2. Begin with a passage. Ephesians 2:8-10.

3. Read the verses.
(Eph 2:8-10 NASB) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; {9} not as a result of works, that no one should boast. {10} For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Now read the passage in context. Read chapters 1-3 of Ephesians. Write 2 sentences explaining what the passage means. Keep this broad and simple.

4. Read the same verses in each translation. What are the differences in the translations? Note that in Eph. 2:8-10, the translations are almost identical. This typically means that there is little or no controversy concerning the translation of the Greek/Hebrew into English.

5. Follow cross-references and search for other related passages.

Make a list of references from the study Bible(s), and eliminate the texts not directly related to the topic at Hand.
(Ryrie) Romans 10:14; John 1:12; James 2:17
(Believers) Psalms 145:9, 15; Matthew 5:45; Titus 3:5
(Disciples) Romans 14:7-9
(Scofield) Ephesians 1:1, 3:12; Romans 1:16; Genesis 3:20; Hebrews 11:39
(New Open) 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 3:28; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:29; Titus 2:14; Ephesians 1:4, 4:1

Of the verses above, I have italicized the ones that I think are directly pertinent to the subject. At this point, you could go through the entire process that we’re about to go through with Eph. 2:8-10 (and for some key passages should). For the sake of time, we will not follow that process in this example.

6. Use study aids to determine the meaning of difficult passages or confusing words. In these verses, what does “that” refer to? Is it “grace,” “salvation,” or “faith”? Is it something else? What is the “gift”? Can a gift be given but refused? Who is given the gift?

Read notes in your study Bible. Here are some notes from a few of the Study Bibles that I have:
Ryrie
Vs. 2:8 Salvation is by grace . . . through faith. Faith involves knowledge of the gospel (Rom. 10:14), acknowledgment of the truth of its message, and personal reception of the Savior (John 1:12). Works cannot save (v. 9), but good works always accompany salvation (v. 10; James 2:17).

Believers’ Study Bible
Salvation: Man’s Greatest Possession (see chart).

Grace (charis, Gk.) refers to the beneficial actions of God in which He reveals Himself, His gifts, and to some, His life — all bestowals which grow out of His love rather than any worth or merit of man. In its biblical usage, the term refers to God’s goodness manifested to undeserving man. God manifests “common grace” toward all men because they are His creatures (cf. Ps. 145:9, 15; Matt. 5:45), but the overriding exercise of His grace lies in the provision of salvation in Christ-”not by works of righteousness which we have done” (Titus 3:5). The full sense of the expression “you have been saved” is difficult to capture in English. The Greek perfect tense emphasizes action initiated in the past, the effects of which continue into the present and beyond. Therefore, salvation has a moment of initiation in the past, but the results of that primary experience continue. This is another evidence of the permanence of our salvation, a doctrine which is called the “eternal security of the believer.” Salvation is the general term used to describe all that God does for the believing sinner solely on the basis of the atoning work of Christ. The work of salvation is essentially threefold: (1) The past tense, in which at the moment of faith, God justifies the believer, i.e., declares him to be perfectly righteous before a Holy God, thus freeing him forever from the legal penalty of sin. This is justification, which transpires at the moment of conversion/regeneration. (2) The present tense, which suggests that at the moment of justification the Holy Spirit permanently indwells the believer, affording him the power to resist the still-present Adamic nature, thus potentially freeing him from the power of sin. This is called sanctification, which is movement toward Christlikeness. (3) The future tense, which looks to the time when the believer receives his glorified body at Christ’s appearing. Then he will be forever freed from the very presence of sin, his salvation thus totally consummated. This is called glorification, and is the perfect realization of Christlikeness as glorified humanity.

(vv. 9,10) We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. The word “workmanship” (poiema, Gk.) carries the idea of a “work of art.” The English word “poem” is derived from this Greek word.

Disciples’ Study Bible
2:8-10 DISCIPLESHIP, Conversion–Salvation is God’s work that motivates us to work. Salvation changes us so we will work according to God’s good purpose for us.

2:8-10 CHRISTIAN ETHICS, Moral Imperatives–God’s intention for us has always been that we do good works helping other people. Works do not earn us right standing with God. Works are not done to gain praise from people. Good works are done because faith in Christ has made us new creatures whose very nature is to do God’s works.

