Tuesday, May 31, 2011

May 31, 2011

Read:  Matthew 6:31-34

The words of Jesus are very clear and direct, “Seek first His Kingdom” (the Father’s Kingdom). How do these words impact you? 

Why does it seem ironic and crazy to worry about clothes, food, and money as a child of the King?

Monday, May 30, 2011

Saturday, May 28, 2011

May 28, 2011

Explain what is being taught about spiritual gifts and their value to the body of Christ.
What is at risk when a Christian isn’t using their gifts? What happens when they do?
What is God teaching you about your role at PCC? Take some time and pray about this.

Friday, May 27, 2011

May 27, 2011

Read:  Galatians 4:8-20, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 27:6

Describe Paul’s primary struggle with the Galatians and how they were responding.

Why is speaking the truth in love so important for spiritual growth and protection?

How easy is it for you to do this? Why? How will using your gifts help you grow in this area?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May 25, 2011

Read: Ephesians 4:14, 1 Corinthians 3:1-10, Matthew 18:2-6

How does Jesus use a child (in a positive light), to explain how we are to approach God?

How does Paul use a child (in a negative light), to explain how we are to walk with God?

How can both of these warnings apply to your walk with God?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

May 24, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:13, 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24

What has been your approach for spiritual growth and maturity? (i.e. your spiritual disciplines)

In what way does your approach compare to Paul’s approach? What is the same or different?

Why is it important to include others in your spiritual growth? How will you do this?

Monday, May 23, 2011

May 23, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 1:16-18, 4:13

Explain the four ways the church is impacted when Christians use their gifts. (i.e. verse 13)

What connection do you see between Paul’s prayer (1:17) and how it plays out (1:13)?

How does this challenge the way you have previously viewed your role and responsibility at PCC?

Saturday, May 21, 2011

May 21, 2011

Read:  Acts 2:14-41

Using the “Apostle” Peter as a case study, how would you describe his spiritual gifts?

What is your biblical rational for your conclusions? How does this relate to the other disciples?

Applying this same truth, how would you describe your spiritual gift? Why? (i.e. what is the fruit)

Friday, May 20, 2011

May 20, 2011

Read:  Acts 6:1-5, 8:26-40, 21:8

How did Philip’s ministry shift and change over time? (i.e. helping widows through evangelism)

What does this teach you about serving God and discovering your spiritual gifts?

What does this teach about “who” benefits from a spiritual gift? What is God calling you to do?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

May 19, 2011

Read:  Acts 9:1-23

How would you describe Paul before he became a Christian? (i.e. personality, talents, etc.)

In what way do you see God using Paul’s personality and talents to provide spiritual fruit?

What does this teach you about spiritual gifts and discovering how God has gifted you?

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May 18, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:11, Acts 21:8, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Matthew 28:19

What specific spiritual gift is being described in all four passages?

How can a specific spiritual gift also be a general calling for every Christian? What’s the difference?

Explain how this relates to Timothy and Philip. (i.e. gift vs. obedience)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

May 17, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 28

Compare and contrast the three lists of spiritual gifts by stating what is the same and what is different.

What does this teach you about spiritual gifting? (i.e. limits of a list, needs of the church, etc.)

Can you identify your spiritual gift on any of the lists? If not, how would you describe your gift?

Monday, May 16, 2011

May 16, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:7-12, 1 Peter 4:10-11

List the two points we covered in the sermon on 05/01/11 and explain their application.

As you review your notes, where did you end up as you thought through your role at PCC?

How would you describe the way you are currently using your spiritual gifts at PCC?

Saturday, May 14, 2011

May 14, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 2

What does Hannah’s prayer teach you about God, life, control, success, etc.?

How is God challenging you to adjust your perspectives? (i.e. as a mom, parent, adult, teen, etc.)

Knowing that Hannah’s prayer is seasoned with joy and contentment, how does this encourage you?

Thursday, May 12, 2011

May 12, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 1:21-28, Deuteronomy 5:4-7

What is the ultimate responsibility for every parent when it comes to raising children?

Describe how there is both an investing and releasing side to this responsibility.

As a parent, how have you been fulfilling your role? What can you do to be more effective?

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

May 11, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 1:10-12a, Psalm 127:3-5

What do both of these passages teach about parents and their children? (Hint: own vs. loan)

Why is this truth important to understand for every parent? How does this practically play out?

Describe some ways you can apply this truth to your own situation as a parent, mother, etc.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

May 10, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 1:18-20, Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 4:6-7

List the specific promises stated in scripture when it comes to prayer. As a mom, how do you relate?

What distinction is important to make when it comes to “answered” prayer and God’s response?

How do you want to see these promises being realized in your own life? Pray for this right now.

Monday, May 9, 2011

May 9, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 1:10, 12-15, Luke 11:1-13

Write down three words to describe the way Hannah came to the Lord in prayer.

Write down three words to summarize the way Jesus describes God when we come to him in prayer.

What does this teach you about God, prayer, and finding stability? Take time right now and pray.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

May 7, 2011

Read: Ephesians 4:8-10, Psalm 63:9, Matthew 12:40, Psalm 139:15-16

Describe the varying definitions that could apply to Paul’s statement about “lower earthly regions”.

What common theme could be deduced assuming you applied all these biblical examples?

What primary point is Paul trying to make? How is the Gospel being applied to your gifting by God?

Friday, May 6, 2011

May 6, 2011

Read: Ephesians 4:7-10, 1 Peter 4:10-11

Why is it important to remember that only Christians have spiritual gifts from God? (Hint: talent)

Considering your gift is unique to you alone, how is the church impacted when you remain idle?

In what way have you been using your spiritual gifts at PCC? Why or why not?

Thursday, May 5, 2011

May 5, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:7-10, Philippians 2:5-11

Explain how Philippians 2 can help with the interpretation of Ephesians 4:8-10.

Why does Paul present this truth when talking about your role and responsibility within the church?

How does this motivate, challenge, or encourage you? What steps will you take in response?

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

May 4, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 68:7-18

Explain what Paul was teaching when he referenced Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8.

What would have been the Jewish mindset at that time? What would they have pictured?

How did Paul reapply a historical Jewish event to Christ and what he accomplished?

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

May 3, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:4-8

Why is it important to remember that the church is an organism? (i.e. a living body)

What strikes you as significant as you read today’s devotion and God’s perspective on the church?

Where do you see yourself fitting into the body of Christ? (e.g. how, what, when, etc.)

Monday, May 2, 2011

May 2, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:1-10

By way of review, describe the gift that God has given us to protect and enjoy together.

List the primary points we covered (in our previous studies) when it comes to protecting our gift.

How has this protection process been going for you? Describe a situation where you prevented division.