Dr. Oscar T. Moses

W.A.R. Bible Study

Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Living My Best Life Bible Study #5

It Wont Just Happen!

 

The Pick Up of Responsibility

It won’t just happen on accident or by giving God or life the bare minimum! You must take responsibility towards living your best life. Taking personal responsibilityto commit to spiritual growth is crucial; it means being discipline and consistent in Sunday worship, Christian Growth Academy, W.A.R. Bible Study, Corporate Prayer, and Let’s Stay Together Ministry. It’s all relative to walking into the life God has designed for you.

Those who take a casual or bare minimal approach to pray, study the scriptures, or devote time to maturing in the Christian life, are suggesting that they are satisfied with what they know, what they are doing, and where they are in their spiritual development. They take a “Yeah… yeah… yeah… that’s a waste of time. I don’t need any of that” attitude.

Living your best life will not happen if you do not assume the responsibility for change and your own personal development. This lesson is designed to teach the members of MHMBCOC that living your bestliferequires a spiritual discipline that increases personal responsibility. As nouns the difference between responsibility and discipline is that responsibility is the state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable while discipline is a controlled behavior; self-control.

Jesus told several parables in which responsibility and accountability are disciplines that make up the core of people who are living their best life. Think about it! People that you admire do extra and they are disciplined in whatever they do. The late Myles Munroe made the statement; “We pay to see people that are disciplined.” Whether it is your favorite athlete, performer or preacher; we appreciate (And God Appreciates) disciplined people that take the time to develop what God has given them and do “more” than average.

Consider this illustrative parable of the talents. Before a man went on a journey, he entrusted money to his servants. When he returned, each servant had to give an answer for what he had done with the money assigned to him. Those who were disciplined doubled their money, the master exclaimed, “Well done!” However, the one undisciplined man who hid the money in the ground was severely judged for his irresponsibility.

Group Challenge – Read Matt 25:14-30.

Answer the Following Question

The Biblical Lesson

1. To what did Jesus liken the kingdom of God in this parable?
2. What did the man in the parable give to his servants?
3. What did the servant who received five talents do with his money?
4. What kind of return on his investment did the servant with two talents get?
5. What did the third servant do with the one talent his master gave him?
6. How did the master react to the report of the first servant?
7. What was the response to the report of the second servant?
8. What excuse did the third servant give for not investing his talent?
9. How did the master respond to the third servant’s explanation?
10. What orders did the master give about the third servant’s one talent?
11. What judgment was handed down to the “wicked, undisciplined, lazy” servant?

Life Application

• With what talents or resources has God entrusted you? (Each person name it)
• What gifts or talents has God given to Mount Hermon M.B. Church of Chicago?
• What thoughts or attitudes cause us to be lazy in carrying out our Christian responsibilities?
• Why do you think the third servant really buried his talent?
• How does being disciplined pay off?
• What does discipline have to do with faith?
• How does this parable encourage a person to increase their personal responsibility towards spiritual growth?
• How does this parable encourage the church to membership to become more involved?
• What can others benefit most from gifts and abilities that some have buried?

Thought:The more we grow spiritually as good stewards; God increases our responsibilities.

How do the following scripture verses encourage us to do more and become disciplined?

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Proverbs 12:24

Proverbs 22:29

Matthew 25:21

Luke 16:10

Personal Probe

1. What resource do you need to commit to Christ’s use at this time in your life?
2. What area of your spiritual life needs more discipline?
3. How can you invest your talents in serving God this week?
4. What reminder can you use to hold yourself accountable for the way you manage your God-given resources?

 In Him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

 

 

Rights reserved Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Studies – Living My Best Life – 2019

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

W.A.R. Bible Study

Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Living My Best Life Bible Study # 3

The Principle of Availability

Lord I Am Available to Serve

Over the last twenty years, I have observed a small core of members that are actually involved in the forward progress of the church. Most churches face the issue of members who are continuously unavailable and uninvolved. They are merely spectators. Many attend regularly but never move beyond that to become available to be involved in the ministry and mission of God.

