Quiet Times Search

• Supreme obedience was interpreted as an expression of love.
• “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
• It was the way Jesus lived.
  • Food is to do the will who sent me – John 4:34
  • Not as I will but as you will – John 5:30
  • Gave His life for a ransom of many – Mark 10:45
  • To seek and save what was lost – Mark 15:31

• Keep them going
  • All of this is going to require supervision
  • When questions arise, they must be answered while the problem is still in their mind.
  • Setup a schedule of training and keep a record of their growth
  • Exercise patience: Growth is sometimes slow and with many setbacks (while honestly seeking truth)
  • Seldom put them out of our mind
  • They need to be in our prayers and dreams
  • Accept the burden of their immaturity until they can do it for themselves
• We are not living primarily for the present.
• Our satisfaction is in knowing that in generations to come from bearing fruit
• World is desperately seeking someone to follow
  • Someone who is certain
  • Will be a man who knows the way of Christ
  • Or are one who is leading someone into greater darkness?
• Destiny of many hangs on our decision.

• Be honest; Be vulnerable when it is not easy
• Server when it is not convenient
• Forgive when treated unfarily

• Jesus fasted for forty days - Matthew 4:2
  • Jesus did not eat but apparently did drink
• Paul for 3 days - Acts 9:9
• Ezra did not eat or drink - Ezra 10:6
• Daniel ate no choice food (meat or wine) for three weeks - Daniel 10:3
• Leaders in Antioch fasted before their mission - Acts 13:3
• Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Daniel (Daniel 10:3) while receiving the word of God

What occupies my mind?
What concerns me?
When I think of security, is my focus on God or money?

If we are eager and driven to gain more we will stray from the faith and be pierced with many griefs - 1 Timothy 6:10

Secret to being content, I can do everything through him that gives me strength - Philippians 4:12-13

Judas: example of someone trying to live with 2 masters:

• Expressed concern for a waste of money that could have gone to the poor - John 12:4-6
• The hold money had on Judas' heart eventually led to his betrayal of Jesus

Practicals for being like Jesus - putting others above ourselves:

1. Make a list of specific time when someone has met your needs - remember how you felt
2. Think in detail about others needs around you - family, friends, other Christians
3. Put yourself is other's shoes - How would you want you to treat you?
4. Do it now. - Don't just think - DO
5. Think about ways others don't want to be treated
6. Don't do these things
7. Maintain a grateful heart and attitude toward God and others
8. Keep meeting others needs with praise or recongnition

1. The performance model
2. The grace model

• There are never enough requirements we could meet
• There are never enough rules we could keep
• There is never enough rituals we could experience
• Even if obedient to death, our only hope of salvation come from work from another

As a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert - Jeremiah 2:2-3

If you're writing a romanc, love is the goal - you must allow for the possiblity of betrayal
This is what God call us our turning away from him

Hebrews thought God would be satisfied with some religious rituals and rule keeping

You said, "I will not serve you!" - Jeremiah 2:20
You have forgotten me and trusted in false gods - Jeremiah 13:25-27

True love never fails
God will fight for his beloved

I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her - Hosea 2:14

• God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
• War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
• War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
• Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
• Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war

Myth tell us three truths, this third one is:

3. In this desparate hour, we have a crucial role to play

Neo sees himself as Thomas Anderson, but he was the one
Dorthy see herself as just a farm girl from Kansas but Joan of Arc was also on the farm but saw much more

People in the scriptures that saw this:

• Little boy slays the gaint
• Loudmouthed fisherman who can not keep a job to lead the church
• Sinful woman with a golden heart became a example of humility to the Pharisees

This eternal truth is the most difficult for us to believe
Our days are extraordinary but most don't see it this way
It is the 'veil of familarity' - you are not what you think you are

There is a glory to your life that your enemy fears

The one who knows what you could be, fears it
The whole world lies under the power of the evil one - 1 John 5:19

Things happen to you and we question why
There is a bigger story going on

If believe we have a crucial role to play and come to know it is true, everything would change

• Cinderella rises from from supression to become queen
• The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan
• Pinocchio becomes a real boy
• Frog becomes a prince
• Scrooge becomes a good friend to all
• Cowardly lion, Scarecrow, Tinman all get what they are missing

