Text: Proverbs 25:16 In the Bible, honey is often used to symbolize God’s great blessings for man (cf. Exodus 3:8). Yet in our text, the wise man pointed out that this same blessing can be turned into something with negative effects. It is possible to take the good things God blesses us with and turn them into […]
Oversimplifying Bible Passages
Text: 2 Peter 3:16 In teaching the Bible, we should strive to do so in a manner that is simple so that others can understand. However, some “distort” or “twist” the Scriptures by making them say something they do not. One of the ways this happens is by oversimplifying certain Bible passages. They assert something that […]
God’s Law Trumps Man’s Law
Text: Romans 13:1 God ordained civil government to fulfill a specific purpose (Romans 13:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Governments will go beyond this limited role – this is not always bad, just reality. Even within the limits of the U.S. Constitution, the role is larger than the limited role outlined in the New Testament. However, we […]
Through Many Tribulations (Part 2: Hardships)
Text: Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas encouraged the brethren to remain faithful to the Lord “through many tribulations” so they could reach the final reward of heaven. The kinds of tribulations that we may face could be unique to Christians or common to all people. Any of these tribulations could potentially derail our faith and […]
Not Under Bondage
Text: 1 Corinthians 7:15 In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addressed various points about marriage that the brethren in Corinth had questioned him about. In this lesson, we are going to examine what Paul said about those who were “not under bondage” (1 Corinthians 7:15). What did that mean? Who fell into that category? Let us consider what Paul […]
Who Must Marry, Divorce, and Remarry
Text: 1 Corinthians 7:8-11 In the previous lesson we discussed who MAY marry, divorce, and remarry (focused on the divine permission). In this lesson, we’re going to focus on a divine requirement – who MUST marry, divorce, and remarry. Sometimes being a faithful follower of Christ requires us to make difficult choices in our personal lives. […]