Christianity Today Magazinesuggests that there are (3) three main reasons people do not avail themselves to serve and they perhaps are not what most people think. CT says the following are three reasons why people do not avail themselves to serve:

1. They Feel Useless– These individuals feel as if they do not have anything significant to offer in ministry. Those who feel useless simply may not know that they have been called and gifted by God for ministry.Those who feel useless have to be patiently taught that God has gifted them for service within the body. Once they grasp this as fact, they can become some of the best ministers in the congregation.
2. Some People Are Hurting– Some have been hurt by church members and church leaders. Some had a bad experience in a previous church. These people need to be shown the love of Jesus Christ by the membership and encouraged to serve.
3. Some People Are Lazy – Some do not want to serve. The want to reap the benefits of others service. It causes those who are working to reconsider actually working. All God’s people are called to the ministry; all God’s people are sent on mission. The only questions are “Where?” and “Among whom?”

The problem in ministry has not changed. There is a lack of availability. There have been countless experiences of asking someone to help with a ministry or church project, and the response too often is, “I am not available.” 

Group Thought

The Greek word “serve” means to wait upon someone, to attend to someone. It is akin to the word for slave or servant. It is sometimes translated “minister to”. God Requires Every Member to Serve

1. Do you agree with the 3 reasons Christianity Today gives? Are there other reasons?
2. How do the following verses confirm every believer has a mandate to make themselves available for ministry?

• 1 Peter 4:10
• Hebrews 10:24
• Romans 14:12
• Colossians 3:23-24
• 1 Corinthians 15:58
• Revelation 14:13
                                                    Group Questions

1. How should a Christian exhibit Availability to others in daily life?
2. How can one develop a Christian attitude and willingness to be Available?
3. What often blocks one from being Available to others?
4. How does 1 Corinthians 12:12-26make every members availability essential to a healthy body?
5. How do the following scriptures give positive examples of The Principal of Availability?

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Matthew 4:18-22

6. How do the following scriptures give negative examples of The Principal of Availability?

• Jonah 1:1-4
• 2 Timothy 4:9-10

Final Example

One Sunday after an afternoon ministry affair, I watched the, now retired, First Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Al Wysinger, avail himself for service. He was the guest speaker at the church tea, and when the eating was over, he rolled up his sleeves and went into the kitchen to wash dishes and clean up. He didn’t have to do that. He was not a member of our church. I tried to stop him, and he said, “This is what I do!” Not even a member of our church, but he made himself available for service. If churches had more members like that, we would be of better service to the community. Servitude is not a step down but a step up. How does this example make you feel as a member of this church?

The Principal of Availability means:

• I Am Accessible for Service:
• I Am Ready to Sacrifice:
• I Am Willing to Be Sent:

Final Question

What Does Matthew 9:35-38 instruct us to do as Christians?

 Final Thought

Availability is being willing to adjust our own schedule, agenda, and plans to fit the right desires of God and others. It makes personal priorities secondary to the needs of God and others. It is to reflect God’s priorities, so we are always available to Him, and others, when we are serving.

In Him!

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

 

 

 

 

 

Rights reserved Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Studies – Living My Best Life – 2019

Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago

W.A.R. Bible Study

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

I’m Living My Best Life Bible Study

If you have been listening… you perhaps have heard young people echoing one of the latest urban catch phrases, “I’m Living My Best Life.” The phrase has been popularized by Hip Hop Legend Snoop Dog and actor and comedian Lil Duval in a musical single release titled, “Smile.” The phrase stuck with me and caused me to critically think and ask the question, “Am I really living my best life according to God or am I delusional and living beneath whom God has created me to be?”

This is a 3-Part bible study series designed to teach the members of MHMBCOC that Living Your Best Life is contingent upon an inextricable relationship with God.

Lesson I

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Its About That Life

Matthew 6:25-33

I must admit that I watch reality TV. I get some good preaching out of watching the way people live their lives. I like the TV sitcom, “The Game”. It’s about the lives of athletes and their love interest and how their lives revolve around the fear of never having enough money, not being popular and not being socially accepted. My favorite character is Tasha Mack. She is always chasing for the right dollar amount, the right man and the right fashions but she is always coming up short. Her signature line is “It’s about that life!”It reminded me that so many people think they are living but day-by-day they are dying. They have all the creature comforts of earth but they have no stock in eternity. Jesus gives us clear instructions in this lesson that teaches us how to Live Our Best Life!

Context

Matthew chapter 6 is apart of what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is the longest piece of teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus sat down and began to teach His followers basic truths as it related to living the Victorious Christian Life. The Sermon on the Mount began in chapter 5 and in chapter 6 the context is about trusting God to meet your day-to-day needs.

