Friday, June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:28-11:1, 8:8

What was Paul’s biblical position on simply eating idol meat? Why did he adjust it around non-believers?

How was he taking protective steps? How do you see this same principle applying to evangelism today?

How does this challenge your current approach? What protective steps do you need to take?

Thursday, June 29, 2017

June 29, 2017

Read:  1 Cor. 10:28-33, Matthew 22:33-39, Romans 15:1-3, Galatians 5:13, Phil. 2:3-11

What is always going to be required in order to please God? How does this also apply to evangelism?

How can Christians violate this truth by exercising their freedom in Christ? Give an example.

How is this prevented? Be specific. How is God challenging you to be more focused on others?

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

June 28, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:23-27, Luke 5:27-32 

In what way did Paul highlight the importance of not pre-qualifying non-Christians? Be specific. 

How did Jesus model this truth? How did the Pharisees violate this truth? What was the result? 

How can you pre-qualify non-Christians? Why will it impact communication? How do you need to change?

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

June 27, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:23-27, 6:12, Luke 10:1-8

Why did Paul warn against asking questions when dining with non-Christians? How was it risky?

In what way did Jesus give the same instructions? Why? What does this imply about effective evangelism?

How do you see Christians violating this principle today? How can you do a better job of being “normal”?

Monday, June 26, 2017

June 26, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:23-27, 8:1-8, Psalm 24:1, Mark 7:14-23 

In what way was Paul repeating his previous message in 1 Corinthians 8:1-6? Why? 

How can Christians misunderstand the freedom issue today? Give an example. What is the solution? 

In what area of your life can this happen to you? How can you avoid this in the future?

Saturday, June 24, 2017

June 24, 2017

Read:  1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 Samuel 2:12-25

What does 1 Thess. 2:12 mean for a father to “charge” his children? What is implied about consequences?

In what way did Eli violate 1 Thess. 2:12? What was the result? How could Eli have adjusted?

How does this provide a warning to fathers today? How does this challenge your approach to parenting?

Friday, June 23, 2017

June 23, 2017

Read:  1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Ephesians 6:4

Why is it important for parents to point their children to God? What can happen if this doesn’t take place?

How does this take place during a parent-child conversation? Give an example.

How does this challenge you as a parent? What steps will you take to grow in this area? Be specific.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

June 22, 2017

Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 4:18, 5:11, Ephesians 4:29 

What does 1 Thess. 2:11-12 reveal about a godly conversation between a father and his child? Be specific. 

Explain the necessary balance required between exhorting and encouraging. Why? 

How can fathers fall into the trap? In what way can you get out of balance? How do you need to improve?

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

June 21, 2017

Read:  James 1:26, Colossians 4:6, 1 Peter 3:10, Proverbs 16:21-24 

What is the biblical response to “talk is cheap” or “words don’t matter”? Why? 

How can your words impact others in a positive way? Give an example. 

Considering you write a book every week with the words you speak, what will the title be this week?

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

June 20, 2017

Read:  James 1:26, Matthew 12:33-37, Proverbs 13:3 

Why are your words such an important issue to God? (i.e. what do they reveal?) Give an example. 

How does your speech relate to your Christianity? How can it make your walk with Jesus worthless? 

In what way can this relate to a parent-child relationship? How do you need to better monitor your words?

Monday, June 19, 2017

June 19, 2017

Read:  James 1:19-20, 26, 3:1-12 

What does today’s devotion teach about the power of words? Why are they risky? Give an example. 

Describe how protection can take place. Be specific. Why is this important for fathers to remember? 

What has been your experience with this truth? How can you apply this in your family conversation?

Saturday, June 17, 2017

June 17, 2017

Read 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Ephesians 6:10-18, James 4:7-10 

Explain how Christians are in a daily spiritual warfare. What does this imply about how to fight? 

What are the weapons God provides to win the battle? How does this relate to resisting temptation? 

How did Jesus model this in Matthew 4:1-4? What spiritual weapons will you take up and use this week?

Friday, June 16, 2017

June 16, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:14-22, John 8:44, Ephesians 6:10-12, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 3:8-10 

What is spiritually taking place when a Christian is tempted to sin? Why is this important to remember? 

How can this be easily overlooked? Give an example. How have you overlooked this truth? 

How does this change the way you currently handle temptation? What does God want you to adjust?

Thursday, June 15, 2017

June 15, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:14-22, 8:1-6, Exodus 20:4-6, Luke 22:14-20 

What primary truth was Paul highlighting in 1 Cor. 10:14? How did this expand the truth of 1 Cor. 8:1? 

Why was this not a contradiction? What does this imply about a Christian in sinful situations? 

In what way can this be underestimated? Give an example. What is God showing you about compromise?

