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Mon 1 Dec 2008

Humility

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study
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Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [youversion]Philippians 2:1-11[/youversion]

God has nudged me in several different ways that the virtue I need to be working on most these days is humility.  With that I decided to do a character quality bible study on humility using the method outlined in Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods.

CHARACTER QUALITY STUDY FORM

1. CHARACTER QUALITY Humility
2. CONTENTS Matthew 20 contains four sections.

  1. Verses 1-16: Parable on the laborers paid equally
  2. Verses 17-19: Jesus predicts His death
  3. Verses 20-28: Jesus teaches on serving others
  4. Verses 29-35: Miracle of Jesus healing two blind men
3. CHIEF PEOPLE

Jesus Christ Landowner The First Laborers The Rest of the Laborers Disciples The two blind men
4. CHOICE VERSE

Matthew 20:27-28 – “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
5. CRUCIAL WORDS

First (v. 8, 10, 16, 27) Serve (v. 28)
6. CHALLENGES (Difficulties I need to study)

v. 16 – “For many are called, but few chosen.”
v. 23 – “but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
7. CROSS-REFERENCES

Verse References
1 Song of Solomon 1:6, 8:11-12
8 Leviticus 19:13
15 Romans 9:21
16 Matthew 19:30
17 Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-33
19 Matthew 16:21, 27:2, John 18:28, Acts 2:23, 3:13
20 Mark 10:35-45, 15:40
21 James 4:3
22 Mark 14:36, John 18:11
23 Acts 12:2, Romans 8:17, Revelation 1:9
24 Luke 22:24
26 Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 5:3
28 Philippians 2:7, 1 Peter 1:19
29 Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43
8. CHRIST SEEN

1st Section - God’s gift of salvation is not given to those who “deserve” it but by His grace He generously gives eternal life to those who turn to Him early or later in life. 2nd Section – Christ predicts his death and resurrection. 3rd Section - Christ the Lord and ultimate example of a servant teaches that a real leader has a servant’s heart. 4th Section – Christ lived out the example he just taught about service buy stopping on His way out of Jericho to heal the blind men.
9. CENTRAL LESSON(S)

Insights
  • The first laborers agreed on a price with the landowner (v. 2) while the rest of the laborers trusted the landowner (v. 4, 7).
  • The disciples didn’t catch on to what Jesus meant regarding His death and resurrection (v. 17-19) and continued to think about themselves.
  • Christ emphasizes twice that the last will be first, and the first last (v.16, 26-28).

Characteristics of the selfish/proud brother

  • Grumbling – v. 11
  • Jealousy – v. 12
  • Seeking position – v. 21
10. CONCLUSION (Personal Application)

Many times I seek what is fair or what I feel I deserve and when I don’t get it, I question God. In this chapter Christ makes it clear that we don’t deserve anything but rather he gives out of His generosity. If I want to be first, I should follow the example of Christ and really become a servant to all. Christ, while on the way to His crucifixion stopped to heal two blind men, if He could make time to do that, can’t I stop to help when I am in a hurry? Christ set the example that to lead is to serve, I will begin to budget time in my schedule so that I can spend more time directly serving others.

Additional Reading:

 

Sun 20 Jan 2008

A Short Sharing From My Wife

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study
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God has been encouraging me about something over the past few days and I thought I would share it with you. I hope He uses it to encourage you, also!

I felt that God really used the following passage to speak to me…

Acts 16:22-26 (NKJV)

Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

What I noticed was that Paul and Silas had been gathered, tried, beaten with rods and then thrown in prison. I’m sure they were exhausted and tired and all they wanted to do was sleep because it had been a long and painful day, probably a lot more painful than any of our days will ever be. But once they were thrown in prison, they didn’t complain to God, they didn’t cry, they didn’t sleep…No, they stayed up all night praying and singing hymns to God. In the midst of their praising, God removed all the bonds and shackles that were on them and also on all the peoples and He opened the door for them.

