suffering

Habakkuk: Faith Under Fire

February 15, 2022 by Krisan Marotta

“Habakkuk moves from burden to blessing, from wonder/worry to worship, from restlessness to rest, from a focus on the problem with God to a focus on the Person of God, and from a complaint to consolation. God turns sighing into singing if we (like Habakkuk) take time to wait before Him in prayer and listen to His Word.” – Ryrie Study Bible

Resources:

Habakkuk: Maps, Outlines & Background

Habakkuk Study Questions

Habakkuk NASB Study Text

Habakkuk ESV Study Text

01 Habakkuk Introduction

The Old Testament book of Habakkuk speaks to two of the most fundamental questions of the Christian faith: 1) How long will God let His people suffer? and 2) Why should we keep believing Him if we’re not spared the tragedies of life? Teacher Krisan Marotta on February 16, 2022.

02 Habakkuk 1:1-2:1 Habakkuk Complains

Habakkuk asks the Lord one of the most fundamental questions of faith: How long will you let your people suffer? The Lord answers, but not the way Habakkuk expects. Teacher Krisan Marotta on February 23, 2022.

03 Habakkuk 2:1-20 The Lord Responds

Habakkuk first asks why God would let evil go on so long among His own chosen people. Confused by the Lord’s answer, Habakkuk then asks how the Lord can let the wicked trample the righteous? Again, the Lord’s answer is not what Habakkuk expects. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 2, 2022.

04 Habakkuk 3:1-19 Habakkuk Responds

Habakkuk responds to what he has learned with a song of praise and fear. In his prayer we see the answers to our 2 theme questions. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 9, 2022.

General Outline

1:1-4 – Habakkuk’s 1st Complaint: God’s people abandoned the Law.
1:5-11 – The Lords’ 1st Response: Sending the Babylonians.
1:12-2:1 – Habakkuk’s 2nd Complaint: Why the wicked Babylonians?
2:4-20 – The Lord’s 2nd Response: The Wicked will be judged.
3:1-19 – Habakkuk’s Response: Exult the Lord.

I offer my bible studies, podcasts and resources free of charge under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Unported License. I do not seek or accept advertising, affiliations or donations. But it does encourage me to hear from you about how you used these studies and/or what you learned.

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Podcast Season 19 episodes 1-4

Why is life so hard?

February 8, 2022 by Krisan Marotta

Why is life so hard? The Bible has a lot to say about suffering and trials and the problem of evil. Here are a few places to start exploring answers from Scripture.

08 Jeremiah 20:7-18 Why is life so hard?

We all come to a place at one time or another where we ask the question, “Why is my life so hard? Why do I have to endure this particular problem or experience this pain or go through this situation?” In Jeremiah 20:7-19, we see Jeremiah reach that place. He hits rock bottom and cries out asking, why his life was so hard.

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02 1 Peter 1:1-13 Understanding Our Living Hope

In the field of psychology, “locus of control” refers to the extent to which a person believes they can control the world around them. People with a strong internal locus of control tend to attribute the outcome of events to factors under their own control. People with a strong external locus of control attribute outcomes of events to external circumstances. But both have a perspective which influences and predicts their actions. The book of 1 Peter is about that big perspective. In a sense, Peter is writing to explain a “gospel locus of control.”

03 1 Peter 1:14-25 Hope makes a difference

Peter explains that the gospel gives us a living hope that ought change every aspect of our lives. Just as the Olympic athletes change their values, their goals, their actions, their words and their daily routines in light of their Olympic goals, so the gospel ought to change us.

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02 James 1:1-8 Why does God test our faith?

James insists the gospel is so valuable that we should be willing to face whatever life brings and rejoice that we stand to inherit so great a treasure. To be able to rejoice in my trials is to understand the value of the gospel in a real and practical way.

03 James 1:9-18 Who is better off: the rich or the poor?

The poor believer will be exalted. The rich unbeliever will be humiliated. It may seem the other way around right now, but if you understand the gospel, it should change your perspective.

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15 What does it mean to carry your cross, Luke 14:25-35

Jesus said whoever does not bear his own cross cannot be his disciple. This passage can be terrifying because Jesus makes strong claims about hating your family and your own life. If we claim to follow Jesus, then we need to know exactly what he’s requiring to be his disciple.

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Where to next?

New Testament Studies

Old Testament Studies

Topical Studies

Bible Study 101

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09 1Peter 4:7-19 The Right Perspective

September 26, 2018 by Krisan Marotta

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09 1Peter 4:7-19 The Right Perspective - Bible Study | WednesdayintheWord.com

1Peter 4:7-19 marks the beginning of the end of the letter. In conclusion, Peter returns his main theme of the letter: how you deal with fellow believers and hostile nonbelievers. His answer in each case is you need the right perspective.

Passage

⁷The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” ¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. – 1Peter 4:7-19 ESV

We become metaphorically drunk and distracted by daily life such that we forget that we have an inheritance in the kingdom of God.
Peter starts his summary by urging his readers to remember this world is not home and we live in the last age before the second coming.
If we are humble before God, we are less likely to sin against our fellow believers and less likely to hold their sins against them.
Hospitality was highly valued and a matter of honor in Peter’s day.
Grumbling comes from taking myself too seriously and forgetting that this world is not all there is.
Peter divides the gifts it 2 basic categories: speaking and serving.
Don’t be surprised when you suffer. Why? 1) If people don’t like Christ, they won’t like you either and 2) God has made it clear trials are part of life.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 10 1Peter 5:1-14 In conclusion

Previous : 08 1Peter 3:18-4:6 And then there’s Noah

Series: 1Peter: Living as aliens and strangers

Study: 1Peter Resources

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01 1Peter Introduction: Meet the Author

August 1, 2018 by Krisan Marotta

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Introduction

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter with Silvanus (aka Silas).
Peter most likely wrote this letter around 62-63 AD.
After Jesus himself, the most frequently named person in the gospels is Peter.
Peter was originally named Simon, his father was named John and we know he was married.
The apostles were: 1) eye witnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ; given authority by Jesus to speak for and about him; 3) given a clear, accurate understanding of the gospel by the Holy Spirit; and 4) given the ability to confirm their authority with signs.

