WALT39

Q2. (Colossians 1:9-12a) What are the elements of Paul's prayer for the Colossian believers? What are the seven or eight specific results that he prays will be produced in their lives? Which of these are most important in a Christian disciple? Which, you think, are least important? What happens when some are missing? Colossians 1:9-12a - for this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, What are the elements of Paul's prayer for the Colossian believers? v.9- Asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding; v.10 - And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God What are the seven or eight specific results that he prays will be produced in their lives? Per Pastor Ralph's commentary as follows: To know God's will (1:9b). To have spiritual wisdom and understanding (1:9). To live a life worthy of Jesus, one that is pleasing to him (1:10a). To bear fruit by doing good works (1:10b). To grow in your knowledge of, or relationship to, God (1:10c). To be strengthened by God's power (1:11a) You have the qualities of endurance, patience, thankfulness, and joy (1:11b-12a). Which of these are most important in a Christian disciple? Which, you think, are least important? What happens when some are missing? I believe that all are important and if you leave anyone of them out, you will be missing out on the glorious relationship that you would have with Christ.

Q1. (Colossians 1:5-6) Paul glorifies the gospel, the good news. What words does he use to describe the action of the gospel in verses 5 and 6? Given the temptation the recipients have to adopt another religious philosophy, why do you think he reminds them of the world scope of the gospel's influence? What happens in our day when a church becomes embarrassed or unimpressed with the gospel message? How does this affect the church? Colossians 1:5-6 - the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God

Q4. How do confession and repentance fit with self-examination? What is the result of self-examination without confession and repentance? How do confession and repentance serve to bring spiritual health and character change? How do confession and repentance fit with self-examination? Spiritual growth and a relationship with our Lord and Saviour. What is the result of self-examination without confession and repentance? Spiritual death. How do confession and repentance serve to bring spiritual health and character change? You will be able to withstand the adversity of life and your anxiety will be lessen. Your overall physical health will soar and you will be able to fight off the attacks of the world around you. Philippians 4:7 sums it up as follows: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Q3. (1 Corinthians 11:28, 31) Introspection by a neurotic person can foster guilt and self-loathing. Where is the balance? How can we conduct self-examination and self-judgment so that it has a healthy rather than an unhealthy result in us? 1 Corinthians 11:28, 31 - 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. I believe that we must be honest within one self.When I pray each day I ask Jesus to search my soul and reveal to me my sins. When I ask for forgiveness, I think of Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." As we examine ourselves, we must confess truthfully, and then let go or a saying that I have heard, "Let God, Let go". God will forgive if we open ourselves to Him and that should be release our anxiety. At that point, we will be able to "eat of the bread and drink of the cup".

Q2. (1 Corinthians 11:29-32) Why has God brought judgment to the offending parties at Corinth? Isn't sickness and death rather harsh? How does God's discipline actually work for our good in the light of Hebrews 12:5-7? 1 Corinthians 11:29-32 - For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. Hebrews 12:5-7 - And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (1 Corinthians 11:29-32) Why has God brought judgment to the offending parties at Corinth? Isn't sickness and death rather harsh? The offending people did not remember the significance of the Lord's Supper. People who take the Lord's Supper in vain will be judged by God. It may seem harsh, but God wants us to be like Him and with Him. If we are separated from God, we will be spiritually sick and ultimately died from within. How does God's discipline actually work for our good in the light of Hebrews 12:5-7? God is our heavenly Parent and He wants the best for us just like our earthly parent. When we do wrong, He wants to be sure that we will know right from wrong. As parents, we want our children to be moral, honest and faithful people and believe in our Heavenly Father.

