PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

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THOMAS

“a disciple who wanted to be sure”

INTRODUCTION:

Often referred to as “doubting Thomas”

--Seems to be unfair;  The way I read the account of Jesus’ death,   resurrection and appearances, I find “doubting Peter”, “doubting John”, “doubting James”, etc.  

(Luke 24:11, 36-48)  (Mark 16:11, 13-14)

Independent historical accounts say that Thomas was about 29 yrs old when he decided to follow Jesus…He was married with four children.

The name “Didymus” (go)  (John 20:24)…means “twin”.   (toma) Aramaic

1.  He had a twin brother or sister

2.  He was Jesus’ twin because like Jesus, Thomas was a carpenter and craftsman.

3.  It was just another name for Thomas that had no significance.

LISTING OF DISCIPLES:

(Matthew 10; Mark 3; Luke 6; Acts 1)

Thomas is always in the second group of four with Philip; Bartholomew and Matthew

DEATH:  Martyrdom in India…run through with a spear and decapitated.

Died:  December 21, 72 AD

Possible went to China

Patron saint of India

Patron saint of the Blind

Patron saint of Craftsmen and Architects

NOTE:  John is the only gospel author who records anything said by Thomas.

John is the only gospel author who refers to Thomas as Didymus.

JOHN 11:1-17

vs. 1-- Who is reported sick to the point of death?

Who are his two sisters?

Where do they live?

(Two miles from Jerusalem)

Vs. 2-- Have we heard of these folks before?

Vs. 3-- Who sent word regarding the sickness of Lazarus?

Vs. 4-- According to Jesus, would the “end result” of Lazarus’ illness result in his death?

What did Jesus say was the purpose of Lazarus’ illness?

Vs. 5-- Since Jesus loves all of us…what is the significance of this verse?

Vs. 6-- Upon hearing the news of Lazarus’ illness, what unusual behavior did Jesus display?          

Vs. 7-- What did Jesus propose on the third day after the news arrived?

Vs. 8-- What was the disciples’ concern?

Can you see how Jesus’ behavior may have confused the disciples?

He delayed…maybe he’s not sure what to do?

Vs. 9-10-- Somewhat of a confusing argument…but He is the light of the world…as long as it is light, it is safe to go to Judea…as long as I am with you…you are safe!

Vs. 11-- Jesus refers to his temporary death as  _____________

Vs. 12-13-- Did this statement continue to confuse the disciples?

Vs. 14- Jesus had to spell it out…what did he declare to his disciples?

Vs. 15-- Jesus makes reference to the fact that he is glad about what?

NOTE:  Again, the logic should be that if it is dangerous to go to Judea, and Lazarus is already dead…why are we risking our lives?

Vs. 16-- What statement is made by Thomas?

Let us also ______, that we may  ________  with him.

Is this sarcasm, or bitterness that Jesus is putting all their lives at risk?

or

Is this a genuine statement of loyalty and support for Jesus’ decision?

Vs. 17-- By the time they got there…how long had Lazarus been dead?

NOTE:  If they had left right away…Lazarus still would have been dead by the time they got there!

JOHN  14:1-6

Jesus is telling the disciples about His soon departure…He’s trying to comfort them so they will not be so fearful and faithless.

Vs. 1-- Jesus appeal to his disciples is that they would  ___________ him in the same way they believe God.

Vs. 2-- How does Jesus describe his father’s house?

NOTICE:  Jesus says something a little odd… “if there was no place in my Father’s house…I would tell you that too”

What is Jesus going to be doing once he leaves this earth?

Vs. 3-- Besides preparing a place, what else does he promise?

His plan for us is that where he is, there we will be  ________.

Vs. 4-- Jesus says….You __________ where I’m going!

You  ___________ how to get there!

Vs. 5-- What is Thomas’ reaction to Jesus’ statements?

NOTE:  Is this a statement of doubt?  or  Is this a statement saying…I really want to know…I don’t want to guess about this matter?

NOTICE  ALSO:  He says “we” … No doubt he is speaking for more disciples than just himself… I think some of them were really glad Thomas asked the question.

Aren’t you really glad he asked the question?

Vs. 6-- I am the _________,  the  _________, and the  ___________:  no man

____________ unto the  _____________, but by  _________.  

NOTE:  Philip in verse 8  and Judas (not Iscariot) in verse 22 also contribute questions on matters Jesus felt the disciples should already know!

