Saturday, July 30, 2011

July 30, 2011

Read:  Matthew 6:9-15

What is being taught about love and forgiveness from the Lord’s prayer?

How often do you ask God to forgive you? How often do you ask God to help you forgive others?

What is at stake if this truth is neglected or overlooked?

Friday, July 29, 2011

July 29, 2011

Read:  Matthew 18:21-35

What do you think was motivating Peter’s question for Jesus in verse 21?

Why is this parable only applicable for Christians? Why would non-Christians have a hard time?

How can you apply this parable in your life today? Explain.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

July 28, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:12

In what ways can Christians be hypocrites when they are holding grudges and unwilling to forgive?

How does the cross allow you to gain perspective and freedom when someone has injured you?

Explain the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. How does this relate to you and God?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

July 27, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:30, John 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Explain how the Spirit of God works when someone becomes a Christian. (Hint: indwells)

Why is this important to remember when it comes to sin and how we treat one another?

Describe a relationship experience you’ve had that you think grieved the Holy Spirit. Why?

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

July 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:31, Hebrews 12:14-15

List and describe the progression that sin can take when we get emotionally hurt or injured.

How do you typically deal with emotional hurt? What is God teaching you about your heart?

Take some time and confess to the Lord any bitterness that has taken root. Ask Him for perspective.

Monday, July 25, 2011

July 25, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:27, 29-31, James 4:4-12

In what way does spiritual warfare play into how we treat one another?

Why do you think God and Satan are so concerned with our relationships with one another?

Describe the different ways you have seen spiritual warfare impact your relationships in the past. What about now?

Saturday, July 23, 2011

July 23, 2011

Read: Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 15:23, 25:11, James 1:19

How have you experienced the blessing of a good word at the right time? Why?

How can timing be just as important as content? In what way can thinking out loud be reckless?

What is God teaching you about temperance and control when speaking to others?

Friday, July 22, 2011

July 22, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:29, James 3:1-12

Why does James describe our mouth as being a small body part with a lot of power? Explain.

How have you seen the damaging impact of a hurtful word? (Give 3 examples)

As you take inventory on your mouth, how can you be more intentional in building others up?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

July 21, 2011

Read: Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 12:33-37

Explain the different ways a Christian can participate in “unwholesome talk” beyond a cuss word.

What connection can you personally make between your mouth and your heart?

How does this specifically reveal itself in your life? In what way can you struggle with this?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

July 20, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:28, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Why does Paul include sharing with others when he is talking about stealing?

Why are Christians called to view their income differently than non-Christians?

How does Project 25 relate to this discussion? What are you going to do in response to God’s challenge?

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

July 19, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Why are Christians called to work hard and make an honest living? (Hint: man’s tendency)

How would you describe today’s work ethic? In what way is it different than 50 years ago? Why?

How can you set an example and be different than the world in your place of employment or responsibility?

Monday, July 18, 2011

July 18, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:28, Exodus 20:15, Jeremiah 7:1-15

Why do you think God is so adamantly against stealing? (i.e. the root of the problem)

What are some ways you see stealing being redefined today in order to make it acceptable?

How would you feel if someone stole something from you? In what area(s) is God challenging you?

Saturday, July 16, 2011

July 16, 2011

Read:  Matthew 6:19-24

What was Jesus referring to when He talked about treasures in heaven? (i.e. what is eternal?)

How do you store up treasures in heaven? How does this relate to helping others in need?

In what way can money be a blessing or a stumbling block? How can you prevent the stumbling block?

Friday, July 15, 2011

July 15, 2011

Read:  John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-21

How do you typically hear the Christian life being described today? (i.e. key priorities)

How does this line up with John’s description? What do you think needs to change?

Explain why John was referring to judgment day in verse 17. (Hint: Matt. 25:31-46)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

July 14, 2011

Read:  Matthew 14:13-21

What was the primary difference between the disciples and Jesus’ response to the hungry crowd?

Given that Jesus performed a miracle to feed people, what does this say about helping those in need?

How was Jesus not only caring for the crowd physically but also spiritually?

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

July 13, 2011

Read:  Luke 18:18-30

What was surprising to you about how Jesus responded to an eternal life question?

In what way was Jesus dealing with more than money in the young ruler’s life?

Why did Jesus want him to give his money to the poor? What does this teach you about God?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

July 12, 2011

Read:  Luke 10:25-37

What was the main point of this parable? Why do you think clarity was needed for “neighbor”?

Explain the significance of Jesus using priests and Levites to make His point.
 
How does this relate to a Christian’s life? In what way are your spiritual priorities being challenged?

Monday, July 11, 2011

July 11, 2011

Read:  Matthew 25:31-46

Why is it significant to note that both the sheep and goats were surprised on judgment day?

List the different ways Jesus describes real Christianity in motion.

In what way has this been a part of your life? Why? Specifically, how will you be part of Project 25?

Saturday, July 9, 2011

July 9, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:26-27, Matthew 5:21-26

Why is it important to quickly bring resolve in situations when you are in conflict with others?

Left unchecked what can happen? How can areas of personal offense play into this problem?

What typically offends you? How have you seen the enemy use this to cause anger and sin?

Friday, July 8, 2011

July 8, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:26-27, Romans 12:17-21, James 1:19-20

Why is getting angry like walking a spiritual tightrope between sin and emotion? (Hint: Ephesians 4:27)

What important distinction is Paul making when he warns about harboring angry feelings?

What has been your experience with managing anger? Explain how it works in your life.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

July 7, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:26, Deuteronomy 9:7-29, John 2:12-16

What lessons can we learn about anger knowing that God gets angry and yet doesn’t sin?

What typically makes you angry? How does this line up with God’s reasons for getting angry?

How can you tell the difference between good anger and sinful anger?

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

July 6, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:33-37

What social problem was Jesus addressing when he told His audience to be honest and tell the truth?

What similar problem do you see taking place today? Why are Christians at risk?

Give examples of how lying can come in various forms. How can monitoring motives keep you honest?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

July 5, 2011

Read:  Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:1-4, John 8:42-47, Ephesians 4:25

How does it make you feel knowing that Satan is the father of lies?

In what way can deception or lying be minimized in the name of a greater good? (i.e. ends justify means)

Why is this a slippery slope? Spiritually speaking, what is at risk? What is God teaching you?

Monday, July 4, 2011

July 4, 2011

Read:  Acts 5:1-11, Revelation 21:1-8, Exodus 20:16

Who did Ananias and Sapphira lie to? Why is this important? What are the spiritual implications?

Why did God make an example of them to the church?

List the various sins that are included with lying in Revelation 21. How does this raise the bar for you?

Saturday, July 2, 2011

July 2, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:17-24, 1 Corinthians 2:9-14

Why is a non-Christian at a disadvantage when it comes to living a godly life?

Why is it important to note that Paul never told the Ephesians or Corinthians to leave the area?

Explain the implications of this truth when it comes to your spiritual health and living in this world.

Friday, July 1, 2011

July 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:17-24, John 11:38-44

In what way does Lazarus’ resurrection illustrate a Christian resurrection? (i.e. physical vs. spiritual)

How does Jesus’ instruction in John 11:44 relate to Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 4:22-44?

How can this perspective help you guard against the temptations of this world? (Hint: dead & alive)