1 Corinthians 7: Bible Study

Read 1 Corinthians 7

• What stood out to you most after reading this chapter in the Bible? 

Reflect on these questions

• The words “call” and “called” are repeated often in this chapter. The Greek word for call means “to call aloud, to bid, or to invite.” Two of the verses that feature the word called are verses 17 and 24.
  
  Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
  - 1 Corinthians 7:17
  
  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called...
  - 1 Corinthians 7:24a
  
  Do you feel that you're currently living a life that God has called you to live? Is there anything that can confirm your answer in the Bible, in prayer, and/or through fellowship with other believers?

• Another emphasis in this chapter is the idea of “remaining with God,” and staying focused on Him. Verses 24 and 35 highlight this idea.
  
  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
  - 1 Corinthians 7:24
  
  I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
  - 1 Corinthians 7:35
  
  How does your current season in life make it easier to focus on God and live for Him? Does your season in life create any obstacles to focusing on God and living for Him? 

Respond with faith in action

• Paul’s intent is not to forbid the pursuit of marriage; rather, it is to offer advice while promoting a focus on eternity (1 Cor. 7:29-31). Our time on earth is short.
  
  What can you do to live for eternity as an individual? What can you do with those around you (your family, Life Group, etc.) to live for eternity as a team?

Table Talk - What's on the Menu?

Main Thought

Building Christ-centered lives and families can be a little like setting a table for a meal. You can’t eat until you set the table with things like food, plates, and utensils. Our priorities are like setting the table. The things we prioritize will probably be repeated by ourselves, our families, Life Groups, and more. We also want to “watch our portions.” Children often learn to eat balanced meals, or unbalanced meals, based on what they see the adults around them do. Food choices are often learned behaviors. A lot of other things can be learned behaviors too: what we do with our time, how we serve, the way we talk about and treat others, etc. We should model behaviors and attitudes that we want to multiply. Finally, when it’s time to eat, things that don’t belong on the table need to be removed. Sometimes, there are things in our lives and families that don’t belong there. They make it hard for us to love God and love others. We can identify those things and remove them from our lives.

Main Passages

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

- Deuteronomy 6:4-9, ESV

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

- Philippians 4:9

15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

- Joshua 24:15

Discussion Questions

1. What is a priority in your personal life, home, or family that you would like to see repeated and/or multiplied? 

2. How are you currently modeling the priorities, beliefs, behaviors, etc. that you would like to see multiplied?

3. Do a quick internal review of things that are present in your life and your home. Is there anything that makes it hard for you, or those close to you, to love God with your all? Is there anything that should not belong? (This could be anything: music, movies, social media, crude language, excessive busyness, horoscopes, etc.)

Pardon Our Progress - Grace at Work

Main Thought

Have you ever walked through a home under construction or renovation? It can be such a mess! There’s dirt, debris, and materials everywhere. Yet these clear imperfections are signs of progress when a master builder is nearby. Our homes and families - which includes each of us as individuals - are no different. We’re works in progress, living with other works in progress. Grace allows the work to continue. God gives grace to us; we should extend grace to each other; and, we should give grace to ourselves. We might be incomplete, but we can’t allow that to make us insecure. Insecurity keeps us from rising into the places and roles God has called us to occupy in our homes.

Each of us can partner with God to become the best versions of ourselves. Allowing God to build us might involve evaluating ourselves and our lives against a new blueprint: the Bible. Letting God build us might also involve becoming aware of our flaws and fixing them. We can adopt new mindsets, actions, and habits in place of those flaws. This process is repentance in action. The work might be hard, but God is a Master Builder. He’ll finish what He started if we continue the work with plenty of grace.

Main Passages

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

- Philippians 1:3-6, ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

'“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”

Acts 3:17-20

Discussion Questions

1. Name one strength, talent, or personality trait of yours that is a blessing to your family (or to those close to you). How do you use that to bless others?

