Quiet Times Search

• "Don't ever trust anyone"
• "Your heart is bad, never show it to anyone"
• "You are dirty and will never get free"

1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15
   1. God expects us to be honest yet shrewd in the use of money (v. 1-8)
   2. Money is a tool to be used to gain friends (souls) (v. 9)
   3. If we are not trustworthy in handling money, God will not entrust us with true riches (people's souls) (v. 10-11). God will keep us from leadership if we are not trustworthy with finances (v. 10-11).
2. Whose Money Is It? Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1; Luke 14:33
   1. We are managers (stewards), not owners. An owner does what he pleases with his money/possessions, while a manager submits to the will of the owner.
   2. As disciples, our attitude must reflect a willingness to "give up everything" to advance God's kingdom.

1. What ways am I not being shrewd honest, or trustworthy with my money/possessions?
   Examples:
   • Checkbook not balanced
   • Credit card debt - paying high monthly interest rates
   • Interest rates
   • Not paying bills on time
   • Writing bad checks
   • Not living by a budget
   • Borrowing from Christians or others and not repaying
2. What ways can I use God's money to win souls rather than serve myself?
3. How do I view my money/possessions? Who owns them? Do I have the attitude of "giving up everything for the kingdom?"

1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
   1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
   2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
   3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
   1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
   2. He was grateful and content even in need.
   3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
   4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
   Examples:
   • Debt
   • High monthly payments
   • Bad credit record

• In context, Paul was specifically warning against those who deny the resurrection of Jesus
• In other situations, we need to make sure we are the one whose influence is prevailing
• Should be on the offense rather than defense
• Take captive of every thought and make it obedient to Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

• A helpless old man
• Cosmic killjoy
• Disinterested deity
• Harsh ogre

• Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
• Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
• How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
• The crowd was less than delighted
  • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
  • Failed to grasp his love

• Enjoying the fellowship
• Benefiting from counseling
• Learning how to change bad habits

• All Scripture is inspired by God, God-breathed
  
• Should be applied to our lives so that we can be ready for every spiritual challenge
  • Word used to learn what God says by teaching
  • Word used to correct things we are not doing
  • Word used to warn us by rebuking us
  • Word used to put things into practice through training
• Why should we go through this type of learning? Be thoroughly equipped for all good works

• The word of God is relevant and can expose and convict us of sin in our lives - not collecting dust somewhere
• It exposes us for what or who we are - Not everything in the Bible feels good at the time
  
• Sharper than any double edged sword - It can cut us, but its purpose is to cut out the bad, so that we can be healed - just like a surgeon’s scalpel.

• We need to watch how we live and what we teach - both essential to salvation
  
• Illustration: Which wing of an airplane is most important? So it is with what you teach and how you live out those beliefs.
  
• What is the result of careful attention to our life and doctrine?

• Sin is the fundamentally “un-God-ward” orientation of our “flesh” or “sinful nature” and finds expression in many different ways. Emphasize “and the like.”
  
• What is the common element in all these things? Self-centeredness.
  
• Be as specific as necessary to explain and share from your own life about the sins listed. How do you see yourself in these verses? What sins have been characteristic of your own sinful nature? (If needed, look at additional Scriptures which catalog sins.)

• We are sinful and in need of forgiveness not only as a result of those sins we have committed, but for failing to do the good that we know to do.

• How does sin enslave?
  
• Note that sin is a power that must be defeated as well as specific acts that must be repented of.
  
• Who alone can set us free from sin? (John 8:31-36)

• What are the eternal consequences of sin?
  
• Why be urgent to learn about receiving the gift of God that comes through Jesus Christ?
  
• Review these verses as honestly as you can to get in touch with the bad news about your own sinfulness. In the next couple of studies, we will look at the good news of God’s solution to our bondage to sin. (Note: In some instances it is important to have the person articulate how he or she was saved or forgiven of sin before examining the Bible’s teaching about salvation.)

Hebrews 3:12-14

• Christianity is a “one another” religion, not a solo endeavor.
• We have the charge and the responsibility to be deeply involved in each other’s lives.
• Daily encouragement helps everyone stand firm until the end. You may wish to refer to additional “one another” verses.