2:8-10,19-20 FAMILY, Accepted Grace–Through acceptance of God’s grace offered through Jesus Christ, family members enter into the household of God with Christ as the cornerstone. Paul continually affirmed the lordship of Christ as the foundation upon which the home is built (see note on 5:21) just as He is the basic center of personal life (Ro 14:7-9).

2:8-9 EVANGELISM, Call to Salvation–This pivotal passage sets forth in terse fashion God’s way of salvation in Jesus Christ. Grace and faith are God’s free gifts in Christ. We cannot exercise faith and thus receive by grace God’s salvation except by God’s mighty work through the Holy Spirit in our lives. That is why God’s grace in salvation is often called “free grace.” It all comes from God and His effectual call to salvation.

Scofield
See Eph 1:1, note
See Rom 1:16, note
v. 8; Eph 3:12. (Gen 3:20; Heb 11:39, note)

7. What was the original intent of the writer? What did God intend for us to understand about His Grace through these words?

8. What do others think these verses mean? Are there multiple interpretations of these verses that are valid?

9. Ask others around who what they think about these verses.

10. Pray again that you clearly understand what God is teaching you about these verses.

11. With your understanding of Grace and Salvation as it is taught in these verses, how can you apply the truth of salvation by grace, through faith to your life today? How does this understanding affect your personal view of your own salvation and your own evangelism? What good works has God prepared for you?

Audio, Part 1 of 2: http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=12

Audio, Part 2 of 2: http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=13

1. Pray. Ask God to give you wisdom in beginning the study. Ask Him to guide you in understanding and applying His Word.

2. As we are reading through Job, Chapter 40, we find mentioned the word, “Behemoth”. We are curious about what that word means.

3. Read the passage in context. Read all of chapter 40. What is the context of the verse? In one sentence, what is it about?

4. Read the same verses in each translation. What are the differences in the translations?

What other words are used for “behemoth”?

NAS Job 40:15 “Behold now, Behemoth, which I made as well as you; He eats grass like an ox.

NIV Job 40:15 “Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox.

NKJ Job 40:15 ” Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you; He eats grass like an ox.

NLT Job 40:15 “Take a look at the mighty hippopotamus. I made it, just as I made you. It eats grass like an ox.

YLT Job 40:15 Lo, I pray thee, Behemoth, that I made with thee: Grass as an ox he eateth.

5. Use study aids to determine the meaning of difficult passages or confusing words. Read the passages around the references to confirm that you are not taking them out of context. Be very cautious not to take anything out of context.

Wesley’s notes: Behemoth – Very learned men take the leviathan to be the crocodile, and the behemoth to be the river – horse, which may fitly be joined with the crocodile, both being well known to Joband his friends, as being frequent in the adjacent parts, both amphibious, living and preying both in the water and upon the land. And both creatures of great bulk and strength. Made – As I made thee. Grass – The river – horse comes out of the river upon the land to feed upon corn, and hay, or grass, as an ox doth, to whom also he is not unlike in the form of his head and feet, and in the bigness of his body, whence the Italians call him, the sea – ox.

Scofield’s Bible Notes: behemoth Or, the elephant, as some think.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Behemoth signifies beasts in general, but must here be meant of some one particular species. Some understand it of the bull; others of an amphibious animal, well known (they say) in Egypt, called the river-horse (hippopotamus), living among the fish in the river Nile, but coming out to feed upon the earth. But I confess I see no reason to depart from the ancient and most generally received opinion, that it is the elephant that is here described, which is a very strong stately creature, of very large stature above any other, of wonderful sagacity, and of so great a reputation in the animal kingdom that among so many four-footed beasts as we have had the natural history of (ch. 38 and 39) we can scarcely suppose this should be omitted.

Gill’s Commentary : Behold, now behemoth,…. The word is plural, and signifies beasts, and may be used to denote the chiefest and largest of beasts, and therefore is commonly understood of the elephant; and certain it is that a single beast is described in the following account, and so the word is rendered, Psa_73:22; The word is here rendered by the Septuagint θηρια, “beasts”; which is the word used by the Greeks (c) for elephants as “belluae”, a word of the same signification, is by the Latins (d): and so the Sabines called an elephant “barrus”, and the Indians “barro” (e), בער, a “beast”; and it may be observed, that ivory is called “shenhabbim”, 1Ki_10:22; that is, “shenhabehim”, “behem” or “behemoth” (f), the tooth of the beast: and it may be also observed, that Seneca (g) says, that the Nile produces beasts like the sea; meaning particularly the crocodile and hippopotamus. Bochart dissents from the commonly received opinion of the elephant being meant; and thinks the “hippopotamus”, or river horse, is intended so called from its having a head like a horse; and is said to have a mane, and to neigh like one, and to bear some resemblance to it in its snout, eyes, ears, and back (h). And the reasons that celebrated author has given for this his opinion have prevailed on many learned men to follow him; and there are some things in the description of behemoth, as will be observed, which seem better to agree with the river horse than with the elephant. It is an amphibious creature, and sometimes lives upon the land, and sometimes in the water; and by various (i) writers is often called a beast and four footed one

