The Journey Continues

Galatians Chapter 5

1) Freedom!  What does this mean?  What are we free from?  What are we free to do?  How does our freedom impact others?

2) How does the fight within show up in your life (5:17)?  What do you do to be sure you come out on top?

3) Why is it true that “the acts of the sinful nature are obvious?” (5:19)  How should the fruit of the Spirit be obvious as well (5:22-23)?

Paul opens Chapter 5 with an incredible statement of freedom (5:1).  But he also places a limitation on our freedom (5:13-14).  Our relationship with God and our relationships with others need to always be held higher than our freedom.

In this corner the flesh – in this corner the Spirit.  Everyday there is fight going on inside of you.  Paul gives us a glimpse into his struggle in Romans 7:15-25.  Be aware of your opponent and be prepared to go the distance.  We will win, but there may be some bruises along the way.

Sin is indeed obvious because we have within us a sense of right and wrong (Romans 2:14-15).  God has planted a moral compass in all of us.  Beyond that, as followers of Christ we have His presence through the Holy Spirit.  The presence of the Spirit should obviously and naturally be demonstrated by the way we live.  We must allow God to direct our steps as we choose to follow Him (5:25).

 

Galatians Chapter 6

1) What is your role in the spiritual development of others?  What responsibilities do you have for others?

2) When is the right time for doing good?  How can you become more aware of and responsive to the needs around you?

3) What does Paul mean in the second part of 6:14 (“the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”)?  Why does Paul use such a strong analogy to speak of our relationship to the world?

When we live according to the Spirit we have the opportunity to support those journeying around us.  Paul speaks of restoring others who fall into sin (6:1) and carrying each other’s burdens, the heavy loads we bear from time to time (6:2).  But this is only possible when we are living life in the Spirit.  (see also Matthew 7:3-5)

Today is the day!  More than the title to a great song, it’s the proper way to understand 6:10.  “As we have opportunity,” refers to a limited portion of time; that is, today.  We only have the time we have to do good.  We must be busy about the work God has for us.

In Galatians 2:20, Paul speaks about having been crucified with Christ.  He says this again in 6:14.  Crucifixion was an intensely harsh form of death.  By speaking of my relationship to the world in these terms, Paul seems to be indicating the struggle and pain associated with our leaving the world to follow Christ.  But we must also see the finality in this break with the world.  We have died, and are now alive in Christ!

 

Acts Chapter 17

1) How eager are you to hear the Word of God?  How diligently to you search out what it says?

2) What do you do while you’re waiting?  Whether you’re in a line or by the phone, what do you do with your time?

3) What does it mean to be religious?  How do you share the truth with someone who is religious?

Eager to hear; eager to know.  This describes the reaction of the Bereans to Paul’s message (17:11).  Beyond being curious, they wanted to know if Paul was teaching truth.  And for that they turned to the Scriptures.  God’s Word is powerful and life-changing, but don’t take my word for it.

17:16 finds Paul in Athens waiting for his traveling companions.  While we usually see waiting as an inconvenience and an incredible waste of time, Paul saw this as an opportunity for ministry.  Perhaps we could find better ways to use the time that we are waiting.

Paul found the people in Athens to be very religious (17:22).  But while they were religious, they were also ignorant of the truth (17:23).  Most people we encounter have some level of understanding of the things of God.  Here we can find common ground and then lead them to a more complete understanding of the truth.

 

Acts Chapter 18

1) What happens when no one will listen to you?  Where do you go with what you want to share?

2) God speaks – we respond.  Which part is the hardest for you; hearing from God or doing what He says?

3) How much do you know about your faith?  Are there others helping to explain it more thoroughly?

As Paul usually did, he went to the synagogue to reason with and persuade the Jews to believe that Jesus was the Christ (18:4).  However, when the Jews opposed him, he left them to their own demise (18:6).  Where did he turn when they wouldn’t listen?  Next door (18:7).  It was no great journey to find others willing to hear the good news.

