Thursday, October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:18

What does Peter mean by the need to grow in both areas of “grace” and “knowledge”?

How can knowledge without grace become a weapon?  How can the opposite be shallow and unstable?

What does it look like to grow in grace and knowledge?  How does this adjust your approach to growth?

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

October 30, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:17, Matthew 26:30-35, Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 2:1

Why did Peter conclude with warning his audience to “take care that you are not carried away”?

How would he have had firsthand experience?  What does this imply about daily Christian living?

What will happen if this warning is not heeded by every Christian?  How is God challenging you?

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

October 29, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:15-16, Romans 13:11-14, 1 Cor. 3:10-15, 4:5, 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 2 Thess. 2:1-4

Why do you think Peter refers to Paul’s expanded writing about the return of Jesus?

How does Paul use the return of Jesus to encourage daily Christian living?  Be specific.

In what way can you apply this approach this week at work, home, or with your family, etc.?

Monday, October 28, 2019

October 28, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:15, Luke 15:11-32

What does “the patience of our Lord as salvation” refer to?  How can this relate to Luke 15:11ff?

Why is this an important principle to think about and ponder?  Be specific.

In what way does this impact or adjust you?  Take time right now and thank God for this truth.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

October 26, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Timothy 3:14-15, Galatians 6:9-10, Romans 8:15-17

What recurring theme is Paul consistently teaching the churches throughout Asia Minor?

How do you think this is the same counterculture to the way church is viewed today?

What do you see as being the ramifications if we were all to apply this truth at PCC?

Friday, October 25, 2019

October 25, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 2:22, 1 Corinthians 3:5-23

Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their worldly approach to church and unbiblical priorities.  Explain.

How did discrimination within the Corinthian Church impact everyone’s perspective to contribute?

In what way can The Church today fall into the same trap?  How does Ephesians 2:22 correct this thinking?

Thursday, October 24, 2019

October 24, 2019

Read:  1 Peter 2:4-10, Ephesians 2:19-22, Romans 12:4-8

Peter describes Christians as being like living stones and Christ as the cornerstone.  Explain.

How does this reflect the same truth in Ephesians 2:19-22 and Romans 12:4-8?  Be specific.

How would you say you are being fitted together at PCC?  What steps is God encouraging you to take?

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

October 23, 2019

Read:  Matthew 21:33-46, Ephesians 2:20-22

What point was Jesus making when He referred to Himself as the capstone/cornerstone?

How does this apply to Paul’s statements to the Ephesians?  What are the implications?

In what way does this foundational truth become a way to measure the spiritual health of a church?

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

October 22, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 2:19, John 3:1-8

What did Jesus mean when He said you must be “born again”? (Hint: Nicodemus was a Pharisee)

What impact should a spiritual rebirth have on the church and how Christians should relate to one another?

Why is this important?  How does this challenge the way you have previously viewed church?

Monday, October 21, 2019

October 21, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 2:19, Acts 10
What was God showing Peter beyond confronting his prejudices and discrimination?  (i.e. view of family)

Why do you think it was harder for Peter than Cornelius to cross the cultural lines?

How can you relate to Peter?  (i.e. not risking in Christian relationships) How can you be more open?

Saturday, October 19, 2019

October 19, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:14, Psalm 37:7, 46:10, Luke 5:12-16

Why is it important to be still before the Lord?  How did Jesus model this practice?

In what way would this practice help with spiritual growth?  Why will this also be a challenge?

Take time each day to be still with God for 3 minutes twice a day (before you pray/read).  Journal the time.

Friday, October 18, 2019

October 18, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:14, John 15:7-12, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, 1 John 4:7-8

What does Peter mean by “spot or blemish”?  Why is that only possible by “abiding” in Jesus?

What would be a primary indicator that this is taking place in your walk with the Lord?  Be specific.

In what way does this indicator for spiritual growth surprise you?  How can you step into this today?

Thursday, October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 1:16-19, 2:11-12, 2 Peter 1:3-11, Romans 3:11-14

How does Peter encourage spiritual growth in both his 1st & 2nd letter?  How does being “diligent” relate?

Why was this important for his audience and their current struggles?  How would it prevent a diversion?

In what way does Romans 3:11-14 also echo this truth?  What steps do you need to take to protect yourself?

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

October 16, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:10-13, Ecclesiastes 7:2, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Hebrews 9:27-28

What is the basis for The Gospel, Christianity, and trusting in Jesus?  (i.e. saved from what?)

How has culture tried to avoid this sobering topic?  Give an example.  Why can this be a diversion?

How does death and dying challenge you?  Why is it good to remember?  How do you need to adjust?

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

October 15, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:11-13, Matthew 6:9-10, Romans 8:22-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, Rev. 21:1-4

In what way did the Apostle Peter and Paul both encourage struggling Christians with a perspective?

How often do you think about eternity?  Why will this be important to do living in Orange County?

What are some steps you can take to keep an eternal perspective in place?  When will you start?

Monday, October 14, 2019

October 14, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:10, Isaiah 13:10-11, 34:4, Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 6:12-17

In what way will the return of Jesus be different than His first coming? (i.e. Christmas)

Why will it be “the day of the Lord”?  How does God’s judgment relate?  Why is this important to see?

How does this adjust the way you should approach your daily walk with Jesus?  Be specific.

Saturday, October 5, 2019

October 5, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 3:20, Jonah 1-4
In what way did Jonah indirectly experience God’s patience and mercy?  (i.e. toward the Ninevites)

What did he learn about his timing compared to God’s timing?  How is this a 2 Peter 3:9 truth?

Specifically, how has this week’s message helped you with spiritual impatience?

Friday, October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:9, Romans 8:28-32, Genesis 37:12-28, 41:37-41, 50:6-20

Why did Joseph’s brothers mistreat him?  How could Joseph have doubted God’s care for him?

How might you have felt if you were Joseph?  In what way did he experience 2 Peter 3:9?

What has been your experience with this truth?  How is God encouraging you to trust His plan?

Thursday, October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:9, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Peter 5:7

How does 2 Peter 3:9 directly address spiritual impatience? (i.e. God’s motive for seemingly slow responses)

In what way does this also address the root cause of worry or fear?  How can this be missed?  Be specific.

What typically causes you to doubt God?  Why?  How has today’s devotion provided some clarity?

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

October 2, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:8, Matthew 24:36-44, Hebrews 11:1

In what way did Jesus indirectly teach the truth of 2 Peter 3:8 in Matthew 24:36-44? (Hint: 2,000 years ago)

What does this imply about God’s timing in your own life?  Why will this always be a challenge?

How can embracing this truth help prevent impatience with God?  What can hindsight help clarify?

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

October 1, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 18:30, Romans 11:33-36, Galatians 4:4

How does scripture describe God’s wisdom and understanding?  How can this also relate to His timing?

When you look at “when” God worked in the lives of Old Test. patriarchs (Moses, Joseph, etc.) what strikes you?

In what way does this help you trust God for His timing in your life?  Where can you apply this truth today?