A: Chasing wealth doesn’t satisfy (5:8-12) (5:8-9 transitions from 5:1-7)

         B: I’ve seen something evil: you can’t always keep wealth (5:13-17)

               C: I’ve seen something good: enjoy what God gives you (5:18-20) 

         B’: I’ve seen something evil: you can’t always enjoy wealth (6:1-6)

A’: Chasing wealth doesn’t satisfy (6:7-9)

D: Summary of chapters 1–6 and transition to chapters 7–12 (6:10-12)

A few key passages (other connections below): 

Lampstands (=church): Tabernacle lampstands (Exodus 25:31ff)

Light/brilliance: "God is light and in him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

Robe + Sash (priestly clothing): Exodus 28:8 (sash); 28:31ff (robe). 

Loud voice ("many waters"): Ezekiel 43:2

Sword + mouth: Isaiah 49:2

1. Calvin points out that Christians might be tempted to avoid the things “which seem to serve our pleasure more than our necessity,” i.e., the things of this world that “serve delight” vs. “necessity" (111). What is he talking about? Why might Christians be tempted to do this? Have you ever experienced or seen this? 
2. Calvin says the main rule here is to consider God’s “purpose in creating and designing [his gifts] for us” (114). How does this apply to food? Alcohol? Clothing? Art + culture? Nature? Money? How do the things of this world (even things that are not “spiritual”) reveal God’s character to us? How are you cultivating an attentiveness to God through receiving his gifts? E.g., Calvin talks about how God has given us flowers so that they might move us by their beauty and pleasantness. (116)
3. However, Calvin also says that there’s a danger that we would give in to our fleshly desires in the name of liberty, refusing to limit and constrain ourselves as we should. Which one of these two dangers (more restrictive than God says vs. less restrictive than God says) is a greater danger for you? 
4. How does excess keep us from knowing God in the way his gifts are meant for? (117) E.g., Calvin’s rhetorical question: “How can there be acknowledgment of God if our minds are enchanted by the splendor of his gifts?” (118)
5. Calvin argues that “we should considerably curb such freedom that leads to abuse” — why is this so difficult in our day?
6. How does meditation on heaven help us with both dangers (legalism vs. license)? (119-120) How does it help us when we are enjoying abundance? (120) When we are experiencing scarcity (121)?
7. How does love for God factor into our proper use of the things of the world? Our love for neighbor? (123)
8. Calvin ends by arguing that we should submit to God’s calling(s) on our life, no matter how humble — what does he mean here? Why is this so counter-cultural today? This is as great line!: “Every work performed in obedience to one’s calling, no matter how ordinary and common, is radiant — most valuable in the eyes of our Lord” (126). 

1. What would you say you desire or pursue on earth that isn’t holy (you certainly do not have to share with the group)? Has the Covid 19 pandemic caused you to rethink earthly pursuits? In what ways, if any, are you more in tune with a pursuit of Christ because of our current situation (89-90)?

2. As Christians, we are told that we mourn differently than others who do not believe (1 Thessalonians 4:13). That is, we are not without hope. How can we take strength and maintain our spirits during times of difficulty and struggle (91-92)? 

3. There are many things in life that are attractive to us. Calvin says, in order that we do not become enchanted by these pleasures of life, we must be pulled away from them (92). In what ways has God called you away from earthly pursuits? What has your response been when you have experienced such events in your life (95)?

4. John Calvin says on p. 96, “And so none will triumph until they’ve survived the difficulties of war and have obtained victory.” How does this show us God’s love and mercy? What understanding does Calvin want us to reach (97)?

5. What does Calvin say is the goal of the believer (98)? In what ways can we achieve this goal (99-101)? Is it possible to fully achieve this goal (101-104)?

6. Calvin says of believers, “so long as they live on earth, must be like sheep destined for slaughter” (105). Explain the reasoning behind this statement. What does Calvin conclude that we should be doing (108)? Do you agree or disagree? 