• Zacchaeus the trickster becomes Zaccheaus the honest
• Mary the sinful becomes Mary the faithful
• Paul the self-righteous murder becomes Paul the humble apostle

• Jews try to keep the Law
• Buddhist follow the Eightfold Path
• Muslims live by the Five Pillars
• Many Christians attend church and live morally

• Advertisers work on you to get you to buy their product
• Your boss knows how to keep you moving
• Devil is the master at manipulating the heart

1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15
   1. God expects us to be honest yet shrewd in the use of money (v. 1-8)
   2. Money is a tool to be used to gain friends (souls) (v. 9)
   3. If we are not trustworthy in handling money, God will not entrust us with true riches (people's souls) (v. 10-11). God will keep us from leadership if we are not trustworthy with finances (v. 10-11).
2. Whose Money Is It? Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1; Luke 14:33
   1. We are managers (stewards), not owners. An owner does what he pleases with his money/possessions, while a manager submits to the will of the owner.
   2. As disciples, our attitude must reflect a willingness to "give up everything" to advance God's kingdom.

1. What ways am I not being shrewd honest, or trustworthy with my money/possessions?
   Examples:
   • Checkbook not balanced
   • Credit card debt - paying high monthly interest rates
   • Interest rates
   • Not paying bills on time
   • Writing bad checks
   • Not living by a budget
   • Borrowing from Christians or others and not repaying
2. What ways can I use God's money to win souls rather than serve myself?
3. How do I view my money/possessions? Who owns them? Do I have the attitude of "giving up everything for the kingdom?"

1. Giving with Joy - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
   1. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give. Plan your giving.
   2. God does not want you to give reluctantly or under compulsion. You should feel a joy, excitement, and enthusiasm when you give.
   3. God loves a cheerful (in Greek "hilarious") giver.
2. The Privilege of Giving - 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
   1. The Macedonians urgently pleaded to give.
   2. They understood that it was a privilege because they had first given themselves to the Lord.
3. Special Times of Giving, Time of Victory, and Joy for God's People
   1. The Israelites gave to build the temple and the people rejoiced (1 Chronicles 29:1-9)
   2. The building of the tabernacle: the people willingly brought more than needed (Exodus 35:20-29,36:2-7)

1. Am I a cheerful giver? What keeps me from giving cheerfully?
2. Am I eager or reluctant to give, especially at special contribution times?
3. At what time was I the most joyful about my giving? Why?

• Easter - What do you think happened to Jesus' body?
• Thanksgiving - what we are thankful for
• Independence Day - what kinds of freedom mean the most to them
• Conversations about what holidays their family likes to keep

• Blood of Jesus
• Word of our testimony - Revelation 12:11

1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 - How do we “put out the fire of” the Holy Spirit? Why is a life of faith the only
one that is in keeping with God’s Spirit living in us? What influences in the world around us can keep us
from having a faithful, God-centered outlook?

Romans 8:5-17, 26-27 - A Spiritual mindset brings life and peace, and obedience to God’s Word. The
Spirit frees us from fear and confirms that we are fully God’s children. The Spirit also aids in our life of
prayer and devotion to God.

Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit: Expect it! Pursue it! This is the best “evidence” that you have
received the Holy Spirit, who is transforming us to become like Jesus. Decide to live according to the
Spirit - and keep affirming that decision!

• Purpose
• Faith - reliance on God
• Love - warmth and encouragement
• Endurance - even-temperedness and stability, keeping head in all situations

• Pride - Proverbs 26:12 - “I can make it on my own”
  • No you can’t! - James 4:6 - God opposes the proud
• Selfishness - Philippians 2:1-8 - Jesus made himself nothing

• Being constructive members of society and of the church.
• Thus win the respect of others and make the gospel attractive - Titus 2:10
• Try not to be dependant of anybody

• If he/she does not listen to the warning, keep away from him/her
• Again, follow the example of the disciplines
• Some people tend to be “busybodies”

• Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but afterwards the pay-off is substantial
• Proverbs 12:1 - And so it is the intelligent thing to love discipline

• v12 - Everyone that want to live a Godly life will have to go through persecution
• Question: What do you think that means - being persecuted for living a Godly life?
• v14-15 - Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to continue to believe to believe in the scriptures because it is able to make you wise in the choices of life
• v4:4 - Bible says that people will start to listen to and follow man (ideas and myths) rather than God
• If we read the Bible daily then we will know God's will for our lives. If we don't we will start to follow what people say, think, and feel.
• Question: How can reading the Bible daily change your life? What happens if you don't read daily?
• Question: Why do you think God wants you to read his word daily? So you can know him!

