1 Peter 4:1, 2 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 17, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

How to Arm Yourself

International Bible Lesson
1 Peter 4:1, 2
Sunday, May 19, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1, 2—KJV).

“Since Christ suffered physically, you too must strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking that he had; because whoever suffers physically is no longer involved with sin. From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God’s will and not by human desires” (1 Peter 4:1, 2—GNB).

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God” (2 Peter 1:12—NRSV).

Those who live worldly can quickly point out the hypocrisy of those who profess to be Christians while living a worldly instead of a godly life. In the fourth chapter of his first letter, Peter gives good advice on how to live according to our faith and the teaching of Christ Jesus. Christians need to arm themselves for battle against temptations and their inclination to practice their past sins. They must choose to live in this world with the same intention that Jesus Christ demonstrated. Because Jesus loved His heavenly Father, He intended to obey (and succeeded in obeying) His heavenly Father in everything. Obeying God includes avoiding what God has declared to be wrong as revealed in the Bible and the nature of God’s creation. Because nature has not remained as created by God, what the Bible teaches is the absolute, objective standard of right and wrong. Obeying God also includes doing what God wants us to do with our lives, and He will never contradict what He has revealed in the Bible when He wants us to do something. Jesus intended to obey His heavenly Father even if that meant suffering and dying in our behalf (which He did). Peter wrote that when Christians love God and become willing to suffer and die in order to serve God and others that indicates that they have put the practice of sin away and have armed themselves to overcome worldly temptations.

Thinking Further

1. When we are tempted to do wrong, what are some of the actions we can take?

2. Why do some people curse you or other Christians or make life difficult for many Christians?

3. If sinners hear the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and refuse to turn from their sins and to Jesus Christ for salvation from their sins; and instead they keep sinning and even curse Christians for living apart from a life of sin, what does Peter say about their future?

4. What did Peter say Christians need to do for the sake of their prayers?

5. In what ways might obeying 1 Peter 4:11 make a difference?

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Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further and the Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary are available on the International Bible Lesson Commentary & Forum website.

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— © Copyright 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Prayer Steps to Christmas: Daily Quiet Time Edition — Daily Meditations and Prayers on the Birth of Jesus Christ
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

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2 Peter 1:12 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 10, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

Why We Study the Bible

International Bible Lesson
2 Peter 1:12
Sunday, May 12, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12—KJV).

“And so I will always remind you of these matters, even though you already know them and are firmly grounded in the truth you have received” (2 Peter 1:12—GNB).

“Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you” (2 Peter 1:12—NRSV).

Why study the Bible? Why attend a Bible study class or go to Sunday school? In his second letter, the Apostle Peter gave the answers to these questions. Believers need to study what they already know in order to refresh their memory of the truth. We will forget many truths that we do not use often. Many people have forgotten some of the math formulas they learned in school, but we could not fly safely in an airplane if skilled designers and engineers forgot how to apply basic principles of math. In this life and to prepare for our meeting with God face to face, believers need to remember and apply the truths of Scripture upon which they base their faith. Peter wrote that remembering God’s promises will help believers “become participants of the divine nature” and “escape the corruption that is in the world” (2 Peter 1:4). From their study of the Bible, believers will learn how to keep supporting their faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, love, and live effective and fruitful lives (2 Peter 1:5-11). All truth is God’s truth and worth learning; however, the Scriptures were not written by human will, but reveal what “men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). God intentionally sent the prophets and Jesus Christ into the world in order to reveal truths for people to believe and live by now and forevermore. Furthermore, the Bible always points us to Jesus Christ, Who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Thinking Further

1. Do you think churches today emphasize godliness as much as Peter did in his letters?

2. What reason does Peter give for the corruption that is in the world? Give some examples.

3. What does Peter say we need to do in addition to having faith?

4. Give some reasons for or examples of people who are “ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8).

5. From where did the scriptures and true prophecies come?

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— © Copyright 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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1 Peter 1:3 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 3, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

You Can Begin to Live Again

International Bible Lesson
1 Peter 1:3
Sunday, May 5, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3—KJV).

“Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3—GNB).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3—NRSV).

Because of God’s great mercy, Jesus Christ came into the world to give believers a new birth, a new way of life as dramatically different as a new born child coming forth from their mother’s womb (see John 3:1-18). After Jesus rose from the dead, Peter became an amazing apostle, because Jesus had said, “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus Christ sent Peter into the world to preach the good news about Him, and Peter fulfilled his apostolic commission by preaching repentance, baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ (see Acts 2:36-47). Peter addressed his letter to those “chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood” (1 Peter 1:2). Thus, Peter fulfilled what the church has called “The Great Commission of Jesus Christ” to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20). The Holy Spirit brings the new birth to those who trust in Jesus Christ. The new birth by the Holy Spirit gives believers the living hope of empowerment to love and serve God and others better; a hope that someday they will see and bow before their heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in humble adoration and praise.

