June 29, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:3-4, Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 3:5-10

Explain how Christians have two natures.  What does this imply about a spiritual battle?

What is required for the new nature to grow and mature?  Why is this important?

Specifically, how do you battle with your old nature?  How does Peter’s statement encourage you?

June 28, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:3-4, Romans 13:14, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Ephesians 2:1-10

Explain what spiritually happens to a person when they become a Christian.

How does this relate to a new nature?  In what way has God provided all that is needed?

How has this happened to you?  Be specific.  How does this encourage you to avoid “add-ons”?

June 27, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:2

What does Peter mean by grace and peace being “multiplied”?  What does it imply about growth?

Explain how Christians can experience this on an ongoing basis.  How does “knowledge’ relate?

In what way have you experienced this truth?  Be specific.  How can you step into this truth today?

June 26, 2019

Read:  John 3:16-17, Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Titus 3:4-5

Why is the issue of grace and forgiveness so important when it comes to the Gospel?  Be specific.

How can good deeds become an “add on”?  Why does this change the Gospel and eternal security?

Describe how you can confuse obedience with forgiveness.  How does “grace” encourage you?

June 25, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:1b, Mark 10:45, 1 Corinthians 15:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:21

How did Peter describe the Gospel in one short verse?  How does Christ’s righteousness relate?

When it comes to eternity and heaven, why is this important?  What is the alternative?

How can people add to the Gospel today?  Give an example.  Why is this important to avoid?

June 24, 2019

Read:  2 Peter 1:1a, John 20:28, Romans 9:5, Colossians 2:9, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:8

Why do you think Peter highlights the deity of Christ?  How would this have encouraged his readers?

How has this truth been compromised today?  Give an example.  Why is the deity of Christ important?

How does this either challenge or encourage you?  Be specific.  In what way do you need to adjust?

June 22, 2019

Read:  John 3:16-17, 1 John 3:1

What motivated God the Father to provide a Savior and offer forgiveness to the world?

How can a relationship with God help with healing and recovery from “daddy issues”?

What was your experience with your father?  Be specific.  How is God prompting you to turn to Him?

June 21, 2019

Read:  Psalm 127:3-5, Ephesians 6:4

How does scripture define children?  What does this imply about the role of parenting?

Explain why scripture warns only fathers to not “provoke” their children.

What happens when provoking takes place?  Give an example.  How have you experienced this truth?

June 20, 2019

Read:  Matthew 3:17

How did God the Father endorse Jesus when He was baptized? (i.e. what did He say?)

In what way was this more than an endorsement?  Why was the timing of this endorsement important?

What does this model to fathers today?  How can fathers miss this truth?  How can this be prevented?

June 19, 2019

Read:  Matthew 3:16-17, 27:46

When did God the Father remove His presence from Jesus?  Why?  How did it impact Jesus?

What does this highlight about the impact of a fatherless home?  (i.e. short-term and long-term)

How do you see this playing out in culture today?  In what way is God challenging you?

June 18, 2019

Read:  Luke 11:1-4, Mark 14:32-36

How did Jesus model a child’s need for their father?  Why is this important for dads to recognize?

What happens when this is undervalued?  How can responsibilities outside the home have an impact?

In what way can you fall into this trap?  What is at stake?  What practical steps of growth do you need to take?

June 17, 2019

Read:  Matthew 3:13-17, John 10:30

Why do you think God expresses Himself through the lens of a father/son relationship?

What does this imply about the role of a father in a child’s life?  How does a father’s presence relate?

How can a dad become a stranger in his own home?  What is God teaching you about being present?

June 15, 2019

Read:  Acts 6:1-6, 11:19-24, 13:48-52

What connection do you see between the Holy Spirit and effective Christian living?  Be specific.

In what way can this often be overlooked?  Give an example.  How can this happen to you?

How has this week’s message and devotions prompted you to pursue the filling of the Holy Spirit?

