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The Very Words of God
Grace and Peace from Our Lord Jesus the Messiah.
This week in the In the Dust of the Rabbi series you saw how the Apollo Temple had an oracle that claimed to speak on God's behalf and give the people the Very Words of God. We also have been given an oracle but we know this oracle to be the acutual words of God and not the ramblings of a hallucinating woman.
As you consider how fortunate we are that we have been given God's very words, reflect upon these questions week:
1. What was your impression of the Temple of Apollo at Didyma? How would you describe its purpose?
2. In the pagan world, what was an oracle? What did people do to receive the “word” from an oracle?
3. Did God want His people to consult oracles? Why or why not? (See Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Hosea 4:12; Jeremiah 23:25—40.)
4. Did God provide anything that might be seen as an oracle? (See Isaiah 16:3,13; 17:1; Malachi 1:1—5.)
5. In what sense is the Bible God’s oracle? (See Romans 3:1—2.) How is it unlike the oracles of the pagan world?
6. What sources of “wisdom” do people consult today? Where can they go to receive God’s wisdom? (See 1 Peter 4:10—11; 2 Timothy 3:16.)
7. Do you have a passion for God’s Word? What does that mean? Where does such a passion come from? (See Jeremiah 20:9; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:14—17.)
To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:
From Galilee to Asia
The Gods of This World
Hide these verses in your heart:
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ” – Psalm 119:11
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10 – 11
To prepare for next week's lesson please read:
I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Remember, God has spoken and given us His very Word. We have God's oracle and we would be wise to follow the example of Jesus as we learn, live, teach, pray, and die the Text.
