Bible studies for you to use in your devotions as a follow-up to this week's sermon.

Written by Beth Crawford
November 15—16, 2008

Day One: Psalm 119:1—16

1.   Whom does the psalmist say will experience God’s blessing (1-3; blameless isn’t a perfect person but someone who follows God with integrity)? What or whom do you seek with all your heart? What does God expect (4)? What is this believer’s prayer (5)? Why (6)? How do you usually pray? What does he promise to do (7-8)? How could someone like this have a positive impact on children and teens? What impact are you having on them? Why?

2.   What helps a young person know how to live (9)? What can we teach children and youth to do (10-11)? How are you teaching them the Word of God? How can we incorporate worship and Scripture in daily life (12-13)? How does this believer value God’s Word (14-16)? How can you impart this love of God and His Word to young people, too? Ask Him to empower and guide you.

Day Two: Proverbs 4

1.   What is this man passing on from his father (1-4)? Whom do you feel responsible to train or mentor? Why should we work hard to gain wisdom (5-9)? What do others see you striving to gain? How can you make God’s wisdom attractive to children and youth? How does God’s wisdom help us navigate better in life (10-13)?

2.   What does he say to avoid (14-15)? Why (16-17)? How does he contrast those who follow God with those who don’t (18-19)? How have you seen this in your own life? How does the author picture embracing God’s Words with all our being (20-27; note parts of the body)? What benefits does he mention? How well do you guard your heart (23)? Whom can you help learn to do that, too?

Day Three: Ephesians 6:1—4

1.   What is Paul’s instruction to children in this section on Christian relationships (1)? How should our life in Jesus impact the way we treat others (1)? What Scripture does Paul cite to reinforce this command (2-3; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16)? What does God promise those who honor their parents? How does honoring parents include listening to and learning from them? How well have you listened to those who have tried to instruct you? Why? 

2.   What are parents to avoid (4a)? What can happen when parents or teachers are too harsh or punitive? What are parents told to do instead (4b)? Why should parents give kids time to practice what they are learning along with instruction? How patient and forgiving is Father God with you? What children has He put in your life? How can you reflect His love as you teach and influence them?

Day Four: 1 Thessalonians 2:1—12

1.   How does Paul address believers in Thessalonica (1)? Of what does he remind them (1-2)? What motives does he mention for sharing the gospel with them (3-6)? How does Paul describe their behavior (7)? How manipulative are you with others who may be weaker than yourself? Why? To whom does Paul compare his team (7b-8)? Whom are you nurturing in the faith? Why?

2.   Why were they working to support themselves (9)? What example have they set (10)? To whom else does Paul compare themselves (11-12)? What is your image of a father? Why? In what activities should a father engage (12)? Which of these do you need to demonstrate more in your life? How can you represent our loving Heavenly Parent to a child or teen this week? Ask for His help.

Day Five: Hebrews 12:4—13