Hands and Prayer Much has been said about the position of the hands for prayer: Fold them and put them in your lap ; Hold them fingertip-to-fingertip, touching your chin ; Hold them with palms upward to God are examples. When Paul speaks of lifting up holy hands while praying (1 Timothy 2:8), is he concerned more with position or with attitude and character? Is his emphasis on lifting or on holy? Above the lifted hands to the right, describe what you believe is a part of lifting holy hands while praying. Consider some of these biblical texts as you respond: Psalm 19:14; Psalm 51; Psalm 66:18; Matthew 6:6; Mark 11:24; Hebrews 5:7; James 5:16. Principles of Worship The text in 1 Timothy 2 gives a number of directions for worship. Which of the following do you consider valid (V) and invalid (I) generalizations from that text? Compare your responses with another learner s; be prepared to defend your conclusions. Any reference to political figures in public prayer is inappropriate. One must not dress in such a manner at church that draws attention to self and away from God. The teaching of the gospel to others is strictly men s work of worship. Good deeds done for others are acts of worship to God. Women should sit separately from the men, in the back of the worship assembly. Raising hands in prayer is an act of receptive, worshipful submission. All legitimate worship is in the name of Christ Jesus. The fact that there is one God is to be a focus of our worship. Evangelism is a primary element of worship, for God wants all to be saved. Whom to Please Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica that he is much more interested in pleasing God than people (1 Thessalonians 2:4b), and he also stresses to Timothy the importance of pleasing God (1 Timothy 2:3). What about you? Can you fill in first-person pronouns and sign your name to the following statement? am not trying to please people, but God who tests heart! Signed 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 1, Worship Guidelines (1 Timothy 2, KJV) 2
Bad Leaders Bad leaders, no matter what the endeavor, have a tendency to turn what should be positive attributes into negative ones. Look at this list of positive attributes and suggest how each can become a negative and the consequences. One example is given at the end to get you started. Loyalty becomes and leads to Eagerness becomes and leads to Authority becomes and leads to Doctrinal soundness becomes and leads to Experience becomes and leads to Respect becomes and leads to Sensible becomes and leads to Hospitable becomes and leads to Integrity becomes and leads to Patient becomes procrastination and leads to... do-nothingness and delay Reading a Good Mystery Paul uses the Greek word musterion no less than 20 times in his writing, twice in today s text in 1 Timothy 3:9, 16. Transliterated as mystery, the word often is used of some plan or activity of God not earlier revealed, but now revealed or being revealed. Be a truth sleuth and look at all these clues Paul gives; briefly note what he has to say. Romans 11:25 Romans 16:25 1 Corinthians 13:2 Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 3:3 Ephesians 3:4 Ephesians 3:9 Ephesians 5:32 Ephesians 6:19 Colossians 1:26 Colossians 1:27 Colossians 2:2 Colossians 4:3 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 2, Leadership Qualities (1 Timothy 3, KJV) 2
These Things Paul refers to certain things in 1 Timothy 4:6, 11, 15 that a servant of God must be concerned with. List a sampling of the truths Paul emphasizes in the text, paraphrasing as you see fit. On the lines to the left of each, rate yourself for your attention to these issues. Use TT if your emphasis is strong; use Tt if only so-so; use tt if hardly existent and applicable at all. A sample truth is given to get you started. 1. Avoid giving time to superstitions and crass stories 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. No Pain, No Gain The expression no pain, no gain is commonly said by and to those who enter into rigorous training and exercise programs to develop and maintain physical well-being. Paul s straightforward advice in 1 Timothy 4:7b involves spiritual training. What do you see as the pains that accompany gains in godliness? A sample is given to get you started. 1. It hurts to leave friends behind who will not reject their lives of sin. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 3, Leadership Priorities (1 Timothy 4:6-16, KJV) 2
Righteous Relationships In 1 Timothy 5, Paul describes some of the ideal relationships that should exist among church people of various ages and roles. Jot underneath each of the following an idea regarding what you actually need to do better with regard to the imperative indicated. 1. Treat older men as if they were your father. 2. Deal with younger men as brothers. 3. Give older women the same respect you give your mother. 4. Interact with younger women with purity. 5. Extend recognition and care to needy widows. 6. Make sure you provide for your own family. 7. Honor church leaders. 8. Do not tolerate unfounded accusations against church leaders. 9. Never show favoritism in relationship choices. 10. Guard against improper relationships by embracing purity. Purity Possibility At one time, a major company advertised one of its soap brands as being 99.44 percent pure. For a soap, that s pretty good! But spiritual purity is a 100 percent matter. That level of purity is to be the goal of all who follow Christ, as 1 Timothy 5:22 indicates. But without Christ s righteousness, our own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Fill in the following estimation of your own purity, then read and write the verses suggested below. Unfortunately, I am only percent pure on my own. I am sinking in my sins. Save me, Lord Jesus. Revelation 19:7, 8 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 4, Compassionate Service (1 Timothy 5:1-8, 17-22, KJV) 2