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

June 14, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 5:27-30 

What did Jesus teach about preventing sexual sin? How did this highlight the truth of 1 Cor. 10:13? 

Why is this an effective approach in dealing with any sinful temptation? What does it require? 

In what area of your life do you need to apply this approach? What specifically will you do today?

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

June 13, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 6:13, 4:1-11, 2 Peter 2:7-10 

What does 1 Cor. 10:13 reveal about God’s involvement during our sinful temptations? Why is this important? 

How did Jesus demonstrate this truth in Matthew 4:1-11? How is this a model for you? Be specific. 

List two ways you are tempted to sin. How has God provided a way out? What steps do you need to take?

Monday, June 12, 2017

June 12, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 6:13, Mark 7:21-23, Galatians 6:1, James 1:13-15 

What specific temptation excuse was Paul confronting in the Corinthian church? How does it promote sin? 

How do you see this same thing happening today? Why is this a trap? What is the solution? 

How will taking personal responsibility actually provide hope? How do you need to apply this in your life?

Saturday, June 10, 2017

June 10, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:7-12, Psalm 103:8-13, 145:8-9, 2 Peter 3:9 

Knowing that God is patient and loving, what does this highlight about His discipline? 

How can Christians today take advantage of God’s love? Give an example. What is at risk? 

How can you do the same? Give an example. How do you need to repent before God? Do it right now?

Friday, June 9, 2017

June 9, 2017

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:7-12, 11:27-30, Ephesians 2:8-10, Hebrews 12:5-11 

Even though Christians are saved by grace, how will God deal with us in the same way as the Israelites? 

What are some examples of how this could take place? Why isn’t this a salvation issue? 

How can taking personal inventory help with prevention? In what way do you need to step into this truth?

Thursday, June 8, 2017

June 8, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:7-12, Exodus 20:14, 32:1-6, Numbers 14:36-38, 21:4-6, 25:1-9 

How did God respond to the Israelites’ disobedience and sinful behavior? What was the result? 

Why was God forced to discipline the Israelites? What does this imply about unrepentant sinful behavior? 

How does this make you feel in light of your walk with Jesus? How does this help deter sinful behavior?

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

June 7, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:1-6, Matthew 5:3-8, Luke 16:19-31 

What requirements did Jesus describe about a proper Christian attitude? (c.f. Matthew 5) Why is this important? 

Why will a temporal view of Christianity always fall short? (c.f. Luke 16) How does this happen today? 

What is the connection between temporal Christianity and being spiritually spoiled? How is this avoided?

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

June 6, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 10:1-6, Exodus 16:1-3, 32:1-10, 2 Peter 1:3-9 

In what way did the Israelites demonstrate a spiritually spoiled attitude? Give two examples. 

How did they fall into this trap? How can this also happen in the Christian life? Give two examples. 

How does this challenge your current spiritual attitude? How can you avoid the Israelite trap?

Monday, June 5, 2017

June 5, 2017

Read:  1 Cor. 10:1-4, Exodus 14:19-31, 16:13-15, 17:5-7, John 3:16, Rom. 6:3-4, Eph. 2:19-22 

Describe the different ways God provided for the Israelites. What had they done to deserve it? 

Describe the different ways God has provided for Christians today. What have we done to deserve it? 

What does this imply about a thankful attitude? How does this encourage you to be more thankful?

Saturday, June 3, 2017

June 3, 2017

Read:  Jeremiah 29:4-14, Matthew 7:7-8, Proverbs 3:5-6 

After studying Jeremiah 29:4-14, how would you explain honoring God while “living in exile?” 

According to Matthew 7:11-14, what are three steps we can take and continue taking in our walk with the Lord? 

In what ways are you currently acknowledging God rather than trusting in your own strength? How would you like to grow in this area?

Friday, June 2, 2017

June 2, 2017

Read:  Jeremiah 29:10-14, Hebrews 10:23, Psalm 138:8, Philippians 1:6 

This passage from Jeremiah 29, and verse 11 in particular, are often quoted. How has studying this passage and its historical context deepened your understanding of these wonderful promises of God? 

Read Psalm 138:8 & Philippians 1:6 inserting your name in place of “you”. How is your “hope quotient” right now? Are you currently confident in God’s promises or are you struggling? Talk to Him about it. 

How would you explain hope in Christ and hope for the future to someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus?

Thursday, June 1, 2017

June 1, 2017

Read:  Jeremiah 29:8-9, 2 Timothy 4:3-5 

What does Jeremiah warn God’s people to avoid in these verses from Jeremiah 29? 

How do the verses from 2 Timothy fit with God’s instructions? 

In what ways are people today listening to “false teachers” and “turning away from truth”? Are there people or things you’ve been listening to/learning from that are leading you away from truth? If so, what can you do differently?