Bible study

Encourager’s Devotional Series – June Bible Study Answer Guide

/ Lisa Womble / Leave a comment

Here are the answers to the June Bible study for the Encourager’s Devotional Series. If you have not already read the devotion for June, you may want to do that before proceeding with the study as it explains the connection between “the city” and “the bride.”

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Read Isaiah 62. What are some of the characteristics of the city before the Lord “saves” it or “establishes” it? Hint: In addition to other statements, look at what the city is called.

forsaken, desolate, foreigners eating and drinking from the labors of the city inhabitants

What will the characteristics be after the Lord establishes it?

His delight, sought out, married, a praise in the earth, holy, redeemed

What promises does the Lord make to the city?

Salvation comes! And your reward comes with it.

Read Revelation 21. What will it be like for the Bride, the inhabitants of the Holy City?

no tears, no death, no pain, God’s presence and glory

When Paul speaks on the marriage relationship in Ephesians 5:22-33, he says in verse 32, “This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church” (all Scripture references are NIV)

From verse 26, what does Christ use to cleanse us?

Baptism (“washing with water”) and the Word

Read John 17:6-21. Use verses 14, 16, and 18 to fill in the blanks. The world hates us. We are not of the world, but we have been sent into the world.

Verses 20-21 explain one reason we are sent into the world. What is it?

that the world may believe that Jesus was sent by God

According to James 1:27, we are also sent into the world to take care of other people. But while we are ministering to the world, we are warned to stay “unspotted by the world.”

In 2 Corinthians 11:2-4, what does Paul say we must guard against if we want to be a “pure virgin” when we are presented to our “one husband, to Christ”?

false gospels

Read 2 Peter 2:12-3:18. What kind of people are described as “blots and blemishes”?

blasphemers, creatures of instinct (like animals), adultrous hearts, seducers, deceivers, greedy, people who use empty and boastful words, slaves of depravity, scoffers, lawless

Note, from 2:1, that these people are not people outside of the church, they are “among us.” Yet from Revelation 21:2,27 we see that the Bride, at the final presentation, will be “beautifully adorned” and that nothing unclean, and no one who does what is abominable or lies will ever enter the city. What does this say for those people who are “spots and blemishes” on the Bride right now?  Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – June Bible Study

/ Lisa Womble / 1 Comment

This Bible study corresponds to the June devotion for the Encourager’s Devotional Series.

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Read Isaiah 62. What are some of the characteristics of the city before the Lord “saves” it or “establishes” it? Hint: In addition to other statements, look at what the city is called.

What will the characteristics be after the Lord establishes it?

What promises does the Lord make to the city?

Read Revelation 21. What will it be like for the Bride, the inhabitants of the Holy City?

When Paul speaks on the marriage relationship in Ephesians 5:22-33, he says in verse 32, “This is a profound _____________ – but I am talking about _____________ and the ____________”1

From verse 26, what does Christ use to cleanse us?

Read John 17:6-21. Use verses 14, 16, and 18 to fill in the blanks. The world ______________ us. We are not _______ the world, but we have been ___________ ________ the world.

Verses 20-21 explains one reason we are sent into the world. What is it?

According to James 1:27, we are also sent into the world to take care of other people. But while we are ministering to the world, we are warned to keep “from being ______________________ by the ________________.”

In 2 Corinthians 11:2-4, what does Paul say we must guard against if we want to be a “pure virgin” when we are presented to our “one husband, to Christ”?

Read 2 Peter 2:12-3:18. What kind of people are described as “blots and blemishes”?  Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – May Bible Study Answer Guide

/ Lisa Womble / 1 Comment

Here are the answers to this month’s Bible study for the Encourager’s Devotional Series.

Information:

For information on Timothy and the relationship between Timothy and Paul, see the following passages. Make notes on Timothy’s background, Paul’s expectations of Timothy, things Paul did for Timothy, and signs that Timothy was growing in the faith as a result of Paul’s influence. You might also think about how Paul’s investment in Timothy’s life brought rewards to Paul’s life as well.

2 Timothy 1:2-14

  • Paul prayed for Timothy daily.
  • Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers.
  • Paul reminded Timothy to use his gifts and remember his calling.
  • Paul reminded Timothy that living a holy life is important.
  • Paul reminded Timothy of sound teaching and encouraged him to live by it.