2. How does grace help create a space where we can all safely learn, grow, and improve?

3. Think about one of your own flaws and failings. How might that affect your family (or people close to you) negatively? What could repentance and growth look like for you?

Through Ages and Stages

Main Thought

The Bible’s command to “honor your father and mother” is for everyone. Yet the way we relate to our parents (or other people who helped raise us) changes over time. The honor that we give them might change too. We need to navigate this dynamic through different ages and stages. We might not know how to do that sometimes. We might even feel that they don’t deserve honor from us. Still, Christians are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Jesus honored the Father - even when it was difficult - when He chose to give His life on the Cross. 

Jesus chose honor. We can choose honor too. This begins with a base level of honor, because we wouldn’t be here without our parents. We can then do something that’s implied by the words for “honor” in the original Greek and Hebrew: value and weight, respectively. We can carefully evaluate, or weigh out, how to honor our parents practically in the context of our unique relationships. Honor can look different in different situations. Finally, we should extend honor with grace (undeserved, unearned kindness). As Christians, we’ve experienced the grace of God. We should extend grace to our parents and guardians too. God’s Word promises that He will bless us when we bless our parents. Let’s choose honor, and look for God to fulfill His promise.

Main Passages

'Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”'

- Matthew 26:36-39, ESV

'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.'

- Ephesians 5:1-2

'Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”'

- Ephesians 6:1-3

Discussion Questions

1. Think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. What can we learn from Him in those difficult moments, leading up to His crucifixion?

2. Why do you think God commanded everyone to honor their parents?

3. Honor can look different in different seasons and situations. We might choose to give honor through our time, words, gifts, or service; through respectful, clear expectations or boundaries; by honoring someone’s memory, and passing on the lessons you learned from them; or, perhaps even with prayer, forgiveness, and blessing from a distance. 
   
   What might honoring your parents look like practically for you? (Be sure to evaluate this with God, and weigh it out with Christian community.) 

The Love That Releases - When Love Becomes Sacrifice

Main Thought

You might have heard this saying before: “If you love something, let it go.” There’s actually some truth to this from a Biblical perspective, but God’s Word brings greater clarity and truth to it. Love releases what it isn’t called to change or control. In family life, there will be issues - people, problems, decisions, and more - that are outside of our rightful influence and control. Love recognizes this fact and rejects the temptation to exert inappropriate influence. In love, we let these things go - but we do not go away. Love watches without withdrawing. We remain accessible, within reach, to the people and problems that we release. We want people to be able to turn to us when they’re ready. So what do we do in the meantime? Love trusts God to return the things we’ve released. Some things are outside our control, but there’s nothing outside God’s control. Letting things go teaches us to trust Him.

Main Passages

Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. - Exodus 2:1-4, NIV

5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” 8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” - Exodus 2:5-10

'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ' - Romans 8:28

Discussion Questions

1. Reflect on Romans 8:28 (above). What can it look like when God works “for the good of those who love him”? What does this verse promise us? What doesn’t it promise us?

2. Are there any situations in your life or your family that are bringing you pain, worry, or distress? Is there anything you can do within your rightful place of influence or control?

3. Think about your answer to Question 2 again. What’s outside your rightful place of influence or control? Pray with each other for those situations, breaking into smaller groups if appropriate.

Show Us How to Love

Main Thought

Many of us have experienced love in and through our families of origin. Sadly, that’s a blessing that not everyone can say they’ve had. Still, everyone should be able to agree that we’re supposed to love our families. Even that can be more complicated than it should be. We fight; we have misunderstandings; we are hurt, and we hurt others. We need someone to show us how to love our families.

God’s love can show us how to love our families. God sees each of us at our absolute worst, yet He offered us His absolute best through Jesus Christ. He adopts us into His family. This is grace: the undeserved, unearned kindness of God. If you’ve experienced God’s love and grace, then you should remember what you’ve received and offer it to your family. We can greet our family’s failures with grace, and help them grow. We can look for opportunities to serve. We can love and forgive quickly, while choosing to trust or develop relationships with care and time. That’s how God can show us to love our families. If we do our best to love like Jesus, then God’s love can fill and heal our families.