Q1. (11:29) Why does "not discerning the body" at the Lord's Supper constitute such a grave sin? Aren't there worse things a church could have done? 1 Corinthian 11:29 - For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself Why does "not discerning the body" at the Lord's Supper constitute such a grave sin? Pastor Ralph's commentary explained it as follows: 'It means to commit an act that is disrespectful of this holy meal, in this case, by eating of it in a careless fashion, without a thought of slighting others in the congregation. The Lord's Table, as it is called in 1 Corinthians 10:21, is holy and demands our reverence. If we sin carelessly and then expect to partake of the elements depicting Christ's suffering and death for our sins, we are hypocrites.' Aren't there worse things a church could have done? The worse sin is blasphemy as stated in Scripture which tells us in Luke 12:10, "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it? Revelation 22:4 - They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. When I think of that day when I see Jesus, it will be a magnificent sight. However I can imagine it but it will be beyond my comprehension. In the future, when I take communion, I will remember what Jesus died for us, but I will also anticipate meeting Him.

Q3. In what sense does the Lord's Supper point to the past? How does it point to the present? How does it point to the future? In Pastor Ralph's commentary, he summarized the past, present and future. His comments are as follows:"The Lord's Supper looks backward as a remembrance to the death of Christ for our sins. It looks to the present as a communion with the living Christ, and it looks to the future as a promise of eternal life in the presence of God." We must remember why Jesus died, then we can have communion with Him until we see again and finally He promises us with eternal life.

Q2. (Luke 22:16) In what sense does the Lord's Supper find its "fulfillment" in the Great Banquet at the end of the age? What should this do to our thoughts at the Lord's Table? Luke 22:16 - For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." In what sense does the Lord's Supper find its "fulfillment" in the Great Banquet at the end of the age? When we are celebrating the Lord's Supper, we are remembering Him for everything He did for us. It is only remembering. When we sit down with Him at the Great Banquet, He will be there and eating with us, just like He did with His 12 disciples at the original Last Supper. This will be the great fulfillment tnat we will ever experience. What should this do to our thoughts at the Lord's Table? Confessing our sins and being right with our fellow mankind, so we can have that wonderful and amazing privilege to be at the Great Banquet and being served by our Lord and Saviour.

Q1. Why are so many of Jesus' teachings oriented toward the future? What kinds of associations come to mind as you think of the Great Banquet? Why are so many of Jesus' teachings oriented toward the future? In anticipation of His return and the invitation as was written Revelation 19:9 "Then the angel said to me, "Write:

Q4. How does "eating the Bread of Life" (to use Jesus' metaphor in John 6) nourish our faith? How does partaking of the Lord's Supper build and nourish our faith? What does the main point of the Bread of Life discourse (John 6:25-69) have in common with "Do this in remembrance of me," in Jesus' Words of Institution (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)? As I medidate on this question, Pastor Ralph's comments really has help me center in on this question. His comments are as follows: "When we partake of the Lord's Supper we are commanded to remember Jesus' death for our sins. Our mind also turns to the Spirit of God that raised him from the dead, the same Spirit that gives us spiritual life to us and will ultimately raise our bodies from the dead on the Last Day. The Lord's Supper as an act of remembering, reflecting, believing, trusting -- this indeed reenergizes us as food to our souls and life to our faith. Feeding on Jesus' words and basking in his presence are the essence of trust, of true belief in him. Yes, partake of his body and blood in the Lord's Supper as a sign that you indeed feed on him in your heart -- and so grow in your faith."

Q3. (John 6:53-71) If to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood is a strong expression for "to believe," why does Jesus emphasize this so strongly? What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of "disciples" that turned away from Jesus? What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32? (John 6:53-71) If to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood is a strong expression for "to believe," why does Jesus emphasize this so strongly? I believe that He wanted only the true believers to carry on the Word. He did not want wishy washy people. As He said in Mark 4:10-12, " When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of "disciples" that turned away from Jesus? What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32? John 8:31-32 summarizes the difference. John 8:31-32 states that "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Pastor Ralph summarized it very clearly in his commentary as follows: 'There are some "hard sayings" in life that cause the faint of heart to let go. There are those who assent to Jesus' words, but when there is a crisis of faith, those who continue to feed on Jesus, who continue to believe, who abide in him, are his true disciples; the others walk away. This entire passage is about Jesus having "the words of eternal life," that is, the words, which, when believed, result in eternal life.. '

