Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Rahab lived in Jericho, a strategically located fortress city surrounded with a massive wall, representing an overwhelming obstacle to the children of Israel as they entered the land of promise. Rahab’s response of faith is an illustration of how God uses obedient faithfulness to break down obstacles facing His children. Pray that God will reveal to you how significant your faithful obedience might be to someone else this week, even another woman in your discussion group.

Hospitality

Biblical hospitality [Gk philoxenia – from philos “loving” and xenos “strangers”] is to welcome and gladly receive the servants of God, providing sustenance, shelter, and fellowship. Philadelphia [philos “loving” and adelphos “brother”] is brotherly love, yet philoxenia extends that love to strangers. God’s love has been revealed in His Son, and believers are His instruments of love to one another.

Hospitality is demonstrated in both testaments, from Abraham, who entertained angels unawares and received the revelation and blessing of God, to Jesus and Paul, who regularly experienced the hospitality of other believers. Hospitality is a recognized trait of leadership, is expected of believers, demonstrates maturity in the faith, and brings God glory.

Be hospitable to one another without complaint!

Read Hebrews 11:30, 31 and Joshua 2 and 6.

1. Why was God giving Israel the land of Canaan? (Gen. 12:l; 15:12–20; 28:13–15; Ex. 3:7, 8, 16, 17) What did God want to teach these people by doing this? Remember they had lived for 400 years in a nation that was grossly idolatrous. (Deut. 4:32–40)

2. What did the king’s orders in Joshua 2:2–3 indicate about the knowledge of the people of Jericho concerning Israel and her future? (See also Josh. 9:9–11,24).

3. How do you reconcile Rahab disobeying and lying to her king when compared to the principle stated in Romans 13:1–5? (See also 2 Sam. l9:11–17; Ex. l:l5–20; Acts 4:19; 5:29.)

4. What was the emotional state of the people in Jericho? (Josh. 2:9, 11; 6:1)

How did this confirm God’s promises in Deut. l:21, 29–31?

5. Read carefully Josh. 2:9–13. What did Rahab know about Israel's history?

A. How long before had the Red Sea been crossed? (Ex. l4)

B. How long before had Sihon and Og been conquered? (Deut. 2:26-3:ll)

6. What did Rahab specifically say she believed about the God of Israel?

A. What is impressive about her faith?

B. Could anyone else in Jericho have come to the same conclusions?

7. How did she demonstrate her faith? What risk was she taking? (Josh. 2:4–7, 12–13, 21; James 2:25) How was her faith rewarded? (Josh.2:12–13, 17–21; 6:22–24; Matt. 1:5) Organize your observations on the following chart.

RAHAB’S FAITH
Demonstrations	Risks	Rewards

8. Joshua 3 happened between the episode of the spies and the conquest of Jericho. With this evidence, when the people of Jericho saw the army marching around their walls for seven days, what could they have done? (Josh. 2:9–14. See also Josh. 9:9–11, 24)

9. What conclusions do you draw from Rahab’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ? (Matt. 1:5)

A. What does the mention of this woman three times in the New Testament tell us about the grace of God?

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on God’s view on the importance of hospitality and the household in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Do you feel that some sins in your past or present are so terrible that they can’t be forgiven or that you are unworthy to serve God? How does Rahab’s story encourage you?

2. Acts 26:17, 18 and 1 Thess. 1:9 reveal that a drastic change took place in the lives of early believers as it did with Rahab. Has your life changed substantially since you trusted Christ, or do you have a foot in both worlds?

A. What do you need to stop?

B. What do you need to start doing?

3. Read Josh. 2:8–14. Notice how the total person was involved in Rahab’s faith: her mind had facts, her emotions reacted, her will made a decision, and she acted. This is always involved in true faith. Have you, with the facts you know about Jesus Christ, trusted Him as your Lord and Savior with an act of your will?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Rahab? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Rahab—Hebrews 11:31

Rahab had heard of God’s mighty works, and when the opportunity arrived she displayed courage and willingness to risk her life for the servants of God. Rahab reveals that God’s grace can redeem any sinner. Utilize your word study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and list the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in practicing hospitality, and the reward of faith that blesses the entire household?

