OIA for sermon on 01/22/12

OIA questions based on sermon given 01-22-12
The sermon this week focused on the concept of what it means to be made in the image of God. The scripture references come from Genesis 1:26-31. The following is a series of observation, interpretation, and application questions based on Genesis 1:26-31.

Observation
1. Who is the intended audience in this passage?
2. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding this passage?
3. When was this scripture written?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?

Interpretation
1. What do the terms image and likeness mean in verse 26? (NASB) (Note that there are multiple views on this question, so do some research)
2. What do the terms subdue and rule over mean in verse 28? (NASB)

Application
1. Look around the room at your small group members. What you are looking at is the only thing out of all creation that was made in the image of God. Really think about this and discuss it with your group. What should this information cause one to change in their daily walk? In their relationships with other? Relationship with Christ?
2. In verse 28 God commands man to “subdue” and “rule over” the earth. It is mans responsibility to properly rule over and care for the earth. Are we observing this commandment in our own lives? What practical things can Christians do to be better stewards of the earth?
3. After reflecting on the fact that all of mankind is made in the image of God, spend time in prayer that we as individuals and as a church will show the love of God to His special creation. Also, pray that Emmaus would be a church of Love that continually shows the love of Christ to the community, nations, and world.


Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #14 & 15

Doctrinal Standards WSC #14 & 15

  • Q. What is sin?
  • A. Sin is disobeying or not conforming to God’s law in any way.
  • Q. By what sin did our first parents fall from their original condition?
  • A. Our first parents’ sin was eating the forbidden fruit.

Memory Verses

  • ”Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, ESV).

Study Passage: I John 3

Support Passages: Leviticus 4; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Romans 3:9-24; James 2:1-13

Bible Story: Genesis 4:1-15

Thoughts

  • “Sin never consists merely in a voluntary act of transgression. Every volition proceeds from something that is more deep-seated than the volition itself. A sinful act is the expression of a sinful heart (cf. Mk. 7:20–23; Pr. 4:23; 23:7). Our understanding of sin must always take into consideration  the perversity of heart, mind, disposition and will.”[1]
  • 1 John 3 is very adamant that the people of God are to not be caught up in sin. In verse 10 He writes that “whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God.” There are a couple important words to examine to fully understand what John is telling us in this passage. The word righteousness is used in scripture in a couple different ways. Righteousness can mean our acceptance before God. We are righteous before God because of what Christ did on the cross which we had no part in. Righteousness can also refer to living right before God. We are to be “Holy as (God) is holy,” we are to obey the commands of God. In 1 John chapter 3 the word righteous has the meaning of the latter.  John is calling Christians to live a life in obedience to the commands of God.
  • As Christians we are to practice living a life in obedience to the commands of God. We are to struggle to live a righteous life before God and when we do sin we can be obedient by immediately confess it to the Lord (1 John 1:9).

Discussion Questions

  • What is sin?
  • Who determines what sin is? Can it change?
  • How does our culture view sin?
  • If sin is not conforming to God’s law, what first must we know?
  • Can we know what sin is without knowing God’s word? Explain
  • Is ignorance a valid excuse to sinning? Explain
  • Are acting upon a desire and temptation the same thing (Genesis 4:6-7)? Explain

 


[1] Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (1107). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.


Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #13

Doctrinal Standards WSC #13

  • Q. Did our first parents remain as they were created?
  • A.  Left to the freedom of their own wills, our first parents sinned against God and fell from their original condition.

Memory Verses

  • “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, ESV).

Study Passage: Genesis 3

Support Passages: Genesis 6:5-8; Psalm 89:46-48; Ecclesiastes 7:20-29; John 6:43-44; Romans 1:24-25; I Corinthians 15:21-22; Ephesians 2:1-3; James 1:13-15; Revelation 21:4

Bible Story: Genesis 3

Thoughts

  • The story of creation and the fall proves that the heart of man is completely depraved and utterly dependent upon the grace of God in order to please God.
  • Adam and Eve as record in Genesis were created without sin. They lacked a sin nature unlike like you and I. Even though they lacked a sin nature their hearts were still eager to turn from their Creature and peruse the passions of self.
  • The story of Adam and Eve proves that the heart of man even when created without sin is completely depraved and can do nothing that pleases God.

