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GENERAL
In spite of his maturity in the Lord, or his knowledge
of the Lord, Paul longed to grow closer and closer
to the Lord (Phil. 3:10). Read Ps. 42:1-2. As a rule,
is your daily walk characterized by eagerness to grow
closer to Christ? Explain.
Read 1 Cor. 2:1-16; 2 Cor. 4:6. Doctrinal knowledge
is no guarantee of spiritual comprehension. One could
explain the entire Bible and still fall short of spiritual
wisdom and understanding (1 Cor. 13:2). When hearing
a sermon or reading the Bible, are you listening for
what God is telling you?
Read 1 Tim. 1:15. Ironically, the more like Christ
we become, the more aware we are of our sinfulness.
Do you sense your own guiltiness and need for forgiveness
when you sin? What is your reaction when you become
aware of sin in your life?
Read 1 Tim. 1:16. Is it evident to those who knew
you before you became a believer that your life is
an example of divine grace and patience? Explain.
Is it evident to those who presently know you that
your life is an example of divine grace and patience?
Based upon Mt. 7:24-27 and Jm. 1:21-25 what should
be your response to God’s Word?
Read Ps. 119:9-11. How can you "hide" God’s
Word in your heart?
Pick one passage/verse that addresses an area in
your life in which you intend on being obedient.
Read Rom. 6:11; 8:10; Eph. 2:1-5. In what ways are
you more sensitive to the new life God has given you?
CONTENTMENT
Read Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 12:2-3;
1 Pt. 2:23. Are you more concerned about the speed
of your growth than the direction of your growth?
Our focus should be on Christlikeness in every situation
and allow God to set the pace for your maturity.
Notice what Paul’s life consist of (Phil. 1:21).
Are you content with your circumstances in life (Phil.
4:11-13)?
In what/whom should you be content (Ps. 27:1-5; Pr.
19:23)?
What alternatives to discontentment do you see in
Deut. 8:10-18; Ps. 20:7; 131; 1 Tim. 6:6-10; Heb.
13:5?
PERSONAL
Read 2 Tim. 3:16-17. Explain specific ways God’s
Word has provided new direction or guidance for your
life, career, family, and personal thought life.
Read Mt. 25:34-40; Eph. 5:25; 1 Jn. 4:7. How have
you become more loving toward others?
What areas of your life are disciplined for the purpose
of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7)? What areas need improvement?
How do you plan on improving in these areas?
Are you truly and completely forgiving of others
to the extent that you have been forgiven (Eph. 4:32)?
Read Ps. 34:18; 51:17; 138:6; Pr. 3:34; Mt. 5:3;
18:3-4; Philippians 2:1-8; Jm. 4:6; 1 Pt. 5:5-6. Why
do you suppose humility is the distinguishing mark
of a believer? How can you grow in humility at home,
work, and church?
PRAYER
Read Mt. 7:7-11; Jm. 1:5-6. When you pray, do you
present your requests to God with a sense of anticipation
and expectancy? Explain.
How do you know when God has answered your requests?
Do you listen to God? Do you hear God when He answers?
How do you know when you've heard God answer prayer?
Read 2 Cr. 7:14-15; Ps. 66:18; Is. 1:15; 59:2; Zech.
7:13; Mt. 6:12, 14-15; Jm. 5:15-16 and 1 Pt. 3:7.
List some necessary conditions for an effective prayer
life.
How have these passages encouraged you to have a
more effective prayer life?
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