Patricia A

Paul tells us to be persistent in prayer, to be alert and mindful as we pray and to always give thanks. Practicing all of these guidelines would give greater meaning and depth to my prayer life. It would help praying carelessly without giving much thought to prayer and would help in keeping me focused on talking with God.

Obedience prepares a child for everyday life in the future by guiding him to respect authority and to show concern for others. Spiritual life in the future is enhanced by accepting and respecting authority and by knowing God is the highest authority. Fathers can encourage their children and not being bitter towards them or discouraging them as they learn new things. Discipline and teach respect to children in aloving manner and encourage them as they learn new things and new ways of doing things.

When the directions Paul gave to wives and husbands are followed, there is true love and concern for each other. Peace and love begin in the home and radiates to the world outside of the home. True submission of wives will be a joy if the husband truly loves and shows care and consideration for his wife. This kind of relationship bring happiness and contentment as each cares and loves the other. Harshness in a husband may come because the husband does not understand God's Word, the husband may be insecure or not feel appreciated as well as many other reasons. Perhaps the husband does not realize that God is so important in a loving marriage.

Q4. (Colossians 2:2-3) **In what sense are "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" hidden in Christ? Knowing Christ and His purpose for us unlocks all the secrets of the world. This is the ultimate wisdom. **What does that mean? Paul's ultimate goal is that the Colossian believers might know Christ in his fullness and understand enough to appreciate who Christ really is. Paul is aware that for people to understand Christ at a deeper, spiritual level, they need to have hope (thus encouragement) as well as an experience of a loving Christian community ("knit together in love"). Thus it is extremely difficult for social hermits and lone-ranger Christians to really grasp Christ. He can only be understood in the presence of love. With these can come complete25 understanding.

Q4. (Colossians 2:2-3) **In what sense are "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" hidden in Christ? Knowing Christ and His purpose for us unlocks all the secrets of the world. This is the ultimate wisdom. **What does that mean? Paul's ultimate goal is that the Colossian believers might know Christ in his fullness and understand enough to appreciate who Christ really is. Paul is aware that for people to understand Christ at a deeper, spiritual level, they need to have hope (thus encouragement) as well as an experience of a loving Christian community ("knit together in love"). Thus it is extremely difficult for social hermits and lone-ranger Christians to really grasp Christ. He can only be understood in the presence of love. With these can come complete25 understanding.

The same as for Paul. In what way do Paul's sufferings benefit the Church at Colossae -- and us today? Inspiration. Paul's example in suffering inspires us to endure as well. Accomplishment. Paul's willingness to endure whatever is necessary to get the job done enables him to touch more lives. He doesn't quit when the going gets tough. Corporate unity and completeness. Since both Paul and we are part of Christ's body, then Christ's sufferings affect us and our sufferings affect Christ. There will come a day when the last martyr is killed, the last suffering is done, and the afflictions of the Messiah will be complete.8 Then Christ will return in glory. This is a more mystical idea, harder to get our head around, but I believe Paul has this in mind in verse 24.

Q4. (Genesis 46:2-4) Faith is what quiets our fears. What in God's word to Jacob at Beersheba quiets his fears? Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt." I will go down to Egypt with you," God promises him, "and will surely bring you back again." God had brought the same assurance to Jacob before (28:15; 31:3). Why do you think he had stopped believing it?So often we forget the companionship God offers, and turn to our own dwindling resources. There's an old hymn that expresses it well: "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.... Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer." What is the relationship between faith and God's words?We must believe God's words by faith in order to gain peace and comfort.

Q3. (Genesis 45:4-8) Contrast Jacob and Joseph. Jacob has suffered great loss. Joseph has suffered great injustice. Why is Jacob's vision so bleak but Joseph's, so broad? What have been their differing responses to fear? Jacob did not turn to God in his suffereing. Joseph knew God had a purpose which could work for good. What insight has kept Joseph from being bitter towards his brothers? Joseph had insight into the fact that God had a purpose in what had happened to him.

Q2. (Genesis 42:35-43:14) 1. What is Jacob's state of mind after the first trip to Egypt? Jacob is depressed and feels despondent--doesn't feel any hope. 2. If you were a psychologist, how would you diagnose him? I would diagnose him with depression and with being paranoid--unable to find any hope and any reason to feel positive. 3. What factors have paralyzed Jacob mentally and spiritually? Jacob is worried about his sons, Joseph and Simeon and doesn't want to lose his youngest son, Benjamin. Also, he know they need grain. 4. Why do you think Jacob changed his mind about going again to secure grain? Sometimes when we reach a point where we have no other choice, we turn to God. It is sad that we do not turn to God as our first choice for help. Jacob waited as we often do. However, when he made decision to turn everything to God, he finally felt some peace.

Q1. (Genesis 37:31-35) *What does bringing the blood-stained robe to Jacob say about these sons' attitude toward their father? THIS ACT INDICATES THE SONS HAD VERY LITTLE CONCERN AND COMPASSION TOWARD THEIR FATHER. THIS WAS A VERY UNCARING AND SELFISH ACT. *How does this loss affect Jacob? JACOB BECOME DEPRESSED AND FULL OF SELF PITY. *How do you think it affects his future behavior? THIS AFFECTS HIS FUTURE behavior AS HE IS DESPONDENT. WHEN HE FINALLY CALLS ON GOD FOR HELP, HE IS ABLE TO FEEL SOME PEACE.

Q5. (Genesis 35:22) What is the significance of Reuben's sin? Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father's bed, onto my couch and defiled it." (49:3-4) In what way does it go beyond a sexual sin? This was more than youthful passion, it was a direct insult to his father. We're not told, but how do you think this affected the family dynamics? I would think this would affect the relationship between father and son. Extra credit: Reuben has acted dishonorably here. In what ways does Reuben act honorably in the future? (37:21-29; 42:22, 37) He tries to protect Joseph from being sold into slavery. Genesis 37:21 But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, "Let us not take his life." <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">

Q5. (Genesis 35:22) What is the significance of Reuben's sin? Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father's bed, onto my couch and defiled it." (49:3-4) In what way does it go beyond a sexual sin? This was more than youthful passion, it was a direct insult to his father. We're not told, but how do you think this affected the family dynamics? I would think this would affect the relationship between father and son. Extra credit: Reuben has acted dishonorably here. In what ways does Reuben act honorably in the future? (37:21-29; 42:22, 37) He tries to protect Joseph from being sold into slavery. Genesis 37:21 But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, "Let us not take his life." <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">

Q4. (Genesis 35:9-15) Why do you think God appears to Jacob yet another time? "After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him." (35:9) God confirms to him the name of Israel, which Jacob had first received at Peniel (32:28). Then God reaffirms to him the Blessing of Abraham. I think God appears to Jacob yet another time as reaffirmation. What are the primary promises that God renews to Jacob? 1. "I am God Almighty" (El Shaddai, 35:11b). 2. "Be fruitful and increase in number" (35:11c). 3. "A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body" (35:11d). 4. "The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you" (35:12).