102206

40 Days of CommUNITY
Serving Together


1 Corinthians 13:7 (Monday)
“It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (NIV)
1) Always, mentioned 4 times in this one verse! I don’t know about you, but that’s very difficult for me to live up to. I think one of the main reasons why that is I am always so busy trying to protect, trust, hope and persevere in what effects me! I guess that why love is referred to as the “perfect law”! One must be perfect to hold his or her self up to the light of love and all that love demands—to die to our old nature—that very self-centered part of us—that “me” in all of us!
a) There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18!)
b) Love makes us conquerors (Romans 8:37!)
c) Love is sincere (Romans 12:9!)
d) Love does no harm and fulfills God’s law (Romans 13:10!)
e) Love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1!)
f) Obedience reflects our love for God (1 John 2:5; 1 John 5:3 and 2 John 1:6!)
g) If we love, we are known by God (1 Corinthians 8:3!)
h) And, yes, God disciplines us in love (Hebrews 12:6 and Revelation 3:19!)
i) Without love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2!)
j) Love is perfect because “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8!)
k) Godly love results in knowledge and insight (Philippians 1:9; Colossians 2:2-3!)
l) Love is the greatest of God’s gifts to His children (1 Corinthians 13:13!)
m) Love compels us into action (2 Corinthians 5;14!)
n) Love reflects itself through our actions (1 John 3:18!)
o) Our faith is expressed in love (Galatians 5:6!)
p) Our love can increase and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12!)
q) Love comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5!)
r) Love is to be pursued—learned and practiced(1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22 and 2 Peter 1:5-8!)
2) Well, if we can get away from this dead body called “self”, then, we might be able to look at various ways we can love, protect, trust, hope and persevere with others. We can best do that by looking at how Almighty God loves, protects and preserves with us:
a) God is more than able to always perfectly protect us in that He, and He alone, is our:
i) Shield
(1) Genesis 15:1
(2) Deuteronomy 33:29
(3) 2 Samuel 22:31
(4) Psalms 14:6
(5) Psalms 3:3
(6) Psalms 7:10
(7) Psalms 84:11
ii) Refuge
(1) Deuteronomy 33:27
(2) 2 Samuel 22:-23
iii) Helper
(1) Psalms 115:9-11, 3 times mentioned
iv) Rock
(1) Genesis 49:24
(2) Deuteronomy 32:4
(3) 1 Samuel 2:2
(4) 2 Samuel 22:32, 47
(5) Psalms 18:2
(6) Psalms 61:2
(7) 1 Corinthians 10:2-4
v) Fortress
(1) Psalms 28:8
(2) Psalms 31:3
(3) Psalms 46:11
(4) Psalms 59:9
(5) Zechariah 9:12
vi) Strength
(1) Psalms 31:3
(2) Psalms 46:1
(3) Psalms 59:17
(4) Psalms 62:7)
vii) Deliverer
(1) Psalm 18:2
(2) Psalm 40:17
(3) Psalms 70:5
(4) Psalm 140:7
(5) Romans 11:26
viii) Stronghold
(1) Psalms 9:9
(2) Psalms 27:1
(3) Psalms 37:39
(4) Psalms 144:2
ix) Strong Tower
(1) Psalms 61:3
(2) Proverbs 18:10
b) Since God is all those things to us and more, He is able to:
i) Protect and deliver us from our enemies (Deuteronomy 23:14)
ii) Protect us from those who would malign us (Psalms 12:5)
iii) Protect us with integrity and uprightness (Psalms 25:21)
iv) Protect us from trouble (Psalms 32:7)
v) Protect us with His mercy, love and truth (Psalms 40:11)
vi) Protect us with His love and faithfulness (Psalms 61:7)
vii) Protect us with His salvation (Psalms 69:29)
viii) Protect us because we love Him and acknowledge His name (Psalms 91:14)
ix) Protect us in our simple heartedness (Psalms 116:6)
x) Protect us by guarding our paths (Proverbs 2:8)
xi) Protect us with discretion and understanding (Proverbs 2:11)
xii) Protect us with His wisdom (Proverbs 4:6)
xiii) Protect us with His holy angels (Daniel 12:1)
xiv) Protect us by the power of His holy name (John 17:11)
xv) Protect us from the evil one (John 17:15)
xvi) Protects us from His coming wrath (2 Peter 2:4-9)
xvii)Protects us in our trials (2 Peter:4-9)
3) Admittedly, we cannot measure up to the sovereign protection of God in anyone’s life, nor are we meant to—that would rob God of His glory! But, as you go over this list of the many ways that God our Father protects and cares for us, how many ways can you think of that you can offer protection to your brothers and sisters in Christ and to others in this dark world?