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK): behemoth: בהמות [Strong’s H930], Perhaps an extinct dinosaur, maybe a Diplodocus or Brachiosaurus, the exact meaning is unknown. Some translate as elephant or hippopotamus but from the description in Job_40:15-24, this is patently absurd.

6. Check other references from a concordance or a computer program.

Deut. 32:24; Job 12:7; 40:15; Ps. 8:8; 50:10; 73:22; Isa. 30:6; Jer. 12:4; Joel 1:20;
2:22; Hab. 2:17
All are occurrences of the word “behemoth” in Hebrew, but are translated “beast”
or “beasts” elsewhere.

7. Try to understand the intent of the writer. Upon first reading of the passage, what animal do you think of? Does it make sense that the animal could be a hippopotamus? An elephant? Review your thoughts on item 3 above. If the writer was trying to portray the majesty of God, then the hippo would not only not meet the criteria of the description, but would also be able to be tamed.

8. If there are any passages that you don’t understand, seek meaning through other study aids.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary:
Behemoth
(Job 40:15-24). Some have supposed this to be an Egyptian word meaning a “water-ox.” The Revised Version has here in the margin “hippopotamus,” which is probably the correct rendering of the word. The word occurs frequently in Scripture, but, except here, always as a common name, and translated “beast” or “cattle.”

Tail like a cedar:
NAU Job 40:17 “He bends his tail like a cedar; The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

NIV Job 40:17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.

NKJ Job 40:17 He moves his tail like a cedar; The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

NLT Job 40:17 Its tail is as straight as a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are tightly knit together.

YLT Job 40:17 He doth bend his tail as a cedar, The sinews of his thighs are wrapped together,

9. Consolidate texts into format for review.
Characteristics of Behemoth:

• Eats grass like an ox
• Strength in his loins
• Power in the muscles of his belly
• Bends his tail like a cedar
• Sinews of his thighs are knit together
• Bones are tubes of bronze
• Limbs are bars of iron
• First among the creation
• Mountains bring him food
• Lies down under lotus trees
• Hides in the reeds of the marsh
• Lotus trees shade him
• Willows surround him
• Confident against a rushing river
• The Jordan does not scare him
• No one can capture and tame him

10. As you review the text, write down questions that you have and seek answers to the questions using available study aids. Pray again for inspired interpretation.

11. Form information into logical groups or groups for presentation or for thought and review. If the animal described is truly a dinosaur, what does that say about our understanding of who God is, who we are, and how we react to the world around us?

Audio, Part 1 of 2:  http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=10

Audio, Part 2 of 2: http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=11

Audio:  Part 1 of 2:  http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=8

Audio: Part 2 of 2: http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=9

Audio from class:  http://www.agapex.com/mq/pod/index.php?id=7

1. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?  What are they?
2. What do you need to leave behind in this new year?
3. God re-creates us when we come to know Him, and are filled with His Spirit.   What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ?
4. If we are His, and have been made new, how then should we live?
5. How did God reconcile us to Himself?  How are we given the ministry of reconciliation?
6. How are we made into righteousness?
7. What is your old self all about?  What have you left behind?  What lies before you?  What is made new for you?
8. Who do you need to forgive?  Who do you need a new start with?

There is good news, for those who have been hurt, or who have caused hurt.  We have a God of forgiveness.  Who provided a way, in love, for us to be reconciled to Himself first, and then to each other.  We trust, not in a system of laws and rules and regulations, but in a God who has a relationship with us, and who forgives, restores, and renews.  We have a God who is in the business of new beginnings.  So as you consider what you must leave behind this year, and what opportunities lay ahead, trust in God for it all.

