The Six Elementary Teachings of Our Faith
Daily Bible Studies for October 20-25, 2008
Let's Get Back to Basics!
This Week’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-3, Matthew 4:12-17, 2 Peter 3:8-10 NLT
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3
12When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:
15“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”
17From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:12-17 NLT
8But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:8-10 NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we start this six week series on the elementary teachings of our faith, I pray that You will open my heart and mind, by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I may learn and grow by applying these teachings to my heart and living them daily. As we focus on repentance, I pray that you will lead me to repent in every circumstance where sin has any kind of hold in my life. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
Why do you think that “repenting from evil deeds” is listed first among the six elementary teachings of our faith?
Would you have included any other teachings as “elementary” or “basic” to our faith? If so, what would you have included?
Today’s Challenge: I will turn away from any sin of which I am aware, call on God to forgive me and then live forward in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see the sin of my heart that I may turn from it, and turn to Jesus, the one who came to bring light to the world. This I pray in His holy name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:
15“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Matthew 4:12-16 NLT
Why do you think Matthew included this commentary on Jesus’ background before introducing His first message?
What does this prophecy tell us about Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will follow Jesus and walk in His light!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when Jesus came to the earth, Your Kingdom came among us. I pray that you will pour out Your Holy Spirit throughout our nation that we may glorify You in all we think, say and do. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
17From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 NLT
What does it mean to you to “repent”? How often does a person need to repent?
What is(are) the major reason(s) people don’t repent and turn to God?
Today’s Challenge: I will do a “180,” in every area of my life, where I have allowed sin to gain a foothold, and will turn back to God!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for your PATIENCE! If not for that, we would all be doomed. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may demonstrate true repentance in my life, and live as the new person Jesus redeemed me to be. This I pray in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NLT
What does it mean to you when Peter tells us that for God a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day?
What attitude does God have toward every sinner?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember God’s patience and use it to live a holy life and to call others to repent and trust in Him!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, prepare my heart and preserve it for the day of which Peter spoke, the day of judgment! Fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit that all I am and all I do may bring your honor and glory. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
10But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the
earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:10 NLT
What is “the day of the Lord”? Why do you think Peter tells us it will come “as unexpectedly as a thief”?
How do we prepare for the day of the Lord and His judgment?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit so that if this is the day of the Lord, I will be found ready!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your teaching on repentance. I pray that as I recognize sin in my life that I will turn away from it immediately and back to You, that I may enjoy fellowship with You both now and for eternity. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
How do you see Hebrews 6:1c (the bolded section above) differently than you did at the beginning of the week?
What sin do you need to repent of right now? Take the time to do it!
Today’s Challenge: I will keep a “short account” between myself and God, acknowledging any sin in my life, that He may restore me and make me whole!