a) build up the body of Christ in love (Ephesians 4:16!)
b) honoring and preferring one another (Romans 12:10!)
c) everything we do should be an act of love (1 Corinthians 16:14!)
d) serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13!)
e) love our neighbor (Galatians 5:14!)
f) bear one another in love (Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:22 and 1 Peter 4:8!)
g) speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15!)
h) live of life of love (Ephesians 5:2!)
i) Husbands are commanded to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19!
j) Wives are to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4!)
k) We are commanded to “put on” love (Colossians 3:14!)
i) Perhaps the greatest benefit of “loving one another is this: God will not “forget” our unselfish acts of love (Hebrews 6:10!)
4) Have you ever been someone’s earthly “protector”? Please share how it affected their lives and yours!
5) Ah, trust! This is not an easy task in today’s world! Nor, do I believe, that God wants us to foolishly put trust in any individual. No, rather, Jesus says He is sending us out into the world as “…sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:1 KJV) So, in Whom do we place our trust?
6) Yes, we trust God, with and for our everything. We know that He has good plans for us and a good future. Even though we are often wounded, sometimes nearly destroyed by others lack of trustworthiness, we can always be sure that God will work everything that touches our lives, even in the negative, in a way that will eventually bless our lives! He is Faithful! He alone is completely trustworthy!
7) God does not mean for us to be naïve! Yes, we must learn to trust one another, but to do so will require godly discernment! To fully trust someone involves taking the time to assess of the life and habits of that individual—not in spiritual haughtiness or judgment, but in wisdom and insight! (Proverbs 8:12-14) No one would walk up to just anyone and spill out their guts! How foolish! Know this, a person who is trustworthy, proves trustworthy! Just as a friend proves him/or herself friendly! Jesus also told us not to cast our “pearls” before swine! Yes, that is mainly speaking of spiritual mysteries of Christ that the world does not understand and/or doesn’t want to understand. But, I think we can apply that same principle in spilling the precious “pearl” of our life out to those who would trample upon it! Unfortunately, there are a lot of swine out there! We must be careful in whom we place our trust!
8) So, what are some of the action of a person worthy of trust?
a) “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways…” (Proverbs 3:31)
b) “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse a man for no reason-- when he has done you no harm.” (Proverbs 3:27-30)
c) “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” (Proverbs 4:24)
d) “Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?” (Proverbs 5:20)
e) My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!” (Proverbs 6:1-3)
f) “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart-- he always stirs up dissension.” (6:10-14)
g) “With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.” (Proverbs 7:21)
h) “My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
i) “All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.” (Proverbs 8:7)
j) “Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (Proverbs 9:8-9)
k) “The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.” (Proverbs 9:13)
l) “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother” (Proverbs 10:1)
m) “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
n) “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:8)
o) ” Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12)
p) “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.” (Proverbs 10:18-21)
q) “The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.” (Proverbs 10:32)
r) “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” (Proverbs 11:9)
s) “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
t) “A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.” (Proverbs 11:17)
u) “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” (Proverbs 11:18)
v) “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25)
w) “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
x) “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” (Proverbs 12:4)
y) “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10) (CHRIS WILLIAMS – this one is for you! Love ya!
z) “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16)
aa) “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.” (Proverbs 12:17-20)
bb) “A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.” (Proverbs 12:23)
cc) “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26)
dd) “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Proverbs 13:10)
ee) “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (Proverbs 13:24)
ff) “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”(Proverbs 14:1)
gg) ” A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
hh) “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:21)
ii) “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)
9) Okay, okay! This was not even an exhaustive list and I got less than half way through Proverbs! I trust you are starting to get the picture! By the way, how many times is our character, our trustworthiness determined by our tongues? Use discernment, beloved!