Chapter 6 begins with a warning. Matthew 6:1 (KJV)– “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” Charity to the poor was a basic component of Jewish life. The Greeks and Romans did not believe in charity the way God intended. The only time they would give to the poor was to be seen whereas they could secure their own popularity and status within society. That is why Jesus said in verse 2, “Don’t blow a trumpet and stand in the street to announce what you have given. If you do, you will have your reward here on earth and not in heaven.”

In verses 5-15Jesus talks about the significance of prayer and that the Christian should have a private prayer life. The problem of public prayer emerges when one seeks a response from people and not God. Within these verses Jesus gives an example of the “Model Prayer.”

In verses 16-18Jesus talks about fasting. The Christian should fast but the same principles apply to fasting as to prayer. The Christian should not broadcast that they are fasting and walk around looking as though they cannot make it through the day. While fasting present yourself groomed and alert whereas you will not bring attention to yourself.

Don’t seek possessions is the theme of verses 19-24: Earthly treasures don’t last. All that we often build our lives around have no lasting qualities. Therefore, Jesus gives us direct commands as it relates to our possessions and the things we desire to have in this life. Earthly treasures are fleeting and will eventually pass away. Secure treasures that cannot be destroyed by moths, rust or even a clever thief. Wherever your treasure is that’s where your heart is. If your treasure is materialistic that’s where your heart is and you stand the risk of a great heartbreak. Verse 22-23means that we should focus our affections on heaven and not allow our gaze to be distracted on earthly things. The lesson is that no one can focus on God and the world. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money (Vs 24). Our study will focus on verses 25-34.

Group Questions – Verses 25-34 

1. What three worries did Jesus discourage among His followers? Why? (6:25)
2. Why is food a trivial matter? (6:26)
3. According to Jesus, how do clothes stack up as a subject of great concern? (6:26)
4. What creatures did Jesus use to illustrate God’s reliability as a provider? Why? (6:26)
5. Why are God’s creatures consistently “fed and clothed”? (6:26)
6. Why should we take great comfort from the way the animal and plant kingdoms operate? (6:26)
7. What benefits does worry bring? (6:27)
8. What fact from nature did Jesus use to illustrate the folly of worrying over clothes? (6:28)
9. How did Solomon’s wardrobe measure up to the beauty of nature? (6:29)
10. What comfort can followers of Christ find in the beauty of nature? (6:30)
11. Who is consumed by concern over food, water, and clothing? (6:32)
12. What priorities should we have in life? (6:33)
13. What does God do for His children when they keep the right perspective, refuse to worry, and trust Him? (6:33)
14. Why is it silly to fret over the future? (6:34)

Keep It Real! 

1. What does Living Your Best Lifeas a Christian look like?
2. Is it a sin not to Live Your Best Life?
3. Is Living Your Best Lifeand living a safe lifeconflicting?
4. How does Living Your Best Life reflect your relationship with God
5. How is Living Your Best Lifea response to God’s goodness?
6. Why do so many Christians live beneath their Best Life?

In His Care!

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

 

 

 

 

Rights reserved Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Studies 2019

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

December 13, 2018

WHAT SHOULD THE LONELY DO AT CHRISTMAS?

Matthew 1:18-25

God is with us!

During this time of year you can find more lonely people than ever. Loneliness can stem from many things and can be triggered by overdrinking, overeating, overspending and from being in over demand. It has been clinically proven that loneliness does not just make one sick but it can be deadly. People without adequate social interaction can die prematurely. Loneliness impairs immune function and boost inflammation, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Loneliness has doubled in recent years: 40 % of adults in 2 surveys said they were lonely. Up from 20% in 1980.  The Gallup Polls says that loneliness affects a third of the population and psychologist say that the figure is steadily on the rise. Loneliness can be one of those symptoms that if we leave unchecked can be deadly. The problem of loneliness arises because we don’t know how to treat it. When we feel hungry we eat. When we feel sleepy we lie down. If you break a bone you can treat that but how do you treat loneliness?

John Cacioppo, in talking about the Lethality of Loneliness,said that we don’t realize is that air pollution increases your chances of dying prematurely by 5%. Obesity increases your chances pf dying prematurely by 20%. Alcohol increases your chances of dying prematurely by 30% but living with loneliness increases your chances of dying by 45%.

