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WOMEN OF THE

10 STUDIES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS

P HYLLIS J. LE PEAU

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Contents

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF WOMEN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT —— 5

1 Elizabeth Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-66 —— 9

2 Mary Luke 1:26-38, 46-56 ————— 13

3 Mark 6:14-29———————— 17

4A Sinful Woman Luke 7:36-50 ———————— 21

5 The Canaanite Woman Matthew 15:21-28—————— 25

6 Mary and John 11:1-44 ———————— 29

7 Sapphira Acts 4:32—5:11 —————— 33

8Lydia Acts 16:6-15 ———————— 37

9 Euodia and Syntyche :20—4:9; 2:1-8—— 41

10 Priscilla Acts 18:1-4, 18-28—————— 45

LEADER’S NOTES ——————————————————— 49

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1 Elizabeth Receiving God’s Goodness

Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-66

EachElizabeth person in our group wept as Don and Patrice told the story of their lost baby. We had prayed together that God would grant them a child. For a long time we waited patiently and with hope. And we cel- ebrated wildly with ice cream and pickles when finally she conceived! Now, we felt the agony and despair of a dream gone. Would they ever be able to have a child?

GROUP DISCUSSION. When have you had the experience of longing for something for years?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. Reflect on a time in your life when you did not receive something that you longed for deeply. What did you learn about God in that experience?

In this study we will look at how God met Elizabeth in her suffering. Read Luke 1:5-25.

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10 —————————————— Women of the New Testament

1. Looking through the whole passage, what clues do you find about what Elizabeth was like?

2. Note the description of the promised son, John (vv. 14-17). What would it be like to discover that you were going to have a son like this?

3. Contrast Zechariah’s response to the promise of John’s birth (v. 18) with Elizabeth’s response (v. 25).

4. In terms of responses to God’s promises, do you think you are more like Elizabeth or Zechariah? Explain.

5. Why do we sometimes not accept good gifts from God or from others?

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Elizabeth————————————————————————— 11

6. Read Luke 1:39-45. The had informed Mary of ’ coming and of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Why do you think it is so important to Mary to get together with Elizabeth?

7. What does this interaction reveal about the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary?

8. How have your faith and obedience to God been affected by other believers?

9. What would be helpful in making this more a part of your experience?

10. Read Luke 1:57-66. What did Elizabeth’s husband, neighbors and relatives learn about God through this experience of John’s birth?

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12 —————————————— Women of the New Testament

11. Elizabeth’s relatives learned about God because she obeyed God and was able to receive God’s goodness to her. How have your neigh- bors and relatives seen God’s mercy and grace through your life?

Pray that your eyes will be open to the mercy and grace of God and that your life will be full of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Now or Later Reflect on how or when it has been difficult for you to believe God and to be a recipient of his good gifts. Journal on each of the times that come to mind. Write about why you think it was difficult to trust God. Talk to God about what you discover in your journaling. What should we study next? We have LifeGuides for . . .

KNOWING JESUS Hospitality Parables Advent of the Savior The Lord’s Prayer Pleasing God Following Jesus Prayer Woman of God I Am Praying the Psalms Women of the Abiding in Sabbath New Testament Jesus’ Final Week Worship Women of the The Jesus Paul Knew Old Testament DEEPENING (Spring 2018) YOUR DOCTRINE LIVING FULLY KNOWING GOD AT EVERY STAGE Listening to God Apostles’ Creed Singleness Meeting God Christian Beliefs Marriage God’s Comfort The Cross Parenting God’s Love End Times Couples of the The 23rd Psalm Good & Evil Old Testament Miracles Heaven Growing Older & Wiser Questions God Asks The Kingdom of God (Fall 2018) The Story of Scripture Grandparenting

GROWING IN SEEKERS REACHING THE SPIRIT Encountering Jesus OUR WORLD Meeting the Spirit Jesus the Reason Missions Fruit of the Spirit Meeting Jesus Evangelism Spiritual Gifts Good News Four Great Loves Spiritual Warfare Loving Justice LEADERS LOOKING AT Christian Leadership LIVING YOUR FAITH THE TRINITY Integrity Busyness Images of Christ Elijah Christian Virtues Images of God Joseph Forgiveness Images of the Spirit SHAPING YOUR GROWING IN DEVELOPING CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS DISCIPLINES Christian Character Christian Community Christian Disciplines Decisions Friendship God’s Word Self-Esteem

Find the perfect study for your group with IVP’s LifeGuide Finder: ivpress.com/lifeguidefinder