Topical Studies Power Point Show
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1-10
BIBLE QUESTION BOX
March 2004
Intro.
1. The purpose for Bible questions are varied, but w/ a common theme:
a. Learning for personal growth in knowledge (Acts 2:42).
b. Learning to be able to teach & encourage righteousness; warn or sin & error (cf. Titus 1:9; Jude 3).
2. Never intend to ask or answer Bible questions with personal agendas motivating us (“envy & strife"), but “from goodwill” (Phil. 1:15).
#1: Is it wrong to be paid “under the table” (not reporting all of your income)?
1. Yes, it is wrong, because it is being dishonest.
-We are to put away lying & speak truth – Eph. 4:25 (Phil. 4:8).
2. Cheating the IRS is stealing – Eph. 4:28; cf. Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:7.
-Cf. Honest scales – Lev. 19:35-36 (Prov. 11:1)
3. Do not convince yourself it is okay to misrepresent the facts to the IRS as long as you don’t get caught – Heb. 4:13 (Num. 32:23); Psa. 19:12-13; 90:8 (Eccl. 12:14).
4. Integrity guides the upright & he is delivered in his righteousness because he is blameless in the day of wrath – Prov. 11:3-6.
5. Humility & integrity v. pride & lust.
#2: (a) Is the main reason or “the” reason we gather on the 1st day of every week to partake of the Lord’s Supper? (b) If not can you please explain why we should show reverence during the song service, sermon & prayer service as well as the Lord’s Supper.
(a)…
1. The NT teaches multiple activities in our assembled worship, which may be referred to as responsibilities, purposes or reasons. All of these fall under the general purpose of worship:
a. Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7 (1 Cor. 11:33).
b. Teaching gospel – Acts 20:7 (Acts 11:26).
c. Giving as prospered – 1 Cor. 16:1-2.
d. Praying – 1 Cor. 14:15-16 (1 Tim. 2:8).
e. Singing – Col. 3:16 (teaching…one another…to the Lord).
2. All of these give homage to God & edify the saints – 1 Cor. 14:26.
3. NT pattern for assembled worship, when taken as a whole, presents multiple activities accomplishing a central purpose: worship of God.
(b)…
-Show reverence (give honor to God) during worship… (Jno. 4:23-24)…
1. We are to show reverence when we eat the Lord’s Supper because we are remembering & proclaiming Christ’s death, & are guilty before Him if we do not partake in a worthy manner (1 Cor. 11:24-26, 27-29).
2. We are to show reverence when we teach because it is God’s word we are reading from & listening to (Neh. 8:3, 5-6).
3. We are to show reverence when we give because we are cheerfully acknowledging God as the giver of all things (2 Cor. 9:7-10).
4. Show reverence when we pray, because we are speaking to God (Matt. 6:9).
5. Show reverence when we sing, because it is “making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
So...
-Bless (salute, praise) God in humble, reverent worship, 1 Chrn. 29:16-20
-May our words & thoughts be acceptable to our God, Psa. 19:14
#3: What is the purpose of the book The Song of Solomon? What spiritual gain can we take from it?
1. The book depicts the love of a man and a maiden.
a. Three principal characters: Solomon, Shulamite maid & shepherd boy.
b. A love relationship exists between the young woman & man, & then another man (Solomon) intrudes into this relationship.
c. The girl must choose the man she really loves & wants to spend her life with (King or shepherd; forced love or true -- choice between sensuous love & true love).
2. Purpose: Teach the traits, values & blessings of true love (in marriage).
3. Theme: Do not force love – SS 2:7.
4. Some of the spiritual advantages (lessons) of book:
a. The traits of true love (cf. Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4). (Know the difference!)
b. The dangers of sensuality & being enticed by the flesh.
c. Moral virtue is to be protected & enhanced.
Conclusion
1. Just as one cannot force true love between a man & woman, we cannot force true love for God – 1 Jno. 5:3.
2. Put away lying & speak truth (Eph. 4:25); reverence God in all your worship of Him (Jno. 4:24), & love Him with all your being (Matt. 22:37).
3. If you love Christ, obey Him now – Jno. 14:15.