Main Passages

'For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. '

- Ephesians 3:14-19, ESV

‘But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.’

- Ephesians 2:4-7

'Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.'

- Ephesians 2:11-13

Main Passage

1. It can be said that the first imperative (or command) issued in the Book of Ephesians is to remember the love that we’ve received from God. Why do you think we’re encouraged to begin living for God, and loving like Him, by first remembering His love for us?

2. Has God’s love changed your understanding or experience of love? If so, how?

3. What would it look like for you to remember what you’ve received from God (love, grace, forgiveness, etc.) and offer that to someone in your family? Try your best to do that this week!

Safe in His Will

Main Thought

Where do you feel safest? With whom do you feel safest; or, what kind of circumstances make you feel safe? The call to follow Jesus can be a very difficult one at times. Every Christian will be opposed in some way: by society, by the Enemy, by other people, and even by ourselves. Where can we find safety in the midst of all this opposition? The safest place to be is in the will of God! His loving presence can comfort us in our troubles. He can empower us and embolden us to love Him and love others. He can guide us forward. If we’ll follow Jesus, instead of giving into fear, we’ll discover that we are safe in His will.

Main Passages

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

‭‭- Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

- Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

‭‭- 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Discussion Questions

1. One particular fear that the Bible us about is the “fear of man.” (Proverbs 29:25.) How would you define “the fear of man?” How can it affect us?

2. How can knowing God make us feel safe in the face of our greatest fears?

3. What’s one thing you need courage or faith from God to do?

This Changes Everything!

Main Thought

All of Jesus’s followers believed that He was gone for good after His death on Good Friday. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose again three days later! The resurrection of Christ on Easter marks the turning point of His real-life story. His resurrection can change our stories too. God wants to be near to us - even when we can’t perceive Him. His words can ground us when we feel unsettled. He can give us clarity when life is chaotic. These things come when we walk with God. Believing in Jesus, seeking to know Him (through things like the Bible, prayer, and other resources like the One 2 One), and growing in the love of God mark the path of those who choose to walk with Christ.

Main Passages

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. - Luke 24:13–16 (NLT)

Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

- Luke 24:27

As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

- Luke 24:30–31

Discussion Questions

1. How do you celebrate Easter? Are there any elements of your Easter celebrations or festivities that serve as a reminder of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?

2. What do you think it means to “walk with Jesus”?

3. A step of faith can change everything. What’s one step of faith you can take that has the power to make a big impact in your life, or in the lives of people around you?

Because He Lives

Main Thought

In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul taught that Christianity’s authority and validity depended on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself prophesied that He would rise again before His Crucifixion. In order to prove Himself, Jesus needed to defeat death! Death was an intimidating opponent. Mankind has faced death, and all of the pain that it brings with it, ever since sin entered the world. But Jesus Christ defeated sin and death when He rose again! We can look forward to an eternity with Him. In the meantime, we can live with excellence on earth - knowing that the effort we give to God won’t be in vain. Our lives can be filled with lasting purpose, meaning, and hope because He lives.

Main Passages

'For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.' - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

'For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.'

- 1 Corinthians 15:16-21

'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.'

- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Discussion Questions

1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?

2. In places like 1 Corinthians 15, the Bible describes a “resurrected” or “glorified” body that believers will have for eternity. What do you think that will be like? (For example: Will we eat and drink? Will we need sleep? We will be capable of things that our physical bodies aren’t capable of right now?)

3. Do you feel that you live differently because Jesus promises eternal life to us? If so, how?

He Came Back Different

Main Thought

Do you live like Jesus is alive? Jesus is different from other religious leaders or martyrs because of His resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus changed the world; and, it carries implications that should change the lives of everyone who believes in Him. We aren’t just saved - we’re resurrected. We should live in a new way. We aren’t just alive - we have access. We can approach God, the King and Creator of the Universe, in different ways: through His Word, through prayer, in worship, in books, and so much more. We also aren’t just present as members of God’s Kingdom - we have parts to play in it. We, like Lazarus, can rise and experience the power of a new life in Christ.

