The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 32

The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 32:

This week’s Bible Study of Mark’s Gospel will again include questions for you to answer. Once you finish the lesson on your own. You can look at my answers. Anytime you do Bible study ask yourself these 3 questions:

3 questions:

·        What is this passage about?

·        What do I learn from this passage?

·        How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

Scripture to meditate on before you do this week’s Bible study:

James 4:10 NIV  
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV  
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV  
We live by faith, not by sight.

Galatians 3:8 NIV  
The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." [ Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18]

Ephesians 2:8 NIV  
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

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This Week’s Bible passage from the Gospel of Mark:

Mark 7:24-30

Read the passage below:

Mark 7:24-30 New International Version 24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

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Answer the questions below:

1.   Content:  What is this passage about?

·        Who are the people if any?  

  

·        What are they doing?         

                                 

·        Where does this take place? 

·        When does this take place? 

2.   Lesson:   What do I learn from this passage?

·        Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        Is there an example to follow or not to follow?

·        What is/are the main truth/truths of this passage?  

·        Is there a lesson or principle that is a universal truth?

·        Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

What does the passage reveal about the character of God?

·        His Attributes/Characteristics (ex. loving, caring, Holy, Merciful etc.):

·        His ways of relating/Communicating to people:

·        His emotions:

·        His views:

·        Reasons for us to love God more:  

3.  Application:  How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        Can you think of a current situation in your personal life, home life, 

          Church, or business which is similar to what you are learning?

·        How can I apply what I am learning to my current circumstances?

·        Are there specific things in to which to pray about?

·        Is there a new thought to me? An encouraging thought?  

………………………………………………………………………………………

Here is my layout for  Mark 7:24-30

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

Jesus delivers a Syrophoenician’s daughter of demon possession in response to her mother’s persistence, faith and humility.

Scripture link: (Matthew 15:21-28)

Who are the people if any?

·        Jesus, a Greek (Syrophoenician) woman and her daughter.

          

    What are they doing?

·        Jesus leaves Gennesaret to get away from the crowds. He ends up in a home in Phoenicia where a woman pursues Him to get help for her daughter who is possessed by an evil spirit.

            

Where does this take place?

·        Near the city of Tyre in Phoenicia.

When does this take place?

·         Sometime after Jesus feeds the 5 thousand.

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2.    Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

·        Sometimes Jesus delays answering prayers so that faith in Him can grow.  

·        Jesus honors persistent faith and humility.

Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        Jesus can defeat Satan anywhere at any time.

·        The Gospel came to the Jews first but was also for the Gentiles.

·        Jesus sometimes tests the heart and faith of a person.

           (On other occasions Jesus healed someone based on the person’s faith.)

Is there an example to follow or not to follow?  

·        We all need to fall at the feet of Jesus in prayer and in repentance.  

·        Just as Jesus did, we should care about others who are suffering.

 What are the main points in this passage?

·        Jesus heads away from the crowds and ends up in a home near Tyre in Phoenicia.

·        Jesus did not want anyone to know where He was.

·        Jesus could not keep His presence a secret.

·        As soon as a Greek woman heard where Jesus was she went to Him hoping that He would heal her daughter who was possessed by an evil spirit.  

·        The woman finds Jesus, falls at His feet and begs Him to heal her daughter.

·        The essence of what Jesus was telling the woman can be broken down like

           this:

·        The children represented the Jews.

·        The bread is the Gospel or God’s Word.

·        The dogs the Gentiles or non-believers.

·        Even though God’s word was given to the Jews first, it was also to be given

           to the Gentiles as well.

The Apostle Paul confirms this in Romans:

 
Romans 1:16 NIV

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

·        God was going to have mercy on the Gentiles.

·        God said that The Jews would be a light to the gentiles.

Isaiah 42:6 NIV 
“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles

Isaiah 49:6 NIV 
he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

·        The woman is persistent in her attempt to get Jesus to have mercy on her and her daughter by pointing out That God not only loved the Jews but the gentiles as well. “But even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs”.

·        Jesus was impressed by the humility and faith of the woman.

·        Jesus drives out the demon from her daughter.

·        When the woman arrives home her daughter no longer was possessed.

Is there a lesson or principle that is a universal truth?

·        The Gospel is for the Jews and the Gentiles.

·        Jesus doesn’t turn away those who spiritually “fall at His feet” and ask for mercy and help.

·        Jesus had the authority to drive out demons.

·        Jesus on occasion would test a person’s faith.

·        God sometimes delays answer to prayer to build our faith in Him.

·        God’s timing is perfect in response to our prayer.

 Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

·        To remind us that the Gospel is for everyone.

