This Bible study was taught by Pastor McShaffrey at mid-week meetings during September 2011. Outlines are available below.
If you would like to suggest a topic for study or host for a month, please contact Pastor.
Study 1 – Does God Even Care?
In this study, we exposed the errors of gnosticism, established the fact that God does care about physical matter, and encouraged believers to think rightly about their physical bodies. Main points:
1. God Created Physical Matter (Genesis 1:31)
2. God Promised Physical Health (Prov. 3:1-2,8)
3. God Became Flesh in Christ (John 1:1-3,14)
4. Christ Healed Physical Bodies (Mark 1:32-34)
5. Christ Retained a Physical Body (John 20:27, 21:5)
6. Our Bodies are Members of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15)
7. Our Bodies will Be Raised (Romans 8:11)
Study 2 – Sleep & Rest
In this study, we explored our need for rest, God’s gracious provision of regular sabbaths, and the sweetness of nightly rest for those who work diligently. Main points:
1. Our need for rest was indicated before the fall (Genesis 2:2-3).
2. Our need for rest was codified in the Law (Exodus 20:8-11).
3. Even livestock and land need rest (Exodus 20:9-11, Leviticus 25:1-7).
4. The Sabbath was made for the good/benefit of man (Mark 2:27-28).
5. Rest can become sin if it is not balanced with diligent labor (Proverbs 6:6-11, 12:24, 13:4, 20:13).
6. Rest is not only necessary, but an experience to be enjoyed (Ecclesiastes 5:12).
7. Rest is a gift from God to those who trust him to bless their labors (Psalm 90:17, 127:1-3).
Study 3 – Food & Drink
In this study, we discussed the history, purpose, and symbolism of food and drink in the Bible; concluding with practical applications about gluttony and self-control. Main points:
1. A vegetarian diet was the pre-fall and “very good” provision of God (Genesis 1:29-31).
2. After the fall/flood, man’s diet was broadened to include meat (Genesis 9:1-4).
3. Food has always been symbolic of order and obedience (e.g., Tree of Knowledge, Levitical Codes, etc.).
4. Food is to be enjoyed as a providentially-provided gift from God (Psalm 104:14-15).
5. Gluttony results in negative temporal consequences (Proverbs 23:19-21, 29-35; 25:16).
6. Gluttony is also a sinful and idolatrous work of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26; Philippians 3:19).
7. Rules and regulations are not the solution for a lack of self-control (1 Timothy 4:1-5; Colossians 2:20-23).
Study 4 – Medicine & Doctors
In our final study, we explored the origin of sickness and death, established that medical science was a legitimate field of study/practice, and exposed ancient and modern abuses/idolatry.
1. Death is the consequence of original sin and sickness the ordinary means thereto (Genesis 2:16-17).
2. Scripture seems to take the use of “medical treatments” for granted (Isaiah 1:6, Jeremiah 8:22, Luke 10:34).
3. “Pain management” is not only allowable, but also commanded (Proverbs 31:6, 1 Timothy 5:23).
4. Luke, the author of the third synoptic Gospel and the book of Acts, was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14).
5. Those who are suffering/sick should seek spiritual solutions to their physical problems (James 5:13-18).
6. Trusting in doctors/medicine instead of the Lord is a sin (2 Chronicles 16:12-13, Psalm 103:2-5).
7. There is a fine line between “pharmakeia” and sorcery (Galatians 5:20, Revelation 18:23, 21:8, 22:15).
Grace Reformed Church is committed to promoting and defending the biblical and reformed faith by providing Bible study guides and online. Please feel free to download and distribute these lessons (with appropriate attribution).