January 31, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:8-14, Matthew 10:38-39, 18:1-4, Mark 9:30-35, Luke 14:7-11 

What spiritual struggle did Jesus continually address in the lives of His disciples? Why? 

How would this have been a countercultural perspective? How do you see this happening today? 

What can happen when this goes unchecked? How can you protect against a “what’s in it for me” attitude?

January 30, 2017

Read: 1 Corinthians 4:8-14, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 4:8-12, 6:4-10, 11:23-27, 12:10

How does the Bible describe successful Christian living? In what way do you see this being different today?

Why is this important when it comes to a backslidden condition? How can this occur in your life?

How does this challenge your perspective about “successful” Christian living? Be specific.

January 28, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:1-7, Proverbs 16:18, 8:13 

What does scripture reveal about unchecked pride? How does it directly relate to a backslidden state? 

What will happen to Christians and churches if this isn’t addressed? How have you seen it happen? 

Pray and ask God to reveal any backslidden tendencies you may have. List ways you will protect yourself.

January 27, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:5-7, Galatians 5:14-15, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, James 3:14-18 

Why will division always be a symptom for a backslidden state? What does it highlight is taking place? 

Describe a time when you’ve experienced this truth. How did it ultimately resolve? Why? 

What does scripture say will prevent division from taking place? How can you protect yourself and others?

January 26, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:5-7, 12:4-7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 1 Peter 4:10 

How had the Corinthian Christians forgotten their spiritual roots? What was the result? 

What does this reveal about the symptoms of a backslidden state? How can you relate to this experience? 

How will a defensive posture actually prevent God from working? How do you need to adjust or change?

January 25, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:1-4, Acts 9:1-20, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12 

How does 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 relate to Acts 9:1-20? In what way was Paul staying true to God’s word? 

How does the bible have the same application for Christians today? How does this challenge you? 

Describe how you may be potentially at risk. What changes will you make this week?

January 24, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:1-4, Matthew 7:9-10, Luke 12:41-48, Acts 5:17-29 

Why did Paul highlight that he wasn’t a people pleaser? What was he implying about the Corinthians? 

In what way had this led to their backslidden state? What is the ultimate motivator of people pleasing? 

How can this take place in your life? Give an example. How do you need to protect yourself? Be specific.

January 23, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Genesis 39:1-6, Matthew 25:14-30, Romans 2:1-10 

Describe the role of a steward in the ancient world. How was it different than a servant? Be specific. 

What is implied from an accountability standpoint when Paul uses both terms to describe spiritual leaders? 

How were the Corinthians missing this truth? How does this adjust your perspective toward PCC pastors?

January 21, 2017

Read:  Acts 2:44-47, Romans 12:3-8, Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 4:1-7


In what way is spiritual growth a team effort? Why is isolation risky for any Christian?


How can this topic be countercultural today? Give an example. How can this be a struggle for you?


How would you rate your commitment to your PCC family? How can Team PCC help you change?

January 20, 2017

Read:  Acts 2:44-47, 2 Chronicles 31:2-10, Mat. 6:19-24, Luke 21:1-4, 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 9:7-8

Why is tithing and financial giving to the church important to God? What does it reflect?

What standards should Christians use for tithing/giving? How does this challenge your approach? Why?

What steps of faith does God want you to take for giving financially in 2017? Take time to pray about it.

January 19, 2017

Read:   John 1:12-13, Romans 8:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, Galatians 4:4-7, 1 John 3:1-2

What spiritually happens when someone becomes a Christian? (i.e. adoption, family)

What does this imply about Christian relationships? How does this change your perspective about church?

Why is this important for spiritual growth? What steps are God prompting you to take this year?

January 18, 2017

Read:  Matthew 28:20, John 15:1-12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:5-12 

Explain how “teaching” and “observe” relate to one another. Why is this important for spiritual growth? 

What happens with a “teaching only” approach? How can Community Groups & Daily Devotionals help? 

Specifically, what intentional steps will you take in 2017 to grow in this area? (i.e. bible, prayer, etc.)

January 17, 2017

Read:  Matthew 28:18-19, Romans 10:14-15, John 1:35-50, Acts 10:19-48 

What approach did the New Testament Christians use to promote Jesus with family and friends? 

What was the result? How does this make it easy for every Christian to participate in evangelism? 

How does this encourage you to do the same? What are some specific ways you can step into this truth?

January 16, 2017

Read:  Matthew 4:18-20, 9:36-38, 28:18-19, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Peter 3:9 

How does today’s reading highlight God’s calling for every Christian? What is at stake? 

