September 30, 2017

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 

Based on our study in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, how has your ability to love biblically grown? Give an example. 

What specific areas of love have you found to be the most challenging? What adjustments will you make? 

What has God been teaching you about truly loving others over these past two weeks?

September 29, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:1-17 

Explain how today’s reading conflicts with a contemporary view of the gift of tongues. Give an example. 

Why is it a misapplication to say tongues are necessary to prove one’s salvation or presence of the Holy Spirit? 

From a biblical standpoint how is this “proof’ to take place? Be specific.

September 28, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:21-22, Isaiah 28:11-12, Acts 2:11-12, Matthew 28:19, Gal. 3:27-29 

In what way was the gift of tongues a “sign” for unbelievers? How did Paul relate this to Isaiah 28:11-12? 

Explain how this played out in the book of Acts. Give examples. What was the result? 

How do you see this getting lost in today’s practice of tongues? What is God teaching you? Be specific.

September 27, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:20-25, Acts 2:7-21, 10:44-46, 19:4-7 

How was the gift of tongues used for evangelism in the book of Acts? How did it validate the Gospel? 

In what way was Paul highlighting this same truth to the Corinthians? How did they need to change? 

How has Christianity today lost this perspective regarding tongues? Ask God how you need to adjust.

September 26, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:14-15, Matthew 6:5-15 

How were the Corinthians being unfruitful in their practice of the gift of tongues? (i.e., prayer) 

How did Jesus indirectly address this topic with His disciples? Specifically what should be avoided? 

What does this imply about tongues being used as a prayer language? How do you see this play out today?

September 25, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:14-19, Acts 2:2-12, 10:44-46, 19:4-6 

What was Paul’s primary concern when it came to the Corinthians’ practice of tongues? Be specific. 

How do the only three examples of tongues presented in scripture support this perspective? 

How does this challenge your current view on tongues? In what way do you need to adjust?

September 23, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (last week in review) 

Based on last week’s topic, describe what it means to love others without using the word “love”. 

What specific areas of love have you found to be the most challenging? Give an example. 

How would you describe your growth in this area over the past week? What is God teaching you?

September 22, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:1-13, Acts 2:1-47, 10:44-48, 19:1-7 

Some maintain the gift of tongues is proof a believer is spirit-filled. How does Acts 2 refute this claim? 

Given that tongues is only mentioned in 1 Corinthians and the Book of Acts, what can be inferred? 

Why would tongues have been more of a transitional gift? (i.e. like miracles) How does this adjust you?

September 21, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:5b-13, 12:4-11 

List the gifts mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. Describe how each one should benefit others. Be specific. 

What does this imply about approaching the gift of tongues as a private prayer language? 

How have you seen this happen and misused? Give an example. Why is this a Corinthian mindset?

September 20, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:5b-13, 12:12-31, Ephesians 4:4-13, Romans 14:19 

Based on our study in 1 Corinthians 12, what is the purpose of a spiritual gift? Be specific. 

How were the Corinthians approaching the gift of tongues in a different way? (Hint: self-gratification) 

Why is it important to always keep the purpose of spiritual gifts in mind? How does this challenge you?

September 19, 2017

Read:  1 Cor. 14:1-5a, 2 Cor. 5:17-19, Galatians 5:22-24, Eph. 1:11-14, Titus 3:4-7 

How does scripture describe the work of the Spirit in a believer’s life? (i.e. proof of being saved) 

Why is this important when it comes to spiritual gifts? What can happen if this truth isn’t understood? 

How did this happen in Corinth? How have you seen this happen today? How can this be prevented?

September 18, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 14:1-5a, 12:1-13, Romans 12:3-8 

In what way were the Corinthians viewing the gift of tongues through a non-Christian perspective? 

What was the result? How did Paul correct them? Explain how Romans 12:3-8 applies. 

What is your current perspective regarding the gift of tongues? How should it be compared to other gifts?

September 16, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:1-4, 8-13

Why does Paul make godly love the #1 spiritual priority? In what way does eternity play into the picture?

How can churches and Christians lose sight of this perspective? Give an example.

How does this adjust your current spiritual priorities? What practical steps do you need to take?

September 15, 2017

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, Romans 15:1-7, 1 John 4:16-21 

Why is expressing godly love toward others so important? (Hint: 1 John 4:16) Give an example. 