10) Let’s tackle always hope! (The following is from a previous lesson, “Being Holy in an Unholy World—Experience God’s Life-Changing Power—Ephesians 1, 2—October 9, 2005.)
a) Please read Ephesians 1:18-23.
1) How would you describe hope? How does this hope bring us joy in this unholy, unbelieving, God-denying world?
2) Let’s at least try to get a handle of the biblical meaning behind hope. Read Romans 4:18-21. “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed!” Now the Greek word used in both places in this Scripture is from the same primary word, “elpo” which means to anticipate, (usually with pleasure); to have an [great] expectation or confidence. We could translate these verses like this: “Abraham was literally in the position to be without any anticipation, expectation or confidence. Yet, with all anticipation, expectation and confidence in His God, Abraham believed! Confused? Well, maybe Romans 8:24-25 explains hope better!
a) What does Jeremiah 14:8; Colossians 1:27 and 1 Timothy 1:1 say is our hope?
b) What is God actually called in Romans 15:13?
c) Characteristics and certainties of our hope in God:
(a) leads us to complete trust, even if we do not understand His ways (Job 13:15!)
(b) allows us to patiently await the Lord’s justice and, by hope, we are comforted (Psalms 9:16-18!)
(c) never, ever leads to being our being made ashamed, disgraced, or disappointed (Psalms 25:1-3; Psalms 69:6; Isaiah 49:23; Romans 5:5!)
(d) assures our integrity and uprightness (Psalms 25:21!)
(e) allows us to be strong and take heart (Psalms 31:24!)
(f) frees us from fear, because we are assured of God’s unfailing love (Psalms 33:18; Psalms 130:7!)
(g) assures us that God is our help and our shield (Psalms 33:20; Psalms 146:5!)
(h) assures us that we will inherit what God has promised (Psalms 37::9!)
(i) is the answer to our desire to give up, or give in—our hopelessness, our depression (Psalms 42:5, 11; Psalms 43:5!)
(j) always leads to praise and rejoicing (Psalms 52:9; Romans 5:2!)
(k) actually results in and produces joy (Romans 12:12!)
(l) Oh, pray God soon! One day the whole earth will hope in our God (Psalms 65:5; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 51:5; Matthew 12:21 and Romans 15:12!)
(m) Our hope is God is a constant (Psalms 71:14!)
(n) brings us His blessing (Psalms 146:5!)
(o) The Lord delights in those who put their hope in Him (Psalms 147:11!)
(p) assures that we have a good future (Proverbs 23:17-18; Proverbs 11:23; Jeremiah 29:11!)
(q) “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31!”) Amen, and Amen!
(r) God Himself has promised to be good to those who hope in Him (Lamentations 3:25!)
(s) Because we know that God raised Christ from the dead, our hope in God assures us of our own resurrection (Acts 23:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13 and 1 Peter 1:3-5!) Blessed hope, indeed!
(t) inspires endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:3!)
(u) assures us of our salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8!)
(v) assures us of the faithfulness and truthfulness of our God (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18!)
(2) We have established that our hope is in God alone. So, what does Psalms 119:43-49 tell us that hope will prompt us to do?
(3) We not only put our hope in God, His commands, but Psalms 119:74, 81, 114, 147; Psalms 130:5 and Romans 15:4 tells us yet another area to place our hope. See also John 1:1! Glory!
(4) Ah, oh! Where does Romans 5:3-4 tell us that we learn hope?