Hebrews 10:22-25

• After being washed in baptism, we need the continual exhortations of brothers and sisters to stay the course.
• Consider ahead of time how you can spur on fellow Christians in the fellowship.
• Also prepare to receive biblical input that will result in greater love and good deeds.
• Why is missing meetings of the body described as a bad habit? Why and when do we meet?

Mark 3:31-35 - What will it mean for you to be part of Jesus’ family?

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

• Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
• Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
• Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

• Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
• Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
• She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

• Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
• How are our sins forgiven?
  • God must forgive
  • Man must repent
• Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
• Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.

• Pilate could have released Jesus but he was more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God
• Think of all the people that shouted "crucify him". People who he healed, fed, etc. How do you think Jesus felt?
• They released a murderer instead of Jesus (many said they believed he was the son of God but still this)
• Share: Pilate tried to escape responsibility by washing his hands but denying the truth does not remove the sin
• They beat Jesus again, to the point he did not look human - Isaiah 52:14
• Question: Why do you think Jesus was still willing to go through this for you? (Because he loves you). He is not even at the cross yet.

• Jesus was beaten so badly that he couldn't even carry his own cross
• v46 Jesus hung on the cross for hours (slow tortuous death) but yet he screams out loudly 
• Share: Jesus had never been separated God (since the beginning of time they were united)
• Share: Once Jesus took on YOUR sin, he was separated from God (Wall of Sin  = Isaiah 59:1-2)

• Jesus suffered for you and me because he loves us that much (willing to take our pain)
• Not only did Jesus bear the physical pain but the emotional and spiritual pain as well.
• This pain and separation from God was more than he could take (lead to his overwhelming death)
• Question: How do you feel about the fact that Jesus went through all this for you? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
• Question: Did you know that Jesus loved you this much? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
• Question: How do you feel about your sin now that you know what Jesus went through?

• Worldly Sorrow = feel bad because you did wrong and/or got caught doing something
• Godly Sorrow = repentance, earnestness, eagerness to clear yourself, longing, concern, indignation, alarm, ready to see justice done
• Share: God wants you to respond by repenting of your sin and showing love to him because he loved you first - 1 John 4:19

• The first must be last
• This is not how it is in the work place
  • Go ahead take my promotion
  • Kiss up to the boss
  • Fighting to be the best
  • Spend long hours at work

• Who will take care of me?
• They may not thank you

• The humble will be exalted
• Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave

• Abaddon - Revelation 9:11
• Accuser - Revelation 12:10
• Adversary - 1 Peter 5:8
• Angel of the bottomless pit - Revelation 9:11
• Apollyon - Revelation 9:11

• Affairs
• Divorce
• Unwanted pregnancies
• Abortion
• Sexual disease
• Guilt
• Loss of innocence
  

• He learns about the world through two hoodlums, who teach him to skip school, smoke and steal.
• In the end the two boys are turned into donkeys and Pinocchio barely escapes being turned into a donkey (with the help of “Jimmy Cricket”, who was a good conscience/friend for Pinocchio).

• There is a world of difference between Godly confidence and pride.
• The person who walks with Godly confidence walks tall because he knows he is a child of the king (he doesn’t act like he’s better than anyone else) (he doesn’t have to be in the know).
• This was the meekness that people noticed in Jesus (controlled strength) confidence

• People will be attracted to this type of confidence (not like the world)
  

1. Unwillingness to admit mistakes: Do you apologize whole heartily? - Nearly all men can stand adversity, to test a man, give him power.
2. Hating to look bad: Can you laugh at yourself?
3. Attitude of entitlement: Are you used to privilege (expect because your on staff, you should be treated a certain way, do you serve a certain way because you are on staff)

• It was the Union’s first decisive victory over the Army of Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee.
• He had led his forces into the northern states taking an offensive posture in the war.
• When the Union army followed him into Pennsylvania, he found a spot on the map where several roads joined at an intersection called Gettysburg.
• General Lee did not know the number of Union soldiers he was facing.
• These numbers should have been discovered and reported by his cavalry leader Jeb Stuart, but he was nowhere to be found.
• Stuart, without orders from General Lee, had decided to go on a raiding expedition.
• The cavalry was the eyes of the army. Without the counsel of his cavalry leader Lee was blind.
• Unprepared, Lee went on to lose the battle at Gettysburg. It was just the victory Lincoln had been looking for

1. We need our cavalry “brothers & sisters” giving us advice and counsel
2. They tell us where the enemy is and how strong his forces are.
3. They help equip us to do battle with the enemy.
4. They fortify us when we’re lacking in zeal
5. We need these people in our lives.

