Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Bible Study Summary - Sunday's Upcoming Scriptures


Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.

Sunday Sermon – “An App for That: Prayer”

Philippians 4:4-9
- v. 4 – “Rejoice” Not an internal feeling of happiness as we think of today. The Greek word refers to a public celebration. In Paul’s day, the Roman colonies/cities often held festivals to celebrate their gods and the Roman Emperor himself.
- Three aspects of Christian celebration in this passage:
1) Prayer that overcome anxiety (verses 6-7) – In Paul’s day, people were always anxious about the gods who were often seen as “out to get people.” While Christians still experienced suffering in life, they had the assurance that God would be present with them and love them through whatever they faced.
2) Patterns of thought celebrating God’s goodness in creation (v. 8) - It’s easy to become cynical today and lose sight of God’s beauty in creation. Paul writes that this should be our focus.
3) A style of life that embodies the gospel (v. 9) – One of the most demanding ethical commands in the entire bible! Do we live our lives in such a way that in good conscience, we can invite people to imitate us?
- The “peace of God” (v. 7) comes from the “God of peace” (v. 9) Paul has a way with words to make an important point!

Luke 18:1-8
- The parable of the widow and the unjust judge.
- Ancient court practices – You as the citizen had to bring the charge, not the police. This was true for any type of criminal situation including if someone murdered one of your loved ones. “Justification” here means the judge judges in your favor.
- The judge in this parable is not concerned about justice.
- Point of parable – If even a rotten judge can be persuaded to do the right thing, then of course, a righteous judge, upon persuasion will also do the right thing.
- The parable can be viewed on a personal level about prayer but is primarily to be seen on a larger scale where the litigants in the court room are pleading for God to vindicate the work and ministry of Jesus Christ over against the powers and forces that oppose him. The prayers are on behalf of Israel and the people of God who were being oppressed by Rome and the evil powers of the world.
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