(5) Dear ones, hope cannot be conjured up—no, it rests in God alone, and more, it comes only from Him. In fact, we are called to hope by God (Psalms 62:5 and Ephesians 1:18!)
(6) Let me assure you, others see your hope and are drawn to it—it is Christ in you. Why does 1 Peter 3:15 tell us to be ready?
(7) Hope has many benefits! Hope keeps us ready for that day when Christ will “come like a thief in the night!” What part does hope have in keeping us ready? Read Micah 7:7! Oh, look up! Your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28!) Forgive me for slipping back into my KJV!
(8) I think this one passage about hope gives me the greatest hope! Read 1 John 3:1-3! Oh, I do so hope your desire is to be pure! Believe me, I’m not, but, oh, join me in looking, longing, yearning for His re-appearing!
(9) Hang in there! Those things we hope for here, but don’t see—they’re stored up for us in heaven (Colossians 1:3-6!) God is always, always, always Faithful who promised (Hebrews 10:23!)
(10) Now, do you understand that it is not coincidental that hope is listed in 1 Corinthians 13:7 as one of the characteristics of love?
(11) At the end of the age, only three things are said to remain. What are they according to 1 Corinthians 13:13? Can you think of any reason we will continue to need hope? Perhaps, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 can give us a glimpse! What are your thoughts on this verse and how it pertains to how life will be when Christ reigns?
(12) Well, we can’t end our discussion on hope without taking a look at what Scripture has to say about a life without hope according to Job 17:13-16! Not very pretty, is it?
(13) Oh, we must all come to place where we realize that there is no hope except in God!
(a) Job 8:11-15
(b) Job 11:20
(c) Job 27:8
(d) Psalms 39:6-8
(e) Psalms 71:5
(f) Proverbs 11:7
11) What is it about perseverance, what I call “sticking it out” or “sticking to it” that matures and completes us as followers of Christ? Scripture calls it “standing firm.” See 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:14; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; James 5:8.
12) I have to tell you, perseverance only comes through our sharing in the sufferings of Christ Jesus. (Romans 5:3-5)
a) If we suffer with Christ, we also share in His glory (Romans 8:17!)
b) We learn to share in the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:26!)
c) As Christ’s sufferings flow over into our lives, so does His comfort (2 Corinthians 1:5!)
d) Suffering, coupled with godly comfort, produces patient endurance (2 Corinthians 1:6!)
e) In sharing in the sufferings of Christ, we become like Him in his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:10!)
f) We become imitators of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6!)
g) We learn obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8!)
h) Our faith is refined, bringing glory, honor and praise to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7!)
i) We come to the place where we entrust our lives to the only fair Judge (1 Peter 2:23!)
j) We are blessed through suffering (1 Peter 3:14!)
k) Suffering can actually help us to “die” to sin and willfully submit to God’s will for our lives (1 Peter 4:1!)
l) Our suffering will turn to joy when Christ is revealed (1 Peter 4:13!)
m) We “suffer” for :
i) Christ (Philippians 1:29!)
ii) the kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:5!)
iii) the gospel of Christ (2 Timothy 1:8 and 2 Timothy 2:8-9!)
iv) for bearing Christ’s name (1 Peter 4:16!)
n) So, do we just wallow in our suffering? What are we commanded to do (1 Peter 4:19?)
o) Does it help to know that we are not alone in our suffering (1 Peter 5:9?)
p) What has God promised to do for us if we endure suffering (1 Peter 5:10?) Oh, I can testify to this one!
q) What quantifies as godly suffering?
i) Persecution/Trials
(1) Comes to try our faith (Matthew 13:20-21!)
(2) Comes to further the gospel of Christ (Acts 11:19!)
ii) From 2 Timothy 3 we learn several things about persecution:
(1) What does 2 Timothy 3:1-7 and, sadly, Luke 12:52-53 tell us the type of people who will be pitted against us!
(a) 2 Timothy 3:9 tells us their sure end!
