Bristol Bay Bible Reading
Week 3 January 15-21
Abraham's Servants
Atypical describes the servant of Abraham in the Genesis chapter 24 account. Although no one is named, we can presume that it is the servant spoken of by Abraham in Genesis 15:2. He calls him the "steward of my house," or the one who will inherit his estate. The word "steward," as used here, means literally "Son of Acquisition."
Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the death of Christ on the cross, we are also
"sons and daughters of acquisition." Redeemed or adopted also describe our position before Christ. Our inheritance is eternal life.
Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Generally speaking, the Jews believe that every Jew is a Son of God. They also believe that every Gentile convert to Judaism is a Servant of God.
Christianity eliminates this distinction, making all who believe no longer mere servants, but inheritors of eternal life or sons and daughters of God.
Jews also believe that in order to set an example for their young converts, they must themselves become like servants. Christ continually calls all Christians to servitude.
In Matthew 23:8-11, Christ says not to distinguish one among you as Rabbi or Master, for you, our brothers and sisters. Only one Rabbi and Master exists — Christ. Instead, let he who is the greatest be the servant.
John 12:26 describes a servant as one who is willing to give up his own life to follow Christ--who is willing to follow wherever Christ leads. If we are truly servants, we walk in the authority of one who sends us. Abraham's servant stood before Rebekah's family on Abraham's authority. Luke 7:8 describes the centurion as one who has authority. “I say unto one, go; and he goeth: and to another, come; and he cometh: and to my servant, do this, and he does it ." From whom did the servant’s authority come? From the ruler who appointed him.
Jesus has appointed us and gives us authority through the power of the Holy Spirit. The word
for authority, as used by the Centurion Soldier, is "exousia" in Greek. The same word also translates to power.
In Matthew10: l. He gave them power (exousia) against unclean Spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease." To receive this power or authority, Christ clearly teaches us that we must. be willing servants, and that, through him, so we have authority.
In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
In the next verse, he commissions the disciples to go in his authority. He repeats this giving of authority when sending out the 70 disciples. (Luke 10:17-19) Here Christ says, Behold, I give you power (exousia) to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means will hurt you."
In Christ, we walk humbly as servants, but boldly as those given authority. Knowing that we have inherited eternal life and desiring that others come with us, we exemplify a servant lifestyle. We do all of this through the power of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2:18, which will be poured out
on Christ's servants.
Chronological Bible Daily Reading Schedule
For those who want to read along in your own Bible, I will publish the passages for the week in a special column to check off. I look forward to reading with you. Each week I will also send some study questions to go with your reading if you choose to use them. Reply with questions and answers. I look forward to reading God's Word with you daily.
Readings for January 15-21
January 15
Genesis 40:1-41:57
Genesis 35:28-29
January 16
Genesis 42:1-45:15
January 17
Genesis 45:16-47:27
January 18
Genesis 47:28-50
January 19
Job 1-4
January 20
Job 5:1-7:21
January 21
Job 8:1-11:20
Questions to Ponder
Questions for January 15-21
January 15
Genesis 40:1-41:57
1) Joseph worked for Potiphar in Genesis Chapter 39. Potiphar is Joseph's boss and called the captain of the guard, "Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard." Genesis 37:36
Again in Genesis 41, it says that Joseph served the captain of the guard. Think about the possibilities of Potiphar's being the captain of the guard in each of these situations? Is it possible? KJV Search Results for "captain" AND "of" AND "the" AND "guard"
Genesis 35:28-29
2) What is the significance of these verses?
January 16
Genesis 42:1-45:15
1) Genesis 45:7 speaks of the preservation of a remnant. This is a theme throughout the Bible when speaking of God's people-Jew or Christian. Find one additional reference about this theme.
2) What is the story between Benjamin and Joseph?
January 17
Genesis 45:16-47:27
1) Genesis 46:1-4 shows God speaking to Israel. How does God speak?
2) How does Israel answer? Find one other incidence in the Bible where someone answers God or his angels with the same words.
January 18
Genesis 47:28-50:26
1) Explain the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 regarding Joseph's life and Israel.
2) How does it apply to your life as well? Do you have a story that relates to Genesis 50:20?
January 19
Job 1-4
1) What did Satan say he was doing in Job 1:7?
2) Job 2:4 gives a claim from Satan. How does Job 2:10 show Satan wrong?
January 20
Read Job 5:1-7:21.
