II Check the Texts

1. Deuteronomy 18:15-20

A. Read 18:9-14. What is the concern expressed in this passage? How is that concern dealt with in today’s lesson? What do you think the reference to “fire” in verse 10 means? (Clue: Check Deuteronomy 12:31; but what do 2 Kings 16:1-4 and 17:16-18 suggest?)

B. What did the LORD promise in verse 15? Who is “me” in this verse? (Clue: Who is the speaker of this book, Deuteronomy 1:1; 34:10-12) In verse 16 , what did the people request? Why did they make this request? (Clue: Read Deuteronomy 5:22-27, an incident immediately following the giving of the Ten Commandments) What role or function does this give a prophet? (Clue: Check verse 18)

C. In verses 19-20, what are the responsibilities of the people? Of the prophets? If you were a prophet, how would this injunction affect you as you were about to utter an oracle?

D. What question do verses 21-22 propose to answer? What is the answer given? How adequate is that answer in the short term? In the long term?

E. “Prophet,” verses 15 and 18, is in many translations rendered as a singular noun. But what does verse 20 imply? What does Numbers 11:27-30 suggest? To whom do the references in John 1:21, 25; 6:14; and 7:40-44. How does Peter use the reference in Acts 3:17-26?

2. 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

A. Skim Acts 15:1-29. What was the issue of this conference? Was Paul present? How would you summarize their decisions regarding food? In our lesson, how closely does Paul follow the principles laid down by the Jerusalem elders?

B. What sort of knowledge does Paul talk about in verse 1? How does 1 Corinthians 13 support the statement in 1b? How would you express the meaning of verse 2 in your own words?

C. What is the argument the Corinthians offer in favor of eating food sacrificed to idols?

D. Read Romans 8:37-39. What connection can you make between that passage and verse 5?

E. How would you describe the style of the statement in verse-6? What connection can you make between these verses and John 1:1-5?

F. In your view, does Paul basically agree or disagree with the position taken by the Corinthians on food? What is his main complaint against them?

G. Why would the actions described in verse 12 be sins against Christ? (Clue: Check 1 Corinthians 12:27}

3. Mark 1:21-38

A. Compare this passage with Mark 5:1-20, 7:24-30, and 9:14-29. What do these four incidents have in common? Why do you think Mark placed this kind of ministry as Jesus’ first public activity?

B. What did people find remarkable about Jesus’ teaching? What do you think he did or said that left this impression? Where in 1:1-20 do you find a summary of his teaching? What was his first action? How does that action relate to his teaching?

III What Does It All Mean?

1. How have you experienced God’s activity in your life this week?

2. Prophesy has two meanings: an inspired utterance on behalf of God, and a prediction of future events. Biblical prophesy includes both meanings, but in what balance? Mark this scale to indicate how you think of this balance:

      Totally inspired utterances  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  Totally future predictions

3. In what sense can we claim that every Christian is a prophet?

4. How possible do you think it is for non-believers to be prophets, in the sense of speaking for God?

5 How do you handle situations when a friend or colleague expresses scruples about something that doesn’t bother you at all?

6. Some students of congregational life say that members are too tender-hearted, fearing to give offense. Instead, they say, a congregation should be an arena of debate, where controversial issues are addressed openly to discern God’s will. What do you think?

7. Many have likened addiction and mental illness such as schizophrenia to being possessed by a demonic force. What role do you think faith plays in healing mental or physical illness?

IV Into the Week

1. You go home and someone asks, “What did you learn today?” How do you reply?

2. Bring to your mind someone who is struggling with their faith. Pray for them each day this week that the Spirit might overcome their fears and doubts.