1. What’s the difference between suffering for “defense of the gospel” vs for “whatever ways [we] defend righteousness” (72)?
2. “When God’s favor rests on us, none of these things [poverty, exile, scorn, imprisonment, dishonor, death] need threaten our happiness” (73). Why? 
3. What are the “things on which God places such value” that we should think more of than the pleasures of this life? (74)
4. How does the pain of suffering bring out “endurance” and “courage” in the life of the believer? “Though wounded by sorrow and grief, [the believer] finds rest in the spiritual comfort of his God” (76). Can you think of someone you know who has done this well? How did they do it?
5. Why and how does lament play such an important role in the life of the believer, even on this side of the resurrection? Calvin says that even “among Christians there are new Stoics who think it is a vice not only to groan and weep, but even to be sad or upset” (78). How does this “new Stoicism” appear in among Christians (or in the world) today? How can we better express grief and fear to God? How can we become a better friend to sad people?
6. Calvin says that, in anticipation of suffering for and from God, we must “soak our minds in the sort of sensitivity and obedience to God that can tame and subdue every natural impulse contrary to his command” (81). How do we do this “soaking”? Why is it so important to do it now, before great suffering comes?
7. Here’s how Calvin summarizes the “Christian approach to suffering”: (1) “God’s hand forms us through affliction” and (2) “Our role in affliction is to submit to God” (82). He says this is very different than the view you find out in the world (“the philosophers”), which offers “no reason for enduring suffering except that such suffering is a fact of life.” How have you seen or heard this worldly approach to suffering?
1. Calvin then makes the point that there is a Christianish version of this worldly approach: “We must submit to God, since it is vain to struggle against him” (83). What’s the difference between this pseudo-Christian approach versus the true, biblical approach?
   Hint: He says that the Christian approach is not about “this frigid song: 'Yield, for such suffering is necessary!'” (84) — it’s about God’s “fairness and justice and…concern for our salvation” (83); in other words, “in bearing [tribulations] with endurance, we’re not yielding to necessity, but we’re assenting to our own good” (85). Note that he’s already argued that for endurance to really be endurance, the Christian will necessarily grieve!! But also note that he says that this willing yielding to both God’s almighty power and his fatherly character leads us into the spiritual joy that fuels gratitude (85)! 

1. Calvin starts by saying that Christians “should prepare themselves for a life that is hard, laborious, troubled, and full of many and various kinds of evil.” Is this how Christianity (or even just spirituality in general) is typically presented in our culture? Why not? 
2. Why does God test us like this?
3. How does Christ’s example and life help us here? What does current suffering have to do with “the power of his resurrection” (page 59, citing Philippians 3:10)?
4. “Sufferings themselves not only become blessings to us, but they also serve to promote our salvation.” Have you or someone you know ever experienced this (59)? 
5. In what ways do we tend to see in our selves, or in our world, a confidence that “our virtue will remain whole and unconquered in the face of whatever difficulties may come” (60)? How do we “cast ourselves on the grace of God” when he allows suffering to remind us of our weakness (62)?
6. Calvin says that when we learn to “despair of ourselves,” and therefore rely on God, we come to rely on his grace. And when we do that, we see that “he is true to his promises” (64). What are some of those promises? How have you found them to be true in your own suffering? 
7. How does suffering produce endurance? Obedience? (64-66)
8. How is suffering a form of fatherly, loving discipline from the Lord? (70) How is suffering a sign of God’s love for his children?

We will broadcast this recording on Sunday mornings at 10:15a at our Youtube channel. We'll provide discussion questions and children's material at this Google drive folder. 

3/19:

In observance of the city's recent ban of gatherings greater than 10 people, the session has agreed to cancel our corporate worship gatherings for now, with the goal of loving our neighbors and protecting our public witness. This is an enormous loss for all of us, and we are grieving along with you.

But to help you continue to worship informally at home with your families and/or others on Sundays, Josh and I will work on an audio recording of a couple familiar songs, a prayer or two, and a more informal teaching. We will broadcast this recording on Sunday mornings at 10:15a at our Youtube channel; we'll also post the recording into our website and podcast feed. We'll provide discussion questions and children's material at this Google drive folder. 

