Through the Bible: Day #17

Let’s try to read as much of the Bible we can together this year.I know it is not always easy.I want to help.I am going to provide you with some questions most Mondays to Fridays that will help you get a little something out of what you are reading. Sometimes there will be more questions, sometimes less. So, get a notebook, a pen, your Bible, and if you would like some help, take some time to answer the questions, and you may be surprised by all God teaches you.Genesis 17

1. How old is Abram at the beginning of this chapter? How old was he at the end of the last chapter? How many years has it been since the original promise? Has God kept His promise to Abram yet? What do you think about that? 
2. How does God add to His promise to Abram here? What does he say will come from Abram? What does he do to make it clear that the promise is even getting bigger? 
3. What about Abram makes this so shocking? What is God going to have to do in order to keep this promise?
4. God makes a covenant with Abram and gives him a sign of that covenant. What was the sign? 
5. What does God say will twice will come from Abram and Sarah?
6. How does Abraham respond to God?
7. Even though Abraham struggled with his faith what does he do at the end of this chapter that demonstrates he really does have faith? 

Psalm 17

1. David asks God for help. And he makes it clear that he is not asking insincerely. What evidence does he bring up that demonstrates he really is coming to God as someone who wants to do His will? 
2. This reminds me of what James says. James says that God will not hear a double-minded man. As you look at what David says about himself, can you say that about yourself as you come to God in prayer? Why or why not?
3. What does David teach about God in this Psalm? 
4. How does David describe the wicked? Especially notice what he says in verse 14. What does he say about them? 
5. Now notice where they get these good gifts. Where do the wicked receive their gifts. But what does David want more in verse 16? What is the righteous person’s hope? 
6. The worldly person is satisfied with this life. The godly person will only be satisfied with seeing God’s face.

Matthew 17

1. In the last chapter, Jesus talked about him dying and about the disciples needing to pick up their cross. This chapter begins by describing his Transfiguration. Why do you think this might have been important for the disciples at this point? 
2. What happened to Jesus at the transfiguration and what do you think is the significance? 
3. What does God the Father say about Jesus here? Where have you heard this before? Two times the skies open and God talks and what does He say about Jesus both times?
4. What happens when they come down from the mountain?
5. What is the reason Jesus gives that they couldn’t drive the demon out? 
6. Jesus is going to suffer. But He is God's Son and He is going to bring in God's kingdom. In the meantime, what do we need if we are going to follow and serve Him?
7. Obviously, Jesus is going to establish His kingdom. He is king of the world! But right now there are many pretend kings. What does Jesus teach us about how we should think about these pretend kings and relate to them?
8. What do you learn about Jesus from this chapter? 

Now to sum up.

1. What did you learn about the life of faith?
2. In what way were you encouraged by the character of God?
3. How can you be different as a result of what you read today?