Wednesday, July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:16-18, Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 6:12-16, Mark 5:35-43

Who was Peter including when he referred to “we” in 2 Peter 1:16?  How did it change in verse 18?

What does this imply about Peter’s unique relationship and experiences with Jesus?  Be specific.

How did this help with credibility against Peter’s critics?  How can this help today?

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:17-18, Matthew 5:17, 17:1-8, Luke 9:28-32

What happened at Christ’s transfiguration?  Be specific.  How did it highlight His deity?

In what way did Moses and Elijah point to Jesus’ purpose and plan?  (i.e. law & prophets)

How did this event help Peter defend the accuracy of his letter?  How does it help you?

Monday, July 29, 2019

July 29, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:16, 1 John 1:1-3, Isaiah 1:1, Jeremiah 1:1, Ezekiel 1:1

Why was it important for Peter to defend the truth of his letter?  How did he do it?

How did his defense fall in line with other writers of the Bible?  Why is this important to understand?

In what way does this encourage you?  How does this help you respond to skeptics?

Saturday, July 27, 2019

July 27, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:12-15, Matthew 16:13-20, 26:69-75

What did Jesus promise Peter in Matthew 16?  In what way did Peter forget this promise in Matthew 26?

What was the result?  How do you think 1 Peter 1:12-15 relates to his firsthand experience?

How do you need to take Peter’s encouragement to heart?  Take some time to pray and listen to the Lord.

Friday, July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:12-15, Deut. 5:15, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Cor. 15:1, Romans 15:15, 2 Tim. 2:8, 15

Given spiritual reminders were an Old Testament practice, how did they transfer into the New Testament?

How can an improper view of learning indirectly discount spiritual reminders?  What will be the result?

In what way have you confused “reminders” with remedial?  How can you avoid falling into this trap?

Thursday, July 25, 2019

July 25, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:12-15, Deuteronomy 5:15, 16:3

Why does Peter have an urgency to remind his Christian audience about the truths of their faith?

In what way are spiritual “reminders” an Old Testament practice?  Why are they important?

What can happen when reminders are not in place?  What spiritual reminders are in place in your life?

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

July 24, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:8-11, Revelation 3:14-22

What sin issue did Jesus highlight about the church at Laodecia?  What was implied about growth?

In what way did this reflect the same warning Peter was giving?  Be specific.

Given this was a church and Christians, how can this same thing take place at PCC?  What is the solution?

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

July 23, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:10-11, Ephesians 2:1-9, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

What does it mean when God “calls” and “elects” someone?  Why is this truth important?

In what way is a Christian responsible for “confirming” this truth?  What will happen if they don’t?

On a scale of 1-10, how confirmed are you in your faith?  How do you need to heed Peter’s warning?

Monday, July 22, 2019

July 22, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:8-9, Matthew 15:10-20, 1 John 2:11
What does Peter mean by being spiritually nearsighted and blind?  (Hint: temporal vs. eternal)

How does this happen?  In what way does this lead to a falling away from Jesus?  Give an example.

How would you access your spiritual perspective today?  What are the steps of prevention you can take?

Saturday, July 20, 2019

July 20, 2019

Read:  Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 19:16-30

The word might in Deut. 6 is “me’od,” which means “greatly, very, or much-ness.” What might that describe?

Why did Jesus ask that of the man? What did it reveal about him that he’d rather leave Jesus than his wealth?

What have you been entrusted with that you could use for God’s kingdom? How will you love with your me’od?

Friday, July 19, 2019

July 19, 2019

Read:  Luke 7:36-50, James 2:14-19

What does the woman’s actions reveal about her? What did Simon’s actions reveal about him?

What does Jesus say about her love? What would Jesus say the way you love reveals about you?

In the same way that her love forced her into action, our love for God should do the same? How does it for you?

Thursday, July 18, 2019

July 18, 2019

Read:  Deuteronomy 6:5, Ephesians 4:25, 29, 5:4, Psalm 150, James 3:1-12

The word soul is Deut. 6:5 is “Nefesh,” which means life, emotion, or breath. Does that help it make more sense?

Loving God with your soul means using your breath to love him. How do these passages help us do that?

Which passage is most challenging? How can you use your “nefesh” to love God and those around you?

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

July 17, 2019

Read:  Genesis 2:7, Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:43-45

According to the Bible, how important are the words that come out of our mouths? Do you guard yours?

How does Adam become a living being? Why is it significant that God breathed the breath of life into him?

If the mouth speaks from what’s in the heart, what do your words reveal? How do you change your heart?

