Homework

Here are a few things to remember when you're working on your homework:

1. The answers to the questions in the homework should be obvious, not obscure! In other words, don't look for a 'deep meaning'...look for the obvious. If something isn't obvious to you, then skip it and move on. It may become obvious later.
Sometimes the answer they're looking for is so simple, we think it can't be that easy....but, it usually is! So, don't complicate the questions...look for the obvious, not the obscure.

2. The questions in our homework can be broken down into 3 categories:

a. Observation questions: These are questions designed to help you look at what the text says objectively. These are usually simple and obvious.
Some of you have learned some skills that help you observe the text. For example, if you have learned how to structure a passage, you will have already seen most of the things they're asking you to observe in the homework. And if that's the case, you can skip those questions and move on.
If you're new to this kind of study, the workbook is trying to slow you down and help you observe some details of the text.
b. Interpretation questions: When you're defining words in the Greek, or looking for relationships between ideas, for example, you're trying to understand what Paul meant when he penned Ephesians...you're looking for his flow of thought.
When you're reading all those cross references, you're looking for more information about a particular subject. You're trying to better understand an issue that Paul has mentioned. Sometimes it helps to read other verses that relate to the issue you're studying. The Bible becomes its own commentary in a way.
c. Application questions: These are the questions that encourage you to apply certain truths to your life. Application begins in our thinking...then it spills out into how we live moment by moment. Some of the things we are learning in Ephesians will challenge the ways we think about God! That can be hard...but well worth the effort!

You can go through your homework and every question will fall under one of these 3 categories.

3. Remember: this is a process! Try not to get hung up on one step in the process....go for the cumulative effect, if that makes sense. In other words, if you find yourself bogging down on a question, move on! It really is ok to have blank spaces in your workbook...really, I promise!

You can always use the blog and ask the group how they answered a particular question. That's the main reason we started this blog.

4. Final thought: Our goal is to know God more intimately. As you study Ephesians, are you learning things about God...are you being reminded of some truths about Him? Are you being challenged to grow closer to Him?
"...like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." 1 Peter 2:2-3

Homework: Ephesians Lesson 2

Our goal this week is to observe Eph 1:3-14.

On page 18 in our workbook, assignment #3 on Day One suggests that you make a bookmark for your key words. Key words are words the author repeats and are key to the meaning of a passage. We are given some key words to mark on Days One and Two: in Christ, love, in heavenly places, according to, grace, Holy Spirit. The workbook suggests using a 3x5 note card. That's a good idea....except that I usually fill up a note card pretty fast! You'll be adding more key words as we study each chapter. So, I fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise and use it as my book mark.

Although the workbook did not tell us to mark God and Jesus, I would encourage you to do so. It's rather challenging to do this in chapter 1, but if you have time, it would be a worthwhile thing to do. The process of trying to figure out whether Paul is describing God or Jesus is helpful! If you get stumped on certain verses, just put a little question mark next to that verse and we'll discuss it on Wed.

Some people do not like marking key words....and that's fine! If you don't like marking up the page, you certainly don't have to! But, if you do mark them, they will be easy to find and you might begin to see patterns in the text. For example, when you make a list on everything Paul says about 'in Christ' (assignment #2 on Day 2), the task will be easier if you've marked that phrase. Your eye will find that phrase quickly...and it will save you some time.

If you mark according to in chapter one, you'll notice a pattern developing. Do you see it?

Remember....inductive study begins with observing the text objectively. These study tools are designed to slow us down and help us observe the text carefully. We're trying to observe what Paul said and understand what he meant....when he was 'moved by the Holy Spirit' to write these verses (2 Pet 1:21).

Prayer Requests: February

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6

We have the joy of praying for one another and knowing that we can share our needs and concerns with the group. If you would like to share a prayer request, then please write it in the comments section of this post.

Please check this post often to see how you can lift up members of our Bible study in prayer. Thank you!

Prayer Requests: January

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6

We have the joy of praying for one another and knowing that we can share our needs and concerns with the group. If you would like to share a prayer request, then please write it in the comments section of this post.

Please check this post often to see how you can lift up members of our Bible study in prayer. Thank you!

Spring Study: Ephesians!

I have finally reached a decision about our next study: Ephesians! It's a 10-week study, starting on Wednesday, February 3. I worked on it during the holidays, and the lessons are long but really good! I think we're in for a great study! We'll finish the study on April 14.

If you are planning to join the Ephesians study, please let me know as soon as possible so I can order enough workbooks. Thanks!

January Study Sessions

Beginning on Wednesday, January 13, Nell Anne will offer a 3-week mini session on how to do Bible study, using the inductive methods Precept suggests. Some of you are comfortable with these study methods, but others may enjoy this opportunity to working on their study skills. The group will use Ephesians to practice, so hopefully you'll get a head start on some of your homework. We'll keep it informal and hopefully have some fun with it!

Announcement

I hope you can join us Wed morning for our Christmas brunch and ornament exchange! We'll begin at 9:30 by watching the video for lesson 10. At 10:30 we'll enjoy our brunch...and then we'll find out who will go home with which ornament!

See ya Wed!