It is not unusual for someone to be in a crowd and feel like the only person on earth. However, I have discovered that the true experts on loneliness are not the psychologist, census takers or the Gallup polls; they are the people that we meet each day that we sit next to in church, ride next to on busses, work with on our jobs and live in our homes.

There are a lot of lonely people in the world that feel as though they have no one. One of the loneliest times of the year is Christmas. However, for the Christian, this is the time of year that we reflect on the greatest gift given to the world; God is with us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became like us so we would not have to make this pilgrimage alone.

Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

The Christian has the assurance of God’s Presence in times when loneliness surfaces.

What should the lonely do at Christmas?

1. Reflect Within: -Deep reflection within musters a conversation with one’s soul. Psalm 42:1-3 (KJV) – As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? Reflection on God’s grace from your past can bring a sense of assurance of God’s never parting presence.
2.  Look Up: When horizontal relationships fail you the vertical relationship will fulfill you. Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV) – I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. One’s prayer life becomes crucial during times of loneliness. Prayer is a privilege given to us by God that strengthens our relationship with Him and restores us on a daily basis. One hymnologist reminds us of the friend we have in Jesus and “what needless pains we bare” when we do not pray.
3. Reach Out: Your interaction with other people becomes the catalyst to combat loneliness. Resist the urge to cocoon yourself and cut off human interaction. Helps someone that needs your help and that gesture of kindness will take the attention off of you. “Help somebody and you will help yourself.” Isaiah 58:10 (KJV) – And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: Reaching out may challenge you to come out of your comfort zone but the effort and results are worth the challenge. Be certain to surround yourself with positive people who can affirm the presence of Christ in all believers. Finally, never forget that God is With Us!

Wishing you and your family a blessed and Merry CHRISTmas,

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

MHMBCOC

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 

Bold Moves – Bible Study Part 2

“Necessary Endings”

Genesis 19:1-26

This lesson is designed to teach us the value of exploring the possibilities of new beginnings!

Chapter 19 unfolds with the two angels arriving in Sodom. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was sitting at the entrance of the city when they arrived. He welcomed them and beseeched them to come to his home to be his guest for the night.  When they were getting ready to go to sleep for the evening the men of Sodom young and old surrounded the home of Lot to violate them sexually by rape. Lot stepped out of his home shutting the door behind him and pleading with the men. He offered his two virgin daughters but the men became enraged. They went to grab Lot and the two angels reached out and grabbed Lot and pulled him in doors, bolted the door and temporarily blinded the men of Sodom. The angels told Lot, “If you have any relatives in this city get them out. We will destroy this city completely. The stench of Sodom has reached the nostrils of God and He has sent us to destroy it.” Lot rushed out to tell his daughters fiancés and they laughed at him.

The next morning the angel’s hurriedly told Lot, “Take your family and leave this city”. When Lot moved slowly the angels grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them outside the city. The Lord was showing them mercy. The angels told them, “Run for your lives and don’t look back!” As Lot reached the city the sun was rising and God rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah and destroyed everything from people, plants and animals alike. But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him and became a pillar of salt.

Questions

1. Who visited Lot? (19:1-2)
2. How did the men in Sodom and Gomorrah treat Lot’s guests, and how did Lot respond? (19:4-8)
3. What happened to the men surrounding Lot’s house? (19:9-11)
4. When Lot and his family fled the city, what did his visitors tell them to do and not to do? (19:16-25)
5. Why did Lot leave Sodom at the last minute? (19:12-22)
6. What did Lot’s wife do, and what happened to her? (19:26)

Think About It

1. Why is it so hard to let go of the past?
2. In what ways do we become hardened to the evil around us?
3. How does our society desensitize people to sinful behavior?
4. How does Sodom and Gomorrah compare to our society?
5. In what ways do people sometimes make their family suffer in order to uphold someone else’s expectations?
6. Why is it sometimes hard to flee from sin?
7. What makes this a bold move for Abraham and his family? Name 3 things.

Personal Probe

What ‘Bold Moves” do you need to take? Think of some areas in your life that needs a necessary endings.

Keeping It Current

Thought: “As Christians we are commanded to love everyone. We are not commanded to force our beliefs on anyone. Neither is it fair for any group of people to force their beliefs on the Church. The Church should warmly welcome all people and teach the truth with love.”

