Bible Study

Bible Study equips Christians to read, understand, and apply Scripture with clarity and confidence. Explore Bible-based articles on interpreting the text, studying context, asking good questions, and forming habits that help individuals, classes, and small groups grow in God’s Word. You’ll find guidance for using study tools, leading discussion, teaching the Bible, and connecting Scripture to daily life without losing the meaning of the passage. Whether you’re new to studying the Bible or helping others learn, this hub offers practical help for faithful, fruitful Bible study.

October 5, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for October 11, 2020

COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Oct. 11, 2020: The Cost (2 Timothy 1:8-12; 2:3-10; 4:14-15) “We’re All in Hospice” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What new challenge did you face last week? 2. In what way did you serve others this past week that utilized a spiritual gift from God? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 2 Timothy 1:8-12 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Repeat the process for 2 Timothy 2:3-10 and then for 2 Timothy 4:14-15. Ask the third

September 28, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for Oct. 4, 2020: Teach (1 Timothy 4:6-16)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the October 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “Are We Making Progress?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Oct. 4, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Teach, by example and word, to save people. ________ By Mark Scott When public ministry and private life are out of sync, we call that hypocrisy. Paul called Timothy to make sure these two

September 28, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Are We Making Progress? (Oct. 4 Lesson Application)

This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Oct. 4, 2020: Teach (1 Timothy 4:6-16) ________ By David Faust Ronald Reagan quipped, “Status quo is Latin for ‘the mess we’re in.’” We won’t get out of this mess without God’s help. That’s why we need teachers who communicate God’s grace and truth with reverence and relevance. Progress Requires Intentional EffortPaul urged Timothy to carry out his ministry “so that everyone may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15). That verse compels me to ask, Would others say I’m communicating God’s Word more effectively today than I did five years ago?

September 28, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for October 4, 2020

COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Oct. 4, 2020: Teach (1 Timothy 4:6-16) “Are We Making Progress?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What was your biggest challenge last week? 2. In what specific way did you lead well or serve well this past week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 4:6-16 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. (Option: As one of the “readers,” you can use a Bible app on a phone or other device to play the audio of

September 21, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for Sept. 27, 2020: Lead (1 Timothy 3:1-16; 5:17-22)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the October 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “Who Is Worthy to Lead?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Sept. 27, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Assemble leaders who model Christ, and be such a leader. ________ By Mark Scott Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). The Holy Spirit selects the right leaders for

September 21, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for September 27, 2020

COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Sept. 27, 2020: Lead (1 Timothy 3:1-16; 5:17-22) “Who Is Worthy to Lead?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What new challenge did you face last week? 2. How would you evaluate your prayer life this past week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 3:1-16 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Repeat the process with 1 Timothy 5:17-22. Ask the third person to summarize the passages as if teaching a fifth-grade Sunday school class about

September 14, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for Sept. 20, 2020: Pray (1 Timothy 2:1-8)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the September 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “Does It Really Help to ‘Send Thoughts and Prayers’?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Sept. 20, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Pray for everyone to be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. ________ By Mark Scott Last week’s lesson was entitled “Fight,” and we do that in many ways. We

September 14, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Does It Really Help to ‘Send Thoughts and Prayers’? (Sept. 20 Lesson Application)

This “Application“ column goes with the Bible Lesson for Sept. 20, 2020: Pray (1 Timothy 2:1-8) ________ By David Faust Prayer gets a lot of lip service, but not a lot of respect. Do you see prayer as a last resort or your first response? Many treat God the way a pilot treats his parachute: He’s glad it’s there for emergencies, but he hopes he never has to use it. When a basketball player heaves a long shot that has little chance of hitting the basket, announcers say, “He threw up a prayer.” In football when the quarterback desperately flings

September 14, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for September 20, 2020

COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Sept. 20, 2020: Pray (1 Timothy 2:1-8) “Does It Really Help to ‘Send Thoughts and Prayers’?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What challenge did you face last week? 2. Were you an example of Christ for anyone this past week? If so, whom, and in what ways were you an example? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 2:1-8 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to summarize the passage as if

September 7, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for Sept. 13, 2020: Fight (1 Timothy 1:12-19; 6:11-16)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the September 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “How to Have a Good Fight,” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Sept. 13, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Join Christ in the good fight of faith. ________ By Mark Scott It is difficult to misunderstand such one-word commands as “quiet,” “stop,” “go,” or “run.” The next several lessons have titles