• Jesus is talking to the Jewish people and tells them that is they don't hold to his teachings, then they are not really his disciples
• Just because someone acts religious or know a lot about the Bible does not mean they are following Jesus
• Question: What does Jesus say it takes to be his disciple? Then you'll know what? Then what?
• When you read someone's journal you get to know that person more and more each day - same goes for reading God's word
• Question: How often do you read the Bible?
• Challenge: Read the Bible daily and make one decision each day.

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

• Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
• Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
• Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

• Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
• Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
• She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

• Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
• How are our sins forgiven?
  • God must forgive
  • Man must repent
• Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
• Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.

• Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
• Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
• Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
• Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
• Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
• v26 - Even his own life
  • What will you need to overcome?

• Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
• We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
• Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)

• If you keep on biting and devouring each other you will be destroyed by each other - Galatians 5:15
• In humility consider others better than yourselves - Philippians 2:3
• Instruct one another - Romans 15:14
• Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other - Galatians 5:26
• Live in harmony with one another - 1 Peter 3:8; Romans 12:16
• Love each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:9
• Love each other deeply - 1 Peter 4:8
• Love one another - 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11; 1 John 4:12; 2 John 5; Romans 13:8
• Love one another deeply, from the heart - 1 Peter 3:8

Old Testament scriptures about the Word

• Jeremiah 23:29 - God's word is like a fire and hammer
• Hosea 4:6 - People are destroyed from lack of knowledge
• Jeremiah 8:7 - Animals obey God but His people pay no attention
• Psalms 12:6 - LORD's words are absolutely reliable
• Proverbs 30:5-6 - Every word of God is flawless
• Deuteronomy 4:2 - Keep the commandments of the LORD your God; do not add or take away from it
• Psalms 119 - God's Word should be held in the highest reguard

• Acts 5:42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news
• Acts 8:4 - Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
  

• The principle involved here is called life-transference.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 - We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well

• You are too harsh
• You are a push over
• You are not training your daughter for the long term

• Jeff was playing in the Bay Hill Invitational and he hit his ball in the water.
• He then took a drop (drop your ball near the place it went in the water) and he added a penalty stroke
• During the night he began to question whether his drop was legal or illegal.
• He couldn’t sleep that night and the next morning called the golfing officials and told them what happen.
• Before the officials even made a decision, Jeff disqualified himself.
• Jeff said, “I’m not sure if what I did was right, and if I’m not sure then I couldn’t live with myself and keep playing. What if I won? It would be a curse.”

• In most sports today the rule is to see what you can get away with (as long as you don’t get caught then its O.K.)
• But for the person of integrity cheating/deceit is never okay (its never an option)
  

1. Politicians break campaign promises continually
2. Parents laugh at little “Billie” when he cheats at pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey)
3. Businesses lie just to sale a product (on and on)

• Many people in the world today are two-faced (their life doesn’t match their doctrine)
  

1. Peer Pressure - Matthew 27:19-24
   • Pilate lacked integrity, he made decisions based on what other people thought and said.
   • He didn’t want to take responsibility
2. Pride - Exodus 8:8-15
   • Pharaoh wanted to be in control and not take advice from others
   • In the end Pharaoh’s pride led to his firstborn son dieing (all the 1st born sons of Egypt)

• I read that when a caterpillar exists in its lowly state it can get as close as it wants to other caterpillars.
• They climb all over each other and share grounds selflessly.
• But as soon as the caterpillar spreads its wings and takes flight, it can never again get close as it once did to other creatures.
• The beauty of its wings is the very thing that prevents it from getting close.
• When we puff ourselves up with pride, we cannot get close to people around us.
• We beat our wings against theirs and we both are destroyed.

• It takes humility to have truly great relationships
  
• When we are selfish we refuse to share what we have with others (time, possessions, self)
  
• If we fail to share ourselves, then on one will really know us.
  
