Week 8 Gentle and Quiet Spirit

This characteristic is not exemplified in the absence of trouble.
Acts 16:22-36 Discuss the attitudes of Paul and Silas and the results.
Acts 7:51-8:3 Contrast this story with the previous one.
Remember this week, we are to display Christ’s character regardless of the outcome or circumstances.

The Cost of Being a Good Samaritan

As you read Luke 10:25-37 you will recognize the story of the good Samaritan. You may be familiar with the principles in the parable that Jesus told. Jesus made it very clear that living in obedience meant we were to love God completely and then love our neighbor completely. This sounds like a fairly simple task. He noted in his story that those who knew the biblical principles for living were the very ones who chose to ignore their "neighbor" in distress while the man from the despised people group lived out what the others preached. I have learned under painful circumstances that we don't get to choose who our neighbor is. I must love and forgive the person God puts in my life at my workplace, my neighborhood and yes, my family. Strive to live out caring for your neighbor for God loves obedience most of all. Saying and doing are very different. Words without actions are empty.

Week 7 Discretion

Discretion involves giving up our rights.
It also involves planning ahead and sacrifice.
II Corinthians 6:3-10 How can you relate to the early Christians in regard to your life?
I Corinthians 8:9-13 How was Jesus an example of this?
I Corinthians 10:11-13 Talk about this assurance. Trust and obey.
Hebrews 4:12-13 Great reminder.

How do you struggle with the principle of discretion?

Week 6 Discipline

Discuss the Oswald Chambers quote on p. 59 in regard to what it means in your life.
Galatians 6:7-10 How can you live these verses?
Phillipians 3:12-14 What does this mean to you?
Colossians 1:9-14 How can you add or prioritize this key ingredient in your life?
Recite Martin Luther’s prayer (p.67) using your name. Make that be your attitude this week.

Week 5 Obedience

Obedience often involves a decision between good and best. The cost of disobedience is far greater than the cost of obedience.
I Samuel 15:1-3 Describe Saul’s assignment.
I Samuel 15:7-9 Describe the result of the battle.
I Samuel 15:17-23 Describe the results of Saul’s disobedience.
John 14:15 To what does God equate obedience?
What area in your life do you need to work on obedience?
Pray for each other. Act in obedience this week.

The Cost Week 4 Surrender All

You cannot submit and surrender if you never listen to what God is trying to tell you.
I Kings 19:9-13 What is required to hear?
Revelation 3:19-22 What else may be involved?
Romans 12:14-21 What can happen to your rights?
II Tim 2:15 and Gal 1:10 will both be required to truly surrender.
Discuss a verse or section that had special meaning to you.

Icing on the Cake or Surgery?

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. That song reminds me that it is easy to trust HIm when all is well by our standards. Trials are the true test of our faith. James 1 makes that clear. We have to believe God grows us spiritually by His methods. It would be nice if He would just do it like icing on a cake. Pretty us up. However, he usually does it with some surgery which tends to be painful. Isn't it nice to know He is also in the recovery room to comfort us? I am thankful I know Him and that He loves me.