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 8 pages long, without the introduction and with space for answering questions.)

 
Bible Study Guide: Offer Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices

By Scarlett Stough





Please read the women in Christ commentary on Jephthah’s daughter to prepare for the study.  Jephthah’s Daughter: A Living Sacrifice
 

Part I The example of Jephthah’s Daughter.

Judges 11:29-31 What was Jephthah’s vow? [Please consult Clarke’s Commentary Vol. II on Judges 11:31 for an alternate translation.] Why do you think he thought a vow was the right thing to do?

Judges 11:34-35 Do you think Jephthah understood the consequences of his vow?

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 Were vows a requirement under Mosaic law?

Matthew 5:33-37 What did Jesus teach concerning vows (oaths)?

Judges 11:36-40 What choice did Jephthah’s daughter make?

Numbers 30:1-16 A minor daughter could have her vow nullified by her father and a husband could release a wife from a vow foolishly made (v.6), but do you find any permission from God for vows that obligate someone else?

What circumstance is Jephthah’s daughter mourning? Did she end that period of mourning? Are you in a difficult situation in which you need to mourn and then move on?
 

Part II Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.

Romans 12:1 Why is being a living sacrifice “reasonable?” (See NIV text note.)

Romans 12:2 What makes it possible for a person to be a living sacrifice? What do we sacrifice or give up? What is the basis for the choices we should make?

Romans 12:3-8 What is the new purpose for a body that is a living sacrifice?

Romans 12:9-13:1 What are some practical specific ways to offer your body as a living sacrifice?

Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 22:36-40 How does a person carry out the greatest commandment? Is it just a feeling?
 

Part III The Renewing of Your Mind

Philippians 2:5-11 What is the attitude of Christ Jesus that we must make our own?

Colossians 2:20-23 Is it possible to think we are sacrificing for God and be mistaken? What is the basis for a false humility? V. 22.

Colossians 3:1-4 What should our minds be focused on?

II Corinthians 4:16-18 What is the time frame of renewal?

Colossians 3:5-10 What do we put to death?

Colossians 3:11-14 What are the virtues of a “living sacrifice?”

Colossians 3:15-17 Where do we go for the knowledge of how to live a sacrificial life?
 

Part IV The Power to Transform

John 3:3-22 What begins the transformation?

Acts 2:37-41 What shall we do?

Galatians 5:16-25; Titus 3:4-7 What empowers the transformation? What did you learn from the verses above about how to become empowered? Have you received that power for renewal and transformation?

Luke 11:9-13 How willing is God to give us the Holy Spirit?

Romans 8:1-4 What freed us from sin and death? For what purpose?

Romans 8:5-8 What gives us life?

Romans 8:9-11 How is Christ “in you?”

Romans 8:12-15 What obligation do those who belong to Christ have?

Romans 8:16-17 Is it worth becoming a “living sacrifice?”
 

 
 
 
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