Women in the Word - God is in the Details (2024) by The Branch Church

Introductory Lesson

I have been praying for you as you plunge into the Word of God during this study. Through the course of this study, you will focus on details and themes in the Bible. My hope is that you can broaden your awareness of God’s intimate care and love for you, deepen your understanding of who He is, spark your appreciation for His amazing guidance, and become transformed in order to extend God’s love, mercy, and truth to those around you.

The format of this study will have you reading related groupings of verses and recording some of your observations. I will not repeat these instructions each time because they will be the same for each of the lessons. This will appear in the Lesson 1 homework, but for every lesson after that you can apply this same thought process.

Here are the instructions:

Don’t feel like you need to summarize the verse or rewrite the entire verse; instead just pick out something about this verse that references the given topic. There are no right or wrong answers here; trust in His Spirit to impress upon your heart what He would have you see from these verses. Pick 1 or 2 that are especially meaningful to you and place a star beside the verse(s); this will be helpful for small group discussion time.

The homework from this study will have you reading all throughout the Bible. Some of you are well-versed in the locations of the books of the Bible, and that’s great! Many of us might still need the Table of Contents. Wherever you stand in this spectrum, I’m excited for your opportunity to look closely into the truth God has imparted to each of us within the pages of the Bible. Whether you choose to use a paper Bible or a digital version, you will still be reading God’s message to you.

Lesson 1: People Groups

From the very beginning of time, God designed us to operate together. He created a framework of generations and gifted each and every one of us in unique ways so that we could experience His love in a manner we could never understand in isolation.

We will look at three aspects of people groups this week: genealogies, community, and gifts and talents.

I.

Don’t worry! I am not going to make you pour over every genealogy passage in the Bible or read any of the tricky names out loud in your groups. But I do want you to spend some time noticing patterns in the details of these often-seen-as-tedious lists of names. More than that, by seeing the importance of the structure God has orchestrated in these people groups, you can begin to deepen your understanding of His sovereignty and incredible encompassing love without boundaries or limitations for people throughout time.

Please read 1 Chronicles 1:1-4, 28, 34; 2:1-2; 3:10-14

1. Out of the large bank of names in these lists, pick two that stand out to you, whose story you can recall at least in part. Include a brief description of each of their stories.

Name 1:_______________________

Name 2:_______________________

2. Now pick two names that are completely unfamiliar to you. Why are these lesser known names just as significant in these genealogies?

3. Imagine that your name appeared in such a list. You might not feel like your history is sufficient enough to be recorded in such a chronicle, but God has placed each of us into the timeline of His history. You’re acceptable and approved as a child of God.

Write a prayer of thanksgiving for being included in the genealogy of God’s kingdom.

Take a look at these verses and record any important details you notice relating to genealogy, descendants, or inheritance. Don’t feel like you need to summarize the verse or rewrite the entire verse; instead just pick out something about this verse that references genealogy or a related idea. There are no right or wrong answers here; trust in His Spirit to impress upon your heart what He would have you see from these verses.

Pick 1 or 2 that are especially meaningful to you and place a star beside the verse(s); this will be helpful for small group discussion time.

Exodus 3:15

Deuteronomy 10:15

Isaiah 45:18-19

Romans 9:3-5

Colossians 1:12

4. The title “The Lord, the God of your fathers” appears frequently in the Bible. What significance does this title have to you personally?

5. Name some of the benefits you have because you have a share in His inheritance and that future generations will also praise our Lord.

6. Write a prayer of adoration to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob for establishing His legacy and great name within all the people’s names you read today and for including you in His great genealogy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

II.

Our need for community was divinely coordinated. We operate at our peak when we experience harmony within a group. Even when Jesus lived on the Earth, He sought an intimate group of people with whom to share His ministry.

Record what you discover about the significance, benefits, or purpose of community from the following verses.

2 Samuel 9:6-7, 11

Proverbs 27:17

1 Corinthians 12:18

Ephesians 4:2-5

1 Peter 3:8

7. Looking back through the verses above, what is emphasized about community? Try to narrow it down to two or three terms/concepts.

8. In your opinion, what are some of the major benefits and difficulties about operating within a community?

9. What is one aspect of community that you would like to set before you this week in your interactions with those around you? Write a prayer asking God to help you fulfill His will with the gifts He has set before you.

