ORDINARY: A STUDY

READ: Hebrews 11:5

LISTEN:

• Enoch was only one of two men from the Bible who did not exoerience a traditional "death." 
• Not a lot was known about Enoch except for the fact that he did not die of a traditional death.
• Many believe that Enoch was "taken" by God to dwell with Him in Heaven as a reward for Enoch's life of dedication and belief in God.
• We learn from Enoch's life that sometimes our rewards for being faithful are not always received until the end of our lives. 

REFLECTION: Take a moment and score your relationship with God with 1 being non-existent and 10 being constant companions- be honest! If your score is less than 10, relfect on ways that you can improve your relationship/friendship with God. If your score is 10, relfect on what you have done in your life to nurture your relationship with God. 

READ: Genesis 5:26-27

LISTEN:

• What we know and what we learn fom Methuselah from the Bible is very short while his life was not. 
• With living such a long life as he did, Methuselah had so many chances to share his knowledge and experiences with many generations after him including Noah.
• What can one gleam from looking towards someone who lives to be over 900 years old? 

REFLECTION: Imagine if you lived to be 900 years old. What would you do to inspire those around you? How would you use those 900 years to make an impact?

READ: Job 42:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:11-13

LISTEN:

• Job and Solomon came to the very same conclusion about God but through very different means. 
• They both realized that we are not God and therefore should not act as such. Job realized this through relying on his faith during much of his pain and suffering while Solomon came to this conclusion through many of the mistakes that he made after God granted him the gift of wisdom. 

REFLECTION: When has wisdom played a part in your spiritual life and personal life? Reflect on those times and what you learned from those situations. 

READ: 2 Kings 5

LISTEN:
He humbled himself to open his heart to receive God's blessings.
By humbling himself, Naaman was able to let go of his previous beliefs and was able to come to know God.

REFLECTION: What experiences in your life have humbled you? How did those experiences bring you closer to God? 

READ: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

LISTEN:

• Samuel listened to God and was open to what He was saying.

REFLECTION: Sometimes life can be really loud. Take a moment and find a quiet place to sit down and really listen. What do you hear? What is God trying to tell you in that moment? 

READ: 1 Samuel 15:10-35

LISTEN:

• Saul became victim to the "illness of excuses." 
• Saul became more and more disobedient to God and did not follow God's commands.
• Instead of being honest, Saul used excuses to explain his disobedience.
• When we use excuses, we are not being truthful to ourselves or God.
• "God reads our hearts by how we act or fail to act." 

REFLECTION: When have you used excuses? Was it to get out of doing something you didn't want to do? Or was it to explain failing to do something you were asked to do? Reflect on those situations and what you learned from them. 

REFLECTION: 
Think back on the men that you have studied this week. Reflect and answer the following questions:

• What have you learned from these ordinary men? 
• What have you learned about the ordinary in your life?
• How can you grow from what you have learned?

READ: 1 Samuel 20:16-17

LISTEN:

• Jonathan was one of the few men from the Bible who was without obvious character flaws. 
• Jonathan was a loyal son, a loyal soldier, a loyal friend, and always loyal to God.
• Even though he was often put between his father Saul and his friend David, Jonathan only defied his father when he intervened with the signal of an arrow hoping to save the life of his best friend.
• Until he died, Jonathan never left his father's side while also not saying a bad word against him to David and, at the same time, remaining faithful to his friend. 

REFLECTION: Think about your friendships or relationships. Now think about Jonathan's situation. What would you do if you were, like Jonathan, forced to choose between your family and friends? How would you remain loyal to both? 

READ: 2 Kings 22

LISTEN:

• Was one of the last good and faithful kings of Judah. 
• Unlike many leaders, Josiah knew what the outcome of his reign and Judah would be.
• Even though Josiah knew he could not save Judah, that did not stop him from doing what he could to try and bring Judah back to God.
• Josiah understood a principle that many forget- God doesn't require us to be successful, only faithful. 

REFLECTION: It would be so hard to remain positive about a situation if we knew the outcome beforehand. Has there ever been a situation where you wished you would have know the outcome? Would you have done anything to change it? 