In 18:9-11, God speaks to Paul resulting in Paul’s staying in Corinth for a year and a half.  This is significant, because this marks the first time Paul stays in one place.  God’s words gave him great purpose and comfort.  God’s words can do the same for us today.

Apollos was a Jew who knew about Jesus, but only in a limited way (18:24-25).  Priscilla and Aquila were two believers who helped him learn more fully (18:26).  As we learn and grow in the faith, it is important that we do so in a community of others who can speak into our lives.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1

1) How do you take the abstract concepts of faith and make them real?  How does what we believe show up in every day life?

2) What does it take for someone to come to faith in Christ?  What role do we play?

3) How are you living your life?  Are others able to look to you and see how to follow Christ?

Faith, hope and love are all abstract ideas.  Yet Paul attaches each one to a very concrete action (work, labor and endurance).  Our faith is alive and active and to be lived out every day.

Someone coming to faith in Christ is the wonderful culmination of God’s work within them.  Paul gives testimony to all that is involved in 1:5.  While we indeed have an important role to play, we must fully rely upon God’s power and strength to make this possible.

Paul expresses his thankfulness for the faith of the Thessalonians.  Paul had lived well before them (1:6) and now they were living well before others (1:7-8).  We have the great privilege and responsibility to carefully and boldly live out our faith.

 

1 Thessalonians Chapter 2

1) Who are you accountable to?  Who is the one you leave to please?  How would being clear on this change the way you live?

2) What words would you use to describe the process of discipleship?  How would you characterize walking with someone as they grow in their faith?

3) What’s it all about?  What are we striving for?  What will really matter in the end?

Paul and his partners realized Whom they were living for.  They were approved by God and accountable to Him (2:4-6).  Their desire was not to please those around them, but rather to simply please God.

Paul gives incredible insight into the process of discipleship in 2:7-12.  Verse 12 speaks of encouraging, comforting and urging others to live for Christ.  But we also see that this process is highly relational.  Paul uses family words like mother (2:7) and father (2:11) to emphasize the close nature of those journeying together.  Perhaps the culmination of this connection is found in verse 8 where Paul says, “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

It’s been said that only two things will remain: the word of God and the souls of men.  Paul closes Chapter 2 expressing his desire to reconnect with the Thessalonians.  In verses 19-20, he states that they are the hope, joy and crown of his life.  For us, this means we will find our ultimate accomplishment in having a part in the faith journey of others.

 

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

1) How well do you encourage others?  How could you become a better encourager?  Who is someone that needs your encouragement?

2) How can you tell if things are going well for you spiritually?  What would be the measurement you would use?

3) What are some great moments in your faith journey?  What is a time you can point to that clearly shows the work of God in you?

Timothy was sent to the church in Thessalonica with a clear mission: “to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.”  We all need to be challenged and encouraged.  I pray you have people in your life that are there for you.  But you must also challenge and encourage those God has placed around you.  Rise up to the challenge and make a difference in someone’s life today.

Paul longed to see the believers in Thessalonica but was unable to do so (2:18).  Finally, he sent Timothy to see how things were going (3:1-2).  Timothy brought Paul good news on the condition of those in Thessalonica; their faith and love were strong.  They were standing firm in what they believed (3:8) and demonstrating this through their love for one another.  Loving God – loving others; it still doesn’t get any more basic than this.

Paul was incredibly thankful that he found things in good order in Thessalonica.  However, he wanted to return to them to build their faith in the areas they were lacking (3:10).  Even as we grow and mature in our faith, we must always remember there is a best next step for us.  Don’t be content with what God has done in your life in the past; always desire to see Him working today.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

1) What is the standard for the way you should live?  What is your goal day-to-day?

2) How should we live our lives to be well received by those outside of the faith?  What type of life would be viewed positively?

3) What do you think about Jesus’ return?  Do you have any concerns about this?

