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      Jesus and the Kingdom of God E-Mail Bible Study
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               Week 3 - Matthew 6:19-34
                 SEEKING THE KINGDOM 
              Putting the Kingdom First 
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MONDAY
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LEVEL 1: OBSERVATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY?
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1.1 This passage has three sections, each of which says "Do 
not do such-and-such, but do this."  For each section below, 
fill in what we are told NOT to do, as well as what were are 
told TO do.
                NOT                      BUT THIS
19-21

22-24

25-34

1.2  This passage has several warnings, but one clear 
promise. What is it?


TUESDAY
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1.3 Look up the word "hyperbole" (pronounced hi-PER-bo-lee) 
in a dictionary and write the definition for your private 
notes. (Do not send to the list.)  Then answer these 
questions: (a) Give examples of a couple of very common 
modern-day hyperbole.  (b) Why do parents and teachers use 
hyperbole when instructing?  (c) Can you think of any 
examples of hyperbole in Jesus' teaching? (Where in chapter 
7, for example.)  (d) Is the use of hyperbole deceptive?


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LEVEL 2: INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?
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2.1  Is the contrast between the two masters in vs. 24 
really so clear as Jesus draws it? Is this hyperbole or can 
it be taken seriously? (Trick question)

WEDNESDAY
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2.2  How does the idea of "masters" in vs. 24 relate to 
"kingdom" in vs. 33?


2.3  Would it change the meaning substantially if you 
substituted the word "king" for "kingdom" in vs. 33?


2.4  How can we tell where our treasure is? (vs. 21)


THURSDAY
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2.5  In vss. 25-34, how many times does the word "worry" or 
"take no thought" or a synonym occur?  In these verses Jesus 
tells us not to worry. He also gives us the reasons. What 
are they?


2.6  What's the issue here. Worry over WHAT?  How can worry 
compete with seeking the Kingdom?


FRIDAY
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LEVEL 3: APPLICATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?
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3.1  MEDITATION.  Meditate on what it means for YOU 
PERSONALLY to "seek his kingdom and his righteousness." Here 
are some ideas to stimulate your thinking: Why is the word 
"kingdom" used here?  What does it mean to "seek"? Why is 
"kingdom" combined with "righteousness"? Write your thoughts 
in a paragraph or two, and please send it to the list.

3.2  Given the deceitfulness of the human heart (Jeremiah 
17:9) and the "deceitfulness of riches" we studied last 
week, how can you know what your treasure really is? (vs. 
21) What are the indicators?  How can you know you are 
seeking the kingdom now (vs. 33)?


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Copyright 1997, Ralph F. Wilson, all rights reserved. 
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