Tag: bsf questions answers lesson 5 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:12-17

Jesus now addresses the church in Pergamum. He praises them for remaining true to his name. Yet, some of them follow Balaam’s teaching, are sexually immoral, and eat sacrificial food. Some of them also believe in the teaching of the Nicolaitans. He asks them to repent. Jesus says that those who follow him will receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

3) Jesus told them, “You remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me.”

4a) Balaam’s teaching led some to commit sexual sins and eat food sacrificed to idols. Balaam was a false prophet. He betrayed Israel and led them astray by using the Moabites to entice the Israelites with prostitution and idolatry. He made the Israelites curse themselves.

b) The sword of his mouth. This weapon represents His word.

c) God’s word can explain things to you, such as what is sin and what is not sin. God’s word offers examples of others who lived in sin and the consequences. God’s word exposes the evil of sin and helps us to see our evil ways.

5) Those who are victorious will receive, “I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” Jesus’ provisions are critical in my life since it’s all from him. We each get a new name with the Lord once we are saved. Jesus offers eternal life. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

Again, I love how Jesus warns us and tells us of what we are doing wrong so that we can correct it and live like him!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamum was a political capital noted for its great learning centers and culture. It also had many temples to the Roman gods and temples to the Roman emperor. It was a city known for its healing since there was a medical school there. Therefore, many people suffering from medical conditions would come here looking for healing.

We saw in Revelation 1:16 that a double-edged sword came from Jesus’ mouth. Now, we see here that Jesus holds this sword. In Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is like a two-edged sword.

Jesus repeats to every church in Revelation that he knows their works. He knows ours, too.

Jesus says Pergamum has much evil there.

There are many people not named in the Bible. Here, Antipas is named and praised for being a faithful martyr but this is all that we know of him. Remember, a martyr is a witness, as much as one who gave up their life for their beliefs.

Balaam could not curse Israel directly, so he used others to turn them to sin. Great read HERE

Sexual immorality was rampant in the Roman Empire, and no one found fault with it. In fact, if you weren’t sexually immoral, you were the oddball.

As we mentioned previously, Bible scholars believe the Nicolaitans approved of immorality, too.

Essentially, the Christians of Pergumum were too tolerant of these other teachings.

Jesus tells 5 of the 7 churches in Revelation to repent. Repent, or face Jesus’ judgment (the double-edged sword). In this instance, Jesus’ weapon is his Word.

Manna is God’s provision. (John 6:41)

A white stone was a blessing in this instance. In ancient times, white stones were used for many things: as part of a census, a sign of acquittal in a trial, they were used for tickets, or for showing friendship.

A new name refers to “a new you” that is forged when you accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Here, this is the assurance of a ticket to heaven!

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 4:1-9

Jesus left Judea and went back to Galilee, as the Pharisees were learning of his growing influence and he wanted to avoid a confrontation. He went through Samaria and stopped in the town of Sychar. The disciples were in town to buy food. A woman stopped by the well, and Jesus asked her to draw water for him.

She asked why Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan, since the Jews did not like the Samaritans.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

3) The Samaritans did not believe in God. They worshipped other gods.  They neither worship the Lord nor adhere to the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands that the Lord gave. Ezra says that the Samaritans tried to discourage the building of the temple.

4) Nicodemus sought Jesus out. Here, the woman does not know who Jesus is. Nicodemus is well born, wealthy, and learned. This woman is uneducated and poor. Nicodemus is interested in knowing if Jesus is who he says he is. The woman is merely going about her daily life. Both became a witness for Jesus. The man is named; the woman is not.

5a) Jesus begins the conversation very pleasantly, asking a simple question. We can do this as well.

b) She needed to drink from the cup of life that Jesus offered her. She needed living water that only Jesus gives.

c) Hard question. Many times in the course of my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

Such a simple scene where Jesus makes a powerful impact on a woman’s life. Jesus continues to do this every day with us as well.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

map of Sychar in Samaria where Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well John 4 bsf john

John tells us that Jesus baptized people in John 3:22 The disciples did the baptizing to prepare them for when Jesus was gone.

Most Jews walked around Samaria on their way to Galilee. To see Jesus must have been a shock for the Samaritan woman.

Jesus needed to go through Samaria to reach the people there.

The city of Sychar was ancient Shechem and was the capital city of the Samaritans. Sychar or ancient Shechem is mentioned a lot in Genesis. It’s where Abraham first arrived in the Promised Land and where Joseph was buried.

Bible scholars wonder why the woman came around noon to the well by herself. This was an unusual time to draw water. They speculate that she may have been a social outcast or she had an immediate need.

No Jew would ask a Samaritan for anything. So, Jesus’ presence and request was extremely unusual.

Here, we see Jesus’ love and compassion for all!

Fun fact: Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman is the longest recorded conversation Jesus had.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 19:1-10

When Jezebel found out from Ahab that Elijah had killed all of the prophets with the sword, she threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled. He left his servant at Beersheba while he went into the wilderness. He prayed to die. He woke to an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

Elijah then traveled 40 days and nights till he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. While in a cave, the word of the Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said how he is afraid for his life.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

3) First, he was elated and boastful. Then he was afraid for his life. He also experienced remorse and sadness over the Israelites and their worship of other gods. Frankly, he was depressed. He was physically exhausted, too.

