July 31, 2015

Read:  Romans 4:17-25, John 3:3-8, 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, Ephesians 2:4-5

Why did Paul relate Sarah’s womb to the resurrection of Jesus? How does this apply to the Gospel?

In what ways does spiritual rebirth relate to the Gospel? Why is this important to follow Jesus?

How can the Gospel get reduced to a self-help program? Why is this NOT the Gospel?

July 30, 2015

Read:  Romans 4:9-16, Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Ephesians 1:13-14, Acts 15:1-12

What was the purpose of OT circumcision? How did the Jews take it too far? Be specific.

Describe two Christian symbols practiced today? What are the benefits of these symbols?

What can happen if they are taken too far? How can an imbalance have a negative impact on the Gospel?

July 29, 2015

Read:  Romans 4:9-16, Matthew 28:19, John 3:16, Acts 1:1-8

How is Paul addressing Christian discrimination in Romans 4? Why is this important for the Gospel?

In what way can you fall into this trap when it comes to spreading the Gospel? Give an example.

How can promoting God’s grace prevent this from happening? What steps will you take this week?

July 28, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:23-27, 31-4:8, 8:3-4, Matthew 23:2-13, Galatians 2:21

How does Jesus highlight the truth of Romans 3:31-4:8 when preaching to the Pharisees?

In what way does a works based approach to salvation discount the cross? Why is this offensive to God?

How can “pleasing God” be misunderstood or become a trap? How is God challenging you?

July 27, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:31-4:8, Gen. 15:1-5, Psalm 32:1-6, Gal. 3:6-9, Eph. 2:8-9, Heb. 11:6, 8-10

How were both Abraham and David justified and made righteous before God? Be specific.

How can misunderstanding “faith” turn into legalism? Give an example. Why is this an important issue?

If God were to ask, “Why should I let you into heaven?”, what would you say? Why is this humbling?

July 25, 2015

Read:  Pick a segment of Scripture from The Gospel of John

Pray for the Spirit’s involvement and then read the passage three times.

Write down words or phrases that stand out to you.

Summarize the lesson learned in one sentence, formulate a question or a prayer as to how to use this truth today.

July 24, 2015

Read:  Pick a segment of Scripture from the Gospel of John

Pray for the Spirit’s involvement and then read the passage three times.

Write down words or phrases that stand out to you.

Summarize the lesson learned in one sentence, formulate a question or a prayer as to how to use this truth today.

July 23, 2015

Read:  Hebrews 5:11-14, 1 Timothy 2:15, 4:7-8

What is involved with “rightly dividing” the word of God?

What are the motivations for spiritual disciplines mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:7-8?

Develop a plan to train yourself in the area of biblical intake for this summer.

July 22, 2015

Read:  Psalm 119

Make a list of the descriptions of God’s word from this chapter.

Make a list of the ways we are to interact with God’s word from this chapter.

Make a list of the benefits of God’s word from this chapter.

July 21, 2015

Read:  2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 5:11-14

Rephrase the first phrase in 2 Timothy 3:16 three different ways.

Rephrase the four ways the scripture is profitable to us.

Which of these four purposes can you apply from Hebrews 5:11-14?

July 20, 2015

Read:  Hebrews 5:11-14, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

What is the problem discussed in these passages?

How does drifting from God’s word affect a Christian adversely?

How are you doing in the way of application of truth?

July 18, 2015

Read:  Romans 1:1-3:30

What three primary categories do you see being addressed in the first three chapters of Romans?

What would happen to the overall message if any of these three categories were left out? Be specific.

What specific truths have stood out to you personally when it comes to the “good” news of the Gospel?

July 17, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:9-12, 26-31, Matthew 8:8-13, 28:19, John 3:16, GalatIans 3:26-28, Ephesians 4:4-6

What is implicit in the Gospel that makes it available to everyone? Why is this important to remember?

How can you be tempted to disqualify someone from the Gospel? Why? What are you essentially doing?

In what way is the Gospel “promoting grace”? How does this help you become a better promoter?

July 16, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:26, 1 Corinthians 1:31, Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 3:3-11

Where did Paul the Apostle find his value? In what way did Jesus redefine him as a person?

How would you complete the statement, “I am important because…”? Be honest! What does this reveal?

What does your need for the cross actually say about you? How can this help redefine you? Pray about it.

July 15, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:22-24, John 3:16-18, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:19

In what way did Jesus come on a rescue mission? Why is this “good” news? Be specific.

Explain how faith plays into responding to the “good” news? How is it different than a simple belief?