III.

Graciously, our Father chose to bestow special qualities to each and every one of us. These giftings can certainly become a weighty sense of pride if we allow it. Instead, by using the gifts and talents given by God, we can build a beautiful and intricate picture right here on Earth of the light and love He embodies.

While reading through these verses, take note of the type of gift referenced, the intended usage of the gift, or purpose of our gifts.

Exodus 35:30-35

1 Chronicles 15:22

Acts 4:29

1 Peter 4:10

10. What is the main reason in these verses for the giftings from God?

11. What gift(s) have you held tightly, and how do these Scriptures encourage you to put them to use?

12. Write a prayer of petition asking God to help you use the gifts and talents He’s given to you in an effective way this week.

Lesson 2: Building Projects

This week, we are going to investigate several different building projects and their accounts in Scripture. To keep your sanity intact (at least mostly intact!), let’s take a brief journey through these construction stories. If these narratives are very familiar to you, I urge you to stop before reading on and to ask wholeheartedly of the Lord to reveal to you something new and substantial as you read these verses.

I.

As Julie Andrews sang, “Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start.” Right off the bat, we find the account of Noah. Please read Genesis 6:9-22.

1. Who initiates this building project, and for what purpose is the ark to be built (verses 13 and 18)?

2. Noah demonstrates a seemingly simple yet oh-so-difficult aspect of the life of a Christ follower which is recorded in verse 22. What important attribute is evident here in Noah’s life, and what proof does this verse provide?

3. Recall a time when you have acted in faith to follow the leading of the Lord, even though it didn’t make sense at the time, or when you have seen someone else walk through a time of this nature. How did this encounter stretch you and contribute to your growing faith?

II.

Next comes the account of the Tower of Babel. Please read Genesis 11:1-9.

4. The title “The Lord, the God of your fathers” appears frequently in the Bible. What significance does this title have to you personally?

5. By what characteristics are the tower-builders driven?

6. The difference in motivation and intention between Noah and the people of Shinar certainly creates contrasting results. Although we might not be involved in building projects of such a large scale as in these stories, we are likely to embark on many projects, face difficult decisions, forge relationships and communities, and walk through unexpected journeys.

How can you meet your next “project” with an attitude like Noah rather than with one like the people of Shinar?.

Then we can read about the details God provides to Moses for the tabernacle and the altar. I will reference only select verses for these accounts rather than requiring you to read through the entirety of Exodus. Please read: Exodus 25:8-9, 17, 21-22; 31:1-11; 40:16.

7. As you read this account, record three details and what significance they might hold or why you think they were included here.

For example, in Exodus 25:17 God tells Moses to make an atonement cover of pure gold. The Hebrew word for atonement cover is kaporet, which means to cover up, to wipe out, to atone for offenses, or to forgive. The atonement cover is also known as the mercy seat, the golden lid that covered the Ark of the Covenant and protected the Ten Commandments. And even more, it created a space where Yahweh could appear and dwell.

Detail 1: What significance or why included?

Detail 2: What significance or why included?

Detail 3: What significance or why included?

In reading the account of the tabernacle, it is possible to get bogged down by all the schematics and such. My encouragement to you is to dig deeper, and in doing so you can find beauty and blessings you might have otherwise overlooked.

8. Reread Exodus 25:8-9, 21-22.

a) What is the very specific reason the Lord gives for this building project?

b) What impact do you think this made on the lives of the Israelites?

9. The word tabernacle means place of dwelling. The construction of the tabernacle and all it entailed provides an amazing image of collaboration for us. What thoughts come to your mind when you consider the idea that God’s people are the tabernacle today?

We will also take a contracted tour through the account of the building of the temple. There is much to consider here! Please read: 1 Chronicles 22: 5-10; 28:11-12; 1 Kings 8:27-30; 2 Chr. 2:1-9; 3:1-7; 7:11-12.

10. For what purpose does the Lord tell David that the temple will be built in 1 Chronicles 22:10?

11. In 1 Chronicles 28:12, the original word for Spirit here is ruah. This indicates that even though David began preparations for this project and Solomon mobilized the workers and supplies and managed the construction, God was ultimately credited with the design. Recall an example when you or someone you know carried out God’s design and gave proper credit to God for the idea. How did that instance testify to God’s effective presence in our lives?