READ: 2 Samuel 9:6-13

LISTEN:

• Disabled son of Jonathan, the son of King Saul and best friend to David. 
• His life was changed forever when David restored his estate that was lost after Saul and Jonathan died.
• Was the victim of deceit and treachery when his servant lied to David about his allegiance to David as king.
• Mephibosheth was eternally grateful for what David had done for him. 

REFLECTION: Read 2 Samuel 19:24-30. Reflect on when and how you have experienced the kindness of others and God's kindness. How was your life changed by those experiences? 

READ: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

LISTEN:

• From his name we can infer that Jabez did not have an easy life. 
• Instead of letting his heart turn hard, we see Jabez turning to God in prayer.
• Through Jabez's story we are reminded of God's faithfulness and the power of prayer. 

REFLECTION: When was a time that you felt true sorrow. What did you do in that moment of sorrow? How do our lives change when we lay our sorrow at God's feet? 

READ: Hosea 1-3

LISTEN:

• Hosea's story could be considered a parable. 
• Through his life, he came to know how God felt as Israel continued to commit sin against Him.
• Was commanded by God to marry a sinful woman and have children with her. 

REFLECTION: Hosea and his life were an example of God's grace. Who in your life is a true example of God's grace? How have they impacted your life? 

READ: Joel 2:23-32

LISTEN:

• Not much was know about Joel except that he was a prophet. 
• Joel warns those who have turned away from God of the coming days of the Lord's judgement.
• While Joel's prophecy might seem dim, it also shows God's kindness and the blessings that are promised to His people. 

REFLECTION: Since Eden, we have continued to try to gain independence from God. What area in your life could you rely on God more? 

REFLECTION: 
Think back on the men that you have studied this week. Reflect and answer the following questions:

• What have you learned from these ordinary men? 
• What have you learned about the ordinary in your life?
• How can you grow from what you have learned?

READ: Amos 6:1-7

LISTEN:

• Amos was a shepherd and farmer of sycamore trees who was faithful to God.
• God called upon Amos to become a prophet and spread the word to Israel and beyond of God’s coming judgement.
• Part of Amos’ message of warning deals with those who have become complacent and isolated from the needs of others.

REFLECTION: Reflect on your life- have you become complacent? When was the last time you paid attention to the needs of others? Think

READ: Nahum 1:7-8

LISTEN:

• Nahum was a prophet that warned of the destruction and judgement of Nineveh, Capitol of the Assyrian empire.
• Nineveh, once saved from sin by Jonah, was later known as a “city of blood” and cruelty.
• Nahum’s prophecy was and is an example to all proud nations and rulers that God is sovereign and will one day conquer all evil.

REFLECTION: God is sovereign. Are there areas of your life where you need to put more confidence in God and less in the world around us?

READ: Obadiah 13:15

LISTEN:

• Almost nothing is known about this prophet except for his name.
• Obadiah’s book is the shortest in the Hebrew Canon (Old Testament) but his writing demands attention.
• Edom was a proud nation who gloated frequently over Israel’s problems.
• Edom, and other prideful countries, were reminded that they cannot escape God’s judgement.
  
  

REFLECTION: What does it mean to be a child of God? How do we see God’s love and protection throughout our life?

READ: Jonah 2:1-10

LISTEN:

• Jonah tried to run from God and the task that God assigned to him.
• When in the belly of the fish, Jonah had time to see that none of us can run from God.
• After preaching to the people of Nineveh, Jonah became bitt and believed that God’s love an forgiveness was only for the people of Israel.
• God had to remind Jonah, through some uncomfortable actions, that His love and compassion is for ALL people and when we accept God’s love we must also learn to learn and accept ALL.

REFLECT: Think about circumstances you have heard of whether from the news or from your life where you have seen people of God disrespected because of the color of their skin or where they are from. Think about ways that you can act to help spread the love and respect of ALL people.

READ: Micah 4:2-5

LISTEN:

• Micah was one prophet who ministered to the common people and preached to the poor and oppressed.
• Micah had strong beliefs and was a courageous man who preached about God’s hatred of sin but also of God’s love.

REFLECT: Micah preached of the coming of the Messiah- the ultimate proof of God’s love. What are ways that you already love like God and what are some ways you can love like God more?