June 14, 2019

Read:  1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Ephesians 4:12-14, Romans 12:4-5, 1 Peter 4:10

Why does God give Christians spiritual gifts?  What can happen if the “purpose” is misunderstood?

In what way will this also inhibit the filling of the Holy Spirit?  How have you seen this happen?

How have you been blessed by the spiritual gifts of others?  How does this encourage you with others?

June 13, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 5:19, Galatians 5:16-22, Philippians 2:1-8

What is the primary indicator when it comes to measuring the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?

What is God showing you after reviewing the list?  Be specific.

How can “only” bible knowledge limit the Spirit’s work?  What is the solution?

June 12, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 5:18-19, 1:1-3, 4:30-32, Galatians 5:25-26, Philippians 2:1-4

Explain how being filled by the Holy Spirit relates to your relationships with others.  Be specific.

How would you rate your compassion toward others?  What does this imply about the Holy Spirit?

Pray and ask God right now to show you how your approach to relationships is hindering the Spirit’s work.

June 11, 2019

Read:  Ephesians 4:17-24, 5:18, 2 Peter 1:21, Ephesians 6:17-18, Romans 8:26-27

Given that being “filled” by the Holy Spirit is a command, how does this relate to your role in the process?

In what way does God’s word and prayer relate?  Why?  Describe your current devotional life.

What is God revealing to you about being “filled”?  What practical steps will you take this week?

June 10, 2019

Read:  John 14:16-19, 16:7, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Galatians 3:3

Why did Jesus promise the Holy Spirit to all Christians?  In what way does this encourage you?

What are the options when it comes to experiencing the Holy Spirit?  How does this adjust you?

How would you currently describe your Holy Spirit experience?  In what way are you at risk?

June 8, 2019

Read:  Acts 1:1-2, Romans 1:1-6, Hebrews 9:11-14, Matthew 12:31-32

Explain how the Holy Spirit is involved in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (i.e. declaration, the cross, etc.)

How does this help you understand “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”?  How has this been misinterpreted?

June 7, 2019

Read:  Psalm 139:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Explain how scripture ascribes the attributes of deity to the Holy Spirit. (e.g. omniscience)

How is the Holy Spirit equated to Jesus?  What does this imply about the Holy Spirit and the trinity?

June 6, 2019

Read:  John 3:1-3, Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Explain why the Holy Spirit is vital for Christian living.  How is this different than the Old Testament?

Why is this important to see?  How does this change the way you’ve viewed the Holy Spirit in your life?

July 5, 2019

Read: 2 Peter 1:5b, John 15:1-11

In what way must faith and knowledge work together? What happens if you separate the two?

How should this practically impact the way you walk through trials and challenging times? Be specific.

How did Jesus highlight this truth when it comes to abiding and growth? How do you need to adjust?

June 5, 2019

Read:  Luke 1:35, Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 4:14-15, Acts 1:4-5

Why was the Holy Spirit involved with Jesus and His ministry?  What does this imply about you?

In what way is this similar to the way the Holy Spirit worked in the Old Testament?  Be specific. 

June 4, 2019

Read:  1 Samuel 10:10, 16:14, Judges 14:6, 16:20, Numbers 11:29

Explain how the Spirit of God would equip believers in the Old Testament.  How long would it last?

Do you see a pattern of why God’s Spirit would depart?  How do you think this is different than today?

June 3, 2019

Read:  Genesis 3:7, 7:15, Micah 3:8, 1 Samuel 16:13, Ezekiel 2:2

List the different words used to describe the “Ruach” (i.e. Spirit) of God.  Why does this occur?

What does it imply about the work of the Holy Spirit?  How does this adjust your current perspective?

June 1, 2019

Read:  Matthew 6:11-13, 7:7-12, Isaiah 30:19, Philippians 4:6-7, James 5:13-16

If God knows what we need before we ask, why should we pray?

What are your current needs that only God can provide?

Write a prayer for intercession, bringing requests for yourself and others to God and leaving the burden at his feet (1 Peter 5:7).