• It is impossible to be really close to people and be selfish
  

• Pride blinds us to who we really are
• We get a false image of ourselves and cling to that image instead of the truth
• Underneath our arrogance and pride are feelings of self-loathing and extreme neediness
• In order to overcome we puff ourselves up, we act as if we have it together
• Unfortunately we only fool & hurt ourselves because others can see through it.
• This shell of pride can also keep others away as we duck our heads back in (turtle)
• As long as we stay in our shell we are prisoners of our own pride, destine to live a lonely life

• The challenge of life is not that we have too little time, but in how we are going to spend the time we do have.
• We need to make the most of every day (make a to do list to get yourself started)

• Anyone can have a job but do we do the little things that make us a great employee
• Anyone can have a child but do we do the things that make us a great parent

1. Punctuality
2. Paying bills on time
3. Sending birthday (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day cards)
4. Picking up after yourself
5. Keeping your room/car clean
6. Returning phone calls
7. Looking presentable

• Discipline is being able to decide what can be done and doing it the right way
• It’s better to do three (3) things well than ten (10) things half heartedly

• You don’t have to say “yes” to everyone and everything (our people pleasing nature will end up making us overwhelmed, stressed)
  

• Worry is an unproductive emotion (it won’t change anything)
• Worry is like a rocking chair (gives you something to do but gets you no where)

1. Buy things that are useful instead of buying for status
2. Do not buy anything that is producing an addiction in you
3. Develop a characteristic of giving things away
4. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation
5. Stay away from things that take your focus off of God
6. If anything comes before you having QT’S in the morning then fast from that thing (activity) until you control it instead of it controlling you.

Summary

God formed a man and gave him the garden in Eden, except for the tree of knowledge. Adam was alone so God made a woman as his partner.

Observations

Genesis 2:7 - from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life
From nothing, God created us. He even takes our language that is a collection of organized means and breathed [2 Timothy 3:16] it into living and active Holy scripture [Hebrews 4:12].

Genesis 2:15 - put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Man's purpose in the garden was to work it and keep it up. God gives us work to do in step with what he desires. Work is good for glorify God, helping others, and helping us in our character. In [Acts 17:26], we learn that God determines the times and places we will live. It wasn't a random chance that Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden even with God's fore knowledge of Adam's sin.

Genesis 2:16 - You are free
The first words recorded spoken to man was "You are free". This is important because without freedom, love can not be fully expressed. God created man for Him to love and to be loved by man. What are we doing with the life and freedom God has given us? Does he feel the love?

Genesis 2:17 - you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
The sinful nature within us desires the opposite of what God wants. When it hears about something we can not do, that is the exact thing it desires to do.

Genesis 2:19 - whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name
With our freedom, we are given responsibilities. Instead of just telling us what the names of the animals and plants we, God gave Adam the task and freedom to do so. We need to remember all the things God intrusts us with and give it our all.

Personal Application

Many times I look for ways on how to automate work (it is part of the work I do as part of my career) but sometimes lose sight that work is what I am suppose to be doing. When automating tasks, I need to make sure I am using my additional time to do even more useful things that God has called me to do.

Summary

Eve's sons made offerings to God. Only Abel's was acceptable, so Cain killed him. Abel's blood cried out and God sent Cain away.

Observations

Genesis 4:7 - if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door
The sins of omission are very related to the sins of commission. If you are sitting on the sidelines, you have time (maybe considered laziness) and you will give Satan time to put all sorts of temptations in your head. A lazy person bring is a good friend to the evil one and is considered a brother [Proverbs 18:9].

Genesis 4:9 - Am I my brother's keeper?
The Christian walk is more than God and us. It is also the people around us. We learn about relationships from others. We learn about ourselves and get feedback on how we are doing - and give it as well.  Without others we would have been pointed the way to God and we could not reach  others with the gospel.

Genesis 4:12 - You will be a restless wanderer on the earth
Without God in our lives, we are a restless wander. Our thoughts, emotions, and desires become our direction and we walk aimlessly - not knowing where we are, where we came from, or where we are going.

Genesis 4:26 - At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD
Since the beginning of time men began call for for God. It is built into the nature of our being. Time after time he has answered no matter how far away we go. But when he calls for us, will be answer? Will we let it go to voicemail? Are we screening our calls from Him and only answer the calls that are easy to take?

Personal Application

I wonder sometimes if I have my "ringer" loud enough for me to hear when God calls. A lot of times I look back on important events in my life and realize that I missed another lesson God was trying to teach me but I was not listening. I feel embarrassed  that I was so selfish during that times. I want to listen voice from God more intensely.

