“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” – Proverbs 26:20

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, 18-23

Introduction

The last thing mentioned in Proverbs 6:19 that God hates is one who sows discord among brethren. Brethren would be any group of people who have a close fellowship and common ties that bind them together for the common good.

God is always trying to bring peace and harmony to people’s lives and especially to the church. He is trying to bring all mankind together through Christ. In fact, Christ’s kingdom will

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” – Titus 2:12

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 59:1-8

Introduction

The Bible says that we all have sinned and come short of the grace of God. no matter how gratifying, when sin is finished, it brings forth death. Yet, there are certain sins that are more vile than others, both in showing the condition of the sinner and its effect on others. The same seems to be true about the readiness and willingness of some to do evil.

Again certain notable Bible

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

Scripture Reading: Mark 7:14-23

Introduction

Some of man’s greatest ingenuity is invested in devising evil. Much of this was to create new battle implements or techniques of torture.

It takes a depraved mind to focus on ways of harming other people. The flood in Noah’s day and the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah in

“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” – 1 John 3:10

Scripture Reading Proverbs 1:7-19

Introduction

Nothing seems more wasteful than the unnecessary murders of innocent people. Yet, it has been going on from the very beginning, with the murder of Abel, on down to the present with the recent terrorist activities.

Even though wars are heinous, probably more in mind here is indiscriminate murder by individuals or groups. Examples abound: Cain killed Abel; David

“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.” – Proverbs 12:17

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 9:1-9

Introduction

A lying tongue and a false witness are closely related and yet can follow different paths of application.

To lie is to fail to tell the truth in the matter. Little children learn to do this rather early in life and it is a trait that must be corrected early. Some have a more difficult time than others overcoming this habit. But this type of lying is generally misrepresenting facts in our own lives—whether we took something or not, how

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” – 1 John 2:16

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:10-20

Introduction

The first six lessons in this quarterly are based upon the six things that God hates, as found in Proverbs 6:16-19. Although it states, “seven are an abomination…” two are so closely related that they were combined in one lesson.

There is no apparent significance to the order in which these six things appear in the text, but the first one

Scripture Reading:  II Peter 3:10-18.

Memory Verse:  “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (II Peter 3:13)

INTRODUCTION:

We are bringing to a close our study of Peter’s concern for his labor of love. Just as a good lawyer often combines all his thoughts in the closing argument, so does Peter in this epistle.

He brings us back to reality with the fact that Jesus will return, and that judgment will come. For some it will be the end of them and their works. To others, it is a springboard

Scripture Reading:  II Peter 3:1-9.

Memory Verse:  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)

INTRODUCTION:

No one really enjoys being embarrassed by others. Have you ever thought about the scoffing and ridicule that Noah must have put up with? There are those in the world who like to make fun of all Christians. Have you ever been embarrassed because of your stand for the Lord?

Evidently there were scoffers who posed a question

Scripture Reading:  II Peter 2:1-22.

Memory Verse:  “For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” (II Peter 2:21)

INTRODUCTION:

In our recent studies we have read about the many rewards and advantages of acquiring the knowledge of God. It is encouraging when we can dwell upon the positive benefits of the gospel. It should also be encouraging when we are able to identify and recognize the deceit of Satan.

Even as Peter wrote, the devil was seeking to

Scripture Reading:  II Peter 1:12-21.

Memory Verse:  “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:21)

INTRODUCTION:

The key to any religion is what its beliefs are based upon. Peter bares his heart that all may see Jesus. This revelation was based upon his actual experience and the responsibility he felt toward God’s people.

His open discussion about his soon coming death should not be taken lightly. His life was changed because of the time he spent with Jesus,