Lesson 20, Q8~Q10

Fourth day: Read Matthew 19:10-15.

Q8,

a. How did Jesus imply that God’s purposes for some people’s lives are best accomplished through not marrying?

Jesus said that only to those God called to be eunuch. The one who can accept not to marry should accept the gift from God for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.   

b. Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 26-28; 32-35; 39-40. What did Paul teach about the same truth? List reasons God might ask someone not to marry.

For those who marry will face many troubles in this life. An unmarried man or woman is concerned about the Lord’s affairs. Their aims are to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. Therefore, God asks someone not to marry. And the calling to be single is a gift from God. Paul also said, the widow would be happier if she stays as she is and having the Spirit of God with her just liked Paul.

Q9

a. (Challenge) How are Christians pressured to drift away from the biblical view of both marriage and a single life?

Said in 1 John 2:15-16, if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. Also said in James 4:4 anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Christians are pressured to drift away from the biblical view for both in marriage and single life because who he loves the world too much.

The world includes our family and friends who told us to get marry before too late, to have baby before too old, to get educated and to be rich, also to get the equal rights between men and women. So the relationship between husband and wife drift away from the biblical view.

b. How could you strengthen yourself and influence others to follow God’s will in these matters?

I read Bible and pray to God to strengthen myself not to follow the world.

I try not to judge others but to love them like Jesus love me and to apply the principles I learned from Bible to influence others to follow God’s will.

Q10,

a. Why did people bring children to Jesus? (See also Mark 10:13-16.)

They brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and bless them.

b. What are possible reasons the disciples did not want children brought to Jesus?

The young children cannot fully comprehend. Or even worse that those kids were crying or making noises. Therefore, the disciples may think they are not spiritual so why waste the time.

c. How do Christians fail to help children come to Jesus?

Despise the little child.

d. When children come to your home, how could you bring them to Jesus?

Tell them the story about the baby Jesus in a manger.