Living to please God: this should be the desire of our each of us.  That we would live in such a way as to put a smile on God’s face should be our daily goal.  Paul gives us glimpses into what this looks like in verses 7 and 9: live a holy life; live a life of love.  This is the kind of life God is pleased with.

Paul continues his very practical theme about how we should live our lives in verses 11-12.  Here we are encouraged to live quiet, productive lives that would be viewed favorably by those around us.  Followers of Christ should be known for their faithful, loving, honorable lives.

The early church believed Jesus was coming back and they believed He was coming back at any time.  A concern arose when some believers died before Jesus returned (4:13-17).  What now would happen to them?  Paul assured them of their place with Jesus.  There is much we don’t understand about Jesus’ return.  But be encouraged; God will indeed take care of us no matter what happens (4:18).

 

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5



1) Does knowing that Jesus is coming back impact the way you live?

2) What would you include on a short list of how to live as a Christ follower?

3) What’s God up to in your life these days?  What do you sense that He is doing?

Paul continues to speak to the concerns the Thessalonians had about Jesus’ return (see previous entry on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  Paul confirms that we will not know when Jesus will return (5:1-3), but he challenges us by stating we should not be surprised by His return (5:4).  How can this be?  While we don’t know when He is returning, we do know that He is returning.  And because we know this, we should live our lives differently as we wait.

In a rapid-fire manner, Paul lists a series of instructions for those following Christ (5:16-18).  Notice how all of these are to be happening all of the time.  What would your life be like if you put into practice these words of Paul?

Paul concludes this letter with a prayer of blessing (5:23).  But far from some trite benediction, Paul prays the truth about what God is doing in your life right now.  He Himself is working to make you holy and blameless.  And best of all, He will accomplish what He has set out to do (5:24).  Know that God is using all the resources at His disposal to accomplish this great work in you.

 

2 Thessalonians Chapter 1

1) What indications are there that you are growing in your faith?  How can you tell that you are moving along on your spiritual journey?

2) How do you respond to the unfairness of life?  What do you look to God to do to bring about justice?

3) What do you think about when you consider Jesus?  What will it be like to marvel at His presence when He returns?

We know that we all have growing to do when it comes to our relationship with God through Jesus.  We understand that our faith is a journey, not a destination.  But thank God that there are indications of growth along the way.  Paul expresses his gratefulness in seeing the increase of the faith and love of the Thessalonians (1:3).

The Thessalonian church was committed to following Christ and as a result was dealing with very real persecution.  This just wasn’t fair!  Paul wrote to encourage them to trust that God is the One Who will make things right (1:6).  But Paul indicated that their justice would not ultimately come until Jesus’ return (1:7).

Paul gives a glimpse into Jesus’ return by speaking of the punishment of those that do not know God and the admiration of those who do (1:10).  I pray we would marvel at Jesus today and not wait to do this until He returns.

 

2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

1) When is the end coming?  Did we miss it?  How can we tell?

2) How can you tell what is true?  How can you tell what is false?

3) What is the value of knowing truth?  What benefit is there to having this foundation?

The early church was concerned that the reality of persecution meant that the end was here and that somehow they had missed Jesus’ return.  Paul writes to assure them that this was not at all the case (2:1-3).  He writes to lay out the sequence of events that must take place.

Satan is the great deceiver and deals in that which is counterfeit (2:9).  The only way to tell what is false is to know what is true.  It is absolutely critical that we become those who know well God’s truth.

Paul has been speaking to the church about the challenges and confusion they were facing.  As he closes this section, he calls them to stand firm on the truth they had received (2:15).  God’s Word provides us a solid foundation to stand on as we navigate through the issues of life.

 

2 Thessalonians Chapter 3

1) Do you bless others?  Do you speak and pray words of hope and encouragement to the people around you?

2) Do you do your part?  Around the house?  Around the office?  Around the church?  How does it impact you when someone is not pulling their own weight?

3) Why is it important to know that something is authentic?  What does authenticity have to do with the way you live your life?