Acts 16:1-5

  • Timothy’s father was not a believer.
  • Paul took Timothy with him on his missionary journey. This gave Timothy opportunity to develop his ministry skills, and also brought much joy to Paul as he watched his son in the faith grow into maturity.

Philippians 2:19-23

  • Paul praised Timothy and gave him his endorsement as he went out to the churches.
  • Paul sent Timothy out to minister to others and served as his “job coach.”

In the book Groups: The Life-giving Power of Community, authors Ortburg, Pederson, and Poling list some of the “forms that encouragement takes.”[1] Read the texts related to their list and make any notes that come to mind as you read. Also, as you read, if anyone comes to mind as needing any particular form of encouragement, write their names down in the space provided in the “Application” section.

*To believe in someone, to see their giftedness and ability to contribute:

1 Timothy 4:12-15

  • Paul calmed any fears Timothy may have had about being so young while in ministry.
  • Paul set high standards for Timothy, with confidence that Timothy could meet them.
  • Paul again reminded Timothy to be diligent, to watch his lifestyle, to be devoted to God’s word, and to persevere.

Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – May Bible Study Answer Guide

/ Lisa Womble / 1 Comment

This Bible study is a companion to the May Encourager’s Devotion: In Search of Spiritual Mothers and Fathers. For additional studies in the Encourager’s Devotional Series, click here.

Information:

For information on Timothy and the relationship between Timothy and Paul, see the following passages. Make notes on Timothy’s background, Paul’s expectations of Timothy, things Paul did for Timothy, and signs that Timothy was growing in the faith as a result of Paul’s influence. You might also think about how Paul’s investment in Timothy’s life brought rewards to Paul’s life as well.

2 Timothy 1:2-14

  • Paul prayed for Timothy daily.
  • Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers.
  • Paul reminded Timothy to use his gifts and remember his calling.
  • Paul reminded Timothy that living a holy life is important.
  • Paul reminded Timothy of sound teaching and encouraged him to live by it.

Acts 16:1-5

  • Timothy’s father was not a believer.
  • Paul took Timothy with him on his missionary journey. This gave Timothy opportunity to develop his ministry skills, and also brought much joy to Paul as he watched his son in the faith grow into maturity.

Philippians 2:19-23

  • Paul praised Timothy and gave him his endorsement as he went out to the churches.
  • Paul sent Timothy out to minister to others and served as his “job coach.”

In the book Groups: The Life-giving Power of Community, authors Ortburg, Pederson, and Poling list some of the “forms that encouragement takes.”[1] Read the texts related to their list and make any notes that come to mind as you read. Also, as you read, if anyone comes to mind as needing any particular form of encouragement, write their names down in the space provided in the “Application” section.

*To believe in someone, to see their giftedness and ability to contribute:

1 Timothy 4:12-15

  • Paul calmed any fears Timothy may have had about being so young while in ministry.
  • Paul set high standards for Timothy, with confidence that Timothy could meet them.
  • Paul again reminded Timothy to be diligent, to watch his lifestyle, to be devoted to God’s word, and to persevere.

2 Timothy 1:6-7

  • Paul encouraged Timothy to not be timid and to utilize the gifts God had given him.

*To exhort someone, to build their character by confronting them even when it may involve saying hard things:

2 Timothy 4:2

  • Paul told Timothy to encourage God’s people, but also to correct or rebuke them when needed.
  • Paul instructed Timothy to do this with great patience and careful instruction.

Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – May Bible Study

/ Lisa Womble / Leave a comment

This Bible study is a companion to the May Encourager’s Devotion: In Search of Spiritual Mothers and Fathers. For additional studies in the Encourager’s Devotional Series, click here. Answers to this study can be found here.

Information:

For information on Timothy and the relationship between Timothy and Paul, see the following passages. Make notes on Timothy’s background, Paul’s expectations of Timothy, things Paul did for Timothy, and signs that Timothy was growing in the faith as a result of Paul’s influence. You might also think about how Paul’s investment in Timothy’s life brought rewards to Paul’s life as well.