How do you see this happening in your life? Why? What does this highlight about you and God? 

What growth steps will you take in 2017? Be specific. How can Promote Grace help?

January 14, 2017

Read:  Philippians 4:6, 10-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-8 

What does it mean to pray with “thanksgiving” during tough times? (i.e. Phil. 4:6) Why is this important? 

How will this help prevent perpetual discontentment and promote joy and happiness? 

Take a moment and write out a prayer for today using this approach. In what way did it help?

January 13, 2017

Read: Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:5-13, 31-33, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 3:20-21

How would you describe your current prayer life? What does this reveal about how you’re including God?

In what way will prayer help with stability and dependence on the Lord? Why is this important?

How is God challenging you to be more prayerful? What intentional steps will you take this year?

January 12, 2017

Read: Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 12:12, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Peter 5:7

In what way was the Philippian church struggling? How did Paul address the struggle?

Why is this important for every Christian to remember? What can happen when this truth is overlooked?

How do you typically respond to challenging times? How do you need to adjust your current approach?

January 11, 2017

Read:  Psalm 118:21-24, Matthew 21:33-46, 28:20b

What is the “cornerstone” in Psalm 118:22? How does this relate to God’s faithfulness during hard times?

Why did Jesus apply this same imagery to himself? How should this encourage every Christian?

How does this specifically encourage you? Make a list of things you can thank God for today.

January 10, 2017

Read:  Psalm 118:24, Matthew 6:25-34 

Why were the Jews worried about their future? How did Jesus encourage them? 

How is this perspective also reflected in Psalm 118:24? Why is “worry” not based in reality? 

What do you typically worry about? Be specific. How does today’s devotion help you?

January 9, 2017

Read:  Psalm 118:19-24, Genesis 1:1-5, Lamentations 3:22-23, Matthew 6:9-11 

What timeframe did the Psalmist limit his praise to? How does this reflect God’s creation perspective? 

How did Jesus highlight this same truth? Why is this important for maintaining a positive attitude? 

How does this adjust your perspective in 2017? What steps will you take today to apply this truth?

January 7, 2017

Read:  Heb. 12:1-3, 1 Thess. 2:2-4, Philippians 1:21-24, 1 John 2:3-6, Ephesians 6:10-13

What does the Ephesians passage ultimately say about our race (“wrestle”) of faith? (see v.12)

What is Paul’s motivation/purpose for “his race” in 1 Thess. 2:2-4 & Philippians 1:21-24? How about you?

What does John say (1 John 2:3-6) is the evidence of running the race of faith in Jesus? Reflect on your week!

January 6, 2017

Read:  Hebrews 10:32-39 & 12:1-3, Philippians 1:29, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Galatians 6:9

What do all these passages have in common regarding what Christians’ “race of faith” would likely look like?

From these passages, what are the encouragements for you to “do,” or “not do,” in running your race?

What are some specific areas that you are “enduring,” “growing weary,” “suffering,” and “shrinking back” in?

January 5, 2017

Read:  Hebrews 12:2-3, Acts 20:24, Matthew 25:21, Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 40:28-31

What are some things all these passages have in common, and how do they relate to Point #2?

In these passages, what role does God play in the process, and in relation to the “results,” of your “race of faith”?

Looking at your life/race so far this week, how has practicing Point #2 been helpful to living out Point #1?

January 4, 2017

Read:  Heb. 12:2-3, Philippians 4:11-13, John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Galatians 2:20

How do all these passages relate to Point #2? How does this affect your attitude towards your “race of faith”?

What are some of the common themes regarding Jesus & you, and ultimately finishing your life-long “race”?

What are some practical steps you can take today/this week to live out Point #2? Be specific. Pray for help!

January 3, 2017

Read:  Hebrews 12:1, Romans 8:18, James 1:2-4, 1 Timothy 6:6-12, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

How do all these passages relate to Point #1? What are some common themes regarding life (your race)?

From Heb. 12:1b, what are some of the “weights” and “sins which cling so closely” that are hindering your race?

(See Heb. 12:1a) Do you have a person(s) that inspires/keeps you accountable to running your Christian race?

January 2, 2017

Read:   Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 2:3-6, Philippians 3:12-14, Mark 8:34b

What are some things all these passages have in common? Which illustrations are helpful for you? Why?

List some of the positive results/attributes from these passages? How does this inspire you in your “race of faith”?

What are some practical things you can do today/this week to re-focus on, or be more effective in, your race?