Read: James 4:15, Acts 18:20-21, Rom 1:8-10, 1 Cor 4:18-19, Phil 2:19-24
Why did James tell his audience to describe their plans in terms of “if it is the Lord’s will”?
How did Paul the Apostle live out the truth of James 4:15? Give two examples.
How can you live out the truth of James 4:15 and apply it this week? Be specific.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
October 30, 2012
Read: James 4:13-16, Ps 37:3-5, Rom 8:28, Prov. 3:5-6
Describe two promises presented in today’s reading. What is required in order to receive these promises?
How is a propensity to control rooted in an unbiblical view of God? Give an example
Are you a controlling person? Why? What is God teaching you about pride and deferring to Him
Describe two promises presented in today’s reading. What is required in order to receive these promises?
How is a propensity to control rooted in an unbiblical view of God? Give an example
Are you a controlling person? Why? What is God teaching you about pride and deferring to Him
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29, 2012
Read: James 4:13-16, Luke 12:13-31
Explain the primary point of James 4:13-16. How does it relate to the parable of the rich fool?
In what way is trying to “control” people, circumstances, and situations an issue of pride?
How is it possible to plan and strategically walk through life in humility? Give an example.
Explain the primary point of James 4:13-16. How does it relate to the parable of the rich fool?
In what way is trying to “control” people, circumstances, and situations an issue of pride?
How is it possible to plan and strategically walk through life in humility? Give an example.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
October 27, 2012
Peruse Luke 9:46-10:42
Peruse and summarize the sections of teaching Luke strategically placed before & after the story of the Good Samaritan.
How does each section relate to the truth taught in the story of the Good Samaritan?
Meditate on these things. Pray and ask God to reveal one thing to focus on the rest of the day from these surrounding
passages.
Peruse and summarize the sections of teaching Luke strategically placed before & after the story of the Good Samaritan.
How does each section relate to the truth taught in the story of the Good Samaritan?
Meditate on these things. Pray and ask God to reveal one thing to focus on the rest of the day from these surrounding
passages.
Friday, October 26, 2012
October 26, 2012
Read: Luke 10:25-37
What was the question the expert in the law asked Jesus that caused Jesus to tell this story?
According to Jesus’ story, who are your neighbors and what is your responsibility towards them?
What was the character trait that the expert realized in the Samaritan (vs. 37)? Define the term in real life.
What was the question the expert in the law asked Jesus that caused Jesus to tell this story?
According to Jesus’ story, who are your neighbors and what is your responsibility towards them?
What was the character trait that the expert realized in the Samaritan (vs. 37)? Define the term in real life.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
October 25, 2012
Read: Luke 10:25-37
What is the significance of the description of the three travelers who came upon the hurting man?
Jesus used these characters to surprise and shock the expert in the law who was confronting Jesus. How and why?
How does it surprise you? What do you take away as a lesson learned in the comparison and contrast of these three
characters?
What is the significance of the description of the three travelers who came upon the hurting man?
Jesus used these characters to surprise and shock the expert in the law who was confronting Jesus. How and why?
How does it surprise you? What do you take away as a lesson learned in the comparison and contrast of these three
characters?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 24, 2012
Read: Luke 10:25-28
What did the expert in the law originally ask Jesus?
What criteria did the expert in the law use to defend Jesus’ response?
Did Jesus agree or disagree with him? How do these two thoughts meld into one truth?
What did the expert in the law originally ask Jesus?
What criteria did the expert in the law use to defend Jesus’ response?
Did Jesus agree or disagree with him? How do these two thoughts meld into one truth?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 23, 2012
Read: Proverbs 14:20-21, 31, Isaiah 61:1-3, Matthew 11:4-5, 9:35-38
Who does God have compassion for in these passages? Why?
What kind of action does it generate?
Who does God have compassion for in these passages? Why?
What kind of action does it generate?
Monday, October 22, 2012
October 22, 2012
Read: John 13:34-35, 15:9-17, 1 John 3:11-19
What is the new command? How is this new?
What does this prove? How so?
According to these passages, how are we to demonstrate this love?
What is the new command? How is this new?
What does this prove? How so?
According to these passages, how are we to demonstrate this love?
Saturday, October 20, 2012
October 20, 2012
Read: James 4:11-12, Matthew 13:24-30, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Explain the parable of the weeds. What is the central truth? How does this relate to James 4:11-12?
What is being assumed when we judge others? How does 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 confront this assumption?
How can understanding this truth promote humility and prevent pride? How will this change you?
Explain the parable of the weeds. What is the central truth? How does this relate to James 4:11-12?
What is being assumed when we judge others? How does 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 confront this assumption?
How can understanding this truth promote humility and prevent pride? How will this change you?
Friday, October 19, 2012
October 19, 2012
Read: James 4:11-12, Romans 14:1-13, 1 Corinthians 2:11-16
Describe how Romans 14:1-13 is an example of James 4:11-12. Give examples from the text.