Gr asping the Core Message What does today s printed text (2 Timothy 2:8-19) teach you about the following? Jot your ideas underneath the questions. The nature and work of Jesus (vv. 8, 13)? The nature of God s Word (v. 9)? The nature of God (v. 19)? The nature of authentic Christian living (all verses)? My Worship Song Celebrate the gospel and authentic Christian living as pictured in today s text by writing your own worship song. To make this activity easier, follow this procedure: (1) use the tune to Nothing but the Blood of Jesus, (2) use the starter phrases listed to the right, then (3) pick a single idea from today s text that can be used in each of the three blanks of the song. Your song will also need a title. My song title: (to the tune of Nothing but the Blood of Jesus ) All my life I give to him; Some day I will reign with him; Refrain: Oh, he knows I am his; Faithful to me he stays! Raised from the dead, he is; 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 5, Remember Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:8-19, KJV) 2
Warnings & Encour agements Read Jude 17-25 and search for the following information about remaining faithful to our God. Watch out for... what (vv. 18, 19)? Make sure to do these things (vv. 20, 21, 23): Remember that God can do this (v. 24): Remember this about God s character (v. 25): Muscle Building Jude reminds us to build ourselves up so that we do not fall from our faith. It s time for a little selfexamination in that regard! What was a time when someone belittled your faith, either directly or indirectly (Jude 18)? How did you handle that situation? How did things turn out? With 20/20 hindsight, how would you have handled things differently? Write your thoughts below. How honest and authentic are your prayers (Jude 20)? Are you able to let the Holy Spirit intervene for you when your words seem inadequate (Romans 8:26)? If not, why not? What spiritual disciplines do you or should you practice to keep yourself in God s love (Jude 21)? Who can you encourage to come back to God (Jude 23)? What specific action will you take? 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 6, Remember the Warnings (Jude 17-25, KJV) 2
Learning About Worship What are some ways worship is expressed in today s text? What are some aspects of worship that you can list with this acronym? W O R S H mus I c P Personal Expressions of Worship In the boxes below, write a few ways that you honor or express your worship of God. I honor God for these things He has done for me: I honor God for these aspects of His nature: I honor God by doing this for Him: I honor God by touching these lives: 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 7, Praise the Lord (Mark 11:1-11, KJV) 2
An Action Text The story of the resurrection involves four things the women at the tomb were supposed to do: come, see, go, tell. As you read their story, jot some thoughts below regarding how those four calls apply to you as well. COME! SEE! GO! TELL! Promises from an Empty Tomb The empty tomb of Jesus represents many promises and hopes for Christians. In the space below, write a few of those promises that are significant to you. For example, you might write peace with God. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 8, Go and Tell (Matthew 28, KJV) 2
Which Words? How familiar are you with the description of how Jesus modeled attitudes, values, and behavior for us as recorded in Philippians 2:6-8? Fill in the blanks below. Check your work against the Bible text when finished. Who, being in the of God, thought it was not robbery to be with God: But made himself of no, and took upon him the form of a, and was made in the likeness of : And being found in fashion as a, he himself, and became obedient unto, even the death of a. Like-minded Living More clues to how Christians should live are given in Philippians 2:1-4. Of the 14 words below, 7 are found in that passage and 7 are not. Cross out the words that do not appear, then look at Philippians 2:1-4 to check your work. angels Christ comfort fellowship Satan joy love Moses nothing sermon one pride righteousness sanctification More Models Christians are surrounded by other believers who excel at living some of the qualities listed in today s text. In the box below, write a note to one of those persons who exemplify one or more of the character traits of which Paul speaks. Clip the note and mail it to the individual listed. Dear, As I was reading Philippians 2:1-11, your name came to mind because 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 9, Be Like Jesus (Philippians 2:1-11, KJV) 2