Discussion Questions

  • Adam and Eve were created perfect with no sin in their lives. They were told they could do anything except eat the fruit of one tree. Given enough time what happed?
  • What does this tell us about man’s heart and our ability to obey God?
  • Can mankind on their own obey God? Explain
  • What tactic did the serpent use to tempt Eve into eating the fruit (Gen 3:1-5)?
  • Was their evil before the Adam and Eve (Gen 3:5)?
  • Adam and Eve thought God was holding things back from them, particularly the “knowledge of good and evil.” Was God keeping something from man? Explain.
  • What were the various ways Eve was tempted (Gen 3:6)? Explain
  • Are you tempted to sin in the same type of ways?
  • God knew Adam and Eve ate of the tree but He still asked them if they did. Why did God ask them?
  • When confronted about their sin. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Instead of blaming others for our sins what should we do? Explain.

OIA for sermon 01-14-12

OIA questions based on sermon given 01-14-12
The sermon this week focused on Genesis 1. Genesis means “origins” and explains the beginning of mankind’s existence. The following is a series of observation and application questions bases on Genesis 1.
Observation

1. Who is the intended audience in this passage?

2. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding this passage?

3. When was this scripture written?

4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?

5. If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?
Application

After hearing the sermon on Genesis 1, do you view this portion of scripture different in any way? How? Why?

As made clear in the sermon, Genesis is not a scientific piece of literature. However, that does not mean that Genesis does not help in a scientific understanding of creation. How is Genesis useful in support of science and how is it not? Explain.

How does current scientific research support Genesis? How does it not? Do some research. Share your findings with your group. (Hint: look at recent findings in astronomy and planetary science)

Why is the information found in Genesis 1 absolutely essential in properly understanding salvation?

What other questions has this weeks sermon brought up for you? Share with your group.


OIA for sermon on 01/08/12

The sermon this week focused on the great commission. Often, when people think about the great commission Matthew 28:18-20 comes to mind. However, all four gospels and the book of acts include their own version of the great commission. The following is a series of observation and application questions based on the texts used for this week’s sermon; Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:19-23, and Acts 1:4-8.

Observation
1. Who is the intended audience in this passage?
2. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding this passage?
3. When was this scripture written?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
5. If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?

Application

1. What similarities do all 5 of these passages share with each other? Differences? Why do you think?
2. As Christ and scripture make abundantly clear (along with Joe’s message 🙂 ) the great commission is to be the core mission of the Christian faith. Being a Christian, how are you carrying out this mission in your life? Are there any priorities that need to be shifted? What? Why? Share with your group.
3. How has today’s church succeeded and failed in carrying out the great commission? What needs to be done and prioritized at Emmaus to ensure that the great commission is central to our ministry? Why? Explain.
4. Give practical and applicable ways in which a Christian who lives and works in the Hemet and San Jacinto Valley can daily carry out the Great Commission, as it is understood in all 5 of the listed passages.
5. Spend time in prayer that all Churches (including Emmaus) will accurately understand and fulfill the great commission throughout the world.


Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #12

Doctrinal Standards WSC #12

  • Q. What did God’s providence specifically do for man whom He created?
  • A. After the creation God made a covenant with man to give him life, if he perfectly obeyed; God told him not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil or he would die.

Memory Verses

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV).

Study Passage: Genesis 1:26-2:25

Support Passages: Exodus 20:8-9, 31:12-17; II Thessalonians 3:6-15; Hebrews 13:1-6

Bible Story: Exodus 24

Thoughts

  • The traditional definition for covenant is “a contract or agreement between two parties” (Eaton’s Bible Dictionary). While this definition may provide insight in some facets of understand our relation to God more explanation is needed. The covenant between God and man is not a fifty-fifty agreement. God in is infinite power and wisdom brought us into a covenant of life with Him for His glory.
  • The first covenant made with Adam is considered a covenant of works also known as a covenant of law. In a covenant of works God enters into an agreement with an individual or group of people defined by keeping commandments. If the individual or group obeys the commands of the Lord they will be blessed. If they disobey the commands they will be cursed. Adam and Eve were in a covenant of works with God. Adam and Eve were blessed when they obeyed God. When they disobeyed God by eating the fruit they were cured and died.
  • All of the covenants can be categorized as either a covenant of law or covenant of grace. The Adamic and Mosaic Covenants are covenants of law. “Obey and you will be blessed.” “Disobey and you will be cursed.” The Abrahmic, Noahic, Davidic, and New Covenant are covenants of grace. The end result is always in God’s hands. Making Abraham as a great nation was all God’s doing, saving Noah and his family was all God’s doing, making David’s throne eternal through Jesus Christ is all God’s doing, and the perfect sacrifice for our sins was all God’s doing! Those who are saved rely on God’s doing through the covenant of grace. Those who will not be saved are relying on their own works through the covenant of law.