How have you seen Christians today do the same thing? Give examples.
What is the subtle difference between spiritual protection and criticism? How can this be avoided?
Describe how Romans 14:1-13 is an example of James 4:11-12. Give examples from the text.
How have you seen Christians today do the same thing? Give examples.
What is the subtle difference between spiritual protection and criticism? How can this be avoided?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
October 18, 2012
Read: James 4:11-12, Matthew 10:28; 25:31-46
What does James 4:12 mean? Explain the connection between judging others and judging God.
In what way are you usurping God when you judge others? Does this surprise you? Why?
How are you tempted to judge others? (i.e., hurt, venting, etc.) Why is this prideful behavior?
What does James 4:12 mean? Explain the connection between judging others and judging God.
In what way are you usurping God when you judge others? Does this surprise you? Why?
How are you tempted to judge others? (i.e., hurt, venting, etc.) Why is this prideful behavior?
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
October 17, 2012
Read: Matthew 11:18-19, John 8:31-48, Romans 3:1-8, Acts 16:16-22
Explain how John, Jesus and Paul were slandered. What were the results?
Give an example of how you have been slandered. How did you feel? What was the result?
How have you seen slander, judgment, and criticism rationalized? What balance needs to take place?
Explain how John, Jesus and Paul were slandered. What were the results?
Give an example of how you have been slandered. How did you feel? What was the result?
How have you seen slander, judgment, and criticism rationalized? What balance needs to take place?
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
Read: James 4:11, Leviticus 19:16, Matthew 22:37-40; 15:1-20; 7:1
How does slander and judgment relate to God’s law? (i.e. Old & New Testament)
Why is slander and judging the opposite of humility? How do they reveal a prideful heart?
In what way can you violate God’s law with your mouth? What is God revealing to you about pride?
How does slander and judgment relate to God’s law? (i.e. Old & New Testament)
Why is slander and judging the opposite of humility? How do they reveal a prideful heart?
In what way can you violate God’s law with your mouth? What is God revealing to you about pride?
Monday, October 15, 2012
October 15, 2012
Read: James 4:11, Proverbs 22:1, Psalm 15, Romans 1:28-32, Matthew 15:19-20, 1 Peter 2:1
Based on James 4:11, how would you describe the sin of slander? Why is it harmful?
List the various sins you see included in a discussion about slander. What does this imply?
How have you viewed slanderous discussion about others? How does this apply to you personally?
Based on James 4:11, how would you describe the sin of slander? Why is it harmful?
List the various sins you see included in a discussion about slander. What does this imply?
How have you viewed slanderous discussion about others? How does this apply to you personally?
Saturday, October 13, 2012
October 13, 2012
Read: James 4:6, 10, 2 Chronicles 7:14-16, Isaiah 57:15
Based on last week’s message and today’s devotion, explain what it means to be humble before the Lord.
In what way is humility an either/or proposition? How does James 4:7-9 relate to being humble?
Why will humility always be the way back to a healthy walk with the Lord? How is God humbling you?
Based on last week’s message and today’s devotion, explain what it means to be humble before the Lord.
In what way is humility an either/or proposition? How does James 4:7-9 relate to being humble?
Why will humility always be the way back to a healthy walk with the Lord? How is God humbling you?
Friday, October 12, 2012
October 12, 2012
Read: James 4:9, Isaiah 22:5-13, 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Matthew 5:4
Why does James 4:9 use the same language as the Old Testament prophets? What is the implication?
Explain why it is better to grieve, mourn, and wail, rather than laugh and have joy. (Hint: context)
How does godly sorrow and worldly sorrow relate? Why is this important to get back on track with Jesus?
Why does James 4:9 use the same language as the Old Testament prophets? What is the implication?
Explain why it is better to grieve, mourn, and wail, rather than laugh and have joy. (Hint: context)
How does godly sorrow and worldly sorrow relate? Why is this important to get back on track with Jesus?
Thursday, October 11, 2012
October 11, 2012
Read: James 4:8, Exodus 30:17-21, Isaiah 29:13-14, Psalm 24:3-6, Heb. 4:14-16, 10:22, 1 John 1:9
How does James 4:8 paint a picture of the Old Testament priesthood? (i.e. come near, wash hands, etc.)
Why does James use this language to help Christians get back on track with the Lord?
What is the practical application of James 4:8? Take some time to apply this truth with the Lord in prayer.
How does James 4:8 paint a picture of the Old Testament priesthood? (i.e. come near, wash hands, etc.)
Why does James use this language to help Christians get back on track with the Lord?
What is the practical application of James 4:8? Take some time to apply this truth with the Lord in prayer.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
Read: James 4:7, Matthew 4:1-11
How did Jesus resist the devil? What happened as a result? How does this illustrate the truth of James 4:7?
Given we see very few people who talked directly to Satan in the bible, how might you encounter him?
How has today’s reading helped you understand how to resist the devil? What specifically will you do?