2 Timothy 1:2-14

Acts 16:1-5

Philippians 2:19-23

In the book Groups: The Life-giving Power of Community, authors Ortburg, Pederson, and Poling list some of the “forms that encouragement takes.”[1] Read the texts related to their list and make any notes that come to mind as you read. Also, if anyone comes to mind as needing any particular form of encouragement, write their names down in the space provided in the “Application” section.

*To believe in someone, to see their giftedness and ability to contribute:

1 Timothy 4:12-15

2 Timothy 1:6-7 

*To exhort someone, to build their character by confronting them even when it may involve saying hard things:  Continue reading →

What’s the most encouraging thing someone has ever done for you?

/ Lisa Womble / Leave a comment

The Encourager’s Devotional Series is planned around a monthly theme with related posts every Wednesday according to this schedule:

Week 1 – main devotion

Week 2 – correlating Bible study

Week 3 – Bible study answer guide

Week 4 – monthly wrap-up with suggestions for application or any other additional material I’d like to bring in

So, what happens when we have a month with five Wednesdays? Well, I’m going to call that the “5th Wednesday Free-for-All.” This is where I’ll ask you to bring your best encouragement ideas to the table. I will probably have some directed themes in future free-for-alls, but this being our first one, I thought I’d just ask, “What’s the most encouraging thing someone has ever done for you?”

Encourager’s Devotional Series – April Bible Study Answer Guide

/ Lisa Womble / 3 Comments

Since there were not as many short answer or fill-in questions in the Bible study for the April devotional, I am not copying the full text of the study in this month’s answer guide. Instead, I’ve added a few prompts for you to share how you are applying the study.  

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According to 1:6 and 2:14-16 what kind of tragedy were the Thessalonians experiencing?

Severe suffering, persecution from those who opposed the gospel

Grief for those who have died is addressed in 4:13-18. What does Paul say we can use to comfort/encourage one another under these circumstances?

Tell them we have the hope of resurrection and that we will be reunited with those who have passed away when Jesus returns. Also, remind them that heaven will be for eternity and we will be with the Lord forever.

According to 3:7-8, why were Paul and his co-workers encouraged?

They were encouraged because the Thessalonian Christians are demonstrating their faith and standing firm in the Lord.

How does this relate to Proverbs 11:25?

Paul and his co-workers were always encouraging the churches and in return the churches encouraged them.

Meditation

Notice that in 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Timothy was sent specifically to encourage the Thessalonians. We studied last month the fact that the Holy Spirit was sent to be our comforter/encourager. Read 2 Corinthians1:3-4. It says God is the God of all comfort (and yes, that is the same root word as encourager). It goes on to say that we should comfort others in the same way that we have been comforted. What experiences have you had in which God was your comforter and encourager?

How have you used your past experiences to encourage others who are now in the same situations you have been through?

Application

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12. Think of some people who “work hard among you.” How might you “show respect” for those people?

We are only five months away from Minister Appreciation Month (October). To help others think and plan ahead, can you share things you have done or are planning to do for those who devote their lives to ministry?

Eugene Peterson renders the key verse for this ministry (Heb. 10:24) as: “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging …” (The Message). I thought that described our goal very well. Can you think of any way(s) to be “inventive” or creative with your ministry of encouragement, to do something different than you’ve done so far? If so, make note so you don’t forget.

Since we are now four months into the Encourager’s Devotional Series, I would love to hear some of your stories about things you have done in response to the material. Did you take up the challenge to “be more inventive” in your approach to the ministry of encouragement? 

Dedication

Are you doing this study with a group? If so, have you planned any group projects? Please share in the comments so everyone can add your great ideas to their encouragement repertoire. 

Encourager’s Devotional Series – April Bible Study

/ Lisa Womble / 1 Comment

This Bible study accompanies the April devotion for the Encourager’s Devotional Series.

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Since this month’s study is mostly an in-depth look at 1 Thessalonians, you will get the most out of it if you take the time first to read the book. If possible, the best way to do this is to read it in one sitting (fortunately, this is a small book and won’t take much time). If you do not mind writing in your Bible, you might want to underline all uses of the words encourage, comfort, exhort, urge, and maybe beseech or appeal depending on your translation. You should find 9-13 usages. Almost every time you see these words, they stem from our root word for encourage (parakaleson). The only exceptions I could find are in the four passages noted below when Paul is using a string of similar words, each possibly to stress a different aspect of the meaning. The exceptions (using NIV) are:

2:12 – “… encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” In this passage, the first word is our word with its broad range of meaning. The second, comforting, is a more specific word used in relation to tragedy or grief. And the third, urging, is also more specific and more insistant (some translations might have “charging you” or “pleading with you”).