1. How should the church respond to the LGBTQ community?
2. Is the church compromising to sinful behavior like Sodom and Gomorrah? How?

 

In Him!

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

 

 

 

 

 

Rights Reserved by Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. 2018 – #BoldMoves

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

W.A.R. Bible Study

Thursday, December 4, 2018

Bold Moves – Part 1

“Coming Out of Your Comfort Zone to Find Your Calling”

Matthew 14:22-33 

This lesson is designed to help MHMBC discern God’s Call for their life.

 

Context

In Matthew 14:22-33 we see Jesus immediately command the disciples to get into a boat after the miracle of feeding the five thousand. Jesus sent theminto the Sea of Galilee knowing they would encounter a great storm. Verse 24 says, “But the ship was now in the middle of the sea, tossed with waves for the wind was contrary.”Mark’s Gospel gives the same account but adds another detail. Mark 6:48says, “And he saw them toiling in rowing”. Jesus watched them toiling in the sea for some time then He went unto them walking on the sea. They thought He was a ghost and began crying out because they were afraid. Jesus spoke to them and said,“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

Peter spoke up and said, “If it’s really you bid me to come.”Jesus said, “Come.”When Peter stepped out of the boat he walked on water to go to Jesus. He was doing what was impossible to do but he began to look at the wind and he became frightened and he began to sink. Peter cried out, “Lord save me!”Immediately, Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught Peter and said, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”  When Peter and Jesus got into the ship, the wind ceased. The text closes by saying that all of those in the ship began to worship Jesus saying, “Of a truth thou art the son of God.”

Group Questions

1. After feeding the crowd of five thousand people, what instructions did Jesus give His disciples?
2. Where did Jesus go after He dismissed the crowd? Why?
3. What did Jesus do on the mountain?
4. Where were the disciples when evening came?
5. What conditions were the disciples encountering?
6. What miracle did Christ perform?
7. How did the disciples react to what they saw?
8. How did Jesus try to calm the disciples’ fears?
9. What did Peter ask Jesus to do?
10. How did Jesus respond to Peter’s request?
11. What happened to Peter as he made his way toward Jesus?
12. What did Jesus do and say when Peter got in trouble?
13. What was the consensus reaction to this amazing sequence of events?
14. According to this passage Peter took a risk. What was the key factor that helped him make his decision?

Think About It, Discuss it, and Answer What You Think It Means

• Too Much Comfort Is Dangerous Because It Robs Us from Change
• Change Is What Most People & Churches Fear
• Fear Robs Us of Our Future
• The Future Is Determined by the Risk You Take
• The Risk of Obeying God Will Guarantee a Powerful Reward
• The Risk of Disobeying God Will Turn Your Comfort Zone into A Danger Zone

Church Application

1. How does Peter’s experience apply to the life of a congregation?
2. Is it ok for a church to be different and try new approaches to ministry?
3. How does a church get out of the boat?
4. Name 3 “Bold Moves” MHMBC can take in 2019?

Personal Application – Homework Assignment for Next Week

1. Write down the 3 most important decisions you will make in life. Be ready to explain.
2. Write down 3 “Bold Moves” you need to make in 2019. (Explanation in class is optional)

In Him!

 

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

Rights Reserved by Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Study 2018 – “Bold Moves” 12-4-18

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago

W.A.R. Bible Study

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

 

“The Urgency of Now” – Bible Lesson #5

THE UNGODLY IDENTIFIED

2 Timothy 3:8-12

 The goal in this lesson is to educate the membership on biblical truth concerning the worlds behavioral identity towards Christians and God’s expectations for the church in the last days.

Introduction

         Paul has made it clear in the previous verses that in the “last days” before Jesus returns there would be unbecoming behavior that would emerge in the church. In the previous verses Paul identifies ungodly behavior in the world and church. This is interesting for although these behaviors would emerge there is no hint that the Christian should abandon the church. Hypocrites are everywhere. The true Christians must endure the behaviors that surface in a godly manner. There will be false teachers that will continuously surface to dispute what has been established in God’s Word and to attack and accuse those who hold fast to it.

However, Paul encourages the church that the efforts of these false prophets will not be successful in the end. He uses his own life persecutionsto confirm his authenticity as a true teacher of God and concludes these verses with a promise that we don’t like to hear: “All that live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution.”