I really believe this is how God works in our lives. If we are willing to sacrifice (“a sacrifice of praise” as we pray in the liturgy) our sleep, our pain, our sickness, our exhaustion to praise and worship Him, we will hear His voice loud and clear. He will reveal to us His vision for our lives. He will free us from the bonds of slavery to sin, flesh, and this world that consume our lives. He will open doors and light paths for us. This is not as payment because He owes us nothing, but simply because we will be more able to see Him and hear Him because we will by crucifying the flesh to allow the Spirit (His Spirit) to reign in us.

I also feel that this goes along really well with yesterday’s quiet time. The following verses really stuck out to me…

1 Corinthians 1:18, 20, 26, 27 (NKJV)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?… For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

What is the message of the cross, but to deny oneself to do the will of the Father for the love of God and others? Isn’t that what Christ did? Isn’t that what He calls us to do? We use our/human/worldly wisdom to make decisions. We think if we stay up all night…we’ll be tired, we won’t be able to get anything done the next day. We also think, it was such a long day at work, we can’t stay up all night. All this is our human/worldly logic, but God says He has made foolish the wisdom of this world. He says those who are wise according to the flesh (base our decision on our flesh), are not called. He says if we do things that seem foolish to this world, we will put to shame all those who think we are foolish because His glory and power will be shown!

 

Mon 22 Oct 2007

Complete Orthodox Study Bible Available February 2008

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study, Orthodoxy
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Just got word from Conciliar Press that the complete Orthodox Study Bible, including both the Old (Septuagint) & New Testament will be available February 2008. I have long been a fan of the New Testament version and I am looking forward to what I am sure will be a valuable resource.

Complete Orthodox Study Bible

 

Thu 2 Aug 2007

O Sing Unto Him

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study, Orthodoxy
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This morning’s quiet time was Daniel 1:11-21, where Daniel and his friends, while captive in Babylon, choose to obey God’s law rather than indulge in the king’s delicacies. After being tested, Daniel and his friends were found in better shape than the rest who ate the king’s delicacies. It made me think about how often we are tempted with seemingly small sins, the white lie, the lustful glance, the judging thought…we must purpose in our hearts, as Daniel did (vs. 8), not to defile ourselves. I leave you with one of my favorite hymns from the midnight psalmody.

O Sing unto Him – MP3 (Produced by St. Antony Monastery)

O sing unto Him who was crucified, buried, and resurrected for us, and trampled and abolished death, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Take off the old man, and put on the new and superior one, come closer to greatness of mercy, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
All you Christian people, the priests and the deacons, glorify the Lord for he is worthy, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Come to us o three children, whom Christ our God has lifted, and from the devil has delivered, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
For the sake of your God the Messiah, the giver of all good things, come unto us O Hananiah, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
O Azariah the zealot, evening, and morning and at noon glorify the power of the trinity, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Behold Emmanuel our, is now in our midst O Mishael, proclaim with the voice of joy, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Gather now and persevere, and proclaim with the priests, bless the Lord all his works, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
The heavens declare the glory, of God until this day, O you angels whom he has made, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Now all you powers of the Lord bless his honored name, O sun and moon and all the stars, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
And those O you rain and dew, sing praises unto our Savoir, for he is God of our fathers, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Glorify the Lord O clouds and winds, together with the souls and the spirits, O you cold and fire and heat, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
You also nights and days, light and darkness and lightning, glorify the Lover of Mankind, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
You trees and all that springs on the earth, and all that moves in the waters, mountains and the forests, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Praise without ceasing, the Lord the King of the Kings, O you rivers and seas, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
And we also seeing them, let us say with all these things, Bless the Lord all you birds, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
O snow and ice, cattle and wild beasts, bless the Lord of Lords, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Bless the Lord as befits Him, and not like the disobedient, all you sons of men, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
O Israel offered, before him honor and glory in a joyful voice in the voice of joy, all you priests of Emmanuel, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
You servants of the true God, the souls of the righteous, and the humble and the charitable, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
God my God is the one, who saved you from danger, O Sedrach Misach and Abdenago, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Hurry with great haste, O you righteous of the Lord, and all the creatures he has made, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
Coolness and repose without ceasing, grant unto all of us, that we may joyfully proclaim, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.
And also Your poor servant Sarkis, make him without condemnation, that we may join all those and say, Praise Him and exalt Him above all.