Discussion Questions

  • Why did God create mankind?
  • What is a covenant?
  • What was the covenant God made with Adam and Eve (Gen 2:16-17)?
  • What is God’s part of the covenant and what is Adam and Eve’s part?
  • Compare and contrast the Adamic and New Covenant (refer to insight and application for more information).
  • God told Adam and Eve that if they eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would die. What does it mean that they would die?

OIA Questions for GCG’s based on 01/01/12 sermon

Thoughts for Observation, Interpretation, and Application on Sermon given 01/01/12

This week all of the questions are application questions, as several passages of scripture were used in the sermon. Be sure to refer to your notes from the sermon in answering these questions with your group. Joe addressed three areas: past, present, and future; the application questions will address each of these.

Application:

1. The sermon’s first point was on thanksgiving. God has done a lot in the life of Emmaus these past 7 months. In the midst of life it is easy to forget how many blessings God has given us as a community and individuals. Take some time and give thanks for all that God has done for Emmaus. Take some time and share with one another the things in which you are truly thankful for in your own life. (Psalm 9:1-2)

2.The sermon addressed our identity as a “new calvinism church”. As you know, the only reason Emmaus takes on such an identity is that Emmaus is fully convinced that scriptures teach the doctrine of election and ECF desires to be true and faithful to the scriptures. Share with your group your thoughts on being a church that stands for the accuracy, holiness, and authority of the scriptures, even in the midst of opposition. Also, discuss your thoughts on the new calvinism video that was shown during the sermon. (Phil 1:12-14; Romans 8:28)

3. The new sermon series is titled “On Mission Together; Understanding Our Mission In Light Of The Mission Of God”. What are your thoughts on this new series we are embarking on as a church? How can you as an individual use your gifts to become more effective with the Mission Of God? Spend some time in prayer in your group for the future of Emmaus Christian Fellowship. Pray that God will use Emmaus to bring about his glory and our joy.


Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #11

Doctrinal Standards WSC #11

  • Q. What is God’s providence?
  • A. God’s providence is His completely holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing every creature and every action.

Study Passage: Isaiah 43

Support Passages: Psalm 145:8-12; Matthew 5:43-45, 10:29-31; Luke 6:35-36; II Thessalonians 2:6-7; Revelation 20:1-3

Bible Story: Exodus 7:20-11:5 (Exodus 9:12, 15-16, 10:27)

Memory Verses

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Psalm 145:9, ESV).

Thoughts

  • When thinking upon the providence of God, God’s sovereign and moral will comes to mind. Throughout scripture the will of God can be divided into these two categories. First God’s sovereign will encompasses everything that has or will ever take place. These events are predetermined and will come about regardless of the intervention of any created being (i.e. Man’s sin, Christ death, salvation, Christ’s return, etc). God’s moral will on the other hand can either be obeyed or denied. In scripture God has commanded what He requires of man and it is man’s obligation to either obey or disobey.
  • The way these two will’s relate can best be illustrated by two circles. God’s sovereign will encompass every creature and every action. No being or any action is ever outside of God’s sovereign will. Within the sovereign will of God we find God’s moral will. At any point of action an individual can either be within or outside God’s moral while always be within God’s sovereign will.
  • Since sin is outside of God’s moral will but still within His sovereign will is God responsible for sin and evil? This is a difficult topic but is something Christians should feel comfortable discussing. If God were not sovereign over everything then He would not be God. We also know that that God is not the author of sin nor does He tempt anyone to sin. Therefore, while God does not sin nor does He tempt anyone to sin He has allowed sin to enter into the world in order for His attributes to be seen and glorified by everything created both on earth and in heaven. It is important to understand that the ultimate purpose of all that God does or allows is to bring glory and honor to Himself and that God bringing glory to Himself is for our greatest good.

Discussion Questions

  • What does preserving and governing mean?
  • Do you really believe that God preserves and governs all things?
  • If God preserves and governs everything why is it important that He does is completely holy and wise?
  • If God is preserving and governing all things how does this make you feel?  How should this affect your behavior?
  • Since God is in control of everything does this mean there will be no evil or hardship? Explain (Refer to study passage and Bible story).
  • Why does God allow evil and or hardships? (Exodus 9:15-16).
  • What does Romans 8:28-30 promise believers and what does it teach us about God?


"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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