Response of Faith: Faith Practices Hospitality

Welcomed (received, KJV) [Heb. 11:31]

Lk. 8:40

Lk. 9:11

Acts 28:7

Rom. 12:13

1 Tim. 3:2

Titus 1:8

Heb. 13:2

1 Peter 4:9

Reward of Faith: Household Is Preserved

Household [Josh. 6:25]

Ps. 127:1

Matt. 7:25

Matt. 12:25

John 14:1–3

Gal. 6:10

Eph. 2:19

1 Tim. 3:4

Prov. 31:27

What is remembered and commended about Rahab? What is forgiven and forgotten about Rahab? How can this provide encouragement in your own life and in your ministry to others?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin your study by sitting and quieting your heart and mind. This week we see Daniel facing many difficult circumstances and remaining faithful. Ask God to encourage you through Daniel to remain faithful under challenging circumstances in your own life.

Servant

A servant [Gk doulos—– servant, slave, one under bondage] faithfully serves, obeys, acts on behalf of, and represents his master. Christ exemplified the perfect servant by being faithful to His Father, regardless of the consequences and circumstances, unto death.

Believers have been redeemed [Gk exagorazo — to purchase out of the marketplace for a price] as bond slaves to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, to voluntarily submit to human authority, and to be His representatives. Believers are warned against the enslaving character of sin, the world, and idols, and against the divided allegiances that can result from serving two masters.

Be careful whom you serve!

You have been bought with a price to serve God with courage and wisdom, and to serve one another in love!

Read Hebrews 11:33 and Daniel 1–6.

Daniel was carried away to Babylon in 605 B.C. in the first of three invasions Nebuchadnezzar made on Judah. He lived until about 530 B.C. He was in his 80s when thrown into the den of lions. We need to review his whole life to examine his faith.

1. What truth about God is emphasized in Daniel? (Dan. 2:21a, 37b, 44–45; 4:3, 17, 25, 26, 32b, 34–35; 5:18, 21; 6:26) Why was this important to stress when Judah was in captivity in Babylon?

2. Describe Daniel and his friends from information in Daniel 1.

A. What is the significance of changing their names?

B. What had Daniel predecided? What would have been wrong with him eating the king's food?

3. What was Daniel, by faith, expecting God to do for him and his three friends? (Dan.1:12–14)

A. What do you observe about his attitude toward authority?

B. What else did God do for these men? What was His plan for them? (Dan. 1:9, 17– 21)

4. How did Daniel exercise faith when included under a death sentence? (Dan. 2:12–18)

How did Daniel prove God’s sovereignty and power in his own life? (Dan. 2:19–20)

5. Trace Nebuchadnezzar’s growing enlightenment concerning Daniel’s God.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR AND GOD
Daniel 2:47
Daniel 3:28–29
Daniel 4:2–3
Daniel 17
Daniel 34–37

6. How did Daniel demonstrate his faith in Chapter 4? (Dan. 4:24–27) Discuss what is unusual about verse 27.

7. Notice Daniel’s fearless rebuke of Belshazzar (Dan. 5:l8-23). What qualities did he demonstrate?

What connection does his courage have with his view of God?

8. The kingdom of Babylon was conquered by the Persians. Notice Daniel’s position with his new king. What motivated the satraps and administrators to plot against him? (Dan. 6:1–5)

A. What do we learn about Daniel's personal conduct and spiritual life in his 80s (Dan. 6:4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 20–24)

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the response of faithful service and the reward of life in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

9. What consistency do we see in Daniel from his teens to old age? (Dan. 6:11)

How do we know that Daniel won God’s approval? (Dan. 9:23; 10:10, 18; 12:13)

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Daniel resolved that he would not compromise his faith in God. Are you a compromiser?

A. Do you avoid being too different if you are in the minority?

B. Where should you to stop compromising?

2. What attitude do you display when you disagree with authority on a matter of principle?

What can you learn from Daniel? (Dan.1:8, 12, 13; 6:10)

3. Daniel was fearless in his faith in a pagan society. Look at the impact of his testimony. (Dan. 4:34–37; 6:25–28)

A. Do your friends, fellow workers, and family know your life is lived by faith in Jesus Christ?

B. Are you willing to tell someone about Him? Has God put someone specific in your mind?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Daniel? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Daniel—Hebrews 11:32–33

Daniel demonstrated a lifetime of faithful service under the pagan dominion of Babylon and Medo-Persia. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in service, and the reward of faith of abundant and eternal life?