• We would ask others what kind of interest rate we should look for, how many miles per gallon, the resale value, look at consumer reports, etc…
• We go to counselors for help (family & career), therapist, on and on
  

• We need to find people who are spiritually mature and gone through such experiences in life
• These men and women can give us godly advice that will help us mature spiritually

• The Bible gives us the formula for success - - - “seek advice”
  

• Jesus spent time (transfiguration) with Moses & Elijah
• Jesus spent time with his father daily (early in the morning and late at night)
• Jesus even had 12 disciples around him for years

1. Baseball = the pitching coach can look at a picture throw and determine mistakes on sight
2. Football = you have a specialty coach for every position
3. School = tutors for different subjects

• We have to learn things the hard way.
• People can warn us that we’re headed down the wrong path but we just have to journey that path for ourselves before we learn

Summary

Japheth's line lived in the coastlands; Ham's included Nimrod and the Canaanites; Shem's lived in the East. These formed the nations.

Observations

Genesis 10:4 - peoples spread out ... each with its own language
These family was not only in not on the same page, in the same state. They each had a completely different language. Their words were likely not written down so changed easily because there was no reference point. Having different languages is not a bad thing but it illustrates when we do not have a reference point in our lives, our standards, direction, and our feelings of the day change we do things. Like God's written word, if we do not keep refering to it, we will live as if we are standing on shifting sand [[Matthew 7:26].

Genesis 10:6 - sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan
From Ham's children, came the Jews and others like the Philistines [Genesis 10:14]. I am not sure if this separation came from the times these kids were growing up but does show how much we need unity in our family. Though in verse 6, they had different languages. Unity is very important in a family and godly unity only comes from God. We can be united in mind and heart from our relationship with God. It is never to early introduce God to your family - especially children.

Personal Application

I am convicted on how fast families can be divided by Satan. How things can change and a heart is no longer are responsive in a relationship. I need to start ASAP.  I am going to make sure my children know God, his word and what it means to have an amazing relationship with Him.

Summary

They began building a great tower for themselves, but the Lord confused their language. Shem's line included Abram who married Sarai.

Observations

Genesis 11:4 - so that we may make a name for ourselves
We all have a built-in desire to reach God and the heavens. It is all about the manner in which we do it. The people here wanted it for selfish reasons and not as misguided attempt to have a relationship with God. They wanted to make a name for themselves to show other what they could do. Why do we go to church and come to a Bible study group? Is it for show or is it because we want to know God?

Genesis 11:6 - then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them
For good purposes or bad, when we come together we can do amazing things. If the united people at time could start to create a large tower to the heavens without God, what can we do as a united people with God?!?

Personal Application

I need to check my motivations on why I do things - especially the "good" things. Is it to further my relationship with God or for selfish gain or to please someone else?

• Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
• Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death

• Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
• Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal

• Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
• 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
• 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak

• What are three areas of your life that you need to be shown compassion and mercy in?
• Do you extend compassion and mercy to others who struggle in the same areas?

1. Persevere through challenges, correction, and struggles.
2. Allow failures to expose your character so that you can become all God wants you to be.
3. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, not on yourself and how you feel.

Summary

God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. As Abraham obeyed, an angel stopped him. The LORD provided a ram instead and blessed Abraham.

Observations

Genesis 22:2 - Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering
God calls us to sacrifice to a high degree. We need to trust in God when we are called to sacrifice. Abram was called to the give up one of the most important persons in his life. At what point do we stop sacrificing? When we feel we are about to leave our comfort zone? When the price is too high?