Peter’s Calling

^5:1On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, ²and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. ³Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. ⁴And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” ⁵And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” ⁶And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. ⁷They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” ⁹For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, ¹⁰and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” ¹¹And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:1-11 ESV

Jesus meets Peter in the midst of his daily life with a request to use his common job skills: rowing and fishing.
The Sea of Galilee (Lake Genessaret) drops off into deep water close to the shore. You can fish two ways: 1) you can cast from a boat because it’s too deep to stand on the shore; 2) or you can drag a net through the deep waters with two boats.
All good fisherman would know that the best fishing takes place at night when it’s harder for the fish to see and avoid the net.
In Luke 5:5 Peter addresses Jesus as “teacher” (i.e. boss or master).
The great catch of fish in this climax of the story. Essentially, Peter has hit the financial jackpot.
Why is Jesus still a penniless rabbi wandering around the region teaching people for free? Because he knows there’s something more valuable than all the riches of the world.
In Luke 5:8 Peter addresses Jesus as “lord.”
Jesus offers Peter the chance to be part of something bigger than chasing financial freedom. He offers Peter not words of financial security, but words of eternal security.
His offer is so compelling that Peter is willing to leave everything, to walk away from his business and his livelihood to follow this traveling teacher.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next : 02 1Peter 1:1-13 Understanding Our Living Hope

Series: 1Peter: Living as aliens and strangers

Study: 1Peter Resources

Photo by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash

06 1 Peter 3:8-17 Who is there to harm you?

January 20, 2016 by Krisan Marotta

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Peter’s main concern in this section is how we treat others, both inside and outside the family of God. But his point is a fuller richer picture than ‘be nice.’ His advice is fix your hope completely on the grace that is coming to you. And then be humble. Be soft-spoken. Seek their welfare. Don’t give evil for evil. There’s a bigger gospel perspective to take.

Part of the series 1 Peter: Living as aliens and strangers
For more information: WednesdayintheWord.com

Many thanks to Reggie Coates of Heartfelt Music & Ministry for graciously providing instrumental guitar music for our podcasts!

06 1 Peter 3:1-7 When you’re treated unjustly

January 13, 2016 by Krisan Marotta

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Peter continues the theme of submission he introduced in 2:11. He calling people who are being persecuted to consider what their response communicates to those persecuting them. His advice is the same in all three examples: When possible show the unbelievers that you are a person of virtue by behaving in a submissive and respectful way.

Part of the series 1 Peter: Living as aliens and strangers
For more information: WednesdayintheWord.com

Many thanks to Reggie Coates of Heartfelt Music & Ministry for graciously providing instrumental guitar music for our podcasts!

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09 1 Peter 5:1-14 Final Imperatives

November 11, 2015 by Krisan Marotta

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Peter concludes his letter by returning to his great main themes: salvation, suffering and submission. In his “final imperatives”, Peter encourages his readers to stand firm in the faith and focus on their future hope.

Part of the series 1 Peter: Living as aliens and strangers
For more information: WednesdayintheWord.com

Many thanks to Reggie Coates of Heartfelt Music & Ministry for graciously providing instrumental guitar music for our 1 Peter podcasts!

08 1 Peter 4:7-19 The Purpose of Suffering

November 4, 2015 by Krisan Marotta

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With 4:7, Peter begins the conclusion of the letter. In his summary he returns to two of his major themes: how to respond when suffering for the name of Christ and how to treat fellow believers. In each case you need the right perspective.

Part of the series 1 Peter: Living as aliens and strangers
For more information: WednesdayintheWord.com

Many thanks to Reggie Coates of Heartfelt Music & Ministry for graciously providing instrumental guitar music for our 1 Peter podcasts!

07 1 Peter 3:18-4:6 And then there’s Noah

October 28, 2015 by Krisan Marotta

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1Peter 3:18-20 is one of the more difficult passages of the New Testament. We know it has to fit the context of suffering unjustly for the sake of another and we have to answer these 4 questions:
1—Who are the spirits that Christ made proclamation to?
2—Where are these spirits?
3—When did Christ preach to them?
4—What did Christ preach to them?

Part of our series 1 Peter: Living as aliens and strangers
For more information: WednesdayintheWord.com

Many thanks to Reggie Coates of Heartfelt Music & Ministry for graciously providing instrumental guitar music for our 1 Peter podcasts!

06 1 Peter 3:1-17 Righteous Living

October 21, 2015 by Krisan Marotta

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Peter concludes the section his section how to respond when being treated unjustly speaking to wives whose husbands are disobedient to the word. He summarizes this section “Finally/To sum up” – first how we should get along with a pagan government (2:13), then an unfair boss (2:18) and a non-believing spouse (3:1).

Teacher: Libby Taggart

suffering

Resources:

General Outline

Where to next?

Where to next?

Passage

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 10 1Peter 5:1-14 In conclusion

Previous : 08 1Peter 3:18-4:6 And then there’s Noah

Series: 1Peter: Living as aliens and strangers

Study: 1Peter Resources

Introduction

Peter’s Calling

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next : 02 1Peter 1:1-13 Understanding Our Living Hope

Series: 1Peter: Living as aliens and strangers

Study: 1Peter Resources

Listen

Part of our series 1 Peter: Living as aliens and strangers

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