Text Study

              Vs. 8– Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.According to Jewish tradition, these were the two magicians in Pharaoh’s court who attempted to duplicate Moses’ miracles (Exodus 7:11; 9:11). Paul names the two magicians who were nameless in the Exodus account. The legend of these men must have been passed on. The point is, false teachers will oppose the truth as these two magicians opposed Moses. There minds are corrupted. Paul was making reference to false teachers who were perverting the Church with false doctrine and questioning the authority of Paul.

Vs. 9 –  But they shall proceed no farther—Such teaching and teachers shall never be able ultimately to prevail against the truth.Their folly shall be manifest—False doctrine cannot prevail long where the sacred Scriptures are read and studied.

Vs. 10– Thou hast fully known my doctrine—  Paul’s teaching was known and those whom he taught were capable of judging between him and the false teachers. They could easily discern the difference between false and true doctrines.

Vs. 11– Persecutions—which came unto me at Antioch—Antioch is where the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts; but they shook of the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

Vs. 12– All that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution —  Christianity will stand in opposition to the world. Those who make a decision to live for God, study the scriptures and attend church will be reviled.

Group Discussion Questions

1. As a member of a local church name 3 reasons why it is essential to study what you have been taught by the pastor?
2. Why is group bible study important?
3. How does the following scripture refer to verse 9? (1 Peter 1:24-25)
4. Why is it important to know what your pastor believes in scripture?
5. How does the Holy Spirit help Christians discern when false doctrine is being taught? Give an example.
6. What are the dangers of not knowing the scriptures?
7. How will the godly suffer in the last days?
8. How will church people play a role in the persecution of the godly?
9. How do the following verses apply to verse 12? (John 15:18, 1 Peter 4:12-14, Matthew 5:44, and 1 Peter 3:14.)

 

Action Steps

10. Name 3 ways families in MHMBC can study the scriptures together that will educate each other?

 

11. What creative approach can MHMBC take towards a more meaningful bible study of the scriptures?

 

12. How does Acts 17:10-11 encourage the church to study God’s Word?

 

13. How can the church support those who are being persecuted for living godly in third world countries?

 

14. Individual question: Give an example of how you have been persecuted for trying to live godly?

 

In Him!

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

 

Rights reserved by Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Study 2018

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago

“The Urgency of Now” – Bible Lesson #4

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

 THE UNGODLY IDENTIFIED

2 Timothy 3:6-7

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The goal in this lesson is to educate the membership on biblical truth concerning the worlds behavioral identity towards Christians and God’s expectations for the church in the last days.

“The last days” – We are in the last days now. Some think that the world will get better before Jesus’ return. This passage shows the exact opposite. There will be a lot of difficulties and sin will increase and become “marks” of the last days. We see this happening all over the world in the church. Many Christians are Christians in name only. They want the psychological comfort of calling themselves Christians. It makes them feel safe. It makes them feel as if they are good. For many it is a tradition or a culture.

In this passage Paul describes those who take advantage of the weak. They play on the emotions of women, use people and then cast them aside and move on to something else. He also describes those who are deceived as “Always learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth,”

Let’s examine verses 6 and 7

2 Timothy 3:6– “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.”

What does this mean? “Silly women”: Silly in integrity and the knowledge of the truth, and weighed down with emotional and spiritual guilt over their sins, these women were easy prey for the deceitful false teachers (see notes on 1 Tim. 2:13-14; 5:11-12).

Thought:“Silly” can be applied to both men and women and it connotes people who are not grounded in the Word of God and easy to follow false teachers.

Small Group Questions

1. What does “lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lust” mean?
2. How does this statement make you feel seeing that most churches are populated with women?
3. Read 1 Timothy 2:13-14 and explain what it means.
4. Do you see this in the church? Explain.
5. What do we become loaded with sins?
6. When are we more vulnerable to spiritual manipulation?
7. What can Christians do to battle against being manipulated?

2 Timothy 3:7– “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

What does it mean to be “ever learning and never being able to come to the knowledge of the truth?”

Hint: This statement suggests that “learning” is supposed to lead us knowledge. Hence is the reason why we come to Bible Study.Paul’s suggestion means that these people were always studying but not retaining what was taught. They would be consistent in the “Class Room Setting” but void of knowledge.