1. Some Recognize Him
   John the Baptist, while still in the womb.  Luke 1:39-44
2. Some offer Praise for Him and to Him
   The shepherds.  Luke 2:15-20
3. Some are Expecting Him
   Simeon in the Temple.  Luke 2:25-35; Titus 2:11-13
4. Some Proclaim Him
   The prophetess, Anna, in the Temple.  Luke 2:36-38; Philippians 1:15-18
5. Some Honor and Worship Him
   The Wise Men.  Matthew 2:11-12
6. Some Fear Him
   Herod.  Matthew 2:3-4, 16; Mark 11:18

What is your reaction to Jesus today?  What will you do with Him?  How will your life reflect Him?  Will you call on the name of the Lord today?  (Romans 10:13-21)

1. Think back to gifts that you have been given at Christmas.  Maybe gifts you received as a child.  What was your favorite memory of either giving a gift, or receiving one?
2. Why do we give gifts at Christmas?  Does your family have any specific traditions surrounding the giving of gifts?
3. How did Magi identify that a new King was born?  How did they know where to look?
4. How many wise men were there?
5. Why did they bring gifts?  Were the gifts symbolic of anything?
6. What gift did God give us?  (John 3:13-18)
7. Should we give gifts at Christmas time?

John 15:13; Ephesians 2:8-9

The greatest gift ever given, was that Jesus would humble himself and be born as a man, and become sin for us.  In our place.  That he would give His own life so that we may know Him fully.  Do you know Jesus?  Is He your savior?  Give your life to Him today.

1. Read Acts 2:25-36.  Why does Peter describe Jesus from the perspective of David’s writing?  What does it mean for God to make all Jesus’ enemies a footstool for His feet?
2. What authority was given to Jesus while he walked on this earth?  What authority did He sacrifice while He was here?  (Hebrews 1:1-4, 13)
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be made for a little while lower than the angels?  How can He be lower than the angels and still have all things subject to Him?  (Hebrews 2:6-9; Psalms 8:5-6)
4. Now read Luke 2:8-20.  During this Christmas season, think about the humility of the Son of God, to come as a man.  Think about the sacrifice of the Glory of Heaven, and the complete authority that He has.  Consider why He did this.
5. If He sacrificed His very being for our sake, how should we react?  (Philippians 2:5-11)

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, worship Him today with humility and love.  If you don’t, one day, either with Him or against Him, you will bow and acknowledge Him as Lord.  Wouldn’t you rather address Him as friend as well as Lord?

Kings compared to David:

• Solomon (1 Kings 3:3)
• Abijam (1 Kings 15:1-3)
• Asa (1 Kings 15:11)
• Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:7-8)
• Ahaz (2 Kings 16:2)
• Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:1-3; 2 Chronicles 29:1-2)
• Josiah (2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-2)
• Jesus (Luke 1:32)

God Deals Kindly with Israel and Judah for the sake of David

• In punishing Solomon (1 Kings 11:13)
• In punishing Judah for the deeds of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:16-19)
• Protects Hezekiah against Assyria for David’s sake (Isaiah 37:33-35)

The Temple

• Solomon builds the temple (2 Chronicles 3:1)
• Dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 6)

The Everlasting Kingdom

• In prophecy of Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7)
• In the arrival of Christ (Matthew 1:5-6, 17)
• Christ’s entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion (Mark 11:10)

In Salvation (John 1:1-14; 3:13-18)

1. How did David react when it was discovered that he had killed Uriah?  How is that different from what might be expected?
2. What was unique about the way that David dealt with the grief over the death of his son with Bathsheba?  What was unusual about the way that God dealt with David?
3. David faced many challenges and hurts with his family over his years as king:
   • Many battles – he was a man at war
   • Amnon commits incest with his sister, Tamar
   • Absalom kills Amnon and flees
   • Absalom rises up against David, the people choose Absalom
   • Absalom is killed by Joab
   • Famine in the land
   • Adonijah tries to make himself king
4. Who did David mourn after Absalom killed Amnon?  Why?  (2 Samuel 13:37-39)
5. What was David’s reaction when he heard that Absalom was dead?  (2 Samuel 18:33)
6. When David’s heart was broken, and he called out to God (Psalm 51:10-14), what was God’s reaction? (1 Kings 15:1-5)

We are all sinful people.  But a man who seeks after God’s heart is broken over sin, repents of it, and calls on God for forgiveness.  How are you dealing with your sin today?