·        To show us how we are to come to God in response to some need we have. (ex. Faith, Humility)

What does the passage reveal about the character of God/Jesus?

A. His attributes:  Healer, Caring, Merciful, Universal love   

B. His ways of relating/communicating to people:  Through Parables. Through personal interaction. Through His healing. Through response to our prayer.                                                                                

C. His emotions:  Jesus needed quiet time to be with the Father. 

D. His views:   The Gospel is for everyone. Jesus cares about a person’s heart condition. Jesus will respond to those who come to Him with humility and faith.

E. Reasons for us to love Him more:   Because He loves us. Jesus went to the cross so all of us could be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life.  God’s timing of answered prayer is better than our desire for it to happen on our own time table. Jesus responds to our faith.

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3.    Life Application (Personal):

·        How am I demonstrating a persistent faith in Christ for the spiritual healing of my family?

·        To what extent am I willing to go to have the Lord’s answer?

·        Are my prayers marked by humility and faith?

·        How have I responded to His delays in regard to answering my prayers?

·        How will I choose to respond today?

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My prayer for you:

I pray you will take God’s Word to heart and ask God to help you apply what you have learned. I hope and pray that this Bible Study helps you grow spiritually by deepening your faith, trust and love for God.

Jesus declared that if we seek God, he will provide everything we need to live the abundant life, providing for us physically and spiritually:

Matthew 6:32-33  Living Bible (TLB)

 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.

John 10:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Philippians 4:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

John 14:26 (NIV)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Also, remember the importance and impact of embracing of God’s Word in light of how we are to be God’s Ambassadors and Teachers, as well as to live abundantly in a fallen world:

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)   

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

John 8:31-32  (NIV)

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.”

Daily Application ideas:

·        Pray! Ask God to help you understand the passage of scripture you are

          reading.

·        Pray! Ask God to help you apply what you are learning.

·        Write down your thoughts and prayers. Seek to understand what God is

          trying to teach you.

·        Begin to make changes in your patterns of behavior in accordance to 

          God’s teaching.

·        Act on God’s answer to prayer.

·        Put God first in your life in every area of your life 

         (Marriage, Parenting, Ministry, Work etc.).

·        Be determined to make quality & quantity time for God in your life

           (ex. Quiet time, prayer time, Bible reading/study).

Helpful Hints for this Bible Study:

·        Not everything we read will contain enough info to answer all the questions.

·        Other questions may come to mind as you read.

·        The questions are just helpful guidelines.

·        Following the reading of the passage of scripture take a moment to write

          down your thoughts.

·        After you have asked yourself the above Template questions, answer the

          questions specifically. 

·        Refer back to above questions when you need to.

·        Then concentrate on a couple of things that are meaningful to you

          personally. 

·        Then go to the application section.

·        Think through the application questions and journal your thoughts and

          prayers.

Just Sayin……………..Dave

The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 31

The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 31:

This week’s Bible Study of Mark’s Gospel will again include questions for you to answer. Once you finish the lesson on your own. You can look at my answers. Anytime you do Bible study ask yourself these 3 questions:

3 questions:

·        What is this passage about?

·        What do I learn from this passage?

·        How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

Scripture to meditate on before you do this week’s Bible study:

1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

1 John 1:8 NIV 
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

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This Week’s Bible passage from the Gospel of Mark:

Mark 7:1-23

Read the passage below:

Mark 7:1-23 New International Version   That Which Defiles 7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips,     but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain;     their teachings are merely human rules.’ 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” 9 And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— 12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” 14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” [16]  17 After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. 18 “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? 19 For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.) 20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

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Answer the questions below:

1.   Content:  What is this passage about?

·        Who are the people if any?  

  

·        What are they doing?         

                                 

·        Where does this take place? 

·        When does this take place? 

2.   Lesson:   What do I learn from this passage?

·        Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        Is there an example to follow or not to follow?

·        What is/are the main truth/truths of this passage?  

·        Is there a lesson or principle that is a universal truth?

·        Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

What does the passage reveal about the character of God?

·        His Attributes/Characteristics (ex. loving, caring, Holy, Merciful etc.):

·        His ways of relating/Communicating to people:

·        His emotions:

·        His views:

·        Reasons for us to love God more:  

3.  Application:  How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        Can you think of a current situation in your personal life, home life, 

          Church, or business which is similar to what you are learning?

·        How can I apply what I am learning to my current circumstances?

·        Are there specific things in to which to pray about?

·        Is there a new thought to me? An encouraging thought?  

………………………………………………………………………………………

Here is my layout for  Mark 7:1-23

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

Jesus rebukes the Scribes and Pharisees for teaching man made traditions as God’s truth.

