Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 1-3

On By BrianIn OT Reflections1 Comment

The writer speaks of vanity, and the true source of enjoyment.

  • Vanity – The writer sought wisdom and knowledge (1:16-18), pleasure (2:1-3), great works (2:4-6), and great possessions (2:7-8). Yet his conclusion is that in and of themselves, these things are meaningless, a striving after the wind (1:17-18, 2:11).  In what ways are you seeking meaning and satisfaction in these areas?
  • God’s gift of enjoyment – While work and food on their own cannot bring satisfaction, we can enjoy these things. This enjoyment comes from the hand of God as a gift to us (2:24-25, 3:13).  How has God enabled you to find enjoyment in daily life?

Ecclesiastes 1-6: Life With or Without God

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) Life Without God: Why does the writer say all is vanity in v2-11?

(1-6) What pursuits of life does the writer explore in the following passages and conclude are only vanity?

1:16-18 –

2:1-11 –

2:12-23 –

4:1-8, 13-16 –

5:10-17 –

6:1-12 –

How does the writer’s assessment strike at the heart of our culture?

(3) Life With God: What phrases remind us that God is in control of time in v1-11?

What is God’s gift to mankind (v13 & 22, see also 2:24-25, 5:18-20)?

How does the writer describe God’s work in v14?  How does his work compare to ours?

How do v1-14 point to the only place to find meaning in life?

(3, 5) How should we respond to God in 3:14?  Why (see v1-13)?

How should we approach God according to v1-7?  Why?

(4) Other than God, what is the one thing in life that the writer does not proclaim to be vanity (9-12)?  Why?

How should the writer’s assessment adjust our priorities in life?

Sermon Songs: Revelation 3:14-22

On By BrianIn Revelation Hymns

MusicNotes

Dear church neither ice cold nor hot
But lukewarm and so deceived
Let true riches from Christ be sought
And white garments be received
Anoint your eyes, Heed His counsel
Draw near to the Lord again

Those He loves He will discipline
So be zealous – from sin turn
Jesus knocks now – go let Him in
True fellowship with Him learn
And we will be, Always with Him
Draw near to the Lord again

To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”

Reflections on Proverbs 30-31

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • God’s Word – God’s Word is true. We can trust in it, find refuge in it.  If we try to add to his Word or change it, we will be rebuked; our words are false (30:5-6).  In what ways are you trusting in the truth of God’s Word?  When are you tempted to try to adjust his Word to fit your desires?
  • Virtuous Wife – A virtuous wife is one who works diligently, minister to others, cares for her household, and fears the Lord. Wife: How do these verses challenge you to grow?  Husband: How is your wife like this?  Do you praise her as you should?

Reflections on Proverbs 28-29

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • Justice – God ultimately brings justice (29:26). Leaders should seek justice (29:4, 14).  All people should live justly (28:5-7).  Are you striving to live justly?  Pray that your leaders would rule justly.  Look for justice ultimately from the Lord.
  • Fear and Trust – We ought to fear the Lord rather than men (28:14, 29:25). We ought to trust in the Lord rather than ourselves (28:25-26).  Who do you fear?  When are you tempted to fear people?  Who do you trust?  When are you tempted to trust in yourself?

Proverbs 28-31: The Wise Woman

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(28-31) For each of the following topics, answer the following questions:  What is the main point(s)?  What pictures, comparisons, contrasts, or consequences are given to drive home the point(s)?  Can you think of a current example that illustrates the point(s)?  What are some practical ways to apply the point(s) to our lives?

Sluggard: 28:19; see also: 22:13; 24:30-34; 26:13-16 –

Money: 28:6, 22, 27; 30:7-9 –

Justice: 28:5, 15-16, 21; 29:4, 7, 14, 26-27 –

Tongue: 28:23, 29:8-9, 20; 30:5-6, 10, 14 –

Marriage: 12:4; 18:22; 19:13-14; 21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15-16 –

(31) Read v10-31. How does this woman apply the different topics of wisdom discussed above?

Sluggard –

Money –

Justice –

Tongue –

Marriage –

How do you need to apply these topics of wisdom to your life?

What is the main point of v30?  How does this compare to our culture’s point of view?  Whose point will you follow?

Reflections on Proverbs 25-27

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • The Fool – Proverbs 26:3-12 paints the picture of a fool. A fool cannot be trusted with tasks.  He continues in his folly.  His attempts to speak wisdom dismally fail.  Yet there is more hope for a fool than one who is wise in his own eyes.  When are you tempted to be wise in your eyes?
  • The Sluggard – Proverbs 26:13-16 paints the picture of a sluggard. He makes up excuses not to work.  He sleeps and lounges around when he should be up.  He starts a task, but never finishes.  What work does God have for you to do?  Think beyond just jobs.  What excuses have you been making?  What tasks do you need to finish?

Reflections on Proverbs 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • Rich and Poor – The rich should share with the poor (22:9). The rich ought not oppress or rob the poor (22:16, 22).  Are you helping those less fortunate than you?  How?
  • Training Children – Parents are to discipline their children to drive out folly and teach them the way to live (22:6, 15; 23:13-14). Parent, are you consistently doing this?  Teenager, will you submit to this process for your own good?

Proverbs 22-27: More Practical Matters

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(26) Read v1-12. How do these proverbs describe the fool?

Taking each proverb in turn, why is each description of the fool fitting?

How do you reconcile v4-5?

(22-27) For each of the following topics, answer the following questions:  What is the main point(s)?  What pictures, comparisons, contrasts, or consequences are given to drive home the point(s)?  Can you think of a current example that illustrates the point(s)?  What are some practical ways to apply the point(s) to our lives?

Humility vs. Pride: 22:4; 26:12; 27:1-2; see also: 21:4, 24; 28:11; 29:23; 30:13, 32 –

Children and Family: 22:6, 15; 23:13-14, 22-25; see also 19:13, 18, 26; 20:7, 20; 13:24; 15:17; 17:6; 29:15, 17; 30:17 –

Friendship: 27:6, 9-10, 17; see also 13:20; 16:28; 17:9, 17; 18:24 –

Good vs. Bad Tongue: 22:11; 23:9; 25:11, 15, 18, 23; 26:18, 20, 22-23, 28 –

Excess: 23:19-21, 29-35; 25:16; see also: 20:1 –

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

You May Not Love What You Think – James K.A. Smith (DG)
How am I curating my heart? What liturgies and rituals am I giving myself over to? What cultural practices am I allowing to shape my heart habits, perhaps without realizing it? What am I learning to love without realizing it?

The Problem of Nice and the Promise of New – Michael Lawrence (Crossway)
No churches ever explicitly teach the religion of nice. In fact, they typically teach the exact opposite. But those same churches are filled with people who believe that God will accept them based on how good they’ve been. I’ve heard it on too many living rooms couches and nursing home beds. Not perfect—no one ever says that—but good enough.

Are You Content To Carry the Pins? – Tim Challies
God called some Levites to carry the ark, and some to carry the pins, the tent pegs. But whether they carried the most holy or the most common items, their responsibility was to answer God’s call and to faithfully and joyfully carry out their task. We can learn from them.

Spiritual Growth Comes From Community – Jen Oshman
My encouragement to young moms, or busy students, or stressed businessmen and women is this: put yourself in a role that will require you to show up at your local church week after week. Rather than sidelining activities that will feed your spiritual growth, put yourself at the very center of them. With both gratitude and humility I see clearly that I owe my spiritual growth over the last two decades to the accountability and community of the local church.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day growing with your local church.