December 1, 2021

Read and Meditate on: Revelation 21:1-6

How does this passage speak to pain and hardship in your life? In the World?

How does it orient your spiritual perspective?

Respond to God in a prayer of worship and trust 

November 30, 2021

Read and Ponder: Matthew 25:31-46 (Option: Also read 7:21-23 and 22:37-40)

How does this teaching about Christ's return and judgement shape your understanding of what it means to know and follow Jesus? 

How does the idea of true allegiance challenge you in your own daily discipleship?

November 29, 2021

Read and Reflect:  Luke 21:25-36

What emotions or reactions does this passage stir up in you?

How does it convict or inspire you?

What does it emphasize about Jesus and the gospel?

Invite Jesus to help you obey his call to watch and pray. 

November 27, 2021

Read:  Philemon 10-14, Romans 12:18, Titus 3:10

In light of resolving relational conflict, what does Paul also say to the Roman church and Titus?

How will this prevent further conflict and hurt? Why is this not an excuse to avoid conflict resolution?

Given we don’t really know how Philemon responded, what is implied about always taking responsibility?

November 26, 2021

Read:  Philemon 10-14, Matthew 5:23-24

In what way was Paul being proactive rather than reactive when it came to potential relational conflict?

What did Jesus have to say about this topic? Be specific. Why is this important to recognize?

How do you typically respond to relational conflict? How does today’s truth challenge you? What will you do?

November 25, 2021

Read:  Philemon 1-14

As you review Paul’s letter to Philemon, what specifically speaks to you about the interaction?

List the 3 points we’ve discussed to date and how they apply to relational conflict?

What specific point will help you in your Thanksgiving celebration today? How will you apply it?

November 24, 2021

Read:  Philemon 10-14

In what way did Paul show respect toward Philemon? How did Paul take a risk? Be specific.

What are some other ways Paul could have handled the situation? (e.g., not send Onesimus)

What does this teach you about taking risks and conflict resolution? How do you need to start taking risks?

November 23, 2021

Read:  Philemon 8-9, Matthew 5:5, Colossians 3:12, Revelation 21:1-4

In what way does Paul make his relationship with Philemon the priority when discussing Onesimus?

How did Jesus’ discussion about being “meek” relate? What does “inherit the earth” imply?

How do you see this being countercultural today? How will you put this into practice today? Be specific.

November 22, 2021

Read:  Philemon 1-9, Proverbs 15:1, Psalm 37:8

Describe the tone and mood Paul uses to communicate with Philemon. Be specific.

What does this imply about how to approach relational conflict? Why is this important?

What tone or mood do you typically use during relational conflict? How does this adjust you?

November 13, 2021

Read:  Psalm 68:19-20

David praised God because He is our Savior and He is sovereign. How are these two characteristics of God connected? How might this impact your view of God and your daily dependence on Him?

November 12, 2021

Read:  Jonah 2

What verses or phrases were inspiring? (“I can do this!”) Confusing? (“What is this?”) Challenging? (“I need to do this!”)

November 11, 2021

Read:  Galatians 6:1-5

In this passage, we are instructed to “carry each other’s burdens” and yet it also says, “each one should carry their own load.” These instructions seem to be contradictory, is there any resolution? Does the text offer further instruction on this issue?

November 10, 2021

Read:  2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Although we don’t know what Paul’s “thorn” was, he did! For you, what might your “thorns” be? 

Paul also knew the purposes for his thorn--in this passage, he mentions at least two. What are they? How might these play out in your own life?

November 9, 2021

Read:  Psalm 88:13-14

Since God is omniscient (perfect knowledge), why would the Psalmist write this verse?

What should your response be when it seems like God isn’t listening?

November 8, 2021

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Psalm 121:1-2, 8; Hebrews 2:18; 1 Peter 5:7, James 1:5

Consider a time when your life was overwhelming, what was your first response? How did you get through that season? How will you handle this the next time it happens?

List three areas/situations in your life where you will need God’s help. Be as specific as possible!

Is it difficult for you to admit to others that you need help? Why or why not?

November 6, 2021

Read: Philemon 1-7

In what way is Paul establishing some common ground before addressing the Philemon and Onesimus conflict?

How do you see culture today approaching personal conflict very different? Give an example.

How did this week’s study help you with someone you’re struggling with? What steps will you take today?

November 5, 2021

Read: Philemon 7, 13, Philippians 4:8-9

Again, given that Philemon is a letter to resolve conflict, what does Paul’s introduction (i.e., v. 7) highlight?

How does v. 13 highlight the same truth? In what way does this provide balance in relational conflict?

Think through who you are currently struggling with and write down the “good”. How does this help?

November 4, 2021

Read: Matthew 7:1-5

What was Jesus warning against when relational conflict takes place? Why is this important?

Give an example of how you’ve seen this take place in your life. What was the result?

Describe someone you’re currently struggling with. How may you be contributing to the struggle. Pray about it! 

November 3, 2021

Read: Philemon 3, Romans 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:3, 2 Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:3, Eph. 1:2, Phil. 1:2, Col. 1:2, etc.

Describe how Paul began all thirteen of his letters. What was the perspective? Be specific.

What do you think Paul was trying to promote? Why would this have been important?

Given today’s divided world, how do you see this message being important? How does this encourage you?

November 2, 2021

Read: James 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:1-6, Romans 12:18

Why is it important for every Christian to take personal responsibility in relational conflict?

What happens when this doesn’t take place? What is the natural temptation? Give a personal example.

If unity is the mark of spiritual maturity, what is your spiritual condition? Take some time to pray about it.

November 1, 2021

Read: Philemon 1-6, Colossians 3:12-13, Ephesians 5:11

Given that Philemon is essentially a letter to resolve conflict, what does Paul’s introduction highlight?

How did Paul highlight similar truths in Philippians 4:8-9 and Ephesians 5:11? Be specific.

Why is this type of focus an important part of working through relational conflict? How does this help you?