BIBLE STUDY NOTES FOR JANUARY 16, 2022
Psalm 36:5-10
In vss 5-6 God’s love, faithfulness righteousness and justice are described in huge, magnificent measures. Why do those character traits seem to be significant to the psalmist? How are they significant to us?
The psalmist goes on to speak of how people of all stages of life seek refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. Why does the psalmist speak of God’s wings? Is God like a bird? How does that speak to us?
Isaiah 62:1-5
The prophet seems to be displaying an unusual amount of energy and excitement. It is as though he cannot be silent. He has to speak out. When have you ever felt that you could no longer stay silent, but had to speak out about a matter? The prophet seems to feel that his speaking will expedite or move along the restoration of Israel. How can someone speaking out move things along? Do you have memories from your own life or from history when that has happened?
John 2:1-11
In John’s gospel there is no direct story of Jesus’ baptism, but in John 1:2, John the Baptist gives testimony of why he is confident that Jesus is the One who is to come. John the Baptist describes the ascension of the Holy Spirit as the assurance that Jesus is the Son of God.
In this gospel the next step is that Jesus begins to call disciples, who were already disciples of students of John the Baptist.
John 2 opens with the story of a wedding feast where the wine runs out and Jesus’ mother lays the dilemma at the feet of Jesus. Jesus in turn questions why she is telling him about it and why she is involving him. Vs. 4 Jesus states that it is not yet his time, but Mary simply turns to the stewards/servants and tells them to do whatever he tells them to do. How do you understand Jesus’ statement that it is not yet his time?
Nevertheless, Jesus proceeds to give direction for the servants to fill water jars with water and then to draw some out. When they present the liquid to the Master of the Feast, it has become the choicest of wines.
In comparison to many other miracles that Jesus will perform such as healing people of various afflictions, raising the dead or forgiving sins, the miracle of making wine out of ordinary water may seem frivolous. To you what is the significance of this miracle story? Do you remember the first great challenge or test that came to you when you started a new job, a new career, a new relationship? Later as you look back, does that first challenge seem as great now as when you were in the moment?
Vs. 11 is a key verse: In this miracle Jesus reveals his glory (how do you name that?) and his disciples (newly called) put their faith or trust in him. Can you recall what caused you to put your trust or faith in some leader in your life? It might have been a coach, youth leader, elected official, even a boy friend or girl friend or just a friend.
I Corinthians 12:1-12
Paul was writing to the Corinthian Church in the port and maybe the chief city in Greece. Previously all these church members had been idol worshippers. Paul reminds them that something or someone had led them to that worship. Now he is reminding them that someone else or something else has led them to worship Jesus Christ. Paul names for them the Holy Spirit as that someone or something.
Reflecting on your spirit journey, who or what led you to worship Jesus Christ?
Because the Corinthians Church was strongly divided and conflicted over spiritual gifts and which were the evidence that a person was an authentic Christian disciple, Paul affirms that there are different gifts, but only one Spirit. There are many ways to serve, but only one Lord to serve.
In vs. 7 Paul also teaches that everything the Spirit gives us is for the benefit of all and just for one person. Therefore, as a community of faith we must each share what we have received and we must each receive what others offer. In vs. 11 Paul underscores that the gifts are not acquired by our will, but they are given as the Spirit determines.
Think for a moment of the people in one or more groups or gatherings in church: whether it is worship, a Sunday School Class, choir, Bible Study group, youth, women or men’s groups. What gifts do each of those people have from the Holy Spirit? How do you see them sharing their gifts? If there seems to be anyone holding back, how would the group be different if that person freely shared? What about you in what ways do you freely share and in what ways do you tend to hold back?
Spirit of God, teach each one of us through the Holy Bible so that we may grow to be stronger and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.