Practices of the Christian life: Worship

April 14, 2019

Luke 19:28-40

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[a]

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Listening guide

Name an item you have that is worth very little: __________________

What do you feel about that item?

When is the last time you talked about that item?

What did you last say about that item?

Name an item that is worth a great deal to you (put down something tangible, not kids or family) __________________

What do you feel about that item?

When is the last time you talked about that item?

What did you last say about that item?

Worship takes all of you:

Throw coats down for Jesus (v36) =
“joyfully to praise God in loud voices” (v37) =
“for all the miracles they had seen” (v37) =

Worship gives __________ ____________ to someone or something.

Worship comes from old English words ________ _________.

Jesus lost all his __________ , his ________. (v37)

You’re his treasure, that will make him your treasure.

Take a palm branch home.

Study guide

Tell about a time when you naturally worshipped or praised someone/something. Also, tell about a time when worship felt forced or awkward.
Do you think Jesus knew what was going to happen as this event took place?
What is the meaning of:
1. The donkey (Zechariah 9:9)
2. The palm branches
  1. “There was little difficulty obtaining palm branches: date palms were plentiful around Jerusalem, and still grow there. But there is nothing in the Old Testament that prescribes palm branches at Passover, whereas the people were commanded to take ‘palm fronds … and rejoice before the LORD your God’ at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is one of the factors that prompted T. W. Manson to argue that the triumphal entry actually took place six months earlier and was transferred to this setting.4 In fact, this expedient is unnecessary. From about two centuries earlier, palm branches had already become a national (not to say nationalist) symbol. When Simon the Maccabee drove the Syrian forces out of the Jerusalem citadel he was fêted with music and the waving of palm branches (cf. 1 Macc. 13:51, 141 BC), which had also been prominent at the rededication of the temple (2 Macc. 10:7, 164 BC). Apocalyptic visions of the end utilize palm branches (Testament of Naphtali 5). Palms appear on the coins struck by the insurgents during the Jewish wars against Rome (AD 66–70, 132–135); indeed, the use of the palm as a symbol for Judea was sufficiently well established that the coins struck by the Romans to celebrate their victory also sported it.5 In short, waving of palm branches was no longer restrictively associated with Tabernacles. In this instance, it may well have signaled nationalist hope that a messianic liberator was arriving on the scene (cf. 6:14–15). (D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 431–432.)
3. Laying down cloaks (2 Kings 9:13)
What aspects of this story show Jesus’ ...
1. Power
2. Humility
(Verse 38) What does the shouting of Psalm 118 signify?
These people worship Jesus with their mind (“for the miracles they had seen”), their emotions (“joyfully praise God”), and their wills/actions (laying down their cloaks). Do you worship Jesus with your whole person?
Why did the Pharisee’s object to the disciples’ praise and worship?
What does the statement, “I tell you, he replied, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” tell you? (Genesis 4:10; Joshua 24:27: Psalm 96:11; 98:7-9; 114:1-8; Isaiah 55:12; Habakkuk 2:11)
Jesus gave up so much that he didn’t even have a mode of transportation to get into town (v31 “the Lord needs” the donkey). What does that say about your worth and value?

Practices of the Christian life: Hear the Word

April 7, 2019

2 Peter 1:12-21

Prophecy of Scripture

12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[a] 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

“Bloom’s Taxonomy”, Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader, pg 44.

1:19 “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable.”

The Scriptures is not _______ word it is _________ Word which means it should carry more weight in your life.

The Bible is God’s Word:

The Bible is ___________________.

The Bible is ____________.

Bible believers are always both ____________ and ____________ the curve of a fallen world.

God is eager to remind you:

Verse 12 -

Verse 13 -
Verse 19 -

Ibrahim

Many people have different experiences of God. Share a time when you felt like you experienced God.
What three things does Peter do to give his listeners solid, reliable, and trustworthy knowledge and experience of God?
1. Consistent witness
2. Eyewitness testimony
3. Unwilling prophets
(Not a great question maybe) V12 Peter says “I will remind you of these things”. I hate getting reminded of stuff. How can we handle well getting reminded of stuff?
V12 How do you know if you are firmly established in the Word?
V16 Peter says we don’t follow one thing, because we are another thing. What are those two things?
Does it bother you to call the events of the Bible stories?
V19 Tell one thing that you have learned about the Bible over the years that tells you the Bible is reliable.
V21 If prophecy came from God, what does that mean we are getting when we hear the Bible?
Tell about a time when you came to know God through his Word in a unique or special way.

