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: Mary and Grace 
Walking by Faith, not by Sight

By Scarlett Stough



To prepare for the study, please read Luke chapters one through two, and the Women in Christ Commentary: Mary and Grace
 

Part I Mary's Example

1. Luke 1:26-34 What was Mary's first reaction to the message Gabriel brought?

2. Luke 1:35-38 What was her decision?

3. Luke 1:45 On what did Mary base her decision?

4. Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:13-18; Luke 2:34-35; John 19:25-27; Mark 3:21, 31; John 8:41 What difficulties did Mary have to endure?

5. Luke 1:46-55; 2:19, 51 How did Mary respond to the unusual events of her life?
Acts 1:13-15 Where was Mary after Jesus returned to heaven? What does this tell you about her faith?

6. What relationship do you see between Mary's faith and her faithfulness?

7. Name at least three characteristics of Mary for a woman in Christ to imitate?
 

Part II Foundation of Faith

1. Hebrews 11:1 What is the Bible definition of faith? Does this mean that we can hope for just anything and be certain that we will receive it? What hope is sure?

2. Hebrews 11:11 On what did Abraham and Sarah base their faith? Compare this to what Elizabeth said about Mary in Luke 1:45.

3. Hebrews 11:6 Name two aspects of faith described in this verse. How is faith different from an optimistic outlook on life?

4. Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40 Have people of faith received the object of their hope? Why did they continue to hope throughout their lives? 

5. I Corinthians 15:16-22 What evidence did Jesus provide that our hope is sure?

6. John 3:13-18 In whom do we put our trust?

7. I John 1:1-5 What evidence is available to prove our faith in Christ is well placed?

8. Romans 8:16 What additional evidence do the children of God have for the certainty of our faith?

9. Job 13:15; Daniel 3:16-18 Did the faith of these men depend on everything in their lives going well? Who were they trusting? Why were they willing to remain faithful even to death?
 

Part III Faithfulness

1. Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23; I Corinthians 12:9; Romans 10:17; What is the source of faith?

2. II Corinthians 10:15; Romans 12:3,6  Is faith static?

3. Matthew 24:12-13; Luke 18:6-8; II Timothy 2:16-18 What are some enemies of our faith?

4. II Thessalonians 1:3-4; I Corinthians 16:13-14; Colossians 1:22-23; 2:2-12; Titus 1:9; I Peter 1:3-9 How is faith built and strengthened?

5. I Peter 1:9 What is the goal of our faith?

6. I Thessalonians 1:2-10 What do you learn about faith from this passage? Who did the Thessalonian Church trust? How did they learn about faith? What did they do with their faith? For what were they hoping and waiting?

7. II Corinthians 5:7, 1-6; Philippians 4:11-13 How does a Christian handle adverse circumstances?

8. James 2:18- 26 What responsibility comes with faith?

9. Ephesians 6:13, 16; II Corinthians 1:24; I John 5:3-5; Revelation 17:14 What does faith enable the faithful to achieve?

10. Matthew 25:14-30 What did the lazy, wicked servant lack? (Think about the two aspects of faith in Hebrews 11:6.)

11. II Peter 1:5-11 What characteristics does God want his children to add to the foundation of faith? Why is this important?

12. Ephesians 2:8-10 What relationship do you see between faith, faithfulness, and grace?

 
 
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