Additional Reading:
The missing chapters of the book of Daniel – Part of the deuterocanonical books.

 

Fri 8 Jun 2007

The Season of the Church

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study
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The Feast of PentecostAs we are now in the time of the Fast of the Apostles after celebrating the Feast of Pentecost, I just wanted to point out a few series from St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Washington, DC related to the Holy Spirit as our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 16:7 “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.”

The first is by Father Anthony Messeh entitled “Who is the Holy Spirit?”

The second if the ongoing series by Father Bishoy Andrawes entitled “The Holy Spirit in the Church.”

 

Thu 29 Mar 2007

Our Merciful High Priest

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study, Christianity, Orthodoxy
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Christ EnthronedToday’s quiet time:

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV


This passage is a wonderful reminder to me that Christ can relate to all we go through and His mercy and grace are available to us if we boldly approach Him. Too often we get wrapped up in our problems and forget to look up at Christ on His throne, where He is looking at us with understanding eyes, extending His hand to us hoping that we would extend ours.

An excerpt from St. John Chrysostom on Hebrews 4 – Homily VII…

He had said above “There is no creature that is not manifest in His sight,” intimating His Godhead; then, since he had touched on the flesh, he again discourses more condescendingly, saying (ver. 14), “Having then a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens”: and shows that His care is greater and that He protects them as His own, and would not have them fall away. For Moses indeed (he says) did not enter into the rest, while He [Christ] did enter in. And it is wonder fill how he has nowhere stated the same, lest they might seem to find an excuse; he however implied it, but that he might not appear to bring an accusation against the man,(2) he did not say it openly. For if, when none of these things had been said, they yet brought forward these [charges], saying, This man hath spoken against Moses and against the law (see Acts 21:21, 28); much more, if he had said, It is not Palestine but Heaven,(3) would they have said stronger things than these.

[5.] But he attributes not all to the Priest, but requires also what is [to come] from us, I mean our profession. For “having,” he says, “a great High Priest, who is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” [or "confession"(4)]. What sort of profession does he mean? That there is a Resurrection, that there is a retribution: that there are good things innumerable; that Christ is GOD, that the Faith is right. These things let us profess, these things let us hold fast. For that they are true, is manifest from the fact, that the High Priest is within. We have not failed of [our hopes], let us confess; although the realities are not present, yet let us confess: if already they were present they were but a lie. So that this also is true, that [our good things] are deferred. For our High Priest also is Great.

Ver. 15. “For we have not an High Priest, who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” He is not (he means) ignorant of what concerns us, as many of the High Priests, who know not those in tribulations, nor that there is tribulation at any time. For in the case of men it is impossible that one should know the affliction of the afflicted who has not had experience, and gone through the actual sensations. Our High Priest endured all things. Therefore He endured first and then ascended, that He might be able to sympathize with us.

But was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Observe how both above he has used the word “in like manner,”[1] and here “after the likeness.” (c. ii. 14.) That is, He was persecuted, was spit upon, was accused, was mocked at, was falsely informed against, was driven out, at last was crucified.

“After our likeness, without sin.” In these words another thing also is suggested, that it is possible even for one in afflictions to go through them without sin. So that when he says also “in the likeness of flesh” (Rom. viii. 3), he means not that He took on Him [merely] “the likeness of flesh,” but “flesh.” Why then did he say “in the likeness”? Because he was speaking about” sinful flesh”:[2] for it was “like” our flesh, since in nature it was the same with us, but in sin no longer the same.