4a) God sent an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

b) Similarly, God has provided when I’ve been exhausted from the trials of life with food, clothing, shelter, friendships, and more.

5) God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

6) Elijah prays for God’s help. He listens to and for God. He obeys God and trusts God for provision.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

I think many of us have reached breaking points like Elijah to the point where we wish we were dead. Note here how God is there at our weakest moments, waiting to pick us up and strengthen us in the days ahead.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

Jezebel was not impressed with God’s show at Mount Carmel. Instead, she went after the instigator.

Beersheba is about 80 miles south of Mount Carmel. We are not told if God told Elijah to go there or not. All we know is God wanted to protect Elijah.

It’s ironic that Elijah prayed to die, but he’s one of the few humans that ever lived that never experienced death. Sometimes a no from God is a good thing.

Elijah was wore out, plain and simple.

We see this many times in the Bible where God provides for our physical needs before our spiritual needs.

On Elijah’s 40-day, 200-mile journey to Mount Horeb (or Mount Sinai), it is likely he gained strength physically.

Obviously, God knew the answer to why Elijah was there, but God graciously allows Elijah to explain his feelings and relieve the burdens on his heart.

Basically, Elijah is saying life is unfair here. He shouldn’t have his life threatened if he is doing God’s work (but this is usually the case). He wants an easy life like we all do. But, as God’s servant, he would not have that.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:1-12: The Beatitudes

Jesus teaches that the poor are blessed as they have the kingdom of heaven. Those who mourn will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who search for righteousness will be blessed. The merciful will be shown mercy.

Those pure in heart will see God. The peacemakers will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

3) To be blessed is when God endows/gives someone something that is usually cherished, such as blessed with finances, free will, etc. Jesus lists a bunch of people who are blessed who, at the time, would not normally be considered blessed. He expands being blessed to the destitute. The ultimate blessing is, of course, to know God and be a Christian. Nothing else really matters.

4) Psalm 51:17 tells us in the Message Version: “I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.”

In Isaiah 66:2, God says he has made and esteems those who is humble, contrite in spirit, and humble at his word. The definition of contrite is one who expresses remorse or penitence, one who feels bad for what they did. In sum, God esteems those who respond to him.

When you are down and out, you are blessed. When you are struggling, you are blessed. When you question God due to your life’s circumstances, you are blessed. All because you have God.

5a) Mourning is when you are sad over a loss. For most of us, we mourn when we’ve lost a loved one, lost a furry friend, lost a lifestyle or job, lost a home, lost a marriage, or anything else you’ve cherished and is now gone. You mourn what once was and is no more. I mourn all of these things.

b ) Sin makes all of us sad. Jesus who quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-19 has come to comfort those who mourn, who feel guilt over sin, to free sinners from their sin.

Romans 7:22-24 is interesting. You want to do good, but because sin is always present in our lives, it’s a struggle. Mourning when you do sin shows you desire to do good. Christ rescues us from sin.

James 4:8-10 says to draw near to Christ and resist sin. He will lift us up even in our grief, mourning, and wailing.

You are sad when you do wrong, but with Christ, you have hope that you will do (and be) better.

6 ) Having to depend on God is a blessed. I’ve lost much and had much in my life. Every time I fail, it brings me closer to him. You sin, your mourn, you learn. That’s the life of a Christian.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I’ve read the Beatitudes, so I’m excited to do so now! Great beginning to lesson 5 as we are reminded that grief is a part of life, but there is hope in Christ.

I am reminded of this song. Enjoy!

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Bible scholars believe that Jesus went up on a mountain because the crowds that followed him had grown so big. What a beautiful picture. Luke records Jesus as speaking this at a different time, too, in Luke 6. This makes sense; most pastors preach the same message multiple times to different groups and for repetition, too, for learning.

Teachers sat in ancient times  (Luke 4:20; Matthew 13:2; 23:2; 24:3) while students stood.

map of sermon on the mount where Jesus gave beatitudes

This Sermon on the Mount is Jesus teaching us how to live. Many say this is the summation of Christianity in these short verses. The disciples are listening, too. It’s super important they understand this since they will be carrying on without him.

The Beatitudes (or The Blessings) are attitudes of being — what we hope to achieve as Christians and what we strive for every day.

The word blessed means “happy” in the ancient Greek. This word is also applied to God himself 1 Timothy 1:11.

On the day of Judgment, the blessed, or happy, will come. Matthew 25:34

Spurgeon notes: “You have not failed to notice that the last word of the Old Testament is ‘curse,’ and it is suggestive that the opening sermon of our Lord’s ministry commences with the word ‘Blessed.’”

The poor in spirit are those who recognize their sin and are in need of Christ. It is the first Beatitude because it’s where we all start. When you are poor in spirit, you are able to receive the kingdom of heaven. You have to be poor in spirit before you can mourn.

When you are poor in spirit, you mourn and will be comforted. The Greek word used here for “mourning” is the strongest form of grief. You mourn over sin that then produces repentance 2 Corinthians 7:10. Jesus both mourned and grieved (Isaiah 53:3).  It’s a part of human life.

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