READ: Habakkuk 3:19

LISTEN:

• Habakkuk was a prophet that sought answers to the why and how of what he deserved.
• Habakkuk asked his questions directly to God and was given answers.
• This prophet helps us realize that we also can bring our questions to God.

REFLECT: Make a list of questions that you have for God. Use this list during your prayer time and ask for answers. Listen for God’s answers.

REFLECTION: 
Think back on the men that you have studied this week. Reflect and answer the following questions:

• What have you learned from these ordinary men? 
• What have you learned about the ordinary in your life?
• How can you grow from what you have learned?

READ: Zephaniah 3:8-20

LISTEN:

• We know more about Zephaniah’s genealogy than any other prophet and discover that he was of royal descent. He was the great-great grandson of the godly king, Hezekiah.
• Zephaniah preaches sternly about the coming “Day of the Lord” more than any other prophet. He stresses that only thing keeping us from God is sin and its judgment. He also, however, preaches on the hope and forgiveness that can be found through repentance and acceptance of God’s love. 
• Zephaniah holds the only scripture depicting God singing and dancing for joy to show His delight at our restored relationship with Him.  God treasures you, just as Zephaniah’s very name would prophesy.

REFLECTION: Rejoice today in the movement of the leaves and clouds as God dancing over you, calling you to confess to Him what He already knows...and loves you anyway. What can you surrender to Him this Lord’s Day?

READ: Malachi 3:16-18

LISTEN:

• Malachi prophesied of Israel’s unfaithfulness and worthiness of punishment while also the hope and forgiveness found through God’s love. God’s people had been through 70 years of captivity in Babylon, and yet lapsed again to their own lusts and idolatry when they rebuilt the Temple upon their return. 
• Malachi is the last of the Old Testament prophets, and the only prophet whose book does not end with hope; the very last word of the book is “curse” before the silence of 400 years with no word from a prophet until John the Baptist. 
• Malachi does give us how to walk our talk of faith in giving evidence of our trust by faithful tithing (Malachi 3:10) and faithful prayer for healing of body, mind, and soul—for “The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings” (Malachi 3:20).

REFLECTION: God is able to heal and forgive. What healing do you need?  Is there a relationship with someone in your life you need to forgive in order to heal? Reflect and pray about it.

READ: Luke 12:48

LISTEN:

• Joseph was a carpenter and was the fiancé of Mary when Mary became pregnant. Much was asked of Joseph: marrying someone already pregnant (not with his child), to deal with the whispers and gossip about their situation, and to have to have full faith and trust in God’s plan that in the beginning he knew nothing about.
• The extraordinary about this ordinary man was the things that Joseph did not do.  Joseph did not get indignant that he was not told of the coming pregnancy before Mary knew.  He did not ask God why in the angel’s announcement to him, there was no phrase “Hail, Joseph, you are highly favored.”  Joseph realized in humility his own part to play in keeping God’s chosen vessel, Mary, and the Promised Son she carried safe so that scripture might be fulfilled. 
• Joseph, true to His God and his name, was one by whom God could add to the world a Savior, a Son who would save his own family and every family. Joseph was also the first person to see the Savior’s face, and that was favor enough for him.

REFLECTION: Is there a situation in your life that was like Joseph’s where you had no details of what was going on or what the ending would be, but you just had to trust in the journey and in your faith in God? Are you wondering what is next right now?  Reflect on how you, like Joseph, can humbly lean on God to get you through or ask for prayer support from those around you on the journey.

READ: John 1:40-42

LISTEN:

• Andrew was the first missionary, one of Jesus’ disciples, and enjoyed a special relationship with him.
• After Jesus’ ascension, Andrew preached throughout Jerusalem—even to the Greeks who were seeking to learn of Jesus (John 12:20-21). True to his God and his name, Andrew brought them to Jesus instead of fearing or despising those of different cultural backgrounds.
• The lessons we learn from Andrew are the importance of compassion, serving Jesus out in the open, nurturing the gifts of others, and being an example of Christ to others.