[6.] Ver. 16. “Let us come then boldly [with confidence] unto the throne of His grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

What “throne of grace” is he speaking of? that royal throne concerning which it is said, “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand.” (Ps. 110:1.)

What is “let us come boldly”? Because “we have a sinless High Priest” contending with the world. For, saith He, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33); for, this is to suffer all things, and yet to be pure from sins. Although we (he means) are under sin, yet He is sinless.

How is it that we should “approach boldly “? Because now it is a throne of Grace, not a throne of Judgment. Therefore boldly, “that we may obtain mercy,” even such as we are seeking. For the affair is [one of] munificence, a royal largess.

“And may find grace to help in time of need [for help in due season].” He well said, “for help in time of need.” If thou approach now (he means) thou wilt receive both grace and mercy, for thou approachest “in due season”; but if thou approach then,[3] no longer [wilt thou receive it]. For then the approach is unseasonable, for it is not “then a throne of Grace.” Till that time He sitteth granting pardon, but when the end [is come], then He riseth up to judgment. For it is said, “Arise, O God, judge the earth.” (Ps. 82:8.) (“Let us come boldly,” or he says again having no “evil conscience,” that is, not being in doubt, for such an one cannot “come with boldness.”) On this account it is said, “I have heard thee in an accepted time and in a day of salvation have I succored thee.” (2 Cor. 6:2.) Since even now for those to find repentance who sin after baptism is of grace.

But lest when thou hearest of an High Priest, thou shouldst think that He standeth, he forthwith leads to the throne.[4] But a Priest doth not sit, but stands. Seest thou that [for Him] to be made High Priest, is not of nature,” but of grace and condescension, and humiliation?

This is it seasonable for us also now to say, “Let us draw near” asking “boldly”: let us only bring Faith and He gives all things. Now is the time of the gift; let no man despair of himself. Then [will be] the time of despairing, when the bride-chamber is shut, when the King is come in to see the guests, when they who shall be accounted worthy thereof, shall have received as their portion the Patriarch’s bosom: but now it is not as yet so. For still are the spectators assembled, still is the contest, still is the prize in suspense.

 

Mon 21 Aug 2006

Focus on the Prize

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study, Christianity
1 Comment

Yesterday, Father Anthony as part of his American Idol series was speaking about the idol of comfort, one of the points that struck me was why we should deny ourselves. The reason he gave is that the reward outweighs the cost, citing examples of how Christ, St. Paul, Mother Teresa and others willingly suffered because they looked towards the reward (Hebrews 11:25-26). He also quoted King David, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10.

Today, I was reading Revelation 21:1-5, where St. John describes our reward, a place with no more death, sorrow, crying or pain. He quotes God as saying that He shall make all things new. Many times I lose focus and get caught up in the fray of life, this served as an important reminder for me to keep my eyes on the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).

 

Mon 14 Aug 2006

Chapter Summary on Matthew 20

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study
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Christ washing the Disciples' FeetThis morning’s quiet time was Matthew 20:1-16, the parable about the laborers all paid equally. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to try the chapter summary method for bible study this week.

The chapter summary involves reading it at least five times, asking questions and summarizing the central themes.

Chapter Summary Form from Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods:

CHAPTER Matthew 20
1. CAPTION (TITLE) “Who will be first?”
2. CONTENTS This chapter contains four sections.

  1. Verses 1-16: Parable on the laborers paid equally
  2. Verses 17-19: Jesus predicts His death
  3. Verses 20-28: Jesus teaches on serving others
  4. Verses 29-35: Miracle of Jesus healing two blind men
3. CHIEF PEOPLE

Jesus Christ
Landowner
The First Laborers
The Rest of the Laborers
Disciples
The two blind men
4. CHOICE VERSE

Matthew 20:27-28 – “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
5. CRUCIAL WORDS

First (v. 8, 10, 16, 27)
Serve (v. 28)
6. CHALLENGES (Difficulties I need to study)

v. 16 – “For many are called, but few chosen.”
v. 23 – “but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
7. CROSS-REFERENCES

