Sunday Prep 11/24

THIS SUNDAY: Matthew 19:1-12

Jesus Teaching on Marriage, Divorce, and Celibacy

The Pharisees are again testing Jesus, this time with a question on divorce. "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?

As you read through Jesus' response, examine his response in verses 4-6. What is his source? How does he build his argument? What is his conclusion?

Then examine verses 7-9 of the Pharisees' rebuttal and Jesus' response. Do you feel any tension between Jesus' first and second responses?

Other Passages

Genesis 1-2

Deuteronomy 24:1-4

Mark 10:1-12

Questions and Meditations

Think about Jesus' view of marriage. How does this compare to our current view of marriage?

Think about divorce culturally and its historical place and effect. Think about divorce on a personal level. How does it affect families?

Meditate on Jesus' high view of marriage and strict view of divorce and lay that over what we see and know today. But don't only examine the culture; examine your heart and understanding of this topic.

Sunday School:

Week 3 of Biblical Theology Class

What is Biblical Theology? Biblical theology is the discipline of learning how to read the Bible as one story by one divine author that culminates in the person and work of Christ, so that every part of Scripture is understood in relation to the eternal work of redemption.

What is Biblical Theology?

1. Defining the Topic Week 1

2. Guardian & Guide for the Church Week 2

3. Defining the Tools Week 3

The Stories to be Told: Biblical Theology Displayed

4. Kingdom Through Covenant Week 3

5. Eden to New Jerusalem Week 4

6. People of God Week 5

7. Sacrifice Week 6

8. Mission Week 7

9. Idolatry Week 8

Putting the Text to Work

10. Exodus; 1 Samuel; Psalm Week 10

11. Proverbs; Isaiah; Nehemiah Week 11

12. Luke; John; Colossians Week 12

13. The Quiz Week 13

The Bible has one main theme, redemption, but it has many sub-themes that weave in and out around the main. These would be covenant, priesthood, temple, sacrifice, etc. During this study, we will understand what Biblical Theology is, how to recongize it in the scriptures, and then how to use it to study the scriptures.