April 29, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Galatians 2:11-14 

What specifically did Cephas do to cause Paul’s spiritual rebuke in Galatians 2:11-14? 

In what way did Cephas fall into a 1 Cor. 8 trap? What was the result? How could it have been avoided? 

What areas of your spiritual freedom currently put you at risk with others? How can you be more cautious?

April 28, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 8:10-13, 9:19-23, Romans 14:21-22, 15:1 

How can a Christian sin against another Christian without engaging in overtly sinful activity? 

What does this imply about spiritual freedom and avoiding sin? In what way can this be easily overlooked? 

How willing are you to forego a spiritual freedom for others? Why? What steps can you take to grow?

April 27, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Matthew 18:5-6, Romans 14:13-16 

What does it mean to “stumble” a brother? What will be the ultimate result? Give an example. 

How is stumbling a brother different than disagreeing with a brother? Why is this distinction important? 

How can this be misinterpreted? Give an example. What can you do better to help avoid stumbling others?

April 26, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 8:1-9, 10:18-22, Acts 15:27-29, 21:25, Revelation 2:12-14, 18-20 

In what way was Paul’s counsel in 1 Cor. 8:1-9 different or the same as 1 Cor. 10:18-22? (Hint: environment) 

Why is this an important distinction to make? What can happen if this is minimized? Give an example. 

Explain the balance required between Christian liberties and limits. How do you need to be more balanced?

April 25, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 8:1-9, 10:23-24, 13:4-10, Galatians 5:13, Philippians 1:9-11 

In what way did Paul expand the Corinthian perspective on Christian freedom? What were they missing? 

How does this relate to truth being balanced by love? What does this imply about personal freedoms? 

Why is considering others always important? What areas in your life do you need to apply this principle?

April 24, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 8:1-8, Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 115:4-8, Isaiah 44:8, Romans 14:17 

What does Paul acknowledge about idols to the Corinthians? How did this relate to eating idol food? 

How could this truth have provided them biblical freedoms? Why could this have been spiritually risky? 

What would be an example of this happening today? How does this adjust or challenge your perspective?

April 22, 2017

Read:  Luke 9:23-25, 12:16-21, 18:18-25, Philippians 3:7-10 

Explain what Jesus meant by saying you must lose your life to save it. Be specific. 

How can yielding to the temptations of the world have eternal implications? What is the solution? 

How does Luke 9:23-25 challenge your current priorities and motives? What is the solution?

April 21, 2017

Read:  Luke 9:23-25, John 12:20-26, 15:5-11, Galatians 5:24, 1 Peter 2:20-21 

What does the cross metaphor highlight that is required in order to become a follower of Jesus? 

How does this relate to “denying” yourself? What was Jesus trying to prevent by making these statements? 

What does it mean for you to personally “take up your cross” on a daily basis? Give an example.

April 20, 2017

Read:  Luke 9:23-25, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 10:9-10, James 2:18-19 

What conditions did Jesus give for becoming a Christian? How does this relate to repentance and faith? 

In what way does this refute the idea that becoming a Christian is simple “belief”? (c.f. James 2:18-19) 

How have you stepped into this truth? What has been the result? How can you help others do the same?

April 19, 2017

Read:  Luke 9:18-22, Mark 10:45, John 3:16-17, 14:6, Romans 8:31-32, 1 Timothy 2:5-6 

What does “Christ of God” mean? How did this clarify any false impressions about Jesus? 

How can people underestimate the role of Jesus today? What are the consequences for this mistake? 

How does this truth elevate the value of Good Friday and Easter? What has been your personal experience?

April 18, 2017

Read:  Luke 9:21-22, 9:44, 18:31, 19:28-40, 22:14-20, Mark 8:31-33, Isaiah 53, 2 Cor. 5:21 

In what way did Jesus predict Good Friday and Easter? What does this imply about His plan and purpose? 

Why did Jesus tell His disciples to not tell anyone in verse 21? How does Palm Sunday support his concern? 

How would you respond to someone claiming Jesus was mistakenly crucified? Why is this important?

April 17, 2017

Read:  Luke 9:7, 18-20, 2:10-11, 4:40-41, Malachi 4:5, Matthew 2:4, 16:14 

What were the different impressions people had about Jesus? How did they differ from angels and demons? 

Why did Jesus think this was an important issue to clarify? How does the cross provide that clarity? 