Genesis 22:5 - and then we will come back to you
He did not know how or in what way but Abram had faith God would not forget about His promise to Abram. Would his son come back to life? Would God give him a new son? What whatever was to happen, Abram believed he would not be coming back alone when he said "we will come back".

Genesis 22:12 - I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son
God present us with tests in our life to see where our heart is at. These test also tell us where our own heart is at if we pay attention. There was no cost Abram was not willing to pay to seek out the Lord which show he had the right perceptive of God's power.  Our sacrifice level shows our love for God.

Personal Application

I know for me I give until it starts to physically hurt, brings up bad memories, or I don't see the need to. It does not depend on me; I need to sacrifice in relation to the need. As I grow close to go God I will see God's heart in this.

Continuing the “heart hindrances” that will push your chidren away.

6. Favoritism.
   • Less favored children become resentful.
   • It led Rachel and Leah to fight and Joseph’s brothers to hate him
7. Hypocrisy.
   • It will kill trust between you and your children
   • Identify hypocrisy in you, be quick to repent
8. Hurting their mother.
   • They will tend to take up offense for the woman who loves them
   • If you teach them to dishonor her, they will eventually dishonor you
9. Misunderstanding.
   • Is tied to kids feeling misunderstood and not listened to by their parents
   • If a matter is important to them, it should be important to you
10. Unrealistic expectations.
    • Kids will quickly be discouraged if they believe their parents have set them up to fail
    • Avoid comparing their weaknesses with another child’s strengths
    • Your child believes he can’t please you, he’ll eventually quit trying

You must keep your radar up to sense if you have your children’s hearts

Questions to continously ask:

• Have I ever wounded you and not made it right?
• Have I said one thing and done another?
• Have I made promises and not kept them?
• Is there anything you’re angry with me about? Is there anything you’re not telling me because you’re afraid?

Too many men foolishly refuse to apologize because they’re trying to save face and don’t want to look bad.

You were first and rank and power but you are as unruly as a flood - Genesis 49:3-4

Reben did some good things but made some terriable mistakes

GOOD - Spoke up for his brother Joesph which lead to saving his life - Genesis 37:21-22
GOOD - Risked everything to save his family - Genesis 42:37
BAD - He slept with one of Jacob's concubines
BAD - Lived life unruly as a flood

As the first born, Reuben should have received special privileges and promises but Jacob said he was first no longer

Reuben's life serves as both as a encouragement and warning about how importance of consistency for us and our family

Would you call yourself a stable man or unruly like a flood?

Diotresphes refuses to have anything to do with us and has evil accusation against us - 3 John 1:9-10

Diotresphes was a gifted man interested in moving himself up the church's pecking order

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant - Matthew 20:26

John did not beat around the bush: don't let this bad example influence you, only follow what is good - 3 John 1:11

Diotresphes' me-first mentality put him last in God's scheme of things

Jesus returned and found the disciples sleeping - Mark 14:37

He knew their weaknesses

Jesus told his disciples eariler that evening that they would all abadon him

As Jesus prayed in the garden that night, Peter fell fast asleep leaving him defenseless against the coming temptation

The big fisherman failed Jesus miserably because he relied on his own strength and courage

When you remain prayerfully on alert for those temptations, God can give you the strength and wisdom you need

Keep your gifts or give them to someone else - Daniel 5:17

Daniel refused Belshazzar's offer of monetary gifts and polical status

The Babylonian king wanted a favorable interpretation of a most disturbing vision

Belshazzar obviously didn't know Daniel as he refused to make a buck with the gift God had given him

Daniel didn't hesitate to give the bad news and meaning of the dream - Belshazzar had made his final politcal proposal

Daniel let it be known that neither the truth nor his intergrity was for sale

These are the sins of David... Amnin whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel - 1 Chronicles 3:1

Many gifted people fail to achieve all they could because they lack self-discipline like Amnon, King David's first son

Amnon sealed his fate when he looked lustfully at his beautiful half-sister Tamar