Thinking Further

1. Give one reason God has chosen, destined, and sanctified you as a Christian.

2. How has God given Christians a new birth and a living hope?

3. How does Peter describe the inheritance of Christians? What does that lead you to think about God? How does knowing these truths make you feel?

4. Give one reason Christians suffer various trials on earth.

5. Does someone need to see Jesus in order to become a true believer in Jesus? Why is this truth important for both believers and unbelievers to know?

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— © Copyright 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 26, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

You Can Pray the Bible

International Bible Lesson
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17
Sunday, April 28, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17—KJV).

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good” (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17—GNB).

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17—NRSV).

Jesus gave us an example and taught us how to pray when He gave His first disciples the Lord’s Prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13). When Paul wrote his letters, he often included prayers for the Christians to whom he wrote. Since some of Paul’s letters were preserved in the Bible, Christians can also pray his prayers and apply his prayers in praying for others and themselves. Paul wrote that Christians should “pray without ceasing,” and especially when we do not know how to or what to pray, we can pray the prayers that the Holy Spirit guided Paul to pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us pray any prayer in the Bible, and even help us modify the prayer for our situation. For example, we might modify this verse and pray, “Lord Jesus, help believers everywhere (including me), live worthy of your call to follow you, and fulfill by your power every good resolve and work of faith” (see 2 Thessalonians 1:11). We might pray some of Paul’s prayers for others and ourselves without much change; such as, “May the Lord direct your hearts (and mine) to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you (and me) peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you (and me)” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, 16). Now, read again the verses above for this Bible Lesson and pray them for all believers and for yourself.

Thinking Further

1. In this Bible lesson, what does Paul say must happen before Jesus Christ returns?

2. What did Paul say would eventually happen to the lawless one?

3. What are some tools that Satan will use to help the lawless one deceive people?

4. Who does Paul say will be deceived by Satan and the lawless one?

5. How do believers in Jesus Christ differ from those who believe what is false?

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Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further and the Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary are available on the International Bible Lesson Commentary & Forum website.

— © Copyright 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 20, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

You Can Grieve with Hope

International Bible Lesson
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11
Sunday, April 21, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13—KJV).

“Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13—GNB).

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13—NRSV).

The Bible never criticizes anyone for grieving. When Jesus’ beloved friend, Lazarus, died, we read in the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). On Palm Sunday, knowing the eventual consequences of the nation’s religious leaders rejecting Him as the Messiah, and knowing how the Romans would destroy Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD, as Jesus “came near and saw the city, he wept over it” (Luke 19:41). On the night Judas betrayed Jesus, and before the temple guards arrested Him, Jesus told Peter, James, and John, “I am deeply grieved, even to death” (Mark 14:34). Jesus sometimes grieved and wept, but He did “not grieve as others do who have no hope.”

God does not want believers to be uninformed. Jesus grieved at the death of Lazarus knowing that He would bring Lazarus back to life; perhaps He grieved that He needed to bring Lazarus back after he had experienced the joys of heaven. Jesus grieved as He neared Jerusalem, knowing that by His death and resurrection those who believed in Him would receive the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. From Paul’s letters, we know that when a follower of Jesus dies, Jesus will bring them back alive. When He returns to Earth, Jesus will give everyone who trusts in Him a glorified resurrected body so they can live on Earth without danger, disease, or death. Paul wrote that believers need to encourage one another with the truth about Jesus, teaching that everyone who loves Jesus will experience true joy when they see Him.

Thinking Further

1. What are some indications in Paul’s letter that it is okay for Christians to grieve the death of a loved one who also believed in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?

2. What aspect of the Christian hope did Paul emphasize in this letter?

3. How will Jesus return to our world?

4. How have some been deceived about Jesus’ return?

5. What is one sign that Paul mentions in this letter that Jesus’ return may be near?

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— © Copyright 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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Acts 2:1-16 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 13, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

Prediction of the Victorious Messiah

International Bible Lesson
Acts 2:1-16
Sunday, April 14, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16—KJV).

“Instead, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about” (Acts 2:16—GNB).

“No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16—NRSV).