How will godly love impact both the giver and the receiver? In what way does it bring about spiritual maturity? 

What does this imply about your spiritual maturity? How can a “don’t give up” attitude help you?

September 14, 2017

Read:   1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Mark 10:13-16, 11:15-18, Luke 23:26-43 

In what way was Jesus’ response about children and temple practices different than when on the cross? 

How did this demonstrate the important balance between unconditional love and spiritual compromise? 

How have you seen this misunderstood today? How does Matthew 22:36-40 help? How do you need to adjust?

September 13, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:7, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 3:20-21 

How did Paul encourage a faith-based love in 1 Cor. 13:7? How will this prevent an unloving attitude? 

What can happen if this truth isn’t properly understood? Give an example. How does this happen to you? 

In what way do you need to assume the best and trust God in a current relational struggle? Pray!

September 12, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:4-6, John 3:16, Philippians 2:1-11, 1 John 4:7-12 

How did Jesus model Paul’s description of love? Be specific. What is ultimately required? 

Explain how this can be a form of evangelism. How do you see this taking place today? 

What is God teaching you about your approach to love? How do you need to adjust at work, home, etc.?

September 11, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:4-6, Luke 6:32-36, Romans 12:16-18, Ephesians 4:26 

List the attributes of godly love defined in 1 Cor. 13. How is this different than the world’s version of love? 

In what way does Paul qualify a recipient of God’s love? Why is this important to recognize? 

What does this imply about how stepping into godly love will feel? What specifically challenges you?

September 9, 2015

Read:  Luke 10:36, John 14:15, 21-24, James 2:14-17 

What does it look like to “Go, and do likewise”? How can you fulfill the mandate to love your neighbor today? 

Is there someone in your life to whom you can show true, neighborly love? What specific ways will you do that? 

Pray that God would help you to feel his love, grow in love for him, and reflect his love to others in real ways.

September 8, 2017

Read:  Luke 10:35, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Luke 16:10-13, Matthew 6:1-4 

Why does money often create such a big obstacle in people’s walk with God? Does it for you? 

What keeps you from being more generous with your money? Are you giving to the church? The poor? Enough? 

Pray that God would transform your mind and heart about money, grow your trust, and develop generosity in you.

September 7, 2017

Read Luke 10:34, Matthew 25:14-46 

Why is the way we treat “the least of these” so important to Jesus? With that criteria, which side are you? 

What “talents” (skills, gifts, abilities, blessings) do you have? How are you using your blessings to be a blessing? 

Pray that you’d be able to see yourself as a steward rather than an owner and use your blessings for others.

September 6, 2017

Read:  Luke 10:33, Romans 12:9-21, 1 John 3:16-18 

Why is an attitude of compassion necessary in order to show love to each other? How can you develop that? 

How does blessing those who persecute you and meeting people’s needs help develop compassion? 

Pray that God would help you see people through his eyes and learn to truly care for those around you.

September 5, 2017

Read:  Luke 10:29-32, Colossians 3:5-14, James 2:1-13 

What are some areas that I show partiality? Race, age, class, nationality, income, IQ, education level? 

Are there some people or groups that you refuse to love? What’s the root of that? What’s God’s desire? 

Pray that God would help you look past potential barriers to love the people around you impartially.

September 4, 2017

Read:  Luke 10:25-28, 2 Peter 1:5-11, Luke 7:36-47 

What would it look like to love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind? 

How can you develop a love for God that is passionate and vibrant? How does recognizing your sin help? 

Pray that God would help you understand the cost of your forgiveness to grow your love for him.

September 2, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:1-4, Matthew 5:21-30, James 1:14-15

Explain the difference between actions and attitude. Why will one lead to another? Give an example.

How did Jesus address this same issue in the Sermon on the Mount? (c.f. Matthew 5:21-30)

What is required in order to personally monitor this issue? (Hint: why?) How will you be more intentional?

September 1, 2017

Read:  1 Corinthians 13:1-4, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 2:4, 1 Peter 4:10 

Why should “love” always be the driving motivator behind using a spiritual gift? (i.e. purpose of a gift) 

How does Galatians 5:22-23 also highlight this same truth? Be specific when it comes to church life. 

In what way can motives be easily overlooked? How can you do a better job of protecting yourself?