JOHN  20:19-29

NOTE:  Worth mentioning that in verse 18...Mary Magdalene shares that she has seen the Lord … other gospel passages state that the disciples did not believe her report.      (Luke 24:11, 36-48;  Mark 16:11, 13-14)

Vs. 19--These events happen on Resurrection Sunday…

Vs. 19--  Where were the disciples and other followers of Jesus assembled?

Why?

How did Jesus get into the room?

Vs. 20-- What evidence did he show that he was the “risen” Christ?

Vs. 21-- He instructs them that now they have a job to do!

Vs. 22-- What happened when Jesus “breathed” on them?

Why wasn’t it like the events of Pentecost?

Vs. 23-- Your message needs to be received in the same manner as my message…

If they believe me…their sins are forgiven….

If they believe you…their sins are forgiven…

Vs. 24-- Who was not present?

Where was he?

NOTE:  This is so not fair… Jesus knew Thomas could handle it…Imagine if Jesus had appeared to everyone and Peter wasn’t present   :}

Maybe Jesus couldn’t find a time when everyone was together…?  (unlikely)

Vs. 25-- The Greek text indicates that they told him over and over again…

What was Thomas’ declaration to get them “off his back”?

Vs. 26-- All the events of resurrection Sunday are repeated how many days later?

Vs. 27-- Was Jesus aware of Thomas’ challenge?

Do you see the OMNISCIENCE of Jesus?

Jesus doesn’t call him a doubter….he calls him   _______________

Vs. 28-- How do we know Thomas wasn’t faithless?

Did Thomas reach his hand into Jesus’ side?

Vs. 29-- How does Jesus reference future believers that will accept the word of the disciples that Jesus is risen?

NOTE:  What if it was you…would you believe the word of “friends”, if somehow you were “left out” of the experience.  I think in his heart of hearts, he believed them…but he so desperately want to see for himself…

TO BE SURE

JOHN  21:1-4

Vs. 1-3-- Knowing not what to do… still reeling from his denial….Peter decides to do what?

Where do they go?

List the disciples that accompany Peter:

Vs. 3-- How successful was Thomas, the Carpenter and the other “fishermen”?

NOTE:  Thomas is again called  “Didymus”… 

I believe it was a compliment of sorts!

Possibly Jesus confided some special truth or secret teaching to Thomas…

John is the beloved disciple…I think…not just by Jesus!

END

PSALMS

“Book Of Praises”

PSALMS:  Songs to the accompaniment of stringed instruments!

JEWS:  Prayer Book and a Hymn Book

Collected by Ezra the scribe

Hebrew Poetry:  Repetition of thoughts and ideas

Rather than repetition of sounds or accents.

AUTHORS:

David   (73) 3-9; 11-32; 34-41; 51-65; 68-70; 86; 101; 103; 108-110; 122;    124; 131; 138-145

ASAPH   (12) 50; 73-83    (Temple musician)

KORAH  (10) 42; 44-49; 84; 85; 87    

(Levite singers related to rebellious Korah)

SOLOMON  (2) 72; 127

HEMAN   (1) 88    (Leader of Temple music)

ETHAN   (1) 89 (Cymbal player in David’s court)

MOSES  (1) 90   

UNKNOWN or ORPHANED PSALMS   (50)

MAYBE:   Jeremiah  (1) 137

Haggai   (2) 146-147

Ezra   (1) 119

Hezekiah  (15) 120-134

“Songs of Degrees”     (sundial)

FIVE  BOOKS:

Book I Psalm  1-41

Book II Psalm  42-72

Book III Psalm  73-89

Book IV Psalm  90-106

Book  V Psalm  107-150

Books I-IV    All the books end with “Blessed Be The Lord”

CONTENTS:

Human Soul Creation

Jehovah Curses

Messiah  (14) Fellowship

History Pride Of The Wicked

Word Of God Alphabetic

Sanctuary (Holiness)

*Alphabetic:  Each verse starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet  (22 letters)

Psalm 25; 37; 119

(Psalm 119--22 x 8 verse sections = 176 verses)

PSALM 1

Main Idea:  Benefits Of Godly Counsel

I. WHERE NOT TO GO  (vs. 1)

A. Walk Not In The __________ Of The ___________

B. Don’t ____________ In The Way Of ______________

C. Don’t _________ In The Seat Of The _____________

Definitions:

“blessed”--to be envied; happy

“ungodly”--that which leaves God out

“scornful”--despise the truth of God’s Word

Thought Questions:  Do you see a progression in movement?