Other Ways to Connect
You can also connect with CTK through our Facebook page, through our Slack channel (a messaging app), or through the Calvin videoconference study I'm leading (Thursdays at 11:30a; login info here; no need to keep up with the reading if you don't want to). I'm also trying to blog more.

3/15:

Dear CTK family,

Here is a link to this morning’s sermon; if you weren’t able to come this morning, I would encourage you and your families to listen and find encouragement in the joy of Jesus’s resurrection, even and especially in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.

We’ve cancelled tonight’s prayer meeting at the Finches’. Instead, the officers will meet via teleconference to pray for CTK and our city right now, and to begin preparing for meeting your and our neighbors’ physical and spiritual needs over the coming weeks as we are able. Would you please let me or us know if there’s anything we can pray for, if you would like a visit or call from an officer, or if you need anything from us? 

We will keep you updated about our plans for corporate worship. Please know that the session has thoroughly discussed and prayed over all this. We agree that we will continue to follow CDC and city guidance (even as it changes), trusting that following their medical and economic expertise is one way to obey Romans 13:1-7. Again, if you are in one of the CDC’s “vulnerable” categories (older adults, or underlying major health issues), or if you are showing any flu/cold symptoms, we are asking you to stay home. We understand that some may also stay home out of extra caution for themselves and others. Whatever reasons you have for staying home, we want to encourage and help all of you in this time - please let us know what we can do, and how we can pray, since we love you all very much!

I’ll keep updating our Coronavirus blog post as things change.

Whatever happens, let us continue to trust in our kind and merciful Father, and point each other and others to him in word and deed, since he is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way” (Psalm 46:1-2). 

In His service,

The Session

3/14: 

The elders have agreed that CTK will still gather for corporate worship on Sunday mornings at 10:15p, until CDC/city guidance and recommendations (or Veritas Academy policy) would preclude a gathering of our size. With the city of Austin's latest statement, we are encouraging vulnerable people (older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease; see CDC here) to stay home. 

Sunday evening's prayer meeting is cancelled; instead CTK elders and deacons will gather to pray for CTK and Austin, and to consider how we might care for CTK and our neighbors in this time of suffering and fear. Community groups and other small group gatherings should decide whether or not they will continue meeting, remembering that the city now recommends that vulnerable people do not attend gatherings of 10 or more people. 

Here is our plan for tomorrow morning (slightly adapted from yesterday's post/email): 

(1) space families and people by 6 ft at all times
(2) no children’s church
(3) no nursery
(4) no snacks/coffee
(5) for communion bread, an unopened package of crackers will be opened and spread on trays by someone wearing gloves. We will come to the front to receive the elements (see below), still remaining 6 ft apart at all times. We will return to seats, take both elements together after all are served. Servers will sanitize thoroughly before touching trays.
(6) hand sanitizer + tissues at back near doors, surfaces/handles/bathrooms disinfected before the service. Doors propped open (except bathrooms). A greeter will press elevator buttons for everyone. 
(7) no bulletins or pew Bibles

3/13:

In light of the heightened concern around coronavirus, I wanted to write to encourage you and also to let you know about some changes to our worship service. 

The elders have been praying and discussing how we might respond to all this, seeking to make wise plans (Proverbs 11:14), while also trusting that our good Father rules over even sickness and death (Job 1:21; Matthew 10:29-31). We are praying that none of us would fall into panic, trusting that God is our refuge even in suffering and uncertainty (Psalm 27:5). We are also praying that God would move us to a deeper satisfaction in our resurrected King Jesus (Philippians 3:8-11), and that he would use us to bring the hope of the gospel to those who are spiritually enslaved through the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). 

What does this mean for Sundays? 

We will continue gathering for worship at Veritas Academy at 10:15a until further notice. We've been in touch with the school, and will let you know right away if they have anyone exposed to the virus. They are wiping and sanitizing their facilities more than usual. Please let us know right away if any of you have been exposed. If any of you are particularly vulnerable or immuno-compromised, of course you can stay home, and listen to the sermon online (usually posted that afternoon). If anyone else is concerned, please feel free to stay home according to your conscience.