Over and over again, Paul prays for the people he is ministering to.  Often he uses the phrase, “May the Lord...” (3:5).  What would this sound like in your life?  You have the opportunity and privilege to connect with others in this manner.

Paul deals with those that were not participating materially in the life of the church in 3:6-15.  Whether they were so concerned about Jesus’ return or just plain lazy, the result was they were not helping out the community of faith.  We all have roles to play as we relate to others.  Make sure you are using what God has given you to benefit those around you.

Paul closes his letter by taking the pen away from his scribe and signing it himself (3:17).  By doing so he indicated these words were the real deal; they were authentic.  This was incredibly significant, especially in light of the misinformation going around (2:2).  For us, authenticity is equally important.  The people we encounter need to know that they are seeing the real deal when it comes to our faith.

 

Acts Chapter 19

1) Believing is everything, but what do you believe in?  Does it matter?

2) In Acts 19:9, the movement of Christianity is referred to as the Way.  Is this an appropriate name?

3) How would people’s faith impact the way they spend their money?  What businesses would be impacted if there was a major response to the message of Christ? 

Those Paul first encountered in Ephesus had faith, but not in Jesus (1-7).  They had accepted John’s teachings and were baptized as a sign of their repentance (3-4).  However, they had not yet heard of Jesus.  Paul shared Christ and their lives were changed.  While it’s true that all we have to do is believe, we must be sure what we believe in.

The Way is a great name for the movement of Christianity.  Belief in Christ is not an issue of the mind.  Those following Christ have chosen to live a different way; a way that imitates the life of their Savior, Jesus.

The second part of Acts 19 (verses 23-41) captures how faith in Christ changed a community in a very practical way.  Prior to Paul sharing the message of Jesus, those in the business of making idols were financially very successful (24-25).  But this all changed when people committed their lives to Christ (26-27).  The message of the gospel truly has the power to change the world!

 

1 Corinthians Chapter 1

1) How will you overcome the challenges of life?  What assurance do you have that you will stay strong in the faith to the end?

2) Why is unity so important?  What gets in the way of unity?

3) Name some things the world values that are contrary to what God values?  Why is there a difference?

Life can be tough.  Everyday is a struggle to live out our faith.  We don’t have to do this on our own.  We can’t do this on our own.  Paul reminds us that God is faithful and He will keep us strong (8-9).

One of the most important aspects of daily life for the early church was the need for unity (10-13).  The message of Christ would be compromised if His followers did not demonstrate a strong connection to one another.  That kind of unity is still needed among followers of Christ today.

God works in ways that don’t make sense to us.  Paul speaks of God making foolish the wisdom of the world (20) and using the weak to shame the strong (27).  Why?  The bottom line is found in verse 29 - so that no one may boast before Him.  We must always maintain a position of humility in our relationship with God.

1 Corinthians Chapter 2

1) What is the most basic aspect of your faith?  What fundamental truth is the most important?

2) How would you rate yourself on a scale from foolish to wise?  How can you obtain more wisdom?

3) How much do you know about yourself?  How much do you know about God?

Paul speaks to the Corinthians about how he came to them.  He reminded them that it was God’s message he brought; not some fancy words from men.  And even more than this, Paul spoke of only having one message to share: Jesus and Him crucified.  That’s as basic as it gets.  It’s the cornerstone teaching of our faith.  Nothing else really matters until this is clearly communicated.

While Paul indicated his words were not spoken to show men’s wisdom (2:4-5), he went on to show that we do indeed have wisdom to share (2:6).  There is a wisdom from God hidden from others (2:7-8), but revealed to us (2:10).  God has prepared much for us (2:9).  We must be faithful to learn and share this with others.

Paul closes this chapter with a reminder that we have been made alive spiritually through Christ.  Because of this, we have the opportunity to have the Holy Spirit active in our lives.  The Spirit teaches and guides us in the ways of God (see John 14:26).  We must allow the Spirit to move freely in our lives.