Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: Genesis 35:1-15
Speaker: Pastor John Neufeld

One of the great shocks that a new Christian finds, is that they are still prone to mistakes, failures and sins.  That was true of Jacob.  His wonderful conversion and great spiritual victory in encountering Esau begins a new chapter in his life.  But then came the incident with the rape of Dinah, and losing control of his family.  Jacob begins to realize that there is more work to be done in his life.

Every once in a while one hears new Christians begin to express disappointment and even despair in their relationship with Christ.  How can we assure that we will continue to grow in holiness?  Today, we will find that the life of Jacob provides us some excellent illustrations of this.

A.  Key ingredients in the pathway to holiness

            1.  Repentance

            2.  Obedience

            3.  Faith

B.  Key actions by God

            1.  His presence

            2.  His blessing

            3.  His mandate

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

“The Pathway to Holiness” (Genesis 35:1-15)

Pastor Jonathan Neufeld

The story of Jacob in Gen 35:1–8 reveals three ingredients that lead us toward greater holiness – repentance, obedience and faith.  In our Bible study today we want to examine what holiness is and how we, like Jacob, can grow in holiness. 

Thinking – developing a biblical approach to life

1.      If someone told you that there was a ‘holy man’ or ‘holy woman’ living in the house down the street, what images would come to your mind?

a.      Read the following passages: 1 Peter 1:15–16; 2 Peter 3:11; 2 Cor 6:17–7:1.   What does it mean to be ‘holy’?

b.      Is holiness an attribute that we often think about or apply to ourselves?  Why or why not?   

2.      Repentance is one of the actions that lead us to holiness. 

a.      Define ‘repentance’.  

b.      In what ways is repentance different than being ‘sorry’ about something?

c.      What is the evidence of repentance in someone’s life?  (Matt 3:8)

3.      Holiness is often associated with legalism.  However, holiness is about obedience to God and not about legalism. 

a.      What are the differences between obedience and legalism? 
(Compare Matt 23:1–7; 15–24 with John 14:23; 15:10; James 1:25) 

b.      What are some ways that Christians can get caught up in legalism?  How is a life of obedience different than legalism?

4.      Faith is also important in helping us grow in holiness.  How does trusting God in various areas of our lives lead to deeper holiness?  Can you think of some examples from your own life?

Acting – putting faith into action

5.      What does it look like to be ‘holy’ at work?  At school?  In your neighborhood?

6.      Is there an area of your life that you need to repent of?  To be more obedient in?  To have more faith?  Spend time praying for growth in one of these areas.

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