Q3. (John 6:53-71) If to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood is a strong expression for "to believe," why does Jesus emphasize this so strongly? What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of "disciples" that turned away from Jesus? What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32? See post #33

Q2. (John 6:51b) What is Jesus referring to when he says, "This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world"? What similarities do you see with Jesus' teaching at the Last Supper in Luke 22:19b? John 6:51 - I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Luke 22:19 - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." What is Jesus referring to when he says, in John 6:51b, "This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world"? If we accept and believe in Jesus, He will give us eternal life with Him. What similarities do you see with Jesus' teaching at the Last Supper in Luke 22:19b? In John 6:51, He is explaining to the disciples what His body means and that when take the bread, it will mean eternal life. In Luke 22:19, Jesus actually is now giving it to them and He is telling them that each time they celebrate this Supper, they shall always remember Him and what He did for us.

Q1. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling and actually making a meal of it? What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? It means to follow Jesus and receive your spiritual nourishment only from Jesus. This nourishment will freed you and you will have eternal life. To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling and actually making a meal of it? By making a meal out of it would mean that you have committed yourself to Jesus as if you were nibbling, you would only be scratching the surface. This would be wishy washy and not feel the real and deep meaning that you should be having with Jesus.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 10:17) How does Paul's teaching on the One Loaf affect our relationships and love for those of other Christian denominations and traditions? How does blanket judgmentalism towards the faith of other Christian groups sometimes seem to excuse us from Jesus' command to love one another? We should love all our brothers and sisters, whether they are conservative, moderate or liberal. Even with our differences, we should follow Jesus Christ's example. It is unfortunate that as Christians, we can not participate in the Lord's Supper with fellow Christians at certain churches. We are all Christians and we all have one thing in common, Jesus Christ. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Jesus is with us all and we should be able to worship at the same time and the same place.

Q3. In what ways do the divisions in Corinth sound familiar in our own congregations? Don't pick on another congregation; how about your own? How serious was the need for unity? Can bickering congregations partake of the Lord's Supper without sin? Today there are so many social issues that divide every congregation. We all need to get back to the basics that Jesus taught. When the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the liturgy asks us to confess our sins before we partake Communion. We must really understand the meaning and be truthful in order to really experience the intimacy with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Q2. Read Mark 11:25 and Matthew 5:23-24. How do these relate to Paul's teaching on the One Loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17)? What must we personally do to achieve unity to prepare ourselves to partake of the Lord's Supper righteously? Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Matthew 5:23-24 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. 1 Corinthians 10:17 - Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. Read Mark 11:25 and Matthew 5:23-24. How do these relate to Paul's teaching on the One Loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17)? In order to fully participate in our Lord's Supper, we must be unified with our fellow Christians. What must we personally do to achieve unity to prepare ourselves to partake of the Lord's Supper righteously? Confess our sins and be right with our fellow man or woman.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 10:16). What does the "cup of blessing" teach us about our focus at the Lord's Supper? Who is to be blessed when the "cup of blessing" is lifted heavenward? 1 Corinthians 10:16 - Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? What does the "cup of blessing" teach us about our focus at the Lord's Supper? The focus of the Lord's Supper is on our heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus, and not us. As Pastor Ralph wrote in his commentary, 'However, too often we partake of the Lord's Supper for our own blessing rather than as a service of worship and blessing towards God. We must take care not to be self-focused, but focused on Christ as we partake of the Lord's Supper. It is a feast of remembrance, of proclamation, of blessing God, and of thanksgiving towards him. ' Who is to be blessed when the "cup of blessing" is lifted heavenward? Our Heavenly Father who has provided us with all blessings and especially by sending us His Son in order for Him to die for our sins.

