7-Week Fall Schedule

Topics and Passages:

Oct 5 - James (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13-21)
Oct 12 - Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
Oct 19 - Paul's nephew (Acts 23:12-22)

Oct 26 - NO STUDY / Men's Retreat Weekend

Nov 2 - Timothy (Philippians 2:19-23)
Nov 9 - Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30)
Nov 16 - Philemon (Philemon 1-25)
Nov 23 - Jude (Jude 1-25)

Week #7 Study Questions

Jude (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1-25)

1. Jude is one of four half-brothers of Christ (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). (Mary and Joseph had kids after Jesus!) Do you think it would be easy or hard to have God in human form as a relative living under your roof?

2. Initially, Jude does not believe His brother is the Messiah (John 7:5), but obviously he comes around later (Jude 1). How might this be an encouragement to a person whose family members are rejecting the Gospel?

3. Jude speaks of an attack on the Church in his day by men who are practicing and promoting licentiousness (Jude 4). Google "licentiousnes" to find out what it means or look it up in the dictionary. How do you think a person might justify a licentious lifestyle and yet still regard himself a believer?

4. Read the following verses: Jude 8, 10, 12-13 and 16 and make a list of all the sins being committed by certain men under the scrutiny of Jude. Then consider whether or not any one of these sins is a problem in your own life. If you are having a problem in any of these areas, what can you do to turn it around starting now?

Week #6 Study Questions

Philemon (Philemon 1-25)

1. Slavery in the church? It’s true when Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow Christian and a master with slaves. So how could this continue to be allowed? Why doesn’t Paul demand a stop to it in his letter to Philemon? What are your feelings on this matter?

2. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, runs away from his master, having wronged him it seems (Philemon 18). Do you find it easy or hard to forgive someone who’s done you wrong? What about if it’s a believer?

3. While on the run, Onesimus encounters the ministry of Paul, receives Christ (Philemon 10) and then the apostle sends him back to his master. Have you ever gone back to someone you sinned against to make things right or had someone come to you in that way? How did it work out?

4. Paul makes an appeal on behalf of Onesimus (Philemon 8-21). He implores his master to receive him back “who formerly was useless … but now is useful” (Philemon 11). The Gospel changes everything. We who were “formerly useless” the Lord can now use. In what new way could God use you today?

Week #5 Study Questions

Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30)

1. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his "brother" (Philippians 2:25). The term "brother" can have different meanings. What meaning of "brother" do you think Paul has in mind here?

2. According to the Bible Dictionary, Epaphroditus "[contracts] a dangerous illness" while ministering to the Apostle Paul in Rome. It almost kills him (Philippians 2:27a, 30). Have you ever faced any dangers as a result of your faith and service for Christ?

3. Epaphroditus is faithful to deliver the Philippian church's contribution to the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:18). Have you ever known anyone who couldn't be trusted with money?

4. It's interesting to note that Epaphroditus is mentioned in the same book (Philippians) let alone the same chapter (chapter 2) as the often referred to: "Humiliation of Christ" (Philippians 2:5-11). It's because Epaphroditus is a man out of the same mold?! Read Philippians 2:5-11. Explain the "Humiliation of Christ" in your own words. Then think about how it can be lived out in your own life.