treat each other within the Body?
    * What happens if we don't work together?
    * What do you need most, no matter what spiritual gift you're given?

My Part

Using your spiritual gift as it's intended--to the benefit or profit of the rest of the Body--manifests or makes visible God's grace in your life. (See 1 Corinthians 12:7.)

It also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate love. That's why 1 Corinthians 13 follows 1 Corinthians 12. In fact, read through both again ignoring the chapter break. The instruction on gifts leads to the exhortation to love. Instead of turning your spiritual gift into a competition or a measure of spiritual superiority, Paul reminds us that there is "a still more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31, ESV) and that is love.

So, what's your attitude toward your spiritual gift? Are you using it to benefit others in the Body? Are you using it in love? Take a few minutes to examine yourself; then ask God to show you how He wants you to give your gift to others, the more excellent way.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 22, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Gifts, Ministries & Tasks

Remember years ago when Visible People kits first came out? Designed for kids 10 and older, you could buy a transparent model, either the Visible Woman,15" tall or the Visible Man, 16" tall, that showed how all the parts of the human body related to one another.

The Bible compares the Church to a body as well. By studying God's Word, you can see how the different parts are supposed to relate to one another. Let's look at that.

What Does God Say?

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12, NLT).

What do you see when you look at the visible Church?

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:11-16, ESV).

    * What does the Body of Christ look like? Write down your description based on the preceding verses.
    * What is the purpose of the Body?
    * What plan does Christ have for His Church?
    * Today ask God how He can use you more effectively in your local church body.

My Thoughts

Are you gifted? Are you spiritually gifted? What's the difference? Verses 4-7 of 1 Corinthians 12 provide the distinction.

"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other" (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NLT).

A talent or ability can be useful almost anywhere, anytime. But spiritual gifts have their purpose and power only in the context of the Church. There are many areas of the kingdom where we can be involved. Special gifting for service to the Lord in His Body, ministering to the saints through God who is in us, always and only originates from the Holy Spirit.

My Part

Where in the Body of Christ do you fit? How has God gifted you for the benefit of your church family, for caring for your brothers and sisters in Christ? Take time now to ask the Lord to give you a picture of how you fit into the Body of Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 23, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Beginning the Journey

An ancient Chinese proverb reminds us, "A journey of a thousand miles begins by taking the first step," or another version says that the journey "starts beneath your feet."

You've been studying this past month about spiritual gifts--how God has given these gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.

We've also seen how every Christian believer has at least one spiritual gift to be discovered and honed and exercised for the glory of God in the local church.

You've seen that there are many of these gifts listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. Possibly you have been thinking about what your gift is and how God wants to use you in ministering to others.

Well, every journey must have a beginning, so let's see what the Bible says about the first step you'll need to take for an effective use of the gift the Holy Spirit has given you.

What Does God Say?

Your first step toward effective service for God is self-examination. You must inspect some things about your present relationship to Christ and your willingness to be obedient to Him.

Self-examination is biblical. Look up these passages in your Bible. Write out in your own words what these verses are telling you to do.

    * The first has to do with unconfessed sin--1 Corinthians 11:28, and note 11:31.
    * The second has to do with faith--2 Corinthians 13:5.
    * The third warns about spiritual alertness--Galatians 6:1.
    * The fourth refers to your work--Galatians 6:4.
    * The fifth tells you the goal of self-examination--Romans 12:2. Note the ESV translation: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Italics added for emphasis).

My Thoughts

The first step of the journey toward properly using your spiritual gift isn't deciding what your gift is or how you are going to exercise it. Rather, the journey begins with a careful evaluation of your walk with the Lord. Write down your answers to these personal questions and take any steps God requires you to make.

    * Is there any known unconfessed sin in my life? The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV).
    * Do the things of this world have a grip on my mind?

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17, ESV).

    * Is pride hindering my service to the Lord?

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" (Romans 12:3, ESV).

My Part

Go before the Lord in worship right now. Bow before Him and ask Him to cleanse you of anything that may impede your fellowship with Him--sin, worldliness, pride or any other matter that He lays on your heart.

Do you see how Romans 12:1-3 relates to the gifts in Romans 12:4-8? Your heart preparation is the essential first step of a thousand miles of using your spiritual gift for His honor and glory!