Do you see a progression in bad guys?

Where do you get your advice and counsel?

How does TV factor into this concept?

II. WHERE SHOULD ONE GO  (vs. 2)

A. Delight In God’s ___________

B. ___________ In God’s Law

Definitions:

“meditate”--ponder; discuss it with yourself; over and over

III. REWARDS OF GODLY COUNSEL  (vs. 3)

A. Nourished and firmly rooted

B. Fruitful and productive

C. Healthy and prosperous

Thought Questions:  What is a fruit tree supposed to do?

Why is the location of that tree so important?

What is our best source of growth?

IV.  CONSEQUENCES OF EVIL COUNSEL  (vs. 4-6)

A. Unstable   “Gone With The Wind”  (vs. 4)

B. Guilty  (vs. 5)

--Nothing to stand on when standing before God

--Not standing with the righteous when they are judged

C. Left-out

--Not in the group with the righteous

D. Perish

--End of their path is destruction

--End of the righteous path life eternal

God knows the path we all have chosen…

Thought:  Notice the progression again…the wicked are unstable; cannot stand; and perish 

Definition:

“chaff”--hulls and inedible parts of the grain; (Matt 3:12)

God Knows: Our Lifestyle

Our Desires

Our Destiny

PSALM 2

I. MAN’S REBELLION  (2:1-3)

A.  Worthless Pursuit  (vs. 1)

Two “rhetorical questions”

What’s implied?    Who’s bigger?  You or God?

Definitions:   “heathen”--nations that don’t fear God

 “rage”--assemble riotously

 “vain”--foolish; worthless

READ Acts 4:13-28

1. What miracle had Peter and John just performed?

2. What threats were made by the council?

3.  Explain vs. 24-25:  ________________________________

B. Freedom From Control  (2-3)

1. Position  (2)

a. Kings set themselves ___________ the Lord

b. Rulers take counsel ___________ the Lord

*Kings unite to fight against the Lord

2. Purpose  (3)

Break their _____________

Cast away their ___________

*He is not our king; we will not have him rule over us

II. GOD’S REACTION  (2:4-5)

A. He will ________________

B. He will create _________________

C.  He will speak in His _______________

D. He will ________ them because He is _________________

Definition:  “vex”--trouble; curse; fight against

                    “derision”--fear

III. GOD’S EVENTUAL PLAN  (2:6-9)

A. God chooses the king for Zion  (6)

The key pronoun is:  _______

B. God’s Son will be the king  (7)

C. God will give His Son all the earth  (8)

1. Including the ____________  (people)

2. Including the _____________________  (land)

D. God’s Son will rule strongly  (9)

*What happens when a rod of iron strikes a clay pot?

IV.  A WORD TO THE RULERS   (2:10-12)

A.  Wise-up and learn  (10)

B.  Serve the Lord with fear and trembling   (11)

C.  Pay Him honor; respect  (12)

Is it a good idea to get God a little angry?

D.  Put your trust in Him   (12)

NOTE:  The Antichrist accepts the Devil offer of a kingdom

PSALM 3

The Many Are Wrong!

Written while fleeing from Absalom:

I.  Popular Opinion:  “God won’t help!”   (3:1-2)

A.  Opposition is increased

B.  Many rise up against me

C.  Many say “God won’t help”

Definition:  “selah”---pause and think about that

II.  Personal Opinion:  “God will help!  (3:3-8)

A. God is my ______________  (3)

B. God is my _______________

C. God is my _______________

D. God hears me all the way up in _______________ (4)

*Stop and think about that!

E. I was so confident in the Lord, I was able to ______________  (5)

F. The Lord kept me safe in the night

G. I don’t need to be afraid  (6)

1.  It doesn’t matter how ______________

2.  It doesn’t matter if I’m __________________

H. God can remove the _____________ from the fierce enemy  (7)

*Now their _____________ is worse than their _____________!

*The Devil is a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour!

God can make the Devil a roaring lion that would have to “gum” us to death!

I. The Lord was the ability to ______________ his people.  (8)

J. The Lord _____________ his people; doesn’t allow the enemies to win.

*Stop and think about that!