Summary

Japheth's line lived in the coastlands; Ham's included Nimrod and the Canaanites; Shem's lived in the East. These formed the nations.

Observations

Genesis 10:4 - peoples spread out ... each with its own language
These family was not only in not on the same page, in the same state. They each had a completely different language. Their words were likely not written down so changed easily because there was no reference point. Having different languages is not a bad thing but it illustrates when we do not have a reference point in our lives, our standards, direction, and our feelings of the day change we do things. Like God's written word, if we do not keep refering to it, we will live as if we are standing on shifting sand [[Matthew 7:26].

Genesis 10:6 - sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan
From Ham's children, came the Jews and others like the Philistines [Genesis 10:14]. I am not sure if this separation came from the times these kids were growing up but does show how much we need unity in our family. Though in verse 6, they had different languages. Unity is very important in a family and godly unity only comes from God. We can be united in mind and heart from our relationship with God. It is never to early introduce God to your family - especially children.

Personal Application

I am convicted on how fast families can be divided by Satan. How things can change and a heart is no longer are responsive in a relationship. I need to start ASAP.  I am going to make sure my children know God, his word and what it means to have an amazing relationship with Him.

Summary

God made a covenant with Abram and renamed him Abraham. He renamed Sarai Sarah and promised them a son. The men were circumcised.

Observations

Genesis 17:9 - As for you, you must keep my covenant
First, God came to Abram and Abram fell facedown. God told him what His part of the covenant - the promises that Abram would be a father of many nations. But there are two sides to covenant - we have commitment too. Sometimes we just love to look at God's promises but ignore our side of the covenant. God freely gives and will always out give us but we must do our part as well. What parts of our relationship with God are one sided?

Genesis 17:17 - Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old?
Sometimes what He says to us are hard to believe or understand. But His ways are much higher than our ways [Isaiah 55:9]. Despite our understanding at the time, we need to trust what God says. What promises of promise of God are we not trusting? Why?

Personal Application

I know I can one-sided and stubborn in my thoughts and sometimes in my relationships. When I get my mind set to do something, that is the way it is. This can be a strength in some situations but a very big weakness if I am contrary to God's thinking. I need to be humble and allow God to change my thoughts and my ways.

• Romans 6:1-4 - You have begun a brand new life; you were born again (John 3:1-5)
• Acts 2:36-41 - Every one of your sins has been forgiven and forgotten (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
• Galatians 3:26-28 - The blood of Christ you received at baptism now covers and protects you.
• Ephesians 1:13-14 - You received the Holy Spirit who gives you power (Romans 8:5-11)
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - You have been added to the body; enjoy your new family

• Ephesians 4:17~24 - You humbled yourself and let others teach and challenge you – keep it up
• Acts 19:17-20 - You were completely open with your sins – keep it up
• Romans 6:17-18 - You obeyed the Bible teaching when you saw it – keep it up
• Hebrews 3:12-14 - You spent good quality time with other disciples - keep it up

• Proverbs 11:14 - Many advisers bring victory in your daily life
• Proverbs 15:22 - Allow others to be a part of your planning; they will help you succeed
• Proverbs 19:20 - Advise will make you wiser than ever

• Proverbs 20:18 - Get advise before the challenging battles you will be facing
• Proverbs 24:5-6 - Young disciples need older soldier’s guidance on waging spiritual battles

• Proverbs 15:12 - Be open to the possibility that your plans may be wrong or not the best
• Proverbs 16:18 - You may fall simply because you refused to get input in your life
• Proverbs 18:12 - Humility leads to advise, advise leads to victory, victory leads to honor

• 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
• Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace

• Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
• Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives

• Hebrews 5:11-14 - Train yourself; be disciplined to read and pray and get help from others
• Hebrews 6:1-3 - We must learn the elementary truths so we can move on to maturity

• 1 John 2:5-6 - Always compare yourself to Jesus and look to imitate Him in everything
• Colossians 1:28-29 - Let others help you to be formed more into the image of Jesus

• 2 Peter 1:3-11 - Growth is an absolute; it solidifies your place in heaven
• 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Growth will keep you from falling from your secure position

• Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
• Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death

• Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
• Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal

• Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
• 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
• 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak

• Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
• Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
• James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others

• Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
• Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
• 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
• Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
• Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God

1. What was your relationship with God before today?
   
2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).