Response of Faith: Faith Serves

Serve [Heb. 9:14]

Heb. 9:14

Heb. 12:28–29

Phil. 2:5–11

Eph. 6:6

Rom. 6:18–22

2 Peter 2:19

Titus 3:3

Luke 16:13

1 Cor. 6:19–20

Reward of Faith: Life Was Preserved

Life [Hebrews 7:16]

Heb. 7:16

Heb. 11:35

John 3:16

John 6:63

John 10:10

John 11:25–26

Eph. 4:17–18

Col. 3:4

1 Tim. 6:13

Life is a gift from God in which to serve Him. What did you learn about King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin your study in prayer. The author of the epistle to the Hebrews specifically mentions other individuals whose lives demonstrate the perseverance and promise of faith. Some of these achieved amazing victories, others are referred to as those “of whom the world was not worthy.” This lesson spans generations and gives us insight into the mystery of God’s ways.

Approval

All of these heroes gained God’s approval [Gk dokimazo— to prove or test with a view to approval] through their faith. This word is used in the process of refining metals, in which the ore is placed in a furnace and heated to very high temperatures to remove the dross and impurities, producing purified gold, silver, or other metal. God is the refiner, and trials and circumstances are the means chosen by Him to refine your faith, which is more precious than gold. He keeps His eyes on the timer and His hand on the thermostat, filtering every event in your life through His fingers of love, until He can see His Son’s image reflected clearly in your faith. The proof of your faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at His revelation (1 Peter1:6–7). Faith gains His approval.

Keep your eyes on the Refiner, not the fire! Study to show yourself approved to God!

Read Hebrews 11:32–35

1. This passage specifically names Gideon, Samson, and Jephthah. Using the corresponding references listed, review the life of one or two of these examples of faithfulness. Organize your observations on the following charts by briefly describing their circumstances, recording at least one act of faith and noting if there was any failure recorded. How does God remember them now? What can you learn from their example?

Gideon Judges 6–8

Samson Judges 13–16

Jephthah Judges 11–12

Name of Character:
Circumstances
Act(s) of Faith
Any Failures?
How does God remember Gideon?
What lesson do you observe from his faith?

Name of Character:
Circumstances
Act(s) of Faith
Any Failures?
How does God remember Samson?
What lesson do you observe from his faith?

2. Read Heb. 11:36–40. List as many kinds of difficulties as you can find in these verses experienced by faithful people in past ages.

3. How does the Scripture describe these people? (Heb. 11:38)

4. Read Matt. 5:10–12 and John 15:20. How did Jesus prepare His disciples to understand persecution and difficulty?

What does He promise to those who suffer?

5. Read 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:11–12, and James 1:1.

A. What do you learn about difficulty and persecution from these verses?

B. How might you connect these verses with the verses from Hebrews 11:36–40?

C. How might you see these applying in your life or the lives of others?

D. Can you think of a time when you suffered for the sake of Christ?

E. While none of us seeks difficulty, how might these verses encourage you to endure when you face trials and persecutions?

6. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the perseverance and promise of faith in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

7. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the perseverance and promise of faith? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Each one of the individuals in Hebrews 11 is remembered by God and commended for his faith. Their faith, as well as the faith of all believers, is refined and developed within the unique circumstances designed by God, despite the personal failures, entangling encumbrances, discouragement, weariness, and the sin that so easily entangles us all. When you stumble and are overwhelmed with circumstances or sin, fix your eyes on Jesus, confess and repent, get up and resume the race by running with endurance. Your faithful finish and victory of faith as a child of the King is assured, and He sees you right now, as you are reading this sentence, seated with Christ in glory!

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Perseverance and Promise of Faith—Hebrews 11:5, 32–40

Faith is demonstrated in the lives of men and women, boys and girls. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith despite circumstances and possible consequences, and the reward of faith of gaining the approval of God?

Response of Faith: Faith Obeys God Despite Circumstances and Consequences

The list of heroes in Hebrews 11 is not exhaustive, and many other heroes of faith grace the pages of the Bible. What do you learn about faith refined within the circumstances of these individuals?