REFLECTION: One of the first things Andrew did after meeting and following Jesus was to find his brother, Simon Peter, and introduce him to Jesus. Who is someone in your life you hope you encourage and lead to Jesus? Take time to pray for them.

READ: Acts 15:14-21

LISTEN:

• During Jesus’ life, James did not believe in his Messiahship (John 7:2-5) until he was one of the first eyewitnesses to Jesus resurrection (I Corinthians15:7).  James was also present at the gifting of the Holy Spirit in the upper room (Acts 1:14).
• Was known as “James the Just.” James believed in the power of prayer and was devoted to the practice of daily prayer. He became an elder of the church in Jerusalem and was called a “pillar” of the Jerusalem Council in Galatians 2:9. 
• His address in Acts 15 highlights for us his reliance on Scripture, his desire for peace within the Church, his emphasis on New Covenant grace over Old Covenant law, and his care for Gentile believers too.  He never used his blood line as an appeal or basis of authority, referring to himself as a “servant of Jesus” (James 1:1). 

REFLECTION: James did not become a believer until after witnessing Jesus’ resurrection. Thinking of your spiritual journey, was there a specific event or circumstance that solidified your belief in Christ?  What would those you respect be able to say about your servanthood, your desire for peace among believers, and your care for those of different backgrounds?

READ: Acts 8:26-40

LISTEN:

• There are two different Philip servants of God.  One is the disciple, Philip who immediately followed him and began helping others come to Christ. Another Philip is usually referred to as Philip the Evangelist, one of the 70 who were sent out by Jesus. 
• After Jesus’ resurrection, Philip the Evangelist left Jerusalem to be a witness for Christ in Samaria.  Along the road, he encountered an Ethiopean eunuch, a member of the court of Candace, the Ethiopean queen. The Old Covenant law held that people like this eunuch were banned from the priesthood and not permitted to join the worshiping assembly in the Temple.  Philip heard him reading aloud from the scrolls of Isaiah’s prophecies (possibly Isaiah 56: 3-8 about how God would bring all nations unto His holy mountain).
• Instead of ignoring, scowling, or rejecting him, Philip climbed up in the chariot, asked if he would like help to better understand what he was reading, and led the man to faith in Christ.  Philip baptized him as a brother in Christ.

REFLECTION: Reflect on your spiritual journey. Are there those who are widely distrusted or demeaned by others you know?  How can you share Christ’s mercy and openness to grace?

REFLECTION: Think back on the men you have studied this week. Reflect and answer the following questions:

• What have you learned from these ordinary men?
• What have you learned about the ordinary in your life?
• How can you grow from what you have learned?

READ: John 21:2-6

LISTEN:

• Is only mentioned in the New Testament at the start and the end of Christ’s ministry.
• At first he doubted the Messiahship of Jesus but that doubt vanished after meeting Jesus.
• Nathanael was one of the seven Christ revealed himself to at the Lake of Galilee.

REFLECTION: Think back on your spiritual journey and recall a situation in your life where you never had any doubt in Jesus?

READ: Matt. 26:6-16

LISTEN:

• Judas’ story is one of the best known and saddest stories of the Bible. It is a story of betrayal and how a group of believers failed in loving one another and holding each other accountable.
• Judas was the recipient of Jesus’ love and patience.
• Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
• No one knows Judas’ reasoning in betraying Jesus, but it was clear that Judas was more worried about himself and more excited about the money he earned from his betrayal.

REFLECTION: Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Reflect on this scripture and your relationship with money. How does one avoid becoming a lover of money?

READ: Jude 24-25

LISTEN:

• Jude was the brother of Jesus and James and also did not believe in Jesus’ Messiahship until later in life.
• Jude wrote his letter to the church as a warning to watch for false teachings and to remain strong in their faith to help those that were led astray.
  
  

REFLECTION: Jude calls all believers to build a strong faith through prayer, staying close to god, helping those in need, and hating sin. Think of Jude’s advice and your life- how are you remaining strong in your faith and working to defends God’s truth?

REFLECTION:
Think back on the men you have studied this week.
Reflect and answer the following questions:
• What have you learned from this ordinary men?
• What have you learned about the ordinary in your life?
• How can you grow from what you have learned?