Topical Studies                                                                                                          Power Point Show

Scripture Reading:  2 Peter 3:8-18

BIBLE QUESTION BOX

April 2003

 

Intro.

1.     In view of impeding destruction of this universe, we should repent, live holy lives & grow in the grace & knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:8-18).

2.     By asking & answering Bible questions we hope to help accomplish these worthy goals.

 

# 1:  Please give some Bible teaching on speaking respectfully and showing respect for:  Spouse, parents, children, fellow Christians.

 

-Tremendous lack of respect for others in society is the result of sin & is sin itself.

 

1.     Respect for parents (Prov. 30:11):

    a.     Commanded – Exo. 20:12; Lev. 19:3; Deut. 27:16; Prov. 30:17; Eph. 6:2.

    b.     Practiced:

        (1)   With words of respect toward them (how you speak to them) – Exo. 21:17 (cf. Deut. 21:18-21).

        (2)   With ears that listen to them – Prov. 23:22.

        (3)   With lives that obey them (how you follow their will for you) – Eph. 6:1 (Rom. 1:30).

        (4)   With your devoted care for them – 1 Tim. 5:4.

 

2.     Respect for spouses:

    a.     By words of kindness – Eph. 4:31-32.

    b.     Actions of love & honor – Eph. 5:22-24 (wife), 25, 28-29 (husband).

        (1)   Wife toward husband – Prov. 31:10-12, 23.

        (2)   Husband toward wife – Prov. 31:11, 28-29.     

    c.     By honoring your vows of faithfulness, care & companionship for life – Heb. 13:4.

    d.     By forgiving each other – Matt. 6:14-15 (2 Tim. 3:3).

 

3.     Respect for children:

    a.     Be sure they know you value them – Matt. 19:13-15 (their importance to the family, etc.)

    b.     Do not provoke them to discouragement – Col. 3:21.  (Know the line between discipline & tyranny – Heb. 12:9-11).

    c.     Children live what they learn – Show them your respect for God & for them.

 

4.     Respect for the aged:

    a.     Rise & give honor to your elders – Lev. 19:32 (cf. 19:14 – Don’t curse the deaf or hinder the blind).

    b.     Show due respect in how you speak to & encourage them – 1 Tim. 5:1-2.

 

5.     Respect for fellow-Christians:

    a.     Remember that our treatment of each other is our treatment of Jesus – Matt. 25:34-40, 45.

    b.     Humble & loving service toward each other – Phil. 2:3-4; Eph. 5:21.

 

 

#2:  In Hebrews 6:18, what are the two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie?

 

1.     God’s impossibility of lying is the basis upon which two immutable things rest which secure our hope – Heb. 6:18-20.

 

2.     Immutable:  “fixed, unalterable” (Thesaurus:  unchallengeable, absolute, not able to be         forfeited, unassailable, incontrovertible, indisputable, undeniable).

 

3.     Heb. 6:13-18 - Two immutable things form a sure foundation for the Christian’s hope.

 

4.     Heb. 6:9-12 – Context of encouragement to mature & remain faithful.

    a.     Abraham relied on two immutable things to help him patiently endure – 6:15.

    b.     Those same two unchangeable things support our hope, which anchors our soul.

 

5.     What are these two immutable things?

    a.     God’s promise to AbrahamHeb. 6:13-15; Gen. 22:17-18 (12:2-3). 

        (1)    Abraham’s hope was secured by God’s promise – Rom. 4:17-21 (22).

        (2)    Through faith in Christ, Christians are heirs of the promise – Rom. 4:13-16; Gal. 3:16, 18, 22, 29.

        (3)   Just as Abraham patiently endured because he knew that God keeps His promises (He                  does not lie), so can we!

    b.     God’s oath which confirmed the promiseHeb. 6:16-17.

        (1)   God swore by Himself that He would keep His promise – Heb. 6:13; Gen. 22:16.

        (2)   Why an oath?  (What is it?)

            (a)   Men swear oaths by some authority greater than themselves – Heb. 6:16.

            (b)   An oath confirmed (validates, ratifies, carries authority) a covenant – Heb. 6:16; Gal. 3:15, 17.

                i.   Such confirmation meant the covenant would be carried out & would not be changed.

                ii.  By an oath, one established his credibility & willingness to be punished if he does not keep his word – Example - Gen. 14:21-23.

                iii. In this way, an oath ended any dispute – Heb. 6:16.

        (3)   God confirmed His promise with an oath – Heb. 6:17.

            (a)   God wanted to give overwhelming proof to the heirs of the promise that He would keep His word (His word is immutable!) & bless them acc. to His promise – Heb. 6:17.

            (b)   Since there is no greater authority to call upon to confirm the covenant, He swore by Himself! – Heb. 6:13

 

6.     Heb. 6:18 – By God’s promise & His oath we have strong encouragement to remain faithful!

 

 

#3:  Why is gambling a sin, and what is included in it?

 

1.     Visit Bible Answers for complete material on gambling (also use search engine: “gambling”).

 

2.     Why is it a sin?

    a.     Its essential motive is covetousness & greed – cf. Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10.

        -A greedy desire to have more, esp. what belongs to others.

    b.     It entices people to shirk honest labor &/or investment as means of gain.   Gen. 3:19; 1 Ths. 4:10-11

        (1)    Gambling shuns hard work for chance, accepting laziness over industry!
        (2)    Gambling perpetuates the “get something for nothing” mentality.

    c.     Gambling perpetuates selfishness instead of love Matt. 22:39.

        (1)   The gambler attempts to gain at the expense (loss) of others – Matt. 7:12.

        (2)   Selfish endeavor which is opposed to loving your neighbor as yourself!

    d.        Violates the principle of good stewardship Lk. 16:10-12.

 

3.     What forms does gambling take?  Gambling takes different forms:

    a.     Wagering on any element of chance.

    b.     Legal gambling activities in WA [Washington State Council on Problem Gambling (WSCPG)]:

·   horse racing

·   punchboards and pulltabs

·   fund raising events such as casino nights, bingo, raffles, amusement games

·   contests of chance operated by charitable and nonprofit organizations

·   card rooms

·   the lottery

·   casinos and bingo halls operated by Native American tribes

 

Conclusion

     2 Pet. 3:17-18 – Our knowledge of truth helps prevent falling if we will be steadfast & grow in the Lord’s grace & knowledge.