Verse References
1 Song of Solomon 1:6, 8:11-12
8 Leviticus 19:13
15 Romans 9:21
16 Matthew 19:30
17 Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-33
19 Matthew 16:21, 27:2, John 18:28, Acts 2:23, 3:13
20 Mark 10:35-45, 15:40
21 James 4:3
22 Mark 14:36, John 18:11
23 Acts 12:2, Romans 8:17, Revelation 1:9
24 Luke 22:24
26 Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 5:3
28 Philippians 2:7, 1 Peter 1:19
29 Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43

8. CHRIST SEEN

1st Section - God’s gift of salvation is not given to those who “deserve” it but by His grace He generously gives eternal life to those who turn to Him early or later in life.
2nd Section – Christ predicts his death and resurrection.
3rd Section - Christ the Lord and ultimate example of a servant teaches that a real leader has a servant’s heart.
4th Section – Christ lived out the example he just taught about service buy stopping on His way out of Jericho to heal the blind men.
9. CENTRAL LESSON(S)

Insights
  • The first laborers agreed on a price with the landowner (v. 2) while the rest of the laborers trusted the landowner (v. 4, 7).
  • The disciples didn’t catch on to what Jesus meant regarding His death and resurrection (v. 17-19) and continued to think about themselves.
  • Christ emphasizes twice that the last will be first, and the first last (v.16, 26-28).

Characteristics of the selfish/proud brother

  • Grumbling – v. 11
  • Jealousy – v. 12
  • Seeking position – v. 21
10. CONCLUSION (Personal Application)

Many times I seek what is fair or what I feel I deserve and when I don’t get it, I question God. In this chapter Christ makes it clear that we don’t deserve anything but rather he gives out of His generosity. If I want to be first, I should follow the example of Christ and really become a servant to all. Christ, while on the way to His crucifixion stopped to heal two blind men, if He could make time to do that, can’t I stop to help when I am in a hurry? Christ set the example that to lead is to serve, I will begin to budget time in my schedule so that I can spend more time directly serving others.

 

Mon 31 Jul 2006

Biographical Study on Ishmael

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study
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Hagar and IshmaelA couple weeks ago we had a reunion for those of us who had gone on a mission trip to Africa this summer. Father Anthony Messeh shared a word with us about Abraham and his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. Father Anthony was comparing Isaac and Ishmael, contrasting what the Spirit accomplishes versus what the flesh accomplishes. This motivated me to pick Ishmael as the character for study last Monday. I wasn’t able to finish it in one day so I ended up completing it today.
Biographical Study Form from Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods:

1. NAME Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar
2. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Scripture
Genesis 16-17
Genesis 21:8-21
Genesis 25:7-18
Genesis 28:8-9
Genesis 36:1-4
Genesis 37:23-28
Genesis 39:1
Judges 8:24
1 Chronicles 1:28-31
1 Chronicles 2:17
1 Chronicles 27:30
Psalm 83:5-6
Romans 9:7-9
Galatians 4:21-31
3. FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

Ishmael was the not the result of God’s will but rather Sarah and Abraham trying to find a logical solution to their problem of having a son. Being born according to the “flesh,” Ishmael could only be so much compared to Isaac who was born according to the “Spirit.” Ishmael, while blessed by God was not the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and would not partake of the inheritance and fulfillment of His covenant. Ishmael, being born of a slave woman was not free while Isaac, in fulfillment of God’s promise was by His grace born free.
4. OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE

A. Ishmael’s mother – Hagar

1. Egyptian maidservant (Genesis 16:1)
2. Given by Sarah to Abraham with the hope of obtaining children by her (Genesis 16:2)
3. When Hagar conceived Ishmael, she became despised in Sarah’s eyes (Genesis 16:4)
4. Hagar fled when Sarah dealt harshly with her (Genesis 16:6)
5. Angel of the Lord named her son Ishmael, stating that he will be a wild man, in conflict with everyone and dwelling among his brethren (Genesis 16:11-12)
6. Hagar bore Ishmael to Abraham when he was eighty-six years old (Genesis 16:16)
B. Abraham – sign of the covenant