How have you stepped into this truth? Be specific. What was the result?

July 14, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:25, Leviticus 17:11, Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 10:16, Hebrews 9:11-26

What did “blood” represent in the Bible? How did this play into the Old Testament sacrificial system?

In what way did Jesus fulfill and end the sacrificial system? (Hint: looking back and looking forward)

What does this imply about the eternal penalty for sin? Why is this important to remember?

July 13, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:7-25, Is. 53:4-5, Mat. 20:26-28, 2 Cor. 5:20-21, Gal. 4:4-5, Eph. 1:7

Describe how Jesus dying on a cross provides spiritual justification and redemption before God.

Why is this something that only God can provide? What does it imply about other alternatives?

How does this separate Christianity from all other religions? How is God elevating your view of the cross?

July 11, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:18, Psalm 36:1-2, 111:10, 130:3-4

What does it mean to “fear” God? Why are we called to fear God? What is at stake if we don’t fear God?

How do you see Christians fearing God today? What message is this sending to non-Christians?

How are you being challenged in your fear of God? Take time to pray/confess any disrespect toward God.

July 10, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:11, John 6:44-45, 1 Corinthians 4:5-7, Ephesians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Explain what is being presented in Romans 3:11? How does this relate to your sinful nature?

What does this imply about your ability to be saved? What is required by God for salvation to take place?

How should this keep Christians humble? How does this reminder help you have compassion on others?

July 9, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:9-20, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 5:8-9, 14:2-3, Isaiah 59:7-8

How did Paul prove that all mankind is sinful before God? How does God’s law make it clear?

Why is this important for the Gospel? What will happen if Romans 3:9-20 is avoided?

How do you see this happening today? Why? How does this actually make the Gospel irrelevant?

July 8, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:1-8, Nehemiah 9:32-38, James 2:14-24

How did the Jews historically take advantage of God’s provision? Be specific. What was the result?

In what way was Paul preventing this from happening in Romans 3:3-8? Why is this important?

How can Christians fall into this same trap? Be specific. How can you fall into this trap?

July 7, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:3-8, Psalm 51:1-4, Is 5:1-8, Amos 3:1-2, Matthew 22:1-14, 2 Tim 2:11-13

What argument was being used against God’s judgment in Romans 3:3-8? Why was this a non sequitur?

Explain how God’s judgment actually reflects his faithfulness? (hint: forewarning)

How can some people confuse God’s judgment with being mean? How does this deflect accountability?

July 6, 2015

Read:  Romans 3:1-2, 9:4, Genesis 17:1-9, Exodus 3:14-17, Micah 5:2, Luke 1:26-33, Mat 22:37-39

Specifically describe the many ways Jews have had an advantage over Gentiles? Be specific.

In what way could they have felt more privileged than others? How were they actually more accountable?

How would this have impacted their view of the Gospel? How can this happen to Christians today?

July 4, 2015

Read:  Romans 2:1-29, 5:8, 1 John 5:11-12

Given the evidence Romans 2 provides for our sinful condition, specifically how are you personally guilty?

Why is this an important process for everyone to walk through? What will happen if this is avoided?

Take some time right now to thank God for what Jesus did for you. Give Him the praise He deserves!

July 4, 2015

Read:  Romans 2:1-29, 5:8, 1 John 5:11-12

Given the evidence Romans 2 provides for our sinful condition, specifically how are you personally guilty?

Why is this an important process for everyone to walk through? What will happen if this is avoided?

Take some time right now to thank God for what Jesus did for you. Give Him the praise He deserves!

July 3, 2015

Read:  Romans 2:25-29, Genesis 17:1-3, Deut. 10:12-17, 1 Corinthians 7:18-19, Gal. 6:14-15

What important distinction is being made about circumcision? How does this relate to being religious?

What is at stake when religion trumps a relationship with God? How do you see this happening today?

How can this happen to you? Be specific. How will this ultimately devalue The Gospel? How is it avoided?

July 2, 2015

Read:  Romans 2:12-29, Galatians 5:16-26, James 2:14-26

How should a Christian’s relationship with Jesus be measured? How can this be confused with legalism?

In what way can learning more and more about the Bible cause spiritual hypocrisy? Be specific.

What has been your experience with this type of sin? How can this be avoided? Give examples.

July 1, 2015

Read:  Romans 2:1-4, Psalm 103:8-15

What specifically is Romans 2:4 addressing in regards to an imbalanced spiritual perspective?

In what way can this lead to disobedience and undermine the need for The Gospel?

How do you see this happening in evangelical Christianity? How is God challenging you to change?