Pastor Tim Perlick

Mount of Olives ​​Pastor Tim Perlick

​​480-729-0115

Bible Study for February 11, 2024​

Opening Prayer:

Creator of all, we thank you for the opportunity to gather in study. Open our minds and hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to the gospel and to walk humbly with you. Grant us your peace as we grow in wisdom and understanding. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 9:2-9 Have you had to cope with contempt or pressure from others because you were committed to doing what Jesus called you to do? How did you maintain your self-respect and commitment?

Peter, James, and John witnessed the honor and glory that belong to the Son of God. The momentary change in Jesus’ appearance revealed the glory that was the Son of God before his incarnation, to which he would return at the ascension. The revelation of his glory makes Jesus’ teachings on servanthood (Mark 10:45) very important. If the glorious one was willing to set aside his rightful claim to “be served,” how much more should the disciples renounce such claims and seek to be like their Lord? 

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 On what basis do you judge the character and contribution of others and yourself? How might this differ from how God judges?

Paul wrote Second Corinthians after some troubling developments in his relationship with the Corinthian Christians. These believers were already given to weighing one preacher over another and forming “fan clubs” around favorites. Some teachers arrived who were more than happy to play to this tendency to Paul’s detriment. They challenged the worth of Paul’s message and criticized his weaknesses—not to mention the disgraces to which Paul is being subjected. After a member of the church openly challenged Paul when he made a brief visit after writing First Corinthians, Paul retreated and wrote a “painful letter” now lost to us (2 Corinthians 2:1-4). That letter hit the congregation hard, since they had begun to rekindle their appreciation and love for Paul. 

Closing Prayer

Holy God, you have revealed the glory of your love in Jesus Christ, and have given us a share in your Spirit. May we who listen to Christ follow faithfully, and, in the dark places where you send us, reveal the light of your gospel. Amen.