Practices of the Christian life: Forgive and reconcile

March 31, 2019

Based on Luke 15:11-32

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

New International Version (NIV)

I need ______________ to be reconciled with me.

To reconcile means =

They have tried the following to fix the relationship:

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Forgiveness and reconciliation is a key practice of the Christian life

Mt 5:24 ““Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
1 John 4:19-20 “We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”

Everyone is _______ and has this call to come _________.

Son #1

___________________
___________________
___________________
V17 “When he came to his senses”
Some people want to get home by ___________________.

Son #2

___________________
___________________
___________________
V29 “All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.”
Some people want to get home by ___________________.

The lost still want ________.

The father gives them his own __________.

The Son must pay a high price.

True _______________________ costs too much.

Only the father can _______ ____________ the lost, because only the father _______ everything he has.

So let’s __________.

With whom could you celebrate the Father’s compassion and the Son’s sacrifice? ________________________________________

Let’s party, because only the father gives everything he has.

Studying this section is most beneficial if think of someone who you need to forgive and someone else with whom you need to be reconciled. As we start, think of one or two specific people.

What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Which one do you think is harder?
What makes it hard to forgive people?
What makes it hard to reconcile with people?
In this event (not just in the story) who are characters?
Verses 11-12 Explain what happens in these verses and the significance of them. Here is a comment from Joel Green, a New Testament scholar, explaining the social dynamics. “According to tradition and reinforced by political rhetoric, the family in Jesus’ world was hierarchical in *authority. The eldest male of the household was the patriarch, possessing all the power that patriarchy entails. Husbands held power over their wives (see Sir 25:26; 4Q418 10, 3–10), and mothers and fathers were in authority over their children, including their adult children (Ex 20:12; Tob 4:3–4; Sir 3:1–16; 4Q418 9, 17–18). Jesus supports the power of parents (Mk 7:9–13; 10:19; cf. Lk 2:51), and his *parables reflect patriarchal hierarchy (Mt 18:23–34; 21:28–31; Lk 15:11–32). The challenge of these expectations makes stories like the parable of the prodigal son and Jesus’ call of *disciples away from their homes quite surprising (Mt 8:21–22; 10:34–38; Lk 9:59–62; 15:11–32)."
Compare verses 17-19 with verse 21. What is the difference?
Why do you think the father is able to forgive his son but the brother is not able to forgive his brother?
One of the things that bothers people is that the father seems to offer forgiveness to the son free of charge. The gospel tells us that Jesus Christ paid for our sins with his life and death. How is the father able to forgive his son?
In this parable, who are you right now? Who have you been at various times?
With whom could you celebrate the Father’s compassion and the Son’s sacrifice?

Practices of the Christian life: Repent

March 24, 2019

Based on Luke 13:1-9

Nathaniel Timmermann

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

When was the last time you said, “I’m sorry.” Was that repentance or an apology?
What keeps you from repenting or makes repenting hard?
Why do you think these people told Jesus about all these tragedies?
What was wrong in the thinking of these people, based on Jesus’ question “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way?”
When do you most often find yourself comparing yourself to others?
What are the two convictions that are part of repentance?
Do you regularly repent?
Verses 6-9 do not only teach that God is patient toward us. What else do they teach us about God?
Are you certain that you will not perish?

Practices of the Christian life: Be still

March 17, 2019

A sermon on Psalm 46 by Kelly Huet

Ps 46:10 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

What are common fears people face?
What are common effects of fear in our lives?
Evaluate: you must not have a strong enough faith if you are often afraid and have anxiety.
What psalms would you offer to people when they are afraid?
46:8-9 What is so surprising about the way that God brings peace?
46:10 What does it mean to “be still” for you?
Tell about a time when God's Word and presence stilled you.
Who do you know that needs God's Word to still them?

