May 31, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:23-29, Matthew 13:1-13, 26:17-35

How did Jesus apply the same type of strategic thinking as Paul during His ministry? What was the result?

In what way will strategic planning and discovering God’s will incorporate the “what”, “why”, and “how”?

In what area of your life are you struggling to find God’s will? How can you apply the what, why, and how?

May 30, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:23-29, Acts 14:1-7, 16:6-8, Proverbs 16:9

Why did Paul want to visit Rome? How was he strategic? In what way was he also fulfilling God’s will?

How did he use a similar approach in Acts 14 & 16? What does this imply about discovering God’s will?

How does this help you approach the topic of finding God’s will? What does this mean for you today?

May 28, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:19, Acts 13:6-12, 14:1-3, 8-15, Hebrews 2:1-4

Why does Paul highlight his ministry of signs and wonders? How would this have helped a Roman church?

What does this reveal about the purpose of miracles in the Bible? How can this topic be misunderstood?

What are often the ramifications of a misunderstanding? How does this change or adjust your perspective?

May 27, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:18-19, Numbers 22:20-35

Who did God use to correct Balaam’s sinful behavior? What was Balaam’s response? Why?

In what way was Paul facing the same potential issues as Balaam with the Roman Christians?

What does this imply about whom God may use in your life? Ask God to reveal any of your Balaam areas.

May 26, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:17-22, Matthew 13:53-58, John 6:35-42

Why did Paul highlight his apostolic calling in Romans 15? What was he trying to prevent?

How did Jesus face the same issue during His ministry? What was the result?

How can you be tempted into this same trap? Give an example. How can you prevent this from happening?

May 25, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:15-16, Matthew 7:1-5

Why are Christians to be hesitant when correcting others? What does an eagerness to confront indicate?

What precautions should be taken in order to avoid this problem? Be specific.

How do you feel when correcting others? Why? How does this confirm or convict? Pray about it now.

May 24, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:14-15, Matthew 5:29-30, John 15:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Why is spiritual correction always going to be necessary in the Christian life?

What is implied when God “prunes” about how it will feel? Why is this important to remember?

When was the last time you were spiritually corrected? How did you respond? How do you need to adjust?

May 23, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:14-15, Galatians 6:1, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14, James 5:19-20

In what way are Christians called to be spiritually correct and encourage one another? Why?

How can resisting this process hinder spiritual growth? Why will this be different from today’s PC world?

How do you typically respond to correction? Why? What are some ways you can be more receptive?

May 21, 2016

Read:  Romans 13:1-7, John 18:33-36, Mark 8:34-36, 10:35-45

How did Jesus’ perspective inform His politics? Why is this important for every Christian to remember?

How do you see Christians today missing this point? Why? What is the result?

How often do you talk about politics compared to the Gospel? What is God showing you needs to change?

May 20, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:8-9, John 3:16-18, Matthew 5:14-16, 18:15-20

Why is it important for Christians to maintain an eternal perspective? What can happen without it?

Explain the difference between biblical tolerance and being politically correct. (Hint: change vs. enable)

With whom do you need to step into biblical tolerance? Pray and ask God to give you practical steps.

May 19, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:8-12, Psalm 18:49, 67:5, 117:1, Isaiah 11:10

Why did Paul quote Old Testament references to the Roman church? How would this have helped unity?

What does this highlight about the endgame for biblical tolerance? How is this different than the world?

How do you see the church missing this truth today? How can you prevent this from happening to you?

May 18, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:7-9, Matthew 10:5-6, 8:5-13, Luke 24:44-49, Acts 1:6-8

Why did Jesus and the Gospel first go to the Jews? What was God’s ultimate plan for the Gospel?

How should this have encouraged unity in the Roman church? What does unresolved division say to God?

How do you see this happening today? Pray and confess how you have been sinning in this way.

May 17, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:7-8a, Luke 18:9-14, John 8:1-11

How did the Pharisees approach people differently than Jesus? What was the result?

Explain the difference between biblical tolerance and compromise. Give an example.

Why is this critical for Christians to understand today? How will you step into this truth this week?

May 16, 2016

Read:  Romans 15:7-8a, Matthew 4:18-22, 9:9-13

Why do you think the disciples initially decided to follow Jesus? How does Matthew 9:9-11 provide insight?

What does this imply about the first step in biblical tolerance? How is this different than the world?

How does this challenge your current approach? What adjustments does God want you to make?

May 14, 2016

Read:  Matthew 6:6, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3-4

Explain the process it takes to receive God’s provision in the Christian life. (i.e. Bible, prayer, etc.)