Here are some things we are requesting and changing: 

Some requests

Please be sure to wash your and your children's hands before coming to church, and perhaps also before entering the sanctuary. We'll try to have as many doors propped open as possible, and will have some hand sanitizer available at the back of the room. Also, if you have any cold/flu-like symptoms, please stay home. One of the officers can make a house call later if you'd like. Finally, please try to minimize physical contact (handshakes, etc.).

Some changes

Greeting/Passing of the peace: In lieu of handshakes, etc., please wave, smile, etc. 

Offering: We won't pass offering plates down the aisles; instead we'll have a couple of plates by the back entrance where you can drop off your offerings at the end of the service. 

Communion: As usual, our prep volunteers will be very careful about washing their hands. Instead of passing down the aisles, we'd like you to come up to the front, where an officer will be holding the wine tray (from which you will grab your own cup), and another will be holding the bread tray with one hand, while with the other hand dropping a piece of bread into your hand. (They too will be sure to wash or sanitize their hands before serving communion.) There will be a couple officers helping to call you up by rows. 

I'd encourage you all to read this brief article from CCEF on anxiety and Coronavirus; I found it helpful and reassuring. Here's my favorite part: 

"Pour out your anxieties to your Father in Heaven. Do not churn fruitlessly inside your own heart with worries about school closings, travel plans, economic downturns, or the potentially infected surfaces you’ve touched! When you are afraid, turn to him. Cast your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. In fact, let handwashing or rubbing on hand sanitizer become a moment in which you consciously entrust yourself and the future of everyone you care about into his hands."

In this Sunday's sermon passage, John 16:16-33, Jesus assures his disciples that his resurrection really does give us a deep, abiding joy, even in the midst of this world's sorrow and suffering. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (16:33).

Taking heart with you in Christ, 
Tim

https://www.ccef.org/coronavirus/?mc_cid=971279be45&mc_eid=a3983f815c

1. In Calvin's discussion of self-denial, he is now talking about loving people who are “unworthy of such good if judged by their own merit” (39). Why do we find this so difficult? How do we honor God’s image in others, even those who have wronged us (41)? 
2. What’s the difference between “the external duties of love” and “the sincere affection of love”? What is dangerous about confusing them? Why do people tend to hypocritically “wear a cheerful face and render their duties attractive by friendly words” (43)? What should we do instead? 
3. Calvin argues that we should “give help as if it were given to [ourselves]” (43). How is true Christian love different from being a doormat? From giving or telling people what they want? From shielding them from pain + consequences? (In other words, when and how can “helping” actually be hurtful and unloving?)

1. Why is it significant that Calvin first frames God-ward self-denial in terms of being “calm and patient in this life” (45)? How should we think about and pursue blessing and comfort (46-47)? Calvin acknowledges that people canbecome wealthy and prosperous apart from God’s blessing — but what’s the result (47-48)? 
2. “We should always look to the Lord, that by his care we might be led to whatever lot in life he provides for us” (48). How do we do this? Are there any areas where you or people in your life need to remember this?
3. Why does the gospel provide “greater security…than the highest peak of wealth or power” (51)? How do we remind ourselves of this?
4. What is the remedy for the anger and anxiety that come from all the “unforeseen events we are exposed to in this life” (52–53, e.g., plague, war, famine, death, poverty, etc.)? 
5. Respond to this statement: “If the believer should be afflicted by illness, he must not be so stung by the severity of his hardship that he erupts in impatience and demands from God an explanation….Indeed, the believer should accept whatever comes with a gentle and thankful heart, because he knows that it is ordained by the Lord” (53). 
6. Calvin talks about how pagans (ancient Greeks and Romans) consoled themselves by attributing hardship to fortune (i.e. to chance). In what ways do people still deal with or explain suffering in this way? How is it a poor substitute for confidence in the love of the Father, who always acts with “orderly righteousness” (54)?