Old Testament Reflections…
- How would you respond to Elihu’s claims about God? Does he get any parts right? What does he get wrong?
- In God’s response to Job, what does God want Job to realize? How does that realization affect Job? (In other words, how does Job respond and change?)
- Job’s friends fail miserably in the task of comforting Job. In what ways do Job’s “comforters” minimize God? Can you think of any ways we may be tempted to minimize God in our efforts to console a suffering friend (or in our own suffering)?
- The book of Job addresses themes of God’s sovereignty and human suffering. Overall, how does this book contribute to our understanding of God? Of the human condition?
New Testament Reflections…
- In Acts 17, Paul is deeply troubled by the idol worship he sees in Athens. What is my reaction to the sin I see around me? Am I deeply troubled? Angry? Apathetic?
- What do you notice about the ways Paul interacts with those he shares the gospel with? (For example, in 17:23, we see that Paul finds a point of connection. We also see various reactions to Paul’s message.) What can we learn from Paul about sharing Christ with others?
- You may want to trace Paul’s missionary journeys using some Bible maps: https://www.bible-history.com/biblehistoryonline_missionstatement.php#Doctrinal_Statement
- In Acts 20:32 Paul entrusts those he has taught to God and His grace. Do you ever find it difficult to entrust those you love to God’s work in their lives?
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