On the Day of Pentecost, many followers of Jesus who were all in one place received the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised them. The Holy Spirit appeared as a tongue of fire that rested on each individual believer. The Holy Spirit enabled them to speak in other tongues so Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem could understand in their own native language what the disciples said. These Jews expressed amazement that these Galilean Jews could speak in all of their different languages. Some who heard wondered what it all meant, while others sneered at the disciples and impugned their character.

Following the example of Jesus as the Holy Spirit filled and led him, the Apostle Peter boldly stood in their midst and explained what they experienced in the context of what the scriptures taught and the Prophet Joel had foretold. Peter insisted that the scriptures must be their authority for evaluating whether or not a spiritual experience was from the true God or not. Later, the Apostle John wrote, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (John 4:1). Jesus and the apostles taught that the scriptures, and not just people’s experiences, needed to be the basis for discerning spiritual truths from error. Later, as the good news of Jesus spread, Luke commended the Bereans for using the scriptures as the test for truth, saying, “These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Thinking Further

1. Why do you think the disciples obeyed Jesus and waited in Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit?

2. Why do you think the Holy Spirit came with a loud noise instead of quietly?

3. Why do you think the Holy Spirit visibly rested individually on each one in the upper room instead of simply giving each one a special feeling?

4. Describe the miracles of hearing and speaking?

5. Why did Peter refer those looking for an explanation to what the prophet Joel had said?

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Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further and the Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary are available on the International Bible Lesson Commentary & Forum website.

— © Copyright 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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Luke 24:36-53 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 6, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

Why We Believe the Bible

International Bible Lesson
Luke 24:36-53
Sunday, April 7, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44—KJV).

“Then he said to them, ‘These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true’” (Luke 24:44—GNB).

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled’” (Luke 24:44—NRSV).

Jesus used a variety of means to convince His followers (and those who would learn of Him from their testimony) that after He died He rose from the dead and walked on Earth. After He explained the scriptures to the two on the road to Emmaus, He opened their eyes and they recognized Him (Luke 24:31). As the disciples listened to the report of the two who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to them and gave them verbal and physical proof that He lived. Then, He pointed them to what the scriptures taught about Him and He “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:36, 45).

When Jesus began His public ministry, He helped people believe the truth about God by explaining the scriptures to them. Before He ascended into heaven, He once again helped His disciples understand how the scriptures foretold and taught about His work in the world. Jesus never just pointed to a verse or two about himself; instead, He explained what was written about Him by Moses, the prophets, and the writers of the psalms. And just as He opened the eyes, hearts, and minds of His disciples at His appearances to them, He promised them, “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:26; see also John 15:26 and 16:13). Today, the Holy Spirit still helps Jesus’ followers understand the scriptures.

Thinking Further

1. When Jesus appeared to His disciples, He said, “Peace be with you.” Why did He say that and what did He mean?

2. Why would it be important for Jesus to prove to them that He was not a ghost?

3. Why do you think God the Father and Jesus decided to leave the marks of His crucifixion on His hands and feet rather that remove these scars when they glorified His resurrected human body?

4. Why did Jesus ask His disciples for fish to eat but did not ask for anything to drink?

5. From these verses, what are all followers of Jesus supposed to tell others about Jesus, and why is this Good News?

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Luke 24:13-21, 28-35 International Bible Lesson

Posted on March 30, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

The Foundation for True Faith

International Bible Lesson
Luke 24:13-21, 28-35
Sunday, March 31, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him” (Luke 24:15, 16—KJV).

“As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him” (Luke 24:15, 16—GNB).

“While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:15, 16—NRSV).

God always works with perfect timing and sequence. The two followers of Jesus on their way to the village of Emmaus knew the facts about Jesus’ ministry and the recent tragic events in Jerusalem. They knew some of the reports that after His crucifixion Jesus had risen from the dead. But they did not know the scriptures about how Jesus came to fulfill and had fulfilled the scriptures. Therefore, when Jesus met them on the road, He kept their eyes from recognizing Him until after He had explained the scriptures to them. As their hearts burned within as Jesus opened the scriptures to them, they strongly urged Jesus to stay with them and eat with them. Jesus stayed with them, but He did not open their eyes until He broke the bread and gave it to them. Jesus confirmed their faith when He revealed himself to them; then He vanished from their sight.

Jesus timed His meeting with them perfectly, so He could explain completely what the scriptures taught about Him. As the Word of God in human flesh, Jesus wanted their faith founded on the Word of God written and not just on miracles. The Bible teaches that before Jesus Christ returns some will be misled by deceivers working lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). To avoid being misled, those who follow Jesus must evaluate all they learn using the Bible as their objective authority and absolute standard for truth. In accordance with God’s perfect timing, we will not understand some truths until we have taken the time to study God’s Word to learn more about Jesus.