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

July 16, 2019

Read:  Deuteronomy 6:5, Romans 12:1-2, John 3:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Heart in Deut. 6 is the word “Levav,” which means “heart, mind, and inner life.” Is heart or mind easier for you?

What is God’s desire for those who have accepted his gift of salvation? Why is transformation necessary?

How are you being transformed? What prevents transformation? What can you do to consistently pursue it?

Monday, July 15, 2019

July 15, 2019

Read:  Mark 12:28-34, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Leviticus 19:9-18

Why do you think the scribe quoted Deuteronomy differently than Jesus did? How did his interpretation differ?

Before this sermon, how did you understand loving God with your heart, soul, and strength? How do you now?

Why do you think Jesus linked loving God with loving people as the “greatest commandment?” Do you link them?

Saturday, July 13, 2019

July 13, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:7, Matthew 5:43-46, 16:24-25

Why will agape love always be a challenge?  What is required in order for this to take place?

In what way will “self-preservation” always prevent biblical love from taking place? (Hint: narcissism)

How can you fall into this trap? (i.e. distancing yourself) Who is God prompting you to agape love today?

Friday, July 12, 2019

July 12, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:7b, Matthew 22:37-39, John 15:12, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 1 John 4:16

Explain the difference between love and brotherly affection.  Why is this distinction important?

Why is loving others so critical for spiritual growth?  How does Jesus model this love?  Be specific.

What area of love in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 do you need to pay attention to today?  Reminder: don’t discriminate.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

July 11, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:7a, 1 Peter 1:22-23, Romans 12:10

In what way should Christians be presenting to the world a different kind of care for one another?

How do you see this taking place or not?  Be specific.  What does this imply about spiritual growth?

What would it look like if you stepped into 2 Peter 1:7a this week?  Be specific and monitor your progress.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

July 10, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:6, Romans 5:3-5

Explain how self-control and steadfastness are similar and different.  Why is this an important distinction?

In what way have you compromised this truth in your walk with the Lord?  What has been the result?

What would it look like for you to step into 2 Peter 1:6 this week?  How can accountability help?

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:6a, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:12-16, Galatians 5:19-20

What spiritually happens when “self-control” isn’t applied in daily Christian life?  (Hint: natural desires)

Why will this always impact spiritual growth?  In what way can this be a subtle drift?  Give an example.

How would you describe your walk with Jesus?  (e.g. boring, exciting, etc.)  How does self-control relate?

Monday, July 8, 2019

July 8, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:6, James 1:2-8

What circumstances does scripture say must take place for you to grow in your faith with Jesus?

What does God require of you when this faith opportunity arises?  Be specific. 

How can you often miss the opportunity?  Give an example.  How does your perspective need to adjust?

Saturday, July 6, 2019

July 6, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:5, Matthew 14:22-33

Use one word to describe the circumstances facing Peter when he stepped out of the boat in faith.

What truth was he trusting in? What happened when he stopped trusting in that truth?

How does this highlight the interaction between faith and knowledge? How does this encourage you? 

Friday, July 5, 2019

July 5, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:5b, John 15:1-11

In what way must faith and knowledge work together? What happens if you separate the two?

How should this practically impact the way you walk through trials and challenging times? Be specific.

How did Jesus highlight this truth when it comes to abiding and growth? How do you need to adjust?

Thursday, July 4, 2019

July 4, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:5b, Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12

What does it mean for a Christian to supplement their faith with knowledge? Why is this important?

How has God provided the opportunity for knowledge? Why is it critical for a healthy spiritual life?

How have you taken advantage of this truth? What has been the result? How will you continue to grow?

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

July 3, 2019

Read: 2 Peter 1:5a, Hebrews 11:1-5

Describe the circumstances surrounding Peter’s audience and the patriarchs of faith in Hebrews 11.

What does this imply about where faith growth will always take place? How has this been true for you?

Describe a current challenge you are facing. In what way could this also be an opportunity for faith?

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

July 2, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:5a, Romans 3:21-26, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:6

What does God require for someone to be saved? (i.e. become a Christian)

In what way is this essentially the beginning of a spiritual growth curve that must continue?

What can hinder this from taking place? Give an example. How will you prevent this from taking place?

Monday, July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:1-5a, Philippians 2:12-13

In your own words, explain what God does when someone becomes a Christian. Be specific.

What does God require after someone becomes a Christian? (i.e. supplementing faith)

How can this be misunderstood? Why is this important to recognize? How does this adjust you?