Q4. Why is the Lord's Table such a time of intimate fellowship with Jesus? In your experience with having meals with friends, what makes the difference between a casual, forgettable meal, and one which is rich with memories? How can this insight make your experience of the Lord's Table more meaningful? I never really thought about this since when I am taking Communion, other people are around me. Really it is between Jesus and me and therefore He should be my only focus. In the future I will experience the intimate relationship with our Savior. WOW, WHAT A REVELATION!

Q3. What is the significance of the 12 Apostles drinking the Cup of the Covenant? To whom would they correspond under the ratification of the Old Covenant? (Hint: Exodus 24:11.) What is the significance of us drinking the Cup of the Covenant? What is the significance of the 12 Apostles drinking the Cup of the Covenant? They were the representatives of the New Covenant and were to share this covenant with all. Each were commanded to share with all. As written in Matthew 26:27-28, "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" To whom would they correspond under the ratification of the Old Covenant? (Hint: Exodus 24:11.) Exodus 24:9, Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up. Exodus 24:11 - But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank. What is the significance of us drinking the Cup of the Covenant? We are renewing our Covenant with Jesus each time we take communion. In 1Corinthians 11:25, it tells us, "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

Q2. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) How does the promised New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? What are the promises God makes in the New Covenant? What are our responsibilities under the New Covenant? Jeremiah 31:31-34-"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." How does the promised New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? The Old Covenant was written in stone and not all people knew Him. In the New Covenant it was in their minds and written on their hearts and all people will know Him. Also Jesus Christ came and died for us and Holy Spirit guides us. What are the promises God makes in the New Covenant? Salvation, eternal life, forgiveness of all our sins through the death of his Son. In addition is the provision of the Holy Spirit to live within us and enable us to follow Christ. What are our responsibilities under the New Covenant? Faith in God. Trust in God. Belief that Jesus was God in the flesh.

Q1. (Exodus 24:3-11) How was the covenant with Israel ratified? What promise did the people make twice in this passage? What was sacrificed? What was sprinkled? What was eaten? Exodus 24:3-11 - When Moses went and told the people all the LORD's words and laws, they responded with one voice, "Everything the LORD has said we will do." Moses then wrote down everything the LORD had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the LORD. Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey." Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank. How was the covenant with Israel ratified? Signs, a solemn oath, sacrifice and a meal. What promise did the people make twice in this passage? They will do everything God said and obey. Verse 3 -"Everything the LORD has said we will do." and verse 7- "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey." What was sacrificed? Young bulls What was sprinkled? Blood What was eaten? Most likely the bulls

Q4. What do the Words of Institution say to us about forgiveness? Why is it important for us to repent of known sin before taking the Lord's Supper? What do the Words of Institution say to us about forgiveness? It is important to know that 'the purpose of that sacrifice, of course, is forgiveness, pardon, freeing from sin'. as Pastor Ralph noted in his commentary. In Matthew 26:28, it is very clear about forgiveness as noted in the Scripture verse as follows "This is my blood ... which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Why is it important for us to repent of known sin before taking the Lord's Supper? We must be open to the Lord about our sins before we approach the Table and take Communion. In Corinthians, Paul tells us the importance of repenting. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NIV), "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." The Message Bible for these verses are even descriptive for the importance of repenting before Communion. The verses from the Message Bible are as follows: "Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of "remembrance" you want to be part of? Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe. If you give no thought (or worse, don't care) about the broken body of the Master when you eat and drink, you're running the risk of serious consequences."

Q3. Why did Jesus purposely point his disciples to the phrasing found in Isaiah 53? How does this chapter help explain the meaning of Jesus' death? Isaiah 53:11-12 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Jesus wanted all to know that He came to serve all people and that He bore the sin of all people, not just a few. The Isaiah passage tells of the Suffering Servant and by relating that passage, all should understand the reason for His death and His voluntary sacifice.