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Luke 22:14-30 International Bible Lesson

Posted on March 22, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

The Standard for True Leaders

International Bible Lesson
Luke 22:14-30
Sunday, March 24, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27—KJV).

“Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27—GNB).

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27—NRSV).

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He did not act as His admirers expected. He did not ride to the temple, and replace the high priests with those He knew would seek God and His will for His people. He did not ride to the palaces of Herod and Pilate, and summon 10,000 angels to replace them with His chosen disciples. Instead, Jesus planned to die and told His apostles that He “eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). During this Passover meal, His apostles argued about who among them was greater. Jesus corrected them when He said that they must be as one who serves. Jesus came to the Passover feast not to be served by His apostles, but to serve them, even washing their feet. He came into the world to serve and save sinners by dying on a cross in their behalf. His Father approved Jesus’ service when He raised Him from the dead, and Jesus empowered His apostles for service when He filled them with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Book of Acts describes how the apostles gave their lives in service to others as the Holy Spirit guided them. Jesus promised to bestow on His apostles a leadership role in His eternal kingdom, and they learned to lead from serving others. He promised them that they would someday eat and drink at His table in His kingdom, and they would “sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:30).

Thinking Further

1. What does your participation in communion or the Lord’s Supper mean to you?

2. What do you think motivated Judas to betray Jesus?

3. Why do you think the disciples talked about which of them was the greatest immediately after Jesus instituted the Last Supper?

4. What did Jesus say to begin correcting their false ideas about true greatness?

5. If they served others as He did, which they eventually did, what did Jesus promise them?

Easy Print International Bible Lesson

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Daniel 8:1, 15-26 International Bible Lesson

Posted on March 15, 2013 by L.G. Parkhurst

What Can Happen to Evil Leaders

International Bible Lesson
Daniel 8:1, 15-26
Sunday, March 17, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand” (Daniel 8:25—KJV).

“Because he is cunning, he will succeed in his deceitful ways. He will be proud of himself and destroy many people without warning. He will even defy the greatest King of all, but he will be destroyed without the use of any human power” (Daniel 8:25—GNB).

“By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall be great. Without warning he shall destroy many and shall even rise up against the Prince of princes. But he shall be broken, and not by human hands” (Daniel 8:25—NRSV).

Though the leader described by the angel Gabriel, when he interpreted Daniel’s vision to him, referred to a king that would “cause fearful destruction,” “succeed in what he does,” and rule prior to the coming of the Messiah, too many leaders in business, government, and religion behave in ways that God deplores (Daniel 8:24). Under some leaders deceit and lying seems to prosper, and it appears impossible for truth to prevail over their falsehoods. Some leaders mistakenly think they are great; and therefore, deserve the adoration and absolute obedience of others. Some leaders destroy many, even their own citizens or subjects. Evil leaders in government can destroy employers and employees. Avaricious employers can destroy employees and selfish employees can destroy their employers. False prophets, cult leaders, and unfaithful teachers have destroyed their followers and th0se who trusted them. All of these evil leaders reject God and His laws, and they will fight to minimize or destroy the influence of Jesus from encouraging and strengthening His followers. However, when all seems hopeless, God always intervenes at the right time. Historians have recorded many situations when leaders have been “broken, and not by human hands.” The Bible reports that after King Herod began persecuting the church that “because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents” (Acts 12:23, 24).

Thinking Further

1. In what way does this Book of Daniel lesson show the need for Bible teachers?

2. What did Daniel do when the angel came to him? What would you do if the angel Gabriel came to you?

3. Why do the angels who appear to God’s children in the Bible tell them to stand up and sometimes even help them stand up?

4. What is one reason God will intervene and bring an end to a kingdom or nation?

5. How can the words “he shall be broken and not by human hands” serve as both an encouragement and as a warning.

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Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further and the Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary are available on the International Bible Lesson Commentary & Forum website.

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International Bible Lesson
1 Peter 4:1, 2
Sunday, May 19, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
2 Peter 1:12
Sunday, May 12, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
1 Peter 1:3
Sunday, May 5, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17
Sunday, April 28, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11
Sunday, April 21, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
Acts 2:1-16
Sunday, April 14, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
Luke 24:36-53
Sunday, April 7, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
Luke 24:13-21, 28-35
Sunday, March 31, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
Luke 22:14-30
Sunday, March 24, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
Daniel 8:1, 15-26
Sunday, March 17, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.