Practices of the Christian life: Fight sin

March 10, 2019

A sermon based on Luke 4:1-13

Nathaniel Timmermann

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’[b]”
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’[c]”
9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[d]”
12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[e]”
13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

When you think of the practices of the Christian life – activities that Christians practice to know the Lord and receive his gifts – what do you think of? Which do you practice most often?
Luke 4:2 Do you think the devil exists? What has convinced you?
Luke 4:3 What is the first temptation? What is wrong with bread? How is this a temptation then?
Luke 4:5-7 What is the second temptation? What is wrong with kingdoms and splendor? How is this a temptation?
Luke 4:9-11 What is the third temptation? How is this a temptation?
The heart of temptation is to make a good thing an ultimate thing.
In the sermon, pastor made the point: You will fight your whole life if you follow Jesus. Where have you fought the devil and temptation lately? Or are you running away from some fight?
Craig Evans provides an interesting insight into the temptations. He says, ““All of the suggestions put to Jesus by the devil reflect popular ideas and beliefs about what the Messiah would do when he appeared. Just as God had during the wilderness wanderings, the Messiah was expected to bring bread down from heaven, to subject the other kingdoms to Israel, and to perform some dazzling sign that would convince religious leadership.” (Craig Evans, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series, 242) If it is true that these temptations reflect popular ideas and beliefs about what the Messiah would do, what would temptations that reflect popular ideas about today’s messiahs look like? That is to say, what do we expect a messiah or savior to do today and how would he/she be tempted?
Do you find yourself resisting temptation or just hoping to be saved from the consequences of sin?
God has given us three tools to handle and overcome temptation: God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s Servant. What is each and how does it help when we face temptation?

Light from him gives you light within

March 3, 2019

A sermon based on 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Present Weakness and Resurrection Life
4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

What sorts of powers or influences are at work in your life? What are the greatest powers at work?

In 2 Cor 3:13 Paul says we are not like Moses. Based on the next verses, how are we not supposed to be like Moses? Are you like Moses or not?
In 2 Cor 4:2 Paul lists the result of being “transformed into [the Lord’s] image with ever increasing glory”. In your own words, what is it? Is that what you see in your own life or the lives of the people around you?
Pastors aren’t the only people who seek approval, acceptance, and recognition. How have you tried to gain approval, acceptance, and recognition?
2 Cor 4:4 Paul speaks of the god of this age. What were some of the gods of Paul’s age? What are some of the gods of this age? How do they blind us?
2 Cor 4:3-4 Since Satan has blinded people’s eyes to the truth, is there any hope for them? What strategies must we use to overcome spiritual blindness?
2 Cor 4:4 What is the gospel or what does it give?

Let's eat!

February 24, 2019

Luke 15:1-2

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.””

In this age of outrage (see Jonathan Haidt) some find it hard to sit down with someone and have a good conversation. It doesn't need to be that way. Jesus stood in the middle of an age of outrage and welcomed sinners. He feeds us with a meal as the eternal host.

In Luke 15:1-2, Jesus addresses or faces different kinds of sinners. Who are they and how would you describe their sinfulness?
In the sermon, pastor described two common, major categories of sinfulness: self-indulgence and self-righteousness. How would you describe the sinfulness of the people you run into most often? Or yourself? This is not about prying. Knowing this tells us a lot about how we can best approach others and ourselves.
How does understanding the sinfulness of the people you run into most often help you adjust your practice in reaching them?
Jesus reaches many people by eating meals with them. Meals tell us a lot about who we are identified with or with which group we belong. When did you know you belonged to the people of God? Was it a meal?
Think about 2-4 people in your life that you might like to share the forgiveness, joy, peace, love, and new life you have found in Jesus Christ. What are their names? ____________________ ____________________ _________________________ ____________________________
For those 2-4 people above, where are you with them compared to the following (I.e. how many have you done, tried, worked, didn’t work, etc). Share comments and insights with others.
1. Let others know of your Christian faith and activities in natural ways (e.g. talking casually about church attendance and events).
2. Ask questions about other people’s beliefs and experiences with faith and church and simply listen appreciatively and sympathetically.
3. Describe briefly and naturally how you process some difficult personal problem—some misfortune or some mistreatment—by using your faith to help you get strength or grant forgiveness.
4. Offer to pray regularly for a friend, neighbor, or colleague who is facing a challenging situation.
5. Share your spiritual ‘narrative’—your explanation of Christian experience.
6. Offer books or recordings about Christian issues and discuss them.
7. Initiate a discussion about a friends’ biggest problem or objection to Christianity.
8. Invite friends to venues where they meet believers but don’t listen to gospel communication.
9. Offer and then read a part of the Bible together—preferably one of the gospels—to discuss the character of Jesus.
10. Invite friends to venues where they hear the gospel communicated. (#8 may be more intense/demanding for the Christian than #9, but for many non-believers, #8 is less intense/demanding than #9—going to some Christian event.)
11. Share the basics of the Christian faith with your friend, lay out how to become a Christian, and invite them to make a commitment.
If you’re stuck someplace, would you like to move on to the next step? How can we or someone else help?

