Study Guide and Daily Devotion
This week you’ll have the chance to do your own Bible study on two
topics: On Monday and Tuesday you’ll study what the Bible says about
alcohol consumption, and on Wednesday through Friday, on the work of the
Holy Spirit in our lives. Enjoy!
Monday, October 9
Let’s begin with the Old Testament words about wine and strong drink.
Examples of wine in a positive light include: Genesis 14:17-20, Numbers 15:5,
7, 11 (where “drink offerings” of wine are presented to God),
Deuteronomy 7:13, 11:13-14 (where God promises to bless the people with new
wine). Wine was a part of life, and drinking a fine wine was considered a
blessing. Drinking to become intoxicated was not endorsed by the Bible; much
pain was caused by this. Read Proverbs 20:1, 23:3-35, 31:4-7. How would you
summarize the Old Testament teaching on wine and strong drink?
Tuesday, October 10
Let’s take a look at the New Testament teaching about wine and strong
drink. Read John 2:1-10 (note verses 10, which indicates that the “choice
wine” would intoxicate). In this miracle, Jesus is pointing toward something
greater than providing wine for a wedding – the miracle itself is a
way of pointing to what he offers – a new “wine” (life)
that is better than the old “wine” of our lives without him. This
is made more evident in the following passage: Read Matthew 9:14-17 where
new wine is a metaphor for the gospel and the life Jesus gives. Read Romans
14:13-23 paying particular attention to verse 21 – this passage is about
being careful not to lead others astray by our actions. Read Galatians 5:16-23
and Ephesians 5:18. How would you summarize the New Testament teaching regarding
alcohol consumption?
Wednesday, October 11
As we turn our attention to the Holy Spirit, let’s examine some of the
words of Jesus about the Holy Spirit. Read John 14:15-27. What does Jesus
call the Holy Spirit? What will the Holy Spirit do for us? Read John 16:5-16.
What does Jesus promise the Holy Spirit will do here? Pray for God’s
Spirit to work in you in these ways.
Thursday, October 12
Today we turn to the Bible’s teaching about the Holy Spirit. Let’s
start by reading the story of the events of the Day of Pentecost and Jesus’
words about the Spirit leading up to it. Read Acts 1:4-8. What will the Spirit
bring us? What purpose will the Spirit’s outpouring serve? Read Acts
2:1-41. Pray and invite God’s Spirit to fill you anew.
Friday, October 13
As we conclude our brief study of the Holy Spirit’s work we turn to
a chapter you may have read many times before. This time look carefully for
what Paul says about the work of the Holy Spirit. Read Romans 8. Again, invite
the Spirit to be at work in you.
First
United Methodist Church 