• As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
• How can you begin to "purify yourself"?

1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?

• What has God done with your sins?
  
• Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).

1. What happened to Jesus after his baptism? What should you expect after your baptism?
2. How was Jesus tempted to question his relationship with God? God's plan for him?
3. How has Satan tempted you with doubts/insecurity/fears since your baptism?
4. How did Jesus use the Bible to fight temptation? How does the Bible expose Satan's lies?

1. How might the devil scheme against you?
2. What armor has God provided to keep you strong?
3. What is our only "weapon" against Satan (vs. 17)?

1. What helped to keep these young disciples faithful?
2. Are you devoting yourself to the same things they did (2:42)?

1. What does it mean to have "deep conviction"? How can you develop conviction?
2. Who should you imitate? In what ways?
3. Are you becoming a "model" to others? How?

1. What are some of the "old" parts of you that are gone?
2. What are some of the "new" things you are becoming?

1. How new must you be?
2. What is the difference between adding on new habits and being changed from the inside?
3. Are you like an old wineskin or a new one? Why?

1. What are some examples of worldly thinking in your life?
2. How can you change your thinking?

1. How does God describe your old way of thinking and living?
2. Who were you created to be like? Why is it so important to keep on forgiving each other?
3. What does it mean to live a life of love?

1. Why was Martha distracted?
2. How was she feeling?
3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
5. What did Mary choose?
6. How was it better?

1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
2. What is the result?
3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?

1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?

1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?

1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?

1. Why do some people scoff (mock) at the promise of Christ's return?
2. What will the "day of the Lord" be like?
3. Are you living as though Jesus could come back TODAY?

1. Will there be any "second chance" for those who are not ready to meet the Lord?
2. Why will this day be like "a thief in the night"?
3. What does it mean to be alert and self-controlled?

1. How does Paul feel about facing the Lord on judgement day?
2. Why is living for Jesus like fighting the good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith?
3. What kind of effort does it take to be this way to the end?

1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?

1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
2. How can you consider others better that yourself?
3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?

1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
2. Who should go to whom first?
3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?

1. What was Peter's sin?
2. Why did Paul correct him publicly?

1. Why did Paul correct and challenge the Corinthians?
2. How does God want you to respond to correction?
3. Has anyone corrected you lately?
4. How did you respond?
5. Were they encouraged by your response?

1. What obligation do we have to help one another?
2. How can pride keep you from taking correction?
3. Why is it dangerous to compare ourselves to others?

1. What is Christ's "strategy" for evangelizing the world?
2. Describe a reliable disciple. Are you reliable in terms of keeping appointments, keeping time, following instructions?
3. How are you to follow the example of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer? Be specific.
4. Would Timothy or Paul have chosen you to teach others? Why?

1. How is the Christian life like running a race?
2. What happens if an athlete does not train or "beat" his body?
3. What happens if you do not train and discipline yourself as a disciple?

1. Why was this man so determined to see Jesus?
2. List at least 3 reasons the man could have given to not try to see Jesus.
3. What impressed Jesus about this man?
4. How can you be more like him?

1. What did Jairus and the bleeding woman have in common?
2. Why did Jesus help both of them?
3. Why is it important for us to depend completely on Jesus when we need help?
4. What are some ways you have not been depending on God enough?
5. Have you turned to other sources for help?

1. What was different in this place? Why?
2. Is Jesus amazed at your faith or your lack of faith? Why?

1. Do you have a heart like this?
2. What is your life producing?

1. What do you need to do to keep growing as a Christian?
2. Define goodness, perseverance, brotherly kindness.
3. What happens if you stop growing?
4. What does verse 10 mean?

1. If a brother or sister came to visit you, what kind of report would they give about your Life?
2. How do you feel about your life in Christ up until today?
3. Are you growing?
4. In what areas do you need help?

• Which will you choose in this year?
• What are three things that you most feel the need to change in your life?
• How will you take the first step in each of these three?

• What is your attitude towards those who have fallen away from God?
• When was the last time you reached out to someone who has stopped being a part of the fellowship?

• He met people's spiritual needs. John 4: 1 - 26
• He taught people to serve by meeting physical needs. Luke 10:25 - 37