The spiritual life: speak to help us grow.

February 10, 2019

1 Corinthians 14:1-25

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[d] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written:

“With other tongues

and through the lips of foreigners

I will speak to this people,

but even then they will not listen to me,

says the Lord.”[e]

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

In these verses, Paul contrasts speaking in tongues and prophecy. Working through these verses, how are the two similar or different?
Speaking in tongues Prophecy

How would you explain speaking in tongues? How would you explain prophecy?
Consider 1 Corinthians 14:4 “anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves”. Maybe you don’t speak in tongues, but you have some other spiritual gift. Have your spiritual gifts helped you personally grow? If you can, think of specific time when you benefited from your gifts.
Has sin sometimes shut you up so that you don’t help others grow?
Paul repeatedly tells us to seek the gifts that build others up. See the verses below. Do you or might you spend more time seeking personal gifts? How could I/we help?
1. 12:31 “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.”
2. 14:1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy”
3. 14:12 “Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”
4. 14:39 “be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
We cannot be accused of misusing the gift of tongues in our public worship. Yet the principle of wanting to speak clearly and understandably applies to us. Are there some elements of our worship service that a visitor may not understand? What can we do to help?

The spiritual life: love makes the greatest impact

February 3, 2019

Based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The spiritual life: you're part of something greater

January 27, 2019

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Last week I asked you to see if you knew your spiritual gifts. There are 4 different sections in the Bible that speak to spiritual gifts: Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12: 7-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11. How has the Spirit manifested himself in your life? On further reflection have you realized anything else?
Does membership in the body of Christ mean much to you right now? Why or why not?
1 Corinthians 12:15 and 21 Have you either felt like you aren’t good enough to be part of the body or you don’t need the rest of the body?
1 Corinthians 12:24 “But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it”. What parts of the body do you think God is giving greater honor to? Do you equally honor them?
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 What role do you have in the body of Christ – both in this congregation and the larger church? How can I and the people around you help you discover your role and live it?
What is the richness of the picture of the body of Christ? How is it better than the idea of a ‘team’ or a ‘group’? How does the picture of a body fit into God’s narrative of redemption?

The spiritual life: appreciate the variety of gifts in a group of believers

January 20, 2019

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Lots of people try to do spirituality on their own – even people in the church. Why do you think so many people do spirituality on their own?
12:3 What is the first thing we need to know about true spiritual gifts?
12:3 This verse is so important. Just the other day someone asked me, “How do I know I’m saved?” What are the two parts to that answer?
12:4-6 Where is the reference to the Trinity in this verse? How does it change our thinking about spiritual gifts to think about the Trinity behind them all?
12:4-6 What truth does Paul point out in verses that makes any selfishness about our spiritual gifts an obvious sin against the Lord?
1 Corinthians 12:7ff lists different spiritual gifts that show up in our lives because the Spirit is there. How has the Spirit manifested himself in your life? It might be one of these gifts, it might be something else.
Are you celebrating the diversity of spiritual gifts in others, missing the spiritual gifts in others, or bothered by the spiritual gifts of others? Any reasons why?
12:7ff What great purpose are spiritual gifts to serve? How is that important?
Are you reflecting the diversity and the goodness of Jesus Christ to the world around you as you use your gifts? What’s one way you might do that?

Honor the right king

January 13, 2019

Connected Christians put on a show

January 6, 2019

Based on Ephesians 3:1-13

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

“I’m not _____ enough.” What are some “enoughs” many people say today?
Are you well connected to others currently or not? What has that done to your shame?
Verse 2. What does Paul tell us about the gospel when he says that he has been asked to administer God’s grace?
Verse 6. What is the mystery in these verses? Why isn’t the mystery the forgiveness of sins or Jesus’ death on the cross?
Ancient mystery religions promised strong connection to people with participation in secret societies. At the same time, the most prominent organization at Paul’s time that wanted to connect people together (in the same manner as Paul uniting Israelites and Greeks), was the Roman Empire. What is Paul saying about both and about the gospel as a 3rd way?
Verse 12 Are you bold and brave to come before God?
How could these words from Paul help you connect to some people around you?