Explain how your process matches God’s process. What has been the result? How do you need to adjust?

Write out the specific steps you will take for the next month. Have someone hold you accountable.

May 13, 2016

Read:  Genesis 21:8-20, John 14:25-26, Ephesians 1:16-19, Galatians 5:25, Titus 3:4-6

How specifically did God provide for Hagar? How does God promise to provide for Christians?

What is required in order for this to happen? Why is this important when life becomes challenging?

How do you regularly depend on the Lord? Why? What is God teaching you about depending on Him?

May 12, 2016

Read:  Genesis 21:8-20, Matthew 28:20

In what way was Hagar mistreated by Sari? How could she have felt invisible? What was the result?

How can these same feelings occur with mothers today? Give examples.

How can Hagar’s story be an encouragement? How can this encourage all Christians today?

May 11, 2016

Read:  Genesis 16:10, 1 Samuel 16:7, Colossians 3:17

In what way did God build Hagar’s confidence? What does this reveal about Him knowing her heart?

How can this truth provide both confidence and conviction during challenging times? Give an example.

How can Col. 3:17 relate? Think of some ways you can apply this truth today and write them out.

May 10, 2016

Read:  Gen. 16:7, Matt. 28:20b, John 16:8, Eph. 1:13, 4:30, 1 Cor. 6:19, Titus 3:4-6

How did God communicate with Hagar? In what way is this different for Christians today?

Why is this distinction important? How does this elevate the perspective that God pays attention to you?

In what way are you aware of this fact? Take time to pray and acknowledge God’s presence right now.

May 9, 2016

Read:  Genesis 16:1-16, Psalm 139:16, Matthew 10:29

How did Hagar feel knowing that God was paying attention to her? What was her response?

What can happen if this truth is overlooked? How often does God’s presence occur to you? Why?

How do you feel knowing that God is paying attention to you? What reminders will you put in place?

May 7, 2016

Read:  Romans 7:15-8:2, Luke 6:46-49, 1 John 1:5-10

In the Romans passage, what is the problem and what is the solution? Confess and pray about this conflict.

From the Luke passage, make an assessment on how you are “building” your life based on your current circumstances?

What is the one main thing you have learned this week based on 1 John 1:5-10 and your study?

May 6, 2016

Read:  Hebrews 5:12-14, Mark 7:6-8, Titus 1:16, Matthew 23:25-28, Galatians 6:7-10

In the Hebrews passage, what are the differences and evidences between those who are on “milk” vs. “solid food”?

In the Mark, Titus and Matthew passages, what are the duplicities mentioned (claims vs. evidence)?

In the Galatians passage, what is the truth about God, man, and the action step for Christians? How can you live vv. 9-10?

May 5, 2016

Read:  John 15:1-17, Romans 6:12-13, Ephesians 1:7-9, Philippians 1:6

In the John passage, list some of the various instructions, warnings, and results/benefits. What stuck out to you most?

Romans 6:12-13a. How are you doing with this (or have you done in the past)? How are you stepping into verse 13b?

In the Ephesians & Philippians passages, what are the promises and how does this encourage you? Thank God now!

May 4, 2016

Read:  1 John 1:7b-10, Luke 18:10-14, Romans 5:8-9, Titus 3:4-6, Ephesians 2:8-10

1 John & Luke passages—What is the perspective you are to have? Look at Point #2. How are you doing?

What is the common theme of the Romans, Titus and Ephesians passages? How does this make you feel?

Read 1 John 1:9. Spend some time being honest with God and confessing. When you are finished, read Psalm 103.

May 3, 2016

Read:  1 John 1:5-7a, 2:3-6, 9-11, John 14:15, 21, Matthew 7:15-27, Galatians 5:22-23

What is the common theme of the 1 John and John passages? Look at Point #1 from the message. How are you doing?

In the Matthew passage, what are the observations and the warnings in the three different illustrations?

Read Galatians 5:22-23. Which of the “fruit” do you struggle the most in displaying? Ask God for His strength today!

May 2, 2016

Read:  1 John 1:5-7, John 3:19-21, 8:12-14, 12:35-36a, 12:46-48, Matthew 5:14-16

What is meant by “God is light”, and how does this relate to Jesus? Quickly list as many attributes of God as you can.

In the John passages, what are some observations regarding light and darkness? Which sticks out most to you? Why?

In Matt. 5:14-16, Jesus calls you a “light”. What are the instructions He gives and the desired result? Pray for this!