The Law of God specifically forbade such behavior

Amnon forced himself on Tamar which led to Amnon's murder by his outraged brother Absalom

All this happened within the family of Israel's greatest king

His life was cut shore before he could do anything of note for God or his people

This happened so the power of God could be seen in him - John 9:3

Jesus' disciples believed bad things happen to bad people

Jesus quickly corrected their faulty thinking by denying the man's blindness had anything to do with anyone's sin

This blindness was to be one day used to bring the people's attention to Jesus' devine power and authority

When blind man obeyed Jesus, he was able to see for the first time in his life

Jesus' miracle changed the disciples' notions about God and how he works through human circumstances

There was limited range of things Jesus approved

There were some things he could praise and others he was obliged to condemn

Jesus did not wear a univerisal smile

He made distinctions and he taught others to make them too

Jesus' estimate was the product of a servere discriminiation

With his eyes which could see be men's hearts, he judged with fearlessness

Example: Jesus driving out those in the temple would turned it into a marketplace
Jesus did not minimize the heinousness of sin by treating all men alike

Jesus refused to let men doing bad things feel that they were doing good

It is in his habit of drawing distinctions and setting boundaries

Common taunt of Scribes and Pharises that Jesus was a friend of sinners

He was friendly to the lowest and the best of society, a trait which created great scandal

These three statements about Jesus spoke a lot about how Jesus' heart toward others:

• He saved himself; he cannot save himself - Mark 15:13
• He went about doing good
• Friend of sinners

They tried to use his friendiness against him

Example: Tax collectors - ones who gathered taxes by any means nessary including by extortion or other dishonest measures

• Considered traitors to their country
• Objects of hatred and scron
• Their money was considered tained and not accepted in the synagogue
• Their oath was worthless
• Could not be a witness in a court of law
• Pelted with sneers by passers by
• Looked as wild beasts

Jesus made friends with them despite these truths

It was one thing to talk down to a bad man and give good advise, it is another to eat with them

Jesus cross the chasm over which no man was willing to do in that day and lost his reputation for the sake of being brotherly/friendly

Made himself nothing because he was determined on being firendly to all - Philippians 2:17

Everyone is part of the human race, children of God, despite what they have done

Jesus was best know being friendly to the poor, bad and sick but he was also was a brother to the rich and powerful too - He was a brother to every man

There was more said about the Bible about the poor than they rich because Jesus was able to nearer to the poor than the rich:

• Rich men are always inaccessible
• Rich men always surround themselves with barriers

Jesus was as friendly to Nicodemus as he was to the poor woman at the well

He was as brotherly to  Zaccheus as he was to the poor beggar in Jerusalem

When Jesus went to be baptized, John would not do it because it was for the sinner but the good. Jesus wanted to participate because he wanted to be counted amoung men.

Jesus knowing the other side and he could help but tell them something about the great God in world they were living

The rich man in the parable of Dives and Lazarus: the rich man did not go to hell because of his fine clothes or riches - it because of his heart- not tender; sympathy did not go out to a brother's need

Abraham was rich and went to heaven because he had a brotherly heart

Jesus was too brotherly for people to understand

Jesus - If I can not help them with my life, I will help them with my death

Truth is basically telling the way it is or describing the state of affairs
Pilot asked what is truth, Jesus really was innocent - John 18:38

Taught in the education system, truth is relative (aka "my truth") but truth is absolute 

Truth is true:

• For all people
• For all places
• For all time

Truth is absolute, narrow, and exclusive
Truths excludes their opposite

Humanistic truth claims are as narrow as Christian truth claims

Truth is discovered and can not invented
Truth exists without anyone else's knowledge of it, like gravity
Truth is unchanging
Beliefs can not change truth but our beliefs can change to match the fact - World is flat to round

Contrary beliefs are possible but contrary truth are not possible

These are self defeating statements:

• "All truth is relative"
• "There is no truth"
• "It is true for you but not for me"
• "There are no absolutes"

Questions for those living with self defeating statements
If there really is no truth, then why try to learn anything? 

Good ideas have good consequences and bad ideas have bad consequences

If you can kill truth then you can kill religion