His-Story Vol 1, Ch 9: Poetry and Wisdom
Sermon Notes
HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks
Volume I: The Old Testament Story
Chapter 9: Israel’s Poetry & Wisdom
1. Job
a. The Introduction
b. The Dialogues
c. The Conclusion & Message of Job
2. Psalms
a. Israel’s Worship book
b. The Nature of Hebrew Poetry
c. The Structure of the Psalms
d. Authors
e. Psalm Types
3. Proverbs
a. Authors
b. Central Theme: The Search for Wisdom
c. The Nature of Proverbs
4. Ecclesiastes
a. Author: Cynical Solomon
b. Central Theme: The “Vapor” of Human Life
c. Interpretations
5. Song of Songs
a. Genre
b. Author
c. Themes
Study/Discussion Questions:
What is the central theme of the book of Job? Does Job tell us the reason for human suffering? What does it tell us? How can this message help us in our daily lives?
Psalms is Israel’s worship book. But it is also ours. Do you have a favorite Psalm? Why is it special for you?
Proverbs are sometimes misunderstood. What are some important principles of interpretation when it comes to the Book of Proverbs?
What is the theme of the book of Ecclesiastes? Why do you think God would allow such a cynical book to appear in the Bible?
What are the main themes of the Song of Solomon? How has this book sometimes been misunderstood?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993. Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.