Main Passages

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

- John 11:17-26, ESV

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

- Romans 6:4, NIV

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

- John 10:10b, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

2. What are some of the implications of the resurrection of Jesus Christ - either for the world as a whole, or for individual believers?

3. How has your life become “new,” in a practical way, since coming to faith in Jesus Christ? In what ways do you feel you’re continuing to grow in Christ now?

No Escape

Main Thought

People love 2 Corinthians 5:21, which tells us that Jesus took our sin and enabled us to become the righteousness of God. The beautiful truths of this scripture apply to everyone who follows Jesus! But what about the scriptures leading up to that beautiful declaration? It is there we discover that God gave the “Ministry of Reconciliation” to all of His people. We’re like ambassadors who have the opportunity to extend the good news about Jesus on God’s behalf. This responsibility also applies to everyone who follows Jesus. There’s no escaping our calling as ambassadors for Christ! But this isn’t an obligation to escape from; it’s an opportunity to be excited by. The Leper who met Jesus in (Matthew 8 and Mark 1) couldn’t help but share his story of transformation at the hands of Jesus. If Jesus has transformed something in you, or in your life, then you have a story to share too.

Main Passages

'And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.' - Mark 1:40-45

'All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.' - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Discussion Questions

1. God calls everyone who has been touched or transformed by Jesus to spread His good news to others. Why do you think God calls us to do this?

2. What’s one of your favorite things about Jesus? (It could be a passage, a teaching, a testimony, an aspect of His character, an apologetic fact, a theological truth, etc.)

3. Is there someone in your life who might be blessed or encouraged to hear you share your answer to the previous question? If so, who?

A Bridge Between Heaven and Earth

Main Thought

Friendship can be like a bridge that leads people to Jesus. Many of us were introduced to Jesus through friends, family members, or other pre-existing relationships. Yet some of our attempts to talk about God or to invite someone to experience Him might not be received well. When this happens, it’s important for us to remember two things: people need Jesus, and Jesus is worth sharing.

Jesus is the bridge that connects heaven and earth! We can only experience true fellowship with God, and eternal life, through Him. Friendship (and other similar relationships) gives us an opportunity to deliver this truth in an effective and enduring way. We can commit to building these relationships and bringing Jesus with us. Bringing Jesus with us is a mindset that helps us find the right moment, or the right method, and more. If we’ll make these commitments, then the relational bridges we build can lead people to Jesus.

Main Passages

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

- John 1:43-46, ESV

Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

- John 1:50-51, ESV

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

- John 14:2-6, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

2. Who told you about Jesus? What made you pay attention to the message? 

3. What is something that Jesus has done for you that you would feel comfortable sharing with others? Is there anyone in your life that might benefit from hearing that good news?

You Are the Light of the World

Main Thought

Have you ever found yourself in a very dark environment? Maybe it was a room without access to light, a cave, or even somewhere outside with the moon and stars obscured somehow. When we find ourselves in darkness, we become desperate for light. The world we live in is in a state of deep, spiritual darkness. Jesus has called us to be the light that it needs! We’re meant to reveal and reflect the light of God. It’s a part of our nature as believers. God’s light fills us with life, hope truth, and more; at the same time, we can reveal the truth of God to others.

The good things we do, and the way we conduct ourselves, can help people see God. But God can even use us in spite of our flaws. We might be intimidated to share the good news about Jesus because we don’t want to be seen as “hypocrites,” people who fail to practice what we preach. We can’t let that fear stop us. Instead, we can change our practices over time and be careful to preach the right message. Becoming more like Jesus actually creates opportunities for people to see Him through us over time. Keeping Jesus the focal point of our message, as opposed to focusing on issues of behavior or morality, can minimize distractions in the midst of our efforts to share the gospel. The world is waiting for God’s people to bring light into darkness - and God can use all of us to help others see Jesus a little more clearly.