How do you see these same misconceptions taking place today? How can you help bring more clarity?

April 15, 2017

Read:  Matthew 27:62-66 

During the Sabbath when Jesus was in the tomb, what were the Jewish leaders doing? Why? 

What does this imply about times when God appears to be silent? How can you fall into this same trap? 

Pray and ask the Lord to increase your faith during silent times. What does this mean for you today?

April 14, 2017

Read: Matthew 27:1-61 

Describe how Jesus was treated by those around Him. What does this highlight about our sinful condition? 

What does this imply about the way you should remember Good Friday? How does it adjust you? 

Make it a point to thank God throughout the day for the cross. Worship Him for His sacrifice for you!

April 13, 2017

Read:  Matthew 26:17-75 

What strikes you special about Jesus’ final evening with His disciples? How did He provide for them? 

In what way does Jesus do the same for you today? How does this elevate the importance of communion? 

How does this challenge you? What are some ways you can improve your upper room time with Jesus?

April 12, 2017

Scripture is silent when it comes to the events that took place on Wednesday of Passion Week.

Given that Jesus might have been resting, reflecting, and praying, do the same with God today.

Reflect on Monday’s and Tuesday’s commitments, praying and asking God for further insight and wisdom.

April 11, 2017

Read:  Matthew 21:23-24:51 

On Tuesday, why did Jesus confront the Pharisees in such an aggressive way? What was being exposed? 

What did the Olivet Discourse emphasize about daily faith? How did the temple and discourse relate? 

How often do you contemplate these truths? Why is it important? What is God teaching you today?

April 10, 2017

Read:  Mark 11:12-19, Matthew 21:12-17, Luke 19:45-48 

On Monday, what was Jesus teaching by cursing a fig tree? (i.e. fig tree represents Israel) 

How did temple events support Jesus’ message of the fig tree? How can this same problem occur today? 

Ask God about how you might be falling into the same trap. What corrective steps do you need to take?

April 8, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 7:39, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 

What does it mean to marry “only in the Lord”? Why is this a critically important issue in marriage? 

What happens when this spiritual standard is compromised? (i.e. relationally, parentally, etc.) 

In what way have you personally seen or experienced this truth? How can protection take place?

April 7, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 7:36-40, 1 Timothy 5:9-14 

What counsel does Paul give widows in Corinth? What counsel does Paul give widows in 1 Timothy 5:9-14? 

In what way was it the same or different? How does context help clarify any apparent contradiction? 

What does this imply about rushing into marriage? Why is this important? How can this be avoided?

April 6, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Ephesians 5:22-6:4, 1 Peter 3:1-7 

What spiritual warning did Paul give to unmarried couples in Corinth? Why was this important? 

How does Ephesians 5:22-26 highlight Paul’s discussion? Explain the spiritual roles of a husband and wife. 

How is this different than being single? Explain how unmarried couples can grow in this area while dating.

April 5, 2017

Read: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Matthew 6:19-21, Philippians 3:20, 1 John 2:15-17 

What about the Corinthian perspective was Paul trying to adjust? How would it impact their view of marriage? 

Why is this important for every couple to consider before marriage? What can happen if it’s overlooked? 

How will an eternal perspective strengthen marriage? What adjustments does God want you to make?

April 4, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 7:27-28, Ephesians 5:25-30 

What practical counsel did Paul give to those wanting to marry in Corinth? How does Ephesians 5:25-30 relate? 

What practical responsibilities does God assign to both husbands and wives in marriage? Be specific. 

Why is this important to consider before marriage? How is this helpful to you in your current situation?

April 3, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 7:25-28, 11:20-22, Matthew 6:25-34, Genesis 2:24 

How did Paul describe the Corinthians’ struggle? How did this relate to them getting married? 

What does this imply about how couples should approach marriage? How does Genesis 2:24 relate? 

Why is “falling in love” not enough? How do you see this being overlooked today? How can parents help?

April 1, 2017

Read:  1 John 3:1-3, Psalms 139 & 103:8-14, John 14:1-3 & 16:33, 1 John 1:8-9 & 2:1-6 

How do the Psalms passages relate to God’s love for you? How do the John passages relate to peace for you? 

Based on the 1 John passages, what is the role Jesus plays in making us, and helping us live, as God’s child? 

What are some practical things you have learned and applied this week through your study of God’s word?