1. Abraham says to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might like before You!” (Genesis 17:18)
2. God replies, “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” (Genesis 17:19-21)
3. Abraham circumcised Ishmael at the age of thirteen (Genesis 17:25)
C. Isaac comes into the picture

1. Isaac is born when Ishmael is 14 years old
2. Ishmael is caught scoffing at Isaac on the day he was weaned (Genesis 21:8-9)
3. Hagar and Ishmael are cast out, but God tells Abraham that He will make a nation out of Ishmael because he is of Abraham’s seed (Genesis 21:10-13)
4. God hears Ishmael’s voice in the wilderness and calls Hagar and tells her that He will make Ishmael into a great nation. (Genesis 21:18-18)

D. Ishmael grows up

1. God is with Ishmael during which time he grows up and lives in the wilderness and learns to be an archer (Genesis 21:20)
2. Ishmael dwells in the wilderness of Paran and Hagar takes a wife from Egypt for him (Genesis 21:21)

E. Abraham passes away

1. Abraham leaves the inheritance to Isaac only (Genesis 25:5)
2. Ishmael buries his father with Isaac (Genesis 25:9)
F. Ishmael has twelve sons as God promised
1. Ishmael’s sons – Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar,Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah (Genesis 25:13-15)
2. Ishmael dies at the age of 137 in the presence of all his brethren (Genesis 25:17-18)
3. Esau marries Ishmael’s daughter Mahalath, the sister of Nebajoth to please his father Isaac (Genesis 28:8-9)
G. The Ishmaelites -

1. Purchased Joesph from his brothers and sold him to the Egyptians (Genesis 37:23-28, 39:1)
2. Listed as part of an enemy confederacy against God (Psalm 83:5-6)
5. GENERAL INSIGHTS

A. What were the characteristics of his parents? How did they influence him?

Abraham is known as a man of faith and obedience, considered the father of the Jewish nation. Hagar was Sarah’s maidservant, a bondwoman, who was given to Abraham by Sarah to conceive Ishmael. God blessed Ishmael and made a nation out of him because he was the seed of Abraham. (Genesis 21:13) Hagar chose an Egyptian wife for Ishmael, one who probably wouldn’t have known God. (Genesis 21:21)

B. Was there anything special about his birth?

Sarah and Abraham were trying find their own solution to the problem of not having a male heir, even though God had already promised a son to them. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham and Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. Ishmael was born to a bondwoman (slave) and was the result of Sarah and Abraham trying to fulfill God’s promise within the limitations of the flesh.

C. What was his occupation?

Archer. (Genesis 21:20)

D. What were his particular faults and weaknesses?

When Isaac was weaned Ishmael scoffed at Isaac. (Genesis 21:9). St. Paul goes as far to say that Ishmael persecuted Isaac (Galatians 4:29), which makes sense considering that Ishmael was a young man, probably around 16 to 17 years of age and Isaac was just a little boy at 2 to 3 years of age. Ishmael probably thought himself superior because he was the firstborn, but that he quickly found that he lost his right to the inheritance.

E. What were the results of his sins and weaknesses?

When Sarah saw Ishmael scoffing Isaac, she asked Abraham to cast Hagar and Ishmael out. (Genesis 21:9-14)
6. CHARACTER QUALITIES IDENTIFIED

Arrogant, foolish, derisive (Genesis 21:9)
7. BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED IN HIS OR HER LIFE

Children of the flesh are not the children of God. (Romans 9:8)
8. SUMMARY OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS OR HER LIFE