Main Passages

' “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ' 

- Matthew 5:14-16, ESV

'For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ' 

- 1 Corinthians 2:2-4, ESV

'to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ '

- Acts 26:18, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Main Passages above?

2. Do you feel that your life, conduct, and/or actions reveal “good works” that could cause people to be open to learning about God? Why or why not?

3. How might you be able to bring God’s light to people around you that need Him? Pray for open doors and opportunities to do that.

Evangelism in Motion: Living the Great Commission

Main Thought

Most Christians have heard the Great Commission: “Go, and make disciples of all nations.” The Greek word for “go” in that instance implies a continuous journey. Therefore, we should carry Jesus - and His message - wherever we go. God wants the people around us to have an opportunity to meet Jesus through us. In order for that to happen, we should strive to live life in a way that matches our faith. We don’t need to be perfect; however, choosing to follow Jesus should cause us to be distinct in a way that honors God. A change that happens in us can create opportunities for change to happen around us. With God’s help, we can make disciples and inspire people to seek God in our daily encounters.

Main Passages

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

- Matthew 28:19-20

14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

- Acts 16:11-15

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to “live a life that matches your faith”? Do you think your life aligns with your faith?

2. Is there space in your calendar for you to share God’s love with others?

3. Think of where you spend your workdays or school days. Is there a way for you to share your faith there respectfully?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Main Thought

A lot of Christians want to be equipped as effective evangelists. That’s very important. But what if we already have access to one of the most powerful evangelistic tools out there? When sharing Christ, one of the greatest things we can do is listen. We can listen to God, who leads us by His Spirit. He may nudge us - through a thought, a picture, a name, etc. - to connect with someone. We can look to build genuine, caring relationships with people. Once there, we can listen to them with the goal of understanding them. Slowing down in our conversations and asking meaningful questions can help us understand. Listening to people often causes them to be open to a response. “Modern Day evangelists” listen for these precious opportunities. God can change lives if we take them in faith. 

Main Passages

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him

- Acts 8:26-30

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

- Acts 8:35-38

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…

- James 1:19

Discussion Questions

1. What makes someone a “good listener”? Do you consider yourself a good listener? 

2. How can being a good listener become a powerful tool in evangelism?

3. How can we hear God? What will you do in an effort to hear from God (with a focus on engaging people who don’t know Him) this week?

Making Room: Building a Dwelling Place for God

Main Thought

It has always been God’s desire to dwell among His people. But do we have a place for Him? Demands and distractions are abundant. Our schedules are full, and we have plenty of commitments. We might not have any time or space for God left - and our hearts feel His absence. We need to make room for God. We can make room for God when we surrender our hearts in worship, and when we surrender our hands to serve. We can offer our resources, like our time and treasure, to Him. If we make room for God, then He’ll come to dwell with us. He will reveal Himself to us and through us.

Main Passages

44 I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
- Exodus 29:44-46

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
- John 1:14

“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
- 1 Peter 2:5,9

Discussion Questions

1. What are the benefits of having adequate time or space for God in our lives? What are potential consequences of not having enough time or space for God?

2. Do you feel that you have adequate, consistent time and/or space in your life for God? Why do you feel that way?

3. Is there anything you can offer to God in order to make more room for Him? How can you do that practically?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: John 21

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal

Weekly Reading: John 21

'Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.' - John 21:25

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from John 21. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. The following questions can help us understand the context of a passage: What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text?

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

We’ll write our responses and share them with our group. (If you journal some other way, feel free to do that!) Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! 

Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word!

