討論問題

TAFPC Adult Sunday School Bible Study

台美團契長老教會成人主日學三年讀經運動 07/31/2005 討論問題

Question 1: Exodus Chapters 25-31

   In the Exodus 25-31, there are many priesthood related verses addressing tabernacle, altar, garments, oil ...etc. In fact, it reads like an instruction booklet. Or a little likes a recipe in a cookbook. What does the materials, or the size dimension have to do with our worship of God? Why God requires so much detailed procedures for the Israelis to worship Him?  From our present point of view, do we need that many layers of ritual during the worship?

Question 2: Exodus 28: 1-13, 33:12 - 19

   God chose Aaron and his descendants to become priests who were endowed with prestigious status in leading the people of Israel to worship God.  However, Moses was the one God was pleased.  Please explain what different roles Aaron and Moses played when the people of Israel wandered in the wildness.  Why did God choose Aaron rather than Moses as a priest?  Do we still find the similar role differentiation like that between Aaron and Moses at church nowadays?  And what is your own role if applied?

Question 3: Exodus 28: 4, 29:44

    The exodus 29 is about the anointing of Aaron and his sons. This is a set of rituals to prepare and sanctify Aaron and his sons as priests to minister to God (others). What’s the purpose of the priests? In Presbyterian church, we have pastors minister to us and address our needs. Do you ever think about pastors’ needs to be ministered too? We often appear to be in a state of denial or ignorant about the stress of the ministry and the human needs of pastors. Too often both ministers and their congregation assume that the pastor has the responsibility to care for others but is somehow immune to the necessity of being cared for. What are the pressures that pastors face? What congregation can do to help? Please share your thoughts.

Question 4: Exodus 31: 1-11 

   This passage is about specific "spiritual gifts" given to two men, Bezalel and Oholiab. God gave them specific talents (gifts) to accomplish His purpose. These two men became the "foreman" in the construction of the temple. All believers in Jesus Christ have some sort of special spiritual gift. Some more than others, but everyone has at least one. When Christians think of "spiritual gifts", we tend to think of preaching, singing, evangelizing, teaching, etc. Did you know sewing or jewelry cutting is a spiritual gift too (Exodus 28:3)? Part of the joy of being a Christian is discovering your gift. Do you recognize your spiritual gifts?  With that gift comes responsibility. God expects you to use that gift to glorify Him and to help build and support fellow Christians. As a member of the TAFPC, our primary purpose is to get involved and serve our community to build up the body of Christ. How do you know what your gift(s) are?  Please share your thoughts.