A distinction is drawn in this passage between 'trials' (v. 2, 12), which may have positive effects (cross reference I Peter 1:7), and 'temptation' (v. 13), which is the enticement to evil conceived within the human heart.
1. V. 2-7, 12. What is our mental attitude to trials to be? What is their purpose and goal? In trying situations, wisdom (c.f. 3:17) is necessary. How in particular is this wisdom to be obtained?
2. V. 13-15. What is the origin of temptation, and what are the inevitable products of yielding to it? How can we avoid being deceived, and gain strength to overcome?
3. V. 9-11, 16-18. Contrast the impermanence of men, poor and rich alike, with the changeless consistency of God our Father. What also is God's will for us, and what means does he use to fulfill it? How should these truths influence our attitude to life?
Notes
1. V17b The eternal Source of light is not, like the heavenly bodies, subject to variation or eclipse.
2. V18 'A kind of firstfruits': the firstfruits were evidence that the harvest had begun, and promise of more to follow.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
#7: Hosea 13 & 14
1. In what four ways is the coming judgment described in chapter 13 (verses 3, 7-8, 15, 16)? What four reasons are given for this judgment (v. 1-2, 4-6, 9, 16) What can we learn from this about the nature of sin?
2. Chapter 14 describes the final triumph of God's love. What, according to this chapter, does repentance involve (14:1-3, 8) and what is the divine response?
2. Chapter 14 describes the final triumph of God's love. What, according to this chapter, does repentance involve (14:1-3, 8) and what is the divine response?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
#6: Hosea 11 & 12
In chapter 11 another aspect of God's dealings with Israel breaks into view- his persistent love. Judgment there must be (11:5-8), but God will not make a final end of his sinning people.
1. How was God's love manifested in Israel's beginnings? See 11:1-4; cross reference Deut. 7:6-8. How was this love still manifested, in spite of all his people's backsliding? See 11:8-11
2. In chapter 11 God has spoken of his attitude to Israel; now in 11:12-12:2 he speaks of Israel's attitude to himself. Then the prophet reminds the people of the very different history of their ancestor Jacob (12:3-4). What is the attitude to himself that God desires (12:6; cross reference 6:6 & 10:12)? What, however, was Israel's response to all God's pleadings (12:7-14)?
1. How was God's love manifested in Israel's beginnings? See 11:1-4; cross reference Deut. 7:6-8. How was this love still manifested, in spite of all his people's backsliding? See 11:8-11
2. In chapter 11 God has spoken of his attitude to Israel; now in 11:12-12:2 he speaks of Israel's attitude to himself. Then the prophet reminds the people of the very different history of their ancestor Jacob (12:3-4). What is the attitude to himself that God desires (12:6; cross reference 6:6 & 10:12)? What, however, was Israel's response to all God's pleadings (12:7-14)?
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