Paul—2 Cor. 6:4–10

Job—Job 1–2

Jesus—Phil. 2:5–8

Reward of Faith: Approval of God

Approval (a good report, KJV) [Heb. 11:39]

Heb. 11:2

Heb. 11:39

Prov. 17:3

Rom. 14:18

2 Cor. 10:18

1 Thess. 2:4

2 Tim. 2:15

Phil. 1:10

1 Peter 1:6–9

James 1:12

The Lord approves and refines the faith of His children. Believers are responsible to seek His approval, to approve the things that are excellent, and to study the Word to show themselves approved to God as excellent workmen. You, too, can become a hero of faith, refined and approved by the Lord. Persevere faithfully in obedience to Him within your circumstances, despite the consequences, keeping your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Having made a personal commitment to follow Christ, each believer is prepared for His purposes with spiritual gifts that equip them to serve Christ. Exercising those gifts benefits the entire family of God and brings personal blessing. Begin your study by praying to see the many existing opportunities to exercise your unique combination of spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and learned skills in His service.

Gift

The concept of “gift” is communicated utilizing two different Greek words. A gift [Gk doron] is used of gifts presented to one another, to the poor, or to God, of gifts given in support of the temple, and of the freely given gift of God of salvation. A spiritual gift [Gk charisma— from the root charis meaning grace] is a supernatural ability given by God’s grace to each believer to employ in building up the body of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Believers are exhorted not to neglect their spiritual gift and to rekindle afresh their spiritual gift by taking advantage of opportunities available to serve the body of Christ.

Use your spiritual gift to serve one another!

Read Romans 12:3-16 and Ephesians 4:7-13 in at least two translations.

1. According to Rom. 12:3 and Eph. 4:7, who is the giver of spiritual gifts?

What does that teach us about our attitude toward those gifts?

2. Reread Eph. 4:12–13. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts according to these verses?

A. What will be the result of their exercise?

B. What will be the result if we fail to exercise those gifts?

3. According to Rom. 12:3–16, what do you learn from this analogy about how the Body of Christ is intended to function? What warnings can you glean from the passage?

4. How might you connect the idea of Eph. 2:10 with an understanding of spiritual gifts?

5. List the specific gifts mentioned in the Romans and Ephesians passages.

 

ROMANS	EPHESIANS

6. Do you know which of these spiritual gifts you have been given?

A. If so, how did you discover your gifting? Circle the ones you think you may have.

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on gifts in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

7. What danger does Paul warn of in Rom. 12:3 and how does his analogy of the body help put the various gifts in perspective? (See also 1 Cor. 12:12–27) What is Paul’s overriding concern that was also a concern of Jesus? (See Eph. 4:3 and John 17)

8. What can you learn about the danger of competition and comparison from these verses?

What is destroyed when we compare? (2 Cor. 10:12)

9. Where are you tempted to compare yourself with another?

A. How might you heed Paul’s warning?

B. What additional thoughts do you gain from 2 Cor. 10:17–18?

10. Summarize in one or two sentences your present understanding of the significance of spiritual gifts and their purpose for the church.

11. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the gifts of God and your call to service? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

How would you feel if a special costly gift you had given a dear friend was ignored and left unopened? Open His gift and experience the transcending joy of sharing His gifts with one another!

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Called to Serve

God has personally called, gifted, equipped, and empowered each believer to serve one another in building up the body of Christ to the glory of God. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your personal understanding of the gifts of God and your responsibility to serve Him?

Gifted and Called to Serve

Gift [Matt. 2:11] doron

Matt. 2:11

Heb. 5:1

Eph. 2:8

Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45

James 1:17

Rom. 5:16–17

Rev. 11:10

Gift [Rom. 12:6] charisma

Rom. 1:11

Rom. 6:23

Rom. 12:6–8

1 Cor. 7:7

1 Cor. 12:31

1 Tim. 4:14

2 Tim. 1:6

1 Peter 4:10

Rom. 11:29

Gifts Ps. 127:3

Prov. 21:14

Ezek. 11:19

Is. 42:5

Life is a gift in which to serve Him!