Thought: Most church attending “Christians” are biblically illiterate. “The knowledge of the truth”: (1 Timothy 2:4), uses this same phrase, equating it with being saved. Here Paul identified those women (verse 6), and men who were often jumping from one false teacher, church or cult to another without ever coming to an understanding of God’s saving truth in Jesus Christ.

Small Group Questions

1. Why do you think people are not learning? Give 3 Examples
2. How does 2 Corinthians 4: 3-4 pertain to this verse?
3. How can you assure that you (personally) are coming to the Knowledge of the Truth?
4. What is the evidences of one learning God’s Word? Give 3 Examples.

Life Application

 If this lesson was a sermon what would your 3 Points be?

 

Because of Him,

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

 

 

 

 

Rights reserved by Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Study 2018

Dr. Oscar T. Moses

MHMBC W.A.R. Bible Study

Tuesday, May 3, 2018

Get Busy – Time Is Winding Up

Matthew 25:14-30

This lesson is designed to teach the Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago how God holds us accountable for taking care of His business.

 Big Thought: Imagine Yourself Standing Before God To Give An Account At The End.

Context

Jesus dealt with “the end” in His preaching. He preached short ordinary simple stories that explained the extraordinary nature of God. Matthew 25 entails three apocalyptic parables. The 10 Virgins,the 3 Stewardsand the Kings Final Return. Each parable points to “the end”, the return of Jesus, the status of our lives when He returns and finally, our reward or our regret.

Jesus gave these parables because of two questions His disciples asked on the Mount of Olivet in Matthew 24:3– “What wil be the sign of your coming and when will the end of the world come?” Jesus described the signs of His return but He does not reveal when He shall return. In Matthew 24:14 (KJV) Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Preaching the gospel has a great part in speeding up that day.

 The Parable of the 3 Stewards

Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a wealthy man going on a long journey. He called three servants before him and gave each of them a responsibility. The first he gave five thousand dollars, the second two thousand and the third one thousand, according to the abilities that each one possessed and then he left far a long journey. Immediately, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second servant did likewise. However, the third man with the single thousand dug a hole and buried deeply his master’s money.

One day the master returned, unannounced, unexpected, and to their unawareness, to settled his accounts. The man with five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. The master said, “Well done! You did your job well. From now on you will be my partner.” The man with two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. The master said, “Well done! You did your job well. From now on you will be my partner.” Then here comes the third man. He immediately started making excuses: “Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. The master said, “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: you should have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.nFor unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Thought #1 – A Relationship With The Master Is Everything – Your relationship with God will determine how you handle what he gives you.

1. How does this statement apply to the parable?
2. What is a steward? ( 1 Corinthians 4:2)
3. How does James 4:8 apply here?

Thought #2 – The Master Only Gives Us What We Can Handle –

4. Does everyone have a gift? (1 Corinthians 12:7)
5. How does Romans 12:6 apply here?

Thought #3 – Don’t Bury What God Has Designed To Bless You –

6. How does God use your gift to your advantage? (Colossians 3:23-24)
7. How does God use your gifts to bless others? (1 Peter 4:10)
8. How would the third servants gift been a blessing to him at the end?
9. Why does God expect us to enhance the gifts He has given? (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Thought #4 – Life Has End-Time Expectations & Excuses Are Not Acceptable:

10. How does Ephesians 5:16apply to this parable?
11. What does God expect from the church? Name 3 Things:
12. What should the world expect from the Church? Name 3 Things:
13. What should the next generation expect from you? Name 3 Things:
14. What does God expect from you personally? Name 3 Things:
15. What should the Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church expect from you? Name 3 Things:

Final Thought: Each generation is straying further away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a time that many people consider the “Post Christian” era. If we fail to share our faith with the next generation God will use a church that will. God never changes His plans. The Church Will Win! But He does change partners.

Action Steps– Explain each point.

1. Get Closer to The Master – James 4:8
2. Work with What You Got. – John 9:4
3. Stop Looking at Everybody Else – Do What You Were Told to Do – Galatians 6:4-6
4. Make The Best of Your Time – Ephesians 5:16

Notes

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Rights reserved by Dr. Oscar T. Moses – W.A.R. Bible Studies 2018

 

In Him!

Pastor Moses