Men Who Jesus Called

7-Week Fall Schedule

2008-11-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

Topics and Passages:

Oct 5 - James (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13-21)
Oct 12 - Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
Oct 19 - Paul's nephew (Acts 23:12-22)

Oct 26 - NO STUDY / Men's Retreat Weekend

Nov 2 - Timothy (Philippians 2:19-23)
Nov 9 - Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30)
Nov 16 - Philemon (Philemon 1-25)
Nov 23 - Jude (Jude 1-25)

Week #7 Study Questions

2008-11-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

Jude (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1-25)

1. Jude is one of four half-brothers of Christ (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). (Mary and Joseph had kids after Jesus!) Do you think it would be easy or hard to have God in human form as a relative living under your roof?

2. Initially, Jude does not believe His brother is the Messiah (John 7:5), but obviously he comes around later (Jude 1). How might this be an encouragement to a person whose family members are rejecting the Gospel?

3. Jude speaks of an attack on the Church in his day by men who are practicing and promoting licentiousness (Jude 4). Google "licentiousnes" to find out what it means or look it up in the dictionary. How do you think a person might justify a licentious lifestyle and yet still regard himself a believer?

4. Read the following verses: Jude 8, 10, 12-13 and 16 and make a list of all the sins being committed by certain men under the scrutiny of Jude. Then consider whether or not any one of these sins is a problem in your own life. If you are having a problem in any of these areas, what can you do to turn it around starting now?

Week #6 Study Questions

2008-11-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Philemon (Philemon 1-25)

1. Slavery in the church? It’s true when Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow Christian and a master with slaves. So how could this continue to be allowed? Why doesn’t Paul demand a stop to it in his letter to Philemon? What are your feelings on this matter?

2. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, runs away from his master, having wronged him it seems (Philemon 18). Do you find it easy or hard to forgive someone who’s done you wrong? What about if it’s a believer?

3. While on the run, Onesimus encounters the ministry of Paul, receives Christ (Philemon 10) and then the apostle sends him back to his master. Have you ever gone back to someone you sinned against to make things right or had someone come to you in that way? How did it work out?

4. Paul makes an appeal on behalf of Onesimus (Philemon 8-21). He implores his master to receive him back “who formerly was useless … but now is useful” (Philemon 11). The Gospel changes everything. We who were “formerly useless” the Lord can now use. In what new way could God use you today?

Week #5 Study Questions

2008-11-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30)

1. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his "brother" (Philippians 2:25). The term "brother" can have different meanings. What meaning of "brother" do you think Paul has in mind here?

2. According to the Bible Dictionary, Epaphroditus "[contracts] a dangerous illness" while ministering to the Apostle Paul in Rome. It almost kills him (Philippians 2:27a, 30). Have you ever faced any dangers as a result of your faith and service for Christ?

3. Epaphroditus is faithful to deliver the Philippian church's contribution to the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:18). Have you ever known anyone who couldn't be trusted with money?

4. It's interesting to note that Epaphroditus is mentioned in the same book (Philippians) let alone the same chapter (chapter 2) as the often referred to: "Humiliation of Christ" (Philippians 2:5-11). It's because Epaphroditus is a man out of the same mold?! Read Philippians 2:5-11. Explain the "Humiliation of Christ" in your own words. Then think about how it can be lived out in your own life.

Week #4 Study Questions

2008-10-31T06:01:00.001-07:00

Timothy (Philippians 2:19-23)

1. Timothy has a mother who is a Christ follower and a grandmother who is a Christ follower (2 Timothy 1:5). What is your family history in relation to God and Christianity (or "religion" for that matter)?

2. To have a "kindred spirit" (Philippians 2:20) with someone means that he is just like you. If he was in your place it would be as if you were there in person. We are to have a "kindred spirit" with Christ. As we are in His place it needs to be as if He were here in person. How are you doing as a representative of Jesus?

3. Timothy is a convert to Christianity through Paul's ministry and a close friend to Paul. Timothy goes on to be a leader in the church. Paul will write Timothy to encourage him to not be fearful (2 Timothy 1:7). Have you ever been afraid of something? If so, what was it and how did you cope?

4. Some of the most powerful Scripture verses and passages ever written come from the apostle Paul to Timothy. (See 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5; 4:12; 6:11, 2 Timothy 1:14, 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:7). Read these verses and pick out one that means something to you.

Week #3 Study Questions

2008-10-18T06:43:00.001-07:00

Paul's nephew (Acts 23:12-22)

1. You've probably heard the phrase used before as regards someone: "He's/she's an unsung hero." What does "unsung hero" mean and do you know any in your life?

2. Paul's nephew is in the proverbial "right place at the right time" to hear about the conspiracy against his uncle (Acts 23:16). Have you ever found yourself in the right place at the right time?

3. Many times a believer in Jesus Christ must go against the flow whether it's with his family, friends, co-workers - even fellow church members. Can you remember a time where you didn't go against the flow when you should have?

4. Paul's nephew is instrumental in keeping the Gospel alive (through his uncle!). Whether he knew it at the time or not, the son of Paul's sister plays a crucial role in the plan of God. His actions reach even down to us today. Have you ever thought you were insignificant and that your life didn't matter? Many men think like that. It's a lie.

Week #2 Study Questions

2008-10-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)

1. Apollos is a public speaker extraordinaire (Acts 18:24). He develops an incredible knack for persuading others to his point of view (Acts 18:28). Have you ever known anybody like that - who could craft an argument so attractively/convincingly that others were left speechless?

2. Though Apollos is incredibly gifted, his knowledge of the Gospel message is limited (Acts 18:25). He needs someone else to teach him the part he's missing (Acts 18:26). Oftentimes when a person is confronted as regards his ignorance, rather than be happy someone cared enough to point it out, he gets mad. Why do you think that is?

3. Some believe Apollos may have been the author of which book in the New Testament? (The book happens to be one which there is much dispute and speculation over who wrote it.)

4. Apollos eventually moves on the Corinth where he becomes a powerful support for the Christian Church there (Acts 18:27-19:1). The problem is that certain believers begin to look to him as their leader instead of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-6). What might you say to a believer whose fallen into such a trap?

Week #1 Study Questions

2008-09-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

James (1 Corinthians 15:7a; Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13-21)

1. Do you have a brother (or know someone who does) that's accomplished significant things in their life? Do you think it's possible that a person can feel a little bit of resentment that has such a relationship in his family?

2. James meets the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7a). We have no record of the conversation, but they must have had one. What do you think they talked about?

3. There is a verse in the Bible that says something to the effect: "Faith without works is dead." Explain what that means in your own words.

4. It is important to look to the Scriptures when weighing what someone says about serving God and His plan for people's lives (Acts 15:14-18). Point out something that our culture says is okay while the Bible says differently and indicate the verse or verses if you can.