Explore
1) Consider the words in Job 5:1-7. In these verses, Job is accused. What words, if any, befit Job? Why would his friend bring up these thoughts?
2) Job gives a longer response. Consider his response? What stands out? Are there any consistent thoughts? His final comments in this reading are in Job 7:20-21. What do his words tell you about Job?
Word Study
1) Consider the word speak in Job 7:11. What is the meaning? Consider looking at H1696 - dāḇar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NIV) under a Hebrew Piel verb. Also Strong's Hebrew: 1696. דָּבַר (dabar) -- To speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
2) Job 5:2 uses the word resentment and Job 6:2 interprets the same word as anguish in the NIV. Compare these verses in other versions, such as NASB and ESV. What are the differences in translation? Which seems most appropriate?
Questions
1) What is your understanding of innocent suffering? Consider Job 6:28-30.
2) After reading Job 7:11, what do you learn about your own suffering
January 21
Read Job 8:1-11:20
Explore
1) Look at the theme of suffering in the Bible, and its relationship to innocence. Give the names of at least two people in the Bible who suffered innocently. How does that affect your thoughts on suffering?
2) Look at the theme of suffering in the Bible. Consider verses in the New Testament and how these help you understand suffering as Christians. Would these understandings transfer to Job or anyone in the Old Testament?
Word Study
1) Think about the name Bildad, who speaks in Job 8. What does his name mean? Consider an online study of his name. Does understanding his name help with understanding the passage?
2) What does the name Zophar mean? He speaks in Job 11. How does this apply to your understanding of Job?
Questions
1) Read Job 11:4-6 in more than one version or translation. Why are these words important to the overall understanding of Job?
2) Does Zophar understand how God works in humanity? What does he think is God’s wisdom in regard to suffering?
Answers to Questions to Ponder
Answers for January 15-21
January 15
Genesis 40:1-41:57
1) Joseph worked for Potiphar in Genesis Chapter 39. Potiphar is Joseph's boss and called the captain of the guard, "Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard." Genesis 37:36
Again in Genesis 41, it says that Joseph served the captain of the guard. Think about the possibilities of Potiphar's being the captain of the guard in each of these situations? Is it possible? KJV Search Results for "captain" AND "of" AND "the" AND "guard" . Discover your own answers or thoughts.
Genesis 35:28-29
2) What is the significance of these verses? Esau and Jacob came together to bury their father. The father's death brought reconciliation for the moment.
January 16
Genesis 42:1-45:15
1) Genesis 45:7 speaks of the preservation of a remnant. This is a theme throughout the Bible when speaking of God's people-Jew or Christian. Find one additional reference about this theme. (your choice.)
2) What is the story between Benjamin and Joseph? Benjamin and Joseph had the same mother. They were born in Israel's old age.
January 17
Genesis 45:16-47:27
1) Genesis 46:1-4 shows God speaking to Israel. How does God speak? God spoke to Israel in a vision at night.
2) How does Israel answer? Find one other incidence in the Bible where someone answers God or his angels with the same words. “Here I am,” Israel responded. Your choice of another response or place where a bible character says "Here I am."
January 18
Genesis 47:28-50:26
1) Explain the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 regarding Joseph's life and Israel. What men mean for evil, God can change to good.
2) How does it apply to your life as well? Do you have a story that relates to Genesis 50:20? Your choice
January 19
Job 1-4
1) What did Satan say he was doing in Job 1:7? The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” And he does this today I think.
2) Job 2:4 gives a claim from Satan. How does Job 2:10 show Satan wrong? It says that Satan despite trouble did not sin against God.
his name is changed to Israel.
January 20
Read Job 5:1-7:21.
Explore
1) Consider the words in Job 5:1-7. In these verses, Job is accused. What words, if any, befit Job? Why would his friend bring up these thoughts? In verse one, his accuser leans on Job's desperate situation, suggesting that no one is available to whom he can turn. He has been deemed unholy. Why would a holy one answer, whether it be an angel, saint, or God himself? Because we know the background information on the story, we see this as an attack by the evil one on one of God's holy representatives. The accuser's words are not founded. His accuser, Eliphaz the Temanite , believes that the innocent prosper. If God has not delivered Job and his children, he must not be innocent of sin.
2) Job gives a longer response, beginning in chapter 6. Consider his response. What stands out? Are there any consistent thoughts? Job immediately asks for his case to be heard. He wants a right look, using the words weighed and balanced, at his innocence (6:1). In verse 8, Job makes a petition or request. In Job 6:30, he calls attention to the injustice in his situation. In Job 7:20, he calls for a pardon.
These are the words of a man making a case in court. In his case, he first declares his innocence and says he has already suffered enough for it (Job 6:1). In Job 6:2-7:16, he accuses his visitors of unjust comments that only add to his lack of hope and move him closer to a desire for his life to end. In Job 7:17-21, he questions the intentions of the accusers and of God.
3) His final comments in this reading are in Job 7:20-21. What do his words tell you about Job? Job seems to focus his words even more directly at God, calling him the watcher of mankind. He calls on God to be pardoned before his torment leads to his death and burial. Job understands God's authority in the earth. He knows who to make his case to. He knows who alone can pardon him from sin.
Word Study
1) Consider the word speak in Job 7:11. What is the meaning? Consider looking at H1696 - dāḇar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NIV) under a Hebrew Piel verb. Also Strong's Hebrew: 1696. דָּבַר (dabar) -- To speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
According to the definition in Strong's lexicon, speak also means to promise for this form of the verb. In the broader sense as used throughout the Bible, it means to speak, declare, or command. In Job 7:11, Job gives his soul a chance to bring the case. He must speak from the bitterness and anguish he was feeling.
2) Job 5:2 uses the word resentment and Job 6:2 interprets the same word as anguish in the NIV. Compare these verses in other versions, such as NASB and ESV. What are the differences in translation? Which word seems most appropriate?
In Job 6:2, the ESV uses the word "vexation." The NIV calls it anguish. KJV uses the word grief. The Hebrew, according to Strong's Lexicon, is כַּעַס, which transliterated kaʿas. It means anger, vexation, provocation, grief. In another dictionary, the HALOT, it is translated to grieve or provoke to anger.
In Job 5:2, the same word is interpreted as irritation or anger in NASB, resentment in NIV, and vexation in ESV.
So what kills a fool, and what ways a man down? His grief, his anger, his vexation? I think all three work together. Vexation is the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried. These, along with the anger and grief that Job must be feeling, are weighing on his soul.
.Questions
1) What is your understanding of innocent suffering? Consider Job 6:28-30. Innocence doesn't lie or speak unjustly, but it asks for vindication or truth to come forward.
2) After reading Job 7:11, what do you learn about your own suffering? It's okay to speak out my thoughts or make my case before a just God.
January 21
Read Job 8:1-11:20
Explore
1) Look at the theme of suffering in the Bible, and its relationship to innocence. Give the names of at least two people in the Bible who suffered innocently. How does that affect your thoughts on suffering? Among others, David and Job suffered innocently. Young David was chased by Saul, and God allowed Job to suffer to test him. One of the greatest reasons was to test an innocent person's ability to live without sin. The Bible says in "James 1:2 ~ Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,"
2) Look at the theme of suffering in the Bible. Consider verses in the New Testament and how these help you understand suffering as Christians. Would these understandings transfer to Job or anyone in the Old Testament? A few verses to consider but there are many more: Romans 12:12 ~ Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.; John 16:33 ~ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4:6-7 ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:3 ~ More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.
It would be hard for these verse, especially if they relate to Jesus, as applicable to the Old Testament.
Word Study
1) Think about the name Bildad, who speaks in Job 8. What does his name mean? Consider an online study of his name. Does understanding his name help with understanding the passage? Bildad means son of contention. Strong's Lexicon defines it as "confusing love." This aligns with the contentions he creates between himself and Job, and the confusion this causes in his relationship with Job.
2) What does the name Zophar mean? He speaks in Job 11. How does this apply to your understanding of Job? According to Strong's Lexicon, Zophar means sparrow. The HALOT is uncertain about the meaning, but in Job it calls it a small bird with general meanings such as 'whistle' or 'chirp'. Perhaps Zophar's words could be compared to a whistle or a chirping bird, which might be considered annoying.
Questions
1) Read Job 11:4-6 in more than one version or translation. Why are these words important to the overall understanding of Job?
In Job 11:4-6, the speaker mocks Job's self-assessment of his own innocence. He asks God to give Job wisdom because he seems unable to see his sin.
2) Does Zophar understand how God works in humanity? What does he think is God’s wisdom in regard to suffering? In Job 11:10, Zophar says Job's conviction is a closed case. God has regarded his sin and caused him to suffer for it. This does not account for God's mercy.
Praying for Bristol Bay.
Questions? Call Pastor Val at 907-952-3317 or email pastorval@bristolbay.church
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