Maadi Women's Bible Study

Desire Detonated 1:2-4

1. The song starts immediately with a woman’s bold desire. What thoughts does this stir in you?

    2. From her point of view, what do these metaphors in vs. 2-3     suggest with regard to threlationship between character and reputation and her physical desire for her beloved?

    3.  The "friends" appear to love him (vs.4). How does finding that others recognize the character and goodness of your partner enhance your own love for them? 

Song of Solomon Overview

Questions

1. It has been said that the Church talks about sex too much and too little. In what ways does it talk too much and in what ways too little?

2. SoS is clearly a celebration of human sexuality yet women especially often hear or absorb negative messages about their body. Where have you picked up negative ideas?

3. What do you wish would have been explained, taught, or modeled for you that would have helped you in your own understanding of a healthy sexual mindset?

Song of Solomon through the lens of Hebrew Poetry

Questions

Read chapter 2 and highlight all words that appeal to your five senses (imagery)

Metaphor:

Practice On your own reading metaphor in ch. 2:8-17. Read it through 1x don’t analyze just experience it. What feelings do you have? What feeling does the writer intend to arouse? Pick a few verses and write down what do you think the writer means? 

Listen to the Song “You Pursue Me.” Then attempt to write a few lines of your own poetry using imagery, metaphor or another technique to express how it feels to be pursued by God. 

Looking at Song of Songs Through Wisdom Literature Lens

Luke 18 Parable of Pharisee and Tax Collector

Read Luke Luke 18:9-17

As a group answer these questions:

1. In your own prayers, do you ever find yourself slipping into comparisons with others? Why do you think that happens?

2. How do you guard against self righteousness while still pursuing holiness?

3. Do you think you pray completely honest prayers right now?

4. What area of life do you need to remember that your worth is based on God’s mercy not your performance?

Lost and Found and Rejoicing (Luke 15)

Questions 

1. Have you ever felt lost in your faith or life choices? What helped you feel found?

   2. If you imagine yourself as the the lost coin in this story what               does it reveal about your worth to God?

  3. What do these three parables reflect and reveal about God’s               character and priorities?

   4. There was rejoicing in all of the stories when the lost thing was           found. Who in your life do you celebrate spiritual growth or                 answered prayer with?

A Personal Story of God's Forgiveness

Individually: Read Luke 7:36-50

1. What are some ways we seek to judge before understanding?

2. Can you think of a time when God has shown you mercy when you didn’t deserve it?

After the Lesson

1. Accepting forgiveness starts with understanding a need for forgiveness. Is there an area of your life where you have not allowed forgiveness to take place?

2. What is something in your life you have poured out before the LORD, laid down at His feet?

3. Can you think of someone you may have misunderstood & could offer greater empathy to?

The Calling of Levi and the Upside Down Kingdom

Read Luke 5:27-32, 6:20-49

1. What is your definition of being “blessed?” (6:20-49)

2. Do any of these blessings/woes speak to a current life situation?

3. Jesus said he came for the sick, not the healthy. How does this statement shape the way you view your own need for Him?

4. What does this passage (5:31-32) teach us about the mission of the church? How can we make sure we don’t drift into becoming a “holy club” instead of a hospital for sinners?

A Two For One Healing Luke 5:12-26

As a group answer these questions:

1. What significant thing does Jesus do in relation to the leper that speaks to his attitude towards the marginalized and rejected?

2. Who might be considered “untouchable” in our world today?

3. The leper said, “if you are willing…” In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God’s willingness or timing?

4. How can we cultivate hearts that are more attentive to God’s “remarkable things” around us?

 

Jesus and the Unclean Spirits Luke 4:31-41

1. Discuss your comfort level with discussing the spirit realm (demonic activity, Spiritual beings influencing earthly leaders and nations…)

2.  What words or ideas stand out to you in these passages?

3. The man in ch 8 with the legions of demons went from a state of isolation and torment to restoration and mission. Where have you seen Jesus bring transformation like this- in your life or someone else’s?

4. Does this story challenge your view of Jesus’ power and compassion?