Lesson 3: Creation

Creation typically causes us to think about the account in Genesis 1-2, but we can discover the idea of creation all throughout the Bible. Creation envelops a lot of related thoughts. Here are some words that might come to mind: beginning, formation, maker, birth. I’m sure you could think of many more similar terms and concepts, but these are the ones we’ll focus on this week.

I.

A responsible discussion of creation most certainly should include the beginning. A beginning indicates a commencement, a start, a source, the first cause. Please read the following verses and record the context of the word beginning, or what you find especially significant about the beginning that occurs in each verse.

Context of the word “beginning”

Psalm 102:25

Proverbs 9:10

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Isaiah 46:9-10

1:18

Revelation 22:13

1. What is most remarkable to you about God’s sovereignty within the frame of these references to the beginning?

2. Reflect on your own beginnings — a significant moment, a turning point in your life. How does your personal “beginning” shape who you are today?

II.

Another notion with a direct relationship to creation is the idea of formation. From this, we can appreciate the clearly defined and specific plan behind creation. This process is cleverly coordinated and organized and overseen with great care by our creative and powerful God. Please read the following verses and record what is significant to you regarding form(ed), made, or maker.

Significance

regarding

form(ed), made, or maker

Genesis 1:31

Job 9:9

Psalm 95:5

Ecclesiastes 11:5

Isaiah 45:18

Hebrews 11:3

3. How does the idea of something being “formed” impact your appreciation for its design and function?

4. God continues to create and sustain the universe. Where do you see evidence of God’s ongoing creative activity in the world around us?

Also important in a conversation about creation is the concept of birth: origination, bringing forth, delivery. Please read the following verses and write out one phrase about birth from the verse that resonates with you.

Phrase about born/birth/origin

Job 38:29

Isaiah 9:6

Luke 2:11

1 Peter 1:23

1 John 4:7

1 John 5:4

5. How is the potential for growth or transformation represented in these verses about birth?

6. How have you experienced the reality that creation and birth (whether literal or metaphorical birth) aren’t always effortless, but may involve overcoming challenges.

7. What about the legacy and inheritance that comes with being born of God brings you the most joy?

IV.

Then, of course, we should spend some of our time processing the occurrence of the word creation itself. Included in this investigation are the ideas of an original product, one who produces and brings into existence, building and shaping. Creation establishes God as Creator, and it causes us to dwell on His nature, His character, His power, His authority. As you read the following verses, take note of the circumstances in regards to the words creation and create or your favorite take away from the verse.

Genesis 2:3

Isaiah 42:5

Isaiah 45:12

Psalm 148:1-6

Amos 4:13

2 Corinthians 5:17

Colossians 1:15-20

8. What are some of your favorite parts of God’s creation?

9. The creation story describes God creating not just necessities, but also things of beauty and wonder (sunsets, flowers, etc.). Why do you think creativity and beauty are important aspects of creation? What does this tell us about the Creator?

Lesson 4: The Natural World

There are a lot of things to consider when you think about the natural world. Both living and nonliving things are part of the natural world. Plants, animals, soil, rocks, water, air, forces, and energy. This week, we will examine the use of land, sky, water, and creatures in the Scripture, and what those indicate to us about our Almighty God.

I.

Land and things associated with land can indicate many things in the Bible.

Here are some of the things we could consider: stability, encounter, hope, provision, care, decision. As you read the following passages, pick one land reference (or something associated with land), and then circle one (or more than one!) category in the provided list that the use of land could reference or write your own phrasings on the line below.

Land References

Deuteronomy 9:15 Land Reference:

Stability Encounter Hope Provision

Care Decision Magnitude

Other:

Joshua 4:9 Land Reference:

Stability Encounter Hope Provision

Care Decision Magnitude

Other:

Psalm 139:17-18 Land Reference:

Stability Encounter Hope Provision

Care Decision Magnitude

Other:

Jeremiah 17:8 Land Reference:

Stability Encounter Hope Provision

Care Decision Magnitude

Other:

Matthew 27:51 Land Reference:

Stability Encounter Hope Provision

Care Decision Magnitude

Other:

Romans 11:17-19 Land Reference:

Stability Encounter Hope Provision

Care Decision Magnitude

Other:

1. God often interacts with His people on mountains. Noah offers a sacrifice to God on a mountaintop. God’s angel provides a ram to spare Abraham from sacrificing Isaac on a mountain. God meets with Moses on a mountain to seal His covenant. Jesus delivers His great sermon on a mount. Jesus’ transfiguration to Peter and John occurs on a mountain. What does this use of high places portray to you about God?