Ishmael’s life was blessed yet it was not the same as Isaac’s because he was born of a bondwoman and by an act of the flesh compared to Isaac who was born of a freewoman through a miracle of the Lord. Many times we think the solution is in what we can do, but if we rely only on what we can do we still be slaves to the flesh, which is limited. Ishmael was still blessed and had twelve sons which became a nation, but that is nothing compared to what God did through Isaac and his family, granting them the inheritance and the family line that would lead to the Messiah.
9. PERSONAL APPLICATION

Do I want to be like Ishmael or Isaac? I need to look to God to fulfill his promise and be willing to wait for Him to do so on His schedule. Many times God is willing to do amazing things but I am not willing to trust in the promise He has given but rather want to find out a more logical or feasible solution. I pray that I can have the faith and the patience to trust in the Lord so as to have the advantage of being free rather than bound in the limitations of the flesh. I will begin to evaluate if the things I want to do and put them before God to see if this is His will or my lack of trust or patience in Him.
10. TRANSFERABLE CONCEPTS

Trying to solve things with our own methods will never equal what God has promised to do, we must wait and trust in the Lord. Ishmael was given a blessed life yet he was not the child of promise. When God promises us something, it may not make sense or seem like it is take a long time to come, but He is faithful.

 

Mon 17 Jul 2006

Biographical Study on St. Andrew the Apostle

Posted by Andrew Mitry under Bible Study
[4] Comments

I got to spend a wonderful time today studying St. Andrew the Apostle, I am glad that God encouraged me to start spending more time studying His word. I look forward to doing this on a weekly basis.

Biographical Study Form from Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods:

1. NAME St. Andrew the Apostle
2. REFERENCES

Scripture
Matthew 4:18-20
Matthew 10:2
Mark 1:16-18
Mark 1:29
Mark 3:18
Mark 13:3-4
Luke 6:14
John 1:35-44
John 6:8-9
John 12:20-22
Acts 1:12-14

Commentary
Homily XIX of St. John Chrysostom on the Gospel of St. John 1:42-42
Homily XX of St. John Chrysostom on the Gospel of St. John 1:43-44
Synaxarium (a biography of the saints, arranged by the church fathers and read after the Acts in the Divine Liturgy)
The Martyrdom of St. Andrew the Apostle, the Brother of St. Peter.
3. FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

St. Andrew was a simple fisherman who listened and acted immediately. He was one of the twelve disciples and was responsible for bringing St. Peter to Christ. Originally a disciple of St. John the Baptist, he followed Jesus after hearing St. John say “Behold the Lamb of God!” When Jesus found St. Andrew and his brother fishing, Jesus called them to be fishers of men and they immediately left their nets and followed him St. Andrew was a man of action more than words, but his actions brought about the great fruits of St. Peter and set the stage for the miracle of the five loaves and two fish.
4. OUTLINE OF HIS LIFE

A. Fisherman in the city of Bethsaida
B. Disciple of St. John the Baptist

1. Readily listened and followed Christ when St. John the Baptist stated, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1-35-37)
2. After following Jesus that day, the first thing he did was to find his brother St. Peter to share with him the good news. (John 1:41)

C. One of the first men beckoned by Christ

1. Christ called St. Andrew and St. Peter to leave their nets and become “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:18-19 and Mark 1:16-17)
2. St. Andrew and St. Peter immediately left their fishing nets and followed Christ. (Matthew 4:20 and Mark 1:18)

D. Chosen by Christ to be one of the 12 disciples (Mark 3:18 and Luke 6:14)

1. Called by Christ to be with Him, to preach, to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons. (Mark 3:13-19)

E. Suggested to Christ the option of the five loaves and two fish for Christ to feed the Five Thousand (John 6:8-9)

1. St. Andrew did not fully understand Christ’s power yet, because he is asked “but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9)

F. Told Jesus that the Greeks wanted to see Him (John 12:20-22)
G. Attended Upper Room Prayer Meeting and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12-2:4)
5. GENERAL INSIGHTS

A. How quickly did he obey God when told to do something?

When Christ called him to follow, he left immediately. (Matthew 4:20 and Mark 1:18)

B. What was his occupation?

Fisherman turn Fisher of Men.

C. What are the great accomplishments for which he is remembered?

Bringing St. Peter to Christ.

D. What crucial decisions did he have to make? How did they affect him?

Leaving his job with its income and familiarity to follow Christ, who has no place to lay His head.

E. What were his outstanding strengths in his character? What traits did he have?

Desire to bring others to Christ.
Willingness to operate behind the scenes – brining five loaves and two fish to Christ, telling Christ about the Greeks.
Did not become jealous of his brother St. Peter of whom Christ said “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18), even thought he was the one who brought him to Christ.

F. Did his life show any development of character as time passed? Was there growth and progression there?

At the time of the five loaves and two fish he questioned. “What are they among so many.” Later on he is bringing the Greeks, knowing that Christ can work with whatever is put before Him.

G. What were the long term results of his life, ministry and death?

By bringing St. Peter to Christ he opened the door for three thousand souls to be added to the church on Pentecost. (Acts 2:41)
He himself continued to minister and evangelize to the Gentiles, suffering persecution and martyrdom.
6. CHARACTER QUALITIES IDENTIFIED

Loyalty (John 1:41)
Obedience (Matthew 4:20 and Mark 1:18)
Discernment (John 1-35-37)
Resourcefulness (John 6:8-9)
Enthusiasm (John 1:41)
Lovingness (John 12:20-22)
Zealousness (John 12:20-22)
Man of Faith (Matthew 4:20 and Mark 1:18)
Humbleness (John 1:41)
7. BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED IN HIS LIFE

The importance and urgency of preaching the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Love must not be just talk, but in action (1 John 3:18).
God chose those who were not wise and trusting in themselves but rather the simple who trust in Him to reveal His truth (Matthew 11:25).
8. SUMMARY OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS LIFE

The outstanding characteristics of St. Andrew was his discernment, love, zeal and obedience. There must have been many a false prophet at the turn of the century as there are today, yet St. Andrew found and followed St. John the Baptist. When St. John simply stated “Behold the Lamb of God!” he immediately left St. John and followed Christ. When he found out about the Messiah, his first action was to find his brother and share the good news. When called by Christ to follow, he left immediately, not considering that he is leaving his only source of income or that he didn’t know where he was going. St. Andrew wasted no time in sharing what he knew was the truth, he saw the urgency in revealing the Good News to those who had not heard it and he was willing to give up the life he knew to do it, without delay or questions.
9. PERSONAL APPLICATION

St. Andrew was a man of trust and action, he didn’t waste time trying to debating what to do. I feel that many times God calls me to action and I complicate the process. God simply want me to go, to follow, to do what he says and to do it now. I don’t always need to understand why, I need to trust that the Lord knows best. Also, I do not have the same sense of urgency that St. Andrew has about bringing others to Christ, too many times I am lazy or shy.As a result of this study, I will commit to listening to God and doing what He asks me to immediately, trusting that His plan is perfect . Also, I will commit to contacting at least one person every week that I know who does not know Christ and sharing with him, even if it is awkward or difficult.
10. TRANSFERABLE CONCEPTS

A. St. Andrew listened to St. John the Baptist when he pointed to Christ and acted by leaving St. John and following Christ.

When God makes clear His truth, we must be willing to follow immediately.

B. St. Andrew listened to Christ and acted by finding his brother and sharing the Good News.

True Christian zeal and love necessitates that we share the Good News with urgency.

C. St. Andrew listened to Christ say “follow Me” and acted by following Him immediately.

Christ may ask to do something crazy, but we must trust Him and follow immediately when called.

D. St. Andrew listened to Christ ask for food to feed five thousand and acted by bring Him five loaves and two fish.

Sometimes a situation God has placed us in may not seem to have a plausible solution, we shouldn’t fret but trust that God has plans that will glorify Him.

 

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