September 7, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

How to Have a Good Fight (Sept. 13 Lesson Application)

This “Application“ column goes with the Bible Lesson for Sept. 13, 2020: “Fight” (1 Timothy 1:12-19; 6:11-16) ________ By David Faust Ironically, it was a fighter who informed us that peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul compared himself to a boxer throwing punches (1 Corinthians 9:26). He saw the Christian life as a battle against dark spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12). As death approached, he said, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Not all fights are good. Some are petty or even humorous. The author Kevin Leman quips, “My wife and I live in

September 7, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for September 13, 2020

COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Sept. 13, 2020: “Fight” (1 Timothy 1:12-19; 6:11-16) “How to Have a Good Fight,” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What was the biggest challenge you faced last week? 2. What did you do last week, as empowered by God’s Spirit, to share the love of Jesus with someone? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 1:12-19 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Repeat the process for 1 Timothy 6:11-16. Ask the third person to summarize

August 31, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for Sept. 6, 2020: Serve Devotedly (Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, 14-18)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the September 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “Ruth’s Exemplary Loyalty,” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Sept. 6, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Serve God devotedly. ________ By Mark Scott Arthur Gossip was the preacher at the Beechgrove Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. The day after his wife suddenly collapsed and died in 1927 he preached his famous sermon,

August 31, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Ruth’s Exemplary Loyalty (Sept. 6 Lesson Application)

This “Application“ column goes with the Bible lesson for Sept. 6, 2020: “Serve Devotedly” (Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, 14-18) ________ By David Faust Brand loyalty keeps us buying Coke or Pepsi, Fords or Toyotas, and cheering for our favorite sports teams. Loyalty can be misplaced, though. Have you been burned by an unscrupulous salesperson who cheated you, an unfaithful friend who betrayed you, or a church leader who wounded you? Jesus urged us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, refusing to follow untrustworthy preachers, priests, or politicians who would lead us astray. Loyalty is rare. “Many claim to

August 31, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for September 6, 2020

COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Sept. 6, 2020: “Serve Devotedly” (Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, 14-18) “Ruth’s Exemplary Loyalty,” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What was the biggest challenge you faced last week? 2. What did you do last week, as empowered by God’s Spirit, to share the love of Jesus with someone? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, and 14-18 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story as if telling it to

August 24, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for August 30, 2020: Stand Boldly (Judges 6:11-16, 25-40)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the August 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ Lesson Aim: Follow God boldly. ________ By Mark Scott The fifth judge of Israel was hardly bold when God called him. Gideon (“hewer”) was more on the order of Barney Fife than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. But he became bold, and he ultimately was mentioned in the faith chapter of the Bible (Hebrews 11:32).

August 24, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

A Time for Boldness (Aug. 30 Lesson Application)

By David Faust When astronauts take untethered space walks, they float in outer space without anything attaching them to the space station. What a feeling of complete freedom! They are untethered and free from all restraints—but in grave danger. I’m sure those astronauts feel relieved when they scramble safely back into the spaceship. They couldn’t survive out there alone. Do you want to be untethered and free from any restraint? Consider what it was like during the raucous era of the Judges. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6, 21:25)—and that remains

August 24, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for August 30, 2020

Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What challenge did you face last week? 2. In what ways did you see the Lord going before you over the past week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Judges 6:11-16, 25-40 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story in four acts: Act 1: A Mighty Message; Act 2: “Altering” the Altar; Act 3: Dad’s Defense; Act 4: A Trumpet and a Test. 3. What stands out to you in this passage? 4. Let’s

August 17, 2020

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for August 23, 2020: Lead Courageously (Judges 4:1-16)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the August 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ Lesson Aim: When God leads, follow. ________ By Mark Scott Deborah (“honeybee”) was the fourth judge of Israel and the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. Before her came Othniel, who helped Israel achieve peace for 40 years (Judges 3:7-11); followed by Ehud, who was left-handed and killed chubby Eglon (3:12-30); and Shamgar,

August 17, 2020

Michael C. Mack

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Discovery Questions for August 23, 2020

Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What struggles have you faced over the last week? 2. What actions did you take this past week to pass on your faith to the next generation? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Judges 4:1-16 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story in their own words. Remind them to keep it simple. 3. Imagine we as a group are writing a sermon on this passage. Let’s brainstorm a title for the message! 4. Let’s