2. What qualities of God does sand indicate? How does that add to your appreciation of who God is?

3. Explore how these images can be used in prayer, meditation, or creative expression to strengthen your relationship with God and others. Write a short prayer using a land term reference.

II.

Sky and its related parts also suggest quite a few ideas about our Creator. Among those could be: power, leading, untamable, glory, presence. Please read the following verses, pick one sky reference. Then circle which idea(s) best apply.

Sky References

2 Samuel 23:4 Sky Reference:

Power Leading Untamable Glory Presence

Job 37:15-16 Sky Reference:

Power Leading Untamable Glory Presence

Psalm 18:11-12 Sky Reference:

Power Leading Untamable Glory Presence

Psalm 19:1 Sky Reference:

Power Leading Untamable Glory Presence

Psalm 104:19 Sky Reference:

Power Leading Untamable Glory Presence

1 Corinthians 15:41 Sky Reference:

Power Leading Untamable Glory Presence

4. Wind can shift direction unexpectedly. How does this relate to God’s guidance and the need for us to be open to His leading in our lives?

5. The natural world, from skies to the wind, functions in an interdependent way. How does this interconnectedness remind us of our dependence on God and our responsibility to care for creation and each other?

III.

Water and its multiple forms can reveal a lot of different ideas about God as well. A short list would include: life, grace, awe, renewal. While reading the following verses, circle one water reference and consider which might closely express the use of water.

Water References

Deuteronomy 32:2 Water Reference: Life Grace Awe Renewal Satisfaction

Other:

Psalm 68:9 Water Reference: Life Grace Awe Renewal Satisfaction

Other:

Hosea 6:3-4 Water Reference:

Life Grace Awe Renewal Satisfaction

Other: John 4:13-14 Water Reference:

Life Grace Awe Renewal Satisfaction

Other:

James 5:17-18 Water Reference:

Life Grace Awe Renewal Satisfaction

Other:

6. The Hebrew word “nahar” often refers to a river or stream. How does the imagery of flowing water connect to God’s character?

7. How can these verses inspire trust and surrender to God’s will, even when we don’t understand the circumstance?

IV.

Creatures in the Bible can also have varied significance in Scripture. Among those can be: sovereignty, design, strength, sacrifice, foundation, loyalty, community. As you read these verses, write down one occurrence of creatures and identify a characteristic it could indicate from the given list, or create your own.

Creature References

Psalm 18:32-33 Creature Reference:

Sovereignty Design Strength Sacrifice Foundation Loyalty Community

Other: Isaiah 11:6-9 Creature Reference:

Sovereignty Design Strength Sacrifice Foundation Loyalty Community

Other: Isaiah 40:31 Creature Reference:

Sovereignty Design Strength Sacrifice Foundation Loyalty Community

Other:

Matthew. 3:16-17 Creature Reference:

Sovereignty Design Strength Sacrifice Foundation Loyalty Community

Other: Luke 5:6-7 Creature Reference:

Sovereignty Design Strength Sacrifice Foundation Loyalty Community

Other: John 10:27-28 Creature Reference:

Sovereignty Design Strength Sacrifice Foundation Loyalty Community

Other:

8. What lesson about living faithfully can we learn from the nature of animals?

9. What can we learn about God’s care for creation through these references to creatures?

Lesson 5: Promises

John wrote these words about the expansive and comprehensive work that Jesus accomplished during His ministry on the Earth. “If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25) When we consider the voluminous record of promises held in the Bible, if I were to include even a portion of the promises held therein, the pages of verses and homework would be overwhelming! So this will be a brief thumbnail survey of the promises we find in the Bible. In doing so, we will investigate promises in three main categories: protection, provision, and profusion (abundance, extravance).

As you read the following verses, include a phrase or concept from the verse that you find especially meaningful, and then decide which category most closely aligns with the promise described and cirlce it.

Meaningful Phrases or Concepts

Exodus 14:14 phrase/concept:

Nehemiah 9:17

Psalm 23:5

Psalm 27:1 phrase/concept: