Lesson 29

FIRST DAY:
1.

2.

SECOND DAY:
3. a.
"In the same way" refers to the Christ like behavior that was shown to the wives, which ultimately led to their conversion to Christianity.  "In the same way," if the wives model Christ like behavior to their husbands, maybe their husbands would have been drawn to Christ as well.

b.
Sarah is the example set forth here in verses 5-6.  Sarah's submission was important, because there is a hierarchical order in the family of God.  If Sarah disobeyed, rather than obeyed Abraham, it would have been like the Vice President of the U.S. trying to usurp the authority of the President.  Chaos would surely ensue.  In like manner, their is an order in the family of God, and if for any reason, the order in the family of God is changed (in this case, if Sarah stepped out of line and challenged Abraham, rather than obeyed him), chaos will also ensue in our Christian homes.


c.
No. It simply means women should put their emphasis on inner spiritual beauty first, and then they can develop their outward beauty.  


4.

• Mostly women are physically weaker than men, and possibly spiritually, as God has put the man ahead of the woman to be the "spiritual" leader.  I personally believe all decisions should be made jointly, and if an agreement cannot be made between a husband and a wife, the man will make the final decision that bests suites the WHOLE family and be held accountable to Jesus for it.  1 Cor. 11:3, "But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God."
• A man must respect his wife, so that his prayers are not hindered.  The head of every man is Christ, and he cannot lead spiritually and effectively without his prayers for his family being answered.

THIRD DAY:
5. a.

1. Be compassionate and humble
2. Do not repay evil with evil. 

• I struggle with "Do not repay evil with evil."  It's really hard for me to "turn the other cheek" when I have been wronged by someone. 

b.

• We may inherit a blessing.
• The eyes of the Lord will be upon us and He will be attentive to our prayer.

6.
We should not be afraid when we suffer.  With gentleness and respect we should always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within us.  We should always respond with gentleness and respect, so that those who mistreat us will be ashamed of their own behavior towards us.

7.
I believe Christ went to Hades to proclaim His victory over the humans that were condemned and possibly the fallen angels and possibly Satan as well.  As the question says, we really aren't sure.  No point really elaborating on this when it's complete conjecture on my part.

FOURTH DAY:
8.
I've never had to deal with physical suffering, so I have never had to change my priorities as a result.  I would imagine however, the response to physical suffering would be similar to any other form of suffering.  That is to say, God never wastes pain, whether it's physical or emotional pain.  He uses pain in our lives to draw us closer to Him and farther away from the things of the world.  That's how my priority would change if I was suffering physically.  I would remove any barriers between myself and God and seek Him as my source of physical strength.

9.
Staying in context with this chapter, pagans will have to give an account for debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

10.
a.
Being self controlled - so that I can have a more disciplined prayer life.


b.
Pray like Zechariah was told to pray, "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."


c.
We obey the command to love, by demonstrating our ability to love through action, only with emotions.  In other words, 1 Cor. 13, the love chapter, says something like this, "Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not rude, nor self-seeking... etc."    

11.
We can rejoice because we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ; overjoyed; blessed; we can praise God that we bear his name.

12.
Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride in the book of Revelation and elsewhere in scripture.  When Jesus comes in judgment for His bride, it is designed to ensure his bride is adorned with a beautiful white garment (a church without sin).  The judgment we are facing now is God's way of preparing His bride for all eternity with Him.  I might add, it is also, so that we may reflect God's character without hypocrisy to the unsaved while we are still living here on earth.

13.

No matter what my circumstances may be, physical or emotional hurts, there is joy in the journey knowing no one can take worshiping and serving God cannot away from me, no matter how messed up my background or present situation may be.


FIFTH DAY:
14. a.
He appeals as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings, and one who will share in the glory to be revealed.

b.
The Pastoral Leaders of the Church believed it was important because they were the ones who needed to provide direction for the Church, and hand out any discipline in the Church,  if necessary.  They wanted to ensure the Church was acting in one accord.  

c.
They will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

15.
Younger people in the Church can serve the older people in the Church.  Young men should listen to the older men and follow the leadership of the older men.

16.
Resist the devil by standing firm in the faith and he will flee from you.  Be self-controlled and alert knowing he is always trying to steal, kill, and destroy us.


17.
The comfort comes from knowing their suffering will only last "a little while" in comarison with eternity.

SIXTH DAY:
18.

19.