Who are the people if any?

·         Jesus, some of his disciples, the Pharisees along with some of the teachers of the law.

          

    What are they doing?

·        Some of the disciples were eating food without first washing their hands as the ceremonial law dictated.

          The Pharisees and some the teachers of the law confronted Jesus about this.

Where does this take place?

·        In the region of Galilee.

When does this take place?

·        Probably after Jesus walked on water.

.....................................................................................................................................

2.    Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

True religion upholds God’s truth, not man’s tradition.

Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        Jesus said, “nothing outside a man can make him unclean by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean.”

·        Jesus declared all foods to be clean based on the fact that “nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him unclean.”

·        The heart is what makes a man unclean. In the heart lies the evil thoughts and desires that come from our sin nature.

Is there an example to follow or not to follow?  

·        We should not let go of the commands of God by following the traditions of men.

·        We should not teach man made traditions as God’s truth.

·        If we only Worship God through a ceremonial act then we do not honor Him.

·        God created us to be in fellowship with Him.  Going through the motions will not connect us with God in the intimate way He desires.

 What are the main points in this passage?

·        When the Pharisees and the teachers of the law see the disciples not following the tradition of a ceremonial washing before eating, they confront Jesus and question Him about it.

·        Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law by giving them an example of how they use a loophole to break the commandment to honor your mother and father.

·        Jesus declares that nothing outside a man makes him unclean by taking it in. A man is already unclean because of what is already in his heart, the sin nature.

·        Jesus declared all foods clean using this example.

·        Jesus points out all the evils that make a man unclean.

Is there a lesson or principle that is a universal truth?

·        A man’s sin nature makes him unclean.

·        All foods were declared clean by Jesus.

·        It is wrong to let go of the commands of God to follow the traditions of men.

 Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

·        To remind us that we are all sinners and fall short of the Glory of God.

·        To make us aware of our sin nature.

·        To show us the hypocrisy in the way we live.

·        To show us that God is more concerned with the heart of a man, his inner thoughts and desires, as opposed to the outward appearance of a man’s deeds.

What does the passage reveal about the character of God/Jesus?

A. His attributes: Teacher, Wise, Truthful   

B. His ways of relating/communicating to people: 

Through using scripture. Parables.                                                      

C. His emotions: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law

D. His views:  God is concerned about our hearts. All foods are clean.

E. Reasons for us to love Him more: God’s Word has the power to turn our lives around.   

                                                                   

……………………………………………………………………………………..                                                              

3.    Life Application (Personal):

·        Do I know God’s Word well enough to separate tradition from truth?

·        How do I use God’s law to excuse my selfish desires?

·        Where am I over-zealous for the outward appearance or tradition but neglectful of the spirit of truth it represents?

……………………………………………………………………………….......

My prayer for you:

I pray you will take God’s Word to heart and ask God to help you apply what you have learned. I hope and pray that this Bible Study helps you grow spiritually by deepening your faith, trust and love for God.

Jesus declared that if we seek God, he will provide everything we need to live the abundant life, providing for us physically and spiritually:

Matthew 6:32-33  Living Bible (TLB)

 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.

John 10:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Philippians 4:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

John 14:26 (NIV)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Also, remember the importance and impact of embracing of God’s Word in light of how we are to be God’s Ambassadors and Teachers, as well as to live abundantly in a fallen world:

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)   

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

John 8:31-32  (NIV)

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.”

Daily Application ideas:

·        Pray! Ask God to help you understand the passage of scripture you are

          reading.

·        Pray! Ask God to help you apply what you are learning.

·        Write down your thoughts and prayers. Seek to understand what God is

          trying to teach you.

·        Begin to make changes in your patterns of behavior in accordance to 

          God’s teaching.

·        Act on God’s answer to prayer.

·        Put God first in your life in every area of your life 

         (Marriage, Parenting, Ministry, Work etc.).

·        Be determined to make quality & quantity time for God in your life

           (ex. Quiet time, prayer time, Bible reading/study).

Helpful Hints for this Bible Study:

·        Not everything we read will contain enough info to answer all the questions.

·        Other questions may come to mind as you read.

·        The questions are just helpful guidelines.

·        Following the reading of the passage of scripture take a moment to write

          down your thoughts.

·        After you have asked yourself the above Template questions, answer the

          questions specifically. 

·        Refer back to above questions when you need to.

·        Then concentrate on a couple of things that are meaningful to you

          personally. 

·        Then go to the application section.

·        Think through the application questions and journal your thoughts and

          prayers.

Just Sayin……………..Dave