From Darkness to Destiny - The Journey of Mary Magdalene

Main Thought

Jesus Christ transformed countless lives through the power of His death on the Cross and His resurrection. The clearest example of His life-changing power in the gospels might be the story of Mary Magdelene. Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary when they met. From that moment on, Mary’s past did not define her. She followed Jesus; she sat at His feet; she annointed Jesus’s feet before His death. She was even present when Jesus was crucified, when most of Jesus’s disciples had run away. Mary received an incredible reward for her faithfulness: she was one of the women who discovered the empty tomb, and she was the first recorded person to speak to Jesus after His resurrection.

Christ wants to transform our lives, just like He transformed Mary’s life. We can go from being bound to being free. We can go from deep despair to joy. We can discover purpose, when we go from being a witness to a messenger. If we want these things to happen in our lives, then we should follow Mary’s example. We can stay close to Jesus; share our stories; and, walk in our God-given identities.

Main Passages

'Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”'

- Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

'Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). '

- John 20:15-16 (ESV)

'Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. '

- John 20:17-18 (ESV)

Discussion Questions

1. What part of Mary’s story resonates with you most? Why?

2. What do you think it means to “stay close to Jesus”?

3. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey with Jesus. Think about…

   1. What your life was like before Christ.

   2. How you were introduced to Jesus, Christianity, etc.

   3. How your life has changed for the better since then.

   Next, do your best to share your story (either with your whole group or in pairs) in two minutes or less. (This is called a two-minute miracle.)

From Passivity to Mission

Main Thought

Joseph of Arimatheia had a lot going for him. He was a good person. He had achieved great success. Yet he was longing for something more. His search for the Kingdom of God inspired him to become a follower of Jesus - even if he was a secret one. Yet Jesus gave his life for us in a public way. Seeing Jesus surrender His life on the Cross inspired Joseph of Arimatheia to fully surrender himself to God. Joseph went from passive faith to passionate action.

What did this look like? Joseph took a mission-driven, faith-filled risk. He asked to bury Jesus even if it wasn’t “his responsibility.” Typically, that responsibility should have fallen to Jesus’s family or disciples - but Joseph rose to the occasion anyway. This risk was a costly one. He could have lost his place as a member of the Sanhedrin, and he identified himself with a Man that the Romans considered a criminal. Joseph took this risk even if it seemed late. Ultimately, Joseph’s faith was honored when the tomb he gave to Jesus became the site of the Resurrection.

Main Passages

And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 

- Mark 15:42-46 (ESV)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

- Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

- Matthew 16:25-26 (ESV)

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. Why can it be tempting to have a passive faith at times? 

3. What’s one thing you can do to take a mission-driven, faith-filled risk for God?

Convinced by the Cross - From Skeptic to Believer

Main Thought

A Roman Centurion was present at the crucifixion of Jesus. This man probably oversaw dozens of executions. Perhaps he became desensitized to the pain and suffering. But this one was different. Darkness came. Then the earth quaked as the ground split and rocks cracked. All the while, Jesus responded with love to those who lashed out against Him - even praying that His Father would forgive them. Eventually, this Centurion made a profound confession. According to Matthew and Mark, he exclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Like the Centurion, many of us have witnessed things or learned things that have led us to believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God. This confession of faith should lead to commitments we make in faith. These commitments include: 1) moving from passive to active faith; 2) confronting our own hidden skepticism (questioning and examining our doubts); 3) living our confession out daily, and; 4) stepping into bold witness. The Roman Centurion had an opportunity to learn about Jesus - and the Centurion’s proclamation made him known. Through the Cross and His resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to know Him and make Him known too.

Main Passages

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

- Matthew 27:50-54, ESV

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!’”

- Luke 23:44-47, ESV

“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

- Luke 24:45-48, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. Think of the four commitments (mentioned near the end of the Main Thought) we can make when we confess Christ as Lord. Which one stands out most to you, and why?

2. What’s the biggest obstacle you face that keeps you from knowing God more, and following Him? Think about how you can overcome that obstacle.

3. What’s the biggest obstacle you face that keeps you from making God known, and fishing for Men? (Matthew 4:19.) Again, think about how you can overcome that obstacle.