How did Jesus resist the devil? What happened as a result? How does this illustrate the truth of James 4:7?
Given we see very few people who talked directly to Satan in the bible, how might you encounter him?
How has today’s reading helped you understand how to resist the devil? What specifically will you do?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
October 9, 2012
Read: James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:6-9, Ephesians 6:10-12
What does resisting the devil mean according to James 4:7? How does this relate to submitting to God?
In what way does James 4:7 relate to James 4:4? What does this teach about daily choices?
How have you experienced this truth? What was the spiritual result? Take time to pray about this now.
What does resisting the devil mean according to James 4:7? How does this relate to submitting to God?
In what way does James 4:7 relate to James 4:4? What does this teach about daily choices?
How have you experienced this truth? What was the spiritual result? Take time to pray about this now.
Monday, October 8, 2012
October 8, 2012
Read: James 4:7, Romans 13:1-2, 1 Peter 5:5, Ephesians 5:21-24, Titus 2:9
Based on today’s reading, define “submission”. Why is submission central to the Christian life?
What are the different ways a Christian is called to submit? What happens if you don’t? Give an example.
Why is submission directly related to getting back on track with Jesus? How does this apply to you?
Based on today’s reading, define “submission”. Why is submission central to the Christian life?
What are the different ways a Christian is called to submit? What happens if you don’t? Give an example.
Why is submission directly related to getting back on track with Jesus? How does this apply to you?
Saturday, October 6, 2012
October 6, 2012
Read: James 4:6, Titus 2:11-12, Romans 8:6-9
Describe the meaning of God’s “grace”. How does it have multiple applications? (i.e. salvation, favor)
How does God’s grace work with humility? What is the alternative based on James 4:6?
What did James mean by Christians getting “more” grace? How do you need more grace?
Describe the meaning of God’s “grace”. How does it have multiple applications? (i.e. salvation, favor)
How does God’s grace work with humility? What is the alternative based on James 4:6?
What did James mean by Christians getting “more” grace? How do you need more grace?
Friday, October 5, 2012
October 5, 2012
Read: James 4:6, Matthew 4:1-11, John 18:1-11
How did Satan try to tempt Jesus away from following the Father? How did Jesus respond?
In what way is this an illustration of pride versus humility? (i.e. self-sufficient vs. God dependent)
How self-sufficient are you? Why? What can you avoid doing in order to grow in humility?
How did Satan try to tempt Jesus away from following the Father? How did Jesus respond?
In what way is this an illustration of pride versus humility? (i.e. self-sufficient vs. God dependent)
How self-sufficient are you? Why? What can you avoid doing in order to grow in humility?
Thursday, October 4, 2012
October 4, 2012
Read: James 4:5-6, Philippians 2:1-11, 1 Peter 5:5-6
Using Christ as your model, describe what it means to be humble. (e.g. use one word descriptions)
How will others play a part in you becoming more humble? How does “teachability” relate?
Why is humility the key to spiritual health? How teachable are you? What is God teaching you?
Using Christ as your model, describe what it means to be humble. (e.g. use one word descriptions)
How will others play a part in you becoming more humble? How does “teachability” relate?
Why is humility the key to spiritual health? How teachable are you? What is God teaching you?
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
October 3, 2012
Read: James 4:4, Psalm 68:21, Isaiah 42:10-13, Acts 13:6-10
How can you actually hate and become an enemy of God without ever saying anything bad about Him?
What is at stake when you become an enemy of God? Give examples from scripture.
Explain how you have an opportunity to love or hate Jesus every day. What needs to change today?
How can you actually hate and become an enemy of God without ever saying anything bad about Him?
What is at stake when you become an enemy of God? Give examples from scripture.
Explain how you have an opportunity to love or hate Jesus every day. What needs to change today?
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
October 2, 2012
Read: James 4:4, John 17:6-19, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
What is the primary struggle Christians will face living in this world? What does it mean to be worldly?
Why is spiritual adultery the result of being a friend of the world? How have you experienced this?
Why is this so important to the Lord? In what way do you need to make this more important?
What is the primary struggle Christians will face living in this world? What does it mean to be worldly?
Why is spiritual adultery the result of being a friend of the world? How have you experienced this?
Why is this so important to the Lord? In what way do you need to make this more important?
Monday, October 1, 2012
October 1, 2012
Read: James 4:4, Jeremiah 3:1-14, Ephesians 5:22-33
Describe how God pictures His relationship with Israel. How does God’s covenant with Israel relate?
In what way is a Christian in the same covenant relationship with God? Why is this important?
How does this elevate the way you have viewed your Christianity? (i.e. commitment, trust, adultery, etc.)
Describe how God pictures His relationship with Israel. How does God’s covenant with Israel relate?
In what way is a Christian in the same covenant relationship with God? Why is this important?
How does this elevate the way you have viewed your Christianity? (i.e. commitment, trust, adultery, etc.)
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