INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

These studies do not tell you what the Bible says. The scriptures given direct you to specific topics. The questions are intended to help you focus on the study. No answers are given. You have to read and search the scriptures for the answers. We encourage you to use Bible helps such as concordances and commentaries. However, scholars and theologians often disagree on interpretation and application. The best study help comes from God. Pray. Allow yourself to be honest with your reactions, but don't jump to conclusions. It takes time to read and meditate on all the Bible says on various topics. Feel free to ask questions in your prayers. You will be amazed to discover that God does answer the sincere seeker. You will also be surprised that the Bible may not say what you might think it does on many subjects. Keep a notebook. A loose leaf one would make it possible to add thoughts and additional information as you learn more about different subjects. Welcome to an exciting search.
 
Print out version.  (This is 5 pages long, without the introduction and with space for answering questions.)

 
Bible Study Guide: 

Miriam, Leader and Prophetess

The Lord's Discipline

By Scarlett Stough





To prepare for this study, please read the Women in Christ commentary: Miriam, Leader and Prophetess.
 

Part I Miriam’s Example

1. Exodus 15:19-21 What title is Miriam given? What did she do to express gratitude to God for his rescue from the Egyptian army?

2. Micah 6:4 What job did God give Miriam? Who else shared this responsibility?

3. Numbers 26:59; Exodus 7:7; Exodus 2:1-10 What age range would Miriam have been at the time of the exodus? Use the ages of her brothers and her approximate age at Moses’ birth.

4. Numbers 12:1-3 Why were Miriam and Aaron talking against Moses? What attitude do they express? Who heard them? What does the editorial note in verse three tell us about Moses’ attitude?

5. Numbers 12:4-9 What correction did God give? Why do you think he was angry? Why do you think Miriam was punished and not Aaron? (Editor’s Note: “’talk against’ : verb is feminine singular; indicating that Miriam led in this criticism.”)

6. Numbers 12:10-13 How did her brothers react? What did they do? How can you show similar compassion when someone you know has been caught in a sin and suffering the consequences?

7. Numbers 12:14-16 How long did Miriam have to stay separated from the others? What was the effect on the whole community?

8. Deuteronomy 3:23-27; Numbers 20:12, 2-11 Why wasn’t Moses allowed to enter the promised land? What similarity, if any, do you see between Moses’ sin and Miriam’s?

Part II Do Not Lose Heart

1. James 3:13-18; James 1:5 What sin is James discussing? How can we overcome this sin?

2. II Corinthians 10:12, 17-18; Proverbs 27:2; 25:27 How was Miriam comparing herself to others? Who is the one who has the right to commend or condemn?

3. Romans 14:4; Matthew 7:1-5 In what way did Miriam do this? What is the difference between “judging another man’s servant” and Jesus’ admonition to “Watch out for false prophets?“ (Matthew 7:15-23) How can you apply these admonitions to your life?

4. Hebrews 12:1-11 Who does God discipline and why? Does this mean he doesn’t love the one being disciplined? What is the ultimate result in those who yield to God’s discipline?

5. James 1:22-26; II Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 32 What are some of the ways God disciplines his children? How has God disciplined you? 

6. Revelation 3:19-22 What should be our response to God’s discipline?

7. Matthew 20:25-28; James 4:6, 10; Matthew 23:11-12  What attitude should leaders chosen by God have? How should they carry out their responsibilities?

8. I Timothy 5:19-21 What instructions does Paul give Timothy concerning discipline of elders (leaders)? Should there be a different standard of discipline for leaders? If so, why? If not, why? Support your opinion with Scripture. (See also: Luke 12:47-48; Deuteronomy 19:15; 17:6-7; Numbers 35:30.)

9. Deuteronomy 24:8-9 Miriam’s confinement was used as an example for dealing with contagious skin diseases. What spiritual application, if any, do you see in this principle? (See I Corinthians 5:1-13.)
 
 

 
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