Saturday, June 30, 2012

June 30, 2012

Read:  James 1:24-25, Psalm 19:1-9, 119:1-3, Romans 6:16-18

Why does James call the law “perfect”? How does the law and God’s blessing relate to one another? 

In what way has Christendom negated the importance of obedience in the name of salvation?

Explain the balance that is needed when it comes to obeying God’s law. Why is this important?

Friday, June 29, 2012

June 29, 2012

Read:  James 1:22-25, John 15:1-9

How did both James and Jesus describe real and fake Christianity? What is the primary difference?

How does obedience prove your Christianity rather than achieve your Christianity? Be specific.

What is God teaching you about personal bible application? Take some time to pray about this lesson.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

June 28, 2012

Read:  James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:24-27

Summarize the mirror metaphor and how it relates to spiritual growth and maturity.

How can regular bible study actually create a false sense of spiritual growth? Give an example.

How has this happened to you? How will you avoid falling into this same trap?

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

June 27, 2012

Read:  James 1:21, Romans 8:18-24a

Describe the timing of Christian salvation (i.e. past, present future). Why is this important to understand?

How can a limited view of salvation negatively impact your walk with Jesus? Give an example.

What are some ways you need to be currently saved? How can you let the bible help you?

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

June 26, 2012

Read:  James 1:21, Ephesians 4:17-23, Colossians 3:5-11

What does James 1:21 imply about the Christian behavior that was taking place at that time?

How is the Christian life like putting on and off clothing? How does this relate to “real” Christianity?

How does the bible help you get spiritually dressed? What does this look like in your life? Be specific.

Monday, June 25, 2012

June 25, 2012

Read:  James 1:21, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 13:24-30

What does the “word planted in you” mean? How does this occur? What has been your experience?

Explain the parable of the weeds and how this relates to living out a real or fake Christianity.

What is one practical way you can “humbly accept” the word planted in you?

Saturday, June 23, 2012

June 23, 2012

Read:  Psalm 25:6-7, Micah 6:6-8, Habakkuk 3:2, James 2:12-13, 1 Peter 1:3-9

How does mercy triumph over judgment?

How can a parent show this without violating the “rules”?

Reflect in prayers of thanksgiving about how God does this in His relationship with you.

Friday, June 22, 2012

June 22, 2012

Read:  Matthew 22:34-40

How do these two priorities collide as a parent in your home?

How can parents teach these values in their parenting?

Take some time to pray for God to help you balance these values.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

June 21, 2012

Read:  Luke 22:41-43

How did the Father make their relationship the priority even in the midst of punishing Him for our sin?

How did this empower Jesus to deal with his ultimate trial?

How does this help you prioritize your parental value system?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

June 20, 2012

Read:  Matthew 6:33 (SPEND TIME MEMORIZING THIS VERSE)

What should be a primary priority as a child of God and as a parent?

How does this affect the way a parent parents?

How do you (or could you) live this out?

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

June 19, 2012

Read:  Hebrews 2:18, 4:15-16, 5:7-8

How can you reconcile the statement that “he was heard” with the fact that the Father did not rescue His Son?

How did the Father put His relationship with His Son as His top priority in this case?

What does this teach a parent? What does this teach you as a child of God?

Monday, June 18, 2012

June 18, 2012

Read:  Mark 14:32-36

Reflect on the emotional conflict pulling at Jesus’ soul.

Reflect on the emotional conflict the Father must have been experiencing.

In what ways do parents (you?) have to deal with the extremes of “hovering” and/or “disengagement”?

Saturday, June 9, 2012

June 9, 2012

Read:  James 1:19b-20, John 2:12-16, Psalm 4:4

Describe the difference between personal anger and righteous anger based on Jesus’ actions in the temple.

How do you think this gets confused today? In what way can righteous anger become an excuse for sin?

Why is this critical to address in your walk with the Lord? What can happen if you don’t?

Friday, June 8, 2012

June 8, 2012

Read: James 1:19b-20, Proverbs 14:29, Matthew 5:21-22

What connection does scripture make between anger, speaking, and listening?

How do you typically respond when you are angry? Why? How does it impact your ability to listen?

What practical steps can you take to prevent accommodating anger? (i.e. hot buttons, prayer)

Thursday, June 7, 2012

June 7, 2012

Read:  James 1:19b-20, Ephesians 4:26, Colossians 3:5-8, Titus 1:7

Why will anger always prevent a Christian from growing in their walk with the Lord?

In what way can we justify and accommodate an angry attitude? Give an example.

Given that anger is predominately sinful, what can you do to spiritually protect yourself?

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

June 6, 2012

Read:  James 1:19, Matthew 12:33-37

What does Jesus mean when he says our words are the fruit of our lives? What is implied?

What does this say about someone who is always talking and not a good listener?

How easy is it for you to listen to others? Why? What is God revealing to you about listening/speaking ?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

June 5, 2012

Read: James 1:19, Ecclesiastes 5:1-3, Proverbs 10:19, 11:12, 13:3, 17:27-28, 29:20

Describe the connection that is made in scripture between being a “talker” and wisdom.

What are the spiritual and relational risks associated with talking too much? Why?

How does the counsel of James 1:19 help? Describe how this has worked in your life.

Monday, June 4, 2012

June 4, 2012

Read:  James 1:19

Why does James tell all Christians to be slow to speak and quick to listen? Explain the timing piece.

How does talking impact one’s ability to listen? How does listening reflect love and care for others?

When someone is quick to speak and slow to listen, what does this reveal about their spiritual condition?

Saturday, June 2, 2012

June 2, 2012

Read:  James 1:17-18, John 3:19-20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Why will Christians and non-Christians always see the world differently?

What would this imply about approaching problems in life? How do you see this playing out today?

What has God been teaching you about how you handle struggles? Specifically what needs to change?

Friday, June 1, 2012

June 1, 2012

Read:  James 1:18, Matthew 7:9-11, 10:29-31

What do today’s readings teach about God’s love? How does this encourage you? Why?

In what way can you underestimate God’s love for you? What does it look like when you do?

How can Satan use trials to get you to forget God’s love? How can you prevent this from happening?