Doors as Symbols John finds the door of Heaven open for him in today s text in Revelation 4. Examine the following texts and determine what kind of door it is. Genesis 4:7 Job 31:32 Psalm 141:3 Matthew 6:6 Matthew 7:7 Acts 14:27 2 Cor. 2:12 Rev. 3:20 Angels Song (and Ours) As John s vision through the door of Heaven continues in Revelation 5 after today s text, he sees the Lamb looking as if it had been slain. The angels burst into song. All creatures join in. Repeat this short benediction, drawn from Revelation 5:13, to use in your own perpetual praise. (Your class instructor may also set this to a simple tune for singing.) To the one who sits upon the throne to the Lamb who has been slain Be praise and glory, honor, power For ere and aye. Amen! 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 10, Perpetual Praise (Revelation 4, KJV) 2
In the Multitude Every Christian will stand in that diverse group of worshipers at the throne of God, as pictured in Revelation 7:9. Around the image of the group to the right, write in the names of some of the saints that you know. Try to include individuals from a variety of nations, ethnic groups, ages, and those speaking different languages. Write yourself in as well, as you praise God for including in his salvation plans all who accept Jesus. That Seems Familiar As an apostle who followed Jesus personally, John undoubtedly recognized some of the images he saw and heard in his revelation. Read each of the following texts and identify something from Revelation 7 that should elicit a that seems familiar from John. Matthew 8:11 & Revelation 7:9 Matthew 24:9 & Revelation 7:14 Luke 13:34 & Revelation 7:15b John 1:29 & Revelation 7:10, 14, 17 John 4:10 & Revelation 7:17 An Amen Sandwich In Revelation 7:12, heavenly beings attribute seven elements to God. These seven are introduced by an Amen and concluded likewise. Write the seven in the space between the bread slices. Focus on one each day this week in your time of personal meditation and worship. Amen Amen 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 11, Thankful Worship (Revelation 7:9-17, KJV) 2
If I Ruled the World In a rash moment, all of us have thought, If I ruled the world,... Which of the following completion statements have you been tempted to use? Check all that apply. I would remove barriers that separate people. I would take away all dangers. I would make everything beautiful. No one would ever die. No one would ever need to cry in sadness or mourning. No one would ever go hungry or thirsty. Bad people would be banished. It would always be sunny and bright. I would eliminate the need for locked doors. Now look at today s text in Revelation 21 and decide how many of those things God will indeed bring to pass. Aren t you glad He rules the world, both physical and spiritual? Deeper reflection: Does God request our help in bring about His ultimate changes? If so, what are we supposed to do in that regard? If not, what are we supposed to do instead? How will the answers to these questions affect your life in the coming week? Jot ideas below. Making New From Old In Revelation 21, John pictures God making all things new. Can you change one letter at a time in the following column, making a new word each time, to change the word OLD into the word NEW? OLD NEW O L D N E W Clues 1. peculiar 2. a mathematical function 3. to assist 4. a past tense verb of action 5. noisy clamor 6. to put on 7. was victorious 8. an exclamation of being impressed 9. at this time 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 12, New Order of Things (Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27, KJV) 2
Sounds Familiar When Jesus identifies those who will be left standing outside the gates of Heaven (Revelation 22:15), the listing He gives has a familiar ring. As you see and hear the news this week, give a date for each of the stories implied by the following headlines on this newspaper page. Adjust the headlines if you need to. Contemporary News Our World Summer 2011 Another Miracle Worker Exposed! Homosexual marriage approved in two more states! Fatal Shooting in Drug Deal Gone Bad! Ponzi Scheme Reveals Greed! Official Convicted of Perjury! Return to Eden Read God s picture of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:8 3:24. How does the garden compare and contrast with God s picture of Heaven in Revelation 22? Similarities Differences How do you see Heaven as even better than Adam and Eve s initial home? Express your thanksgiving in a silent prayer. 1 Student Reproducible Page for Lesson 13, Water of Life (Revelation 22:1-9, 13-17, KJV) 2
Lesson 9 Which Words? form, equal, reputation, servant, man, man, humbled, death, cross Lesson 9 Like-Minded Living Seven words appearing: comfort, fellowship, joy, love, nothing, one, pride Seven words not appearing: angels, Christ, Moses, righteousness, sanctification, Satan, sermon Lesson 10 Doors as Symbols Genesis 4:7 door of sin Job 31:32 door of hospitality Psalm 141:3 door of lips Matthew 6:6 door of the prayer room Matthew 7:7 door of opportunity Acts 14:27 door of faith 2 Corinthians 2:12 door of opportunity Revelation 3:20 door of opportunity Lesson 11 That Seems Familiar Matthew 8:11 & Revelation 7:9 fulfillment of Jesus prediction of great diversity in Heaven Matthew 24:9 & Revelation 7:14 fulfillment of Jesus prediction of persecution Luke 13:34 & Revelation 7:15b fulfillment of Jesus desire to protect John 1:29 & Revelation 7:10, 14, 17 lamb imagery John 4:10 & Revelation 7:17 fulfillment of Jesus desire to provide living water Lesson 11 An Amen Sandwich Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power, might Lesson 12 Making New from Old 1. odd; 2. add; 3. aid; 4. did; 5. din; 6. don; 7. won; 8; wow; 9. now 1 KJV Answer page 2