4:1 – “Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” Paul is asking them to remember and live out what they had been taught about how to live in a way that pleases God. He asks first with a general word for asking, then uses our word (rendered “urge” here) to denote more urgency and be more commanding. By asking twice, Paul is being emphatic. He further stresses the importance of what he’s asking by adding “in the Lord” to his request.

5:12 – Neither of the two usages in this verse are from our root word.

5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” The urging that Paul is doing is our root word. The other words are more specific depending on the task he’s telling us to do. Warning the idle (or unruly) has a harsher connotation. Encouraging the timid (or fainthearted) is the same word used in 2:12 which implies help for those who may be losing heart due to grief or tragedy. Helping the weak would involve being devoted to or “holding up” those who, for various reasons, cannot stand in their own strength at the moment (in this case, most likely because of weak faith or weak morals, but could also mean physically weak or ill). They need someone to walk closely beside them so they do not fall. And of course, all of us appreciate when others are patient with us.

According to 1:6 and 2:14-16 what kind of tragedy were the Thessalonians experiencing?

Grief for those who have died is addressed in 4:13-18. What does Paul say we can use to comfort/encourage one another under these circumstances? Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – March Bible Study Answer Guide

/ Lisa Womble / 2 Comments

These are the answers to the Bible study for the March devotional in the Encourager’s Devotional Series. Where responses may vary, I have not listed specific answers, but I would love to hear some of yours in the comments.

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In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This passage is set in the midst of a long discussion that Jesus had with his disciples, in which He was trying to prepare them for future events. What did Jesus know was about to happen? (see John 13:1,21,33; 14:2,19-20,28; 17:1-5,11)

  • He was going to leave this world and go to the Father.
  • One of the disciples was going to betray Him.
  • He would not be with them much longer.
  • He was going to prepare a place for them and would return to take them with Him.
  • They would see Him even when the world could not because He would be in them.
  • He would be coming back.
  • He would be glorified.
  • The Father would protect them.

Read the entire discussion (John 13:1-17:26). What things in this passage let us know that “peace” according to Jesus does not mean absence of trouble? (see 15:18-20; 16:32-33; 17:14-15)

  • They would be hated and persecuted just as Jesus was.
  • Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble.”
  • Jesus prayed they would be protected from the evil one, suggesting that the evil one would be out to harm them.

You may remember from January’s study that the word for encourage in Greek is parakaleson (parakavleson). In that case, it is used as a verb and has a broad range of meaning – from exhort, admonish, and urge strongly to comfort and come alongside someone. The same word is used as a noun (parakletos) in John 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7. Depending on your translation, the word may be interpreted as advocate, counselor, comforter, or helper. In these passages in John, the word is being used in reference to the Holy Spirit.  Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – March Bible Study

/ Lisa Womble / 2 Comments

This is the study guide to accompany the March devotional for the Encourager’s Devotional Series.

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In John 14:27, Jesus said, “______________ I leave with you; my _________ I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be __________ and do not be _________.”

This passage is set in the midst of a long discussion that Jesus had with his disciples, in which He was trying to prepare them for future events. What did Jesus know was about to happen? (see John 13:1,21,33; 14:2,19,28; 17:1-5,11)

Read the entire discussion (John 13:1-17:26).

What things in this passage let us know that “peace” according to Jesus does not mean absence of trouble? (see John 15:18-20; 16:32-33; 17:14-15)

You may remember from January’s study that the word for encourage in Greek is parakaleson (parakavleson). In that case it is used as a verb and has a broad range of meaning, from exhort, admonish, and urge strongly to comfort and come alongside someone. The same word is used as a noun (parakletos) in John 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7. Depending on your translation, the word may be interpreted as advocate, counselor, comforter, or helper. In these passages in John, the word is being used in reference to the ____________   ______________.  Continue reading →