(b) Paul suffered all types of suffering for Christ’s sake. How did the Lord prove His faithfulness to Paul (see also 2 Peter 2:6-9?)
(c) Oh, take heart! Persecutions can never, no never, separate us from the love of Christ Jesus (Romans 8:33-37!)
(d) Yes, more over, we are to delight and take joy in our persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10 and James 1:2!) Are there any who are weak, are there any who are in the fire? Praise God, you are being refined and you will bring Christ all the glory!
(e) What does 2 Timothy 3:12 and 1 Thessalonians 3:3 tell us about choosing to follow Christ?
(f) What should be our response to facing trials, tribulations, suffering and sorrow (2 Timothy 3:14-17 and Hebrews 10:32-39!) Press on!
r) Affliction/Troubles
i) In the Old Testament, many of the instances where affliction is mention, it is the result of God’s wrath on sin and rebellion, but in bringing affliction, God’s heart is always acting out of love. God may bring afflictions as a result of:
(1) Sinfulness (Psalms 107:17!)
(a) God’s heart is to bring us to repentance (2 Chronicles 16:12; Psalms 119:67; Psalm 119:71, 75!)
(2) To “refine” us and/or “test” our faith (Isaiah 48:10!)
(a) God’s heart is to mold us into His Son’s image and likeness (Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 3:18!)
(3) In ways that we cannot, yea, will not understand this side of heaven, affliction comes as a way to bring glory to our God (Job 2:1-10!)
(4) Affliction turns our focus to our need of a Savior (Psalms 10:17; Psalms 25:15-21; Psalms 31:7-8; Psalms 88!)
(5) What the apostle Paul calls our “light and momentary” (he can say that—see 2 Corinthians 11:24-28) troubles are achieving eternal glories for us (2 Corinthians 4:17!)
(6) Oh, know this, if you have ever suffered affliction, or are going through affliction, or any type of “troubles,”:
(a) The Lord comforts and has compassion on the afflicted (Isaiah 49:13!)
(i) So we, in turn, are able to comfort others with the comfort we received from Christ (2 Corinthians 1:4!)
(b) God defends and delivers the afflicted (Psalms 72:4,12!)
(c) God does not forget the afflicted (Psalms 74:19!)
(d) God saves the afflicted (Psalms 76:9!)
(e) God will multiply our days of affliction with days of gladness (Psalms 90:15!)
(f) Oh, the Lord will not cast us off forever! He will be our Portion, if we wait before Him, because it is He who brings both calamities and good things (Lamentations 3!)
(7) How are we to respond to affliction?
(a) With patience (Romans 12:12!)
s) Sorrow
i) Godly sorrow always brings repentance and salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10-11!)
(1) Note what godly sorrow produces:
(a) Earnestness
(b) Indignation
(c) Alarm
(d) Concern
(e) A readiness to see that justice is done
(i) What is the result of worldly sorrow (Matthew 27:3-5?) What is the difference?
ii) Sorrow humbles us (Psalms 107:39!)
iii) Godly sorrow leads us to cry out to the Lord (Psalms 116:3-4!))
(1) God’s Word will strengthen us in our sorrow (Psalms 119:28!)
(2) One fine day, God has promised that comfort, gladness and joy will overtake our sorrow (Isaiah 35:10 and Jeremiah 31:13!)
iv) What should be our response to sorrow (2 Corinthians 6:10?)
t) Discipline
i) If you belong to Christ, then you will be disciplined (Hebrews 12:5-8 and Revelation 3:19!)
ii) The Lord’s discipline keeps us from future condemnation (1 Corinthians 11:32!)
iii) The Lord’s discipline results in holiness (Hebrews 12:10!)
iv) We are trained by the Lord’s discipline (Hebrews 12:11!)
13) What type of suffering should we avoid 1 Peter 2:20a and 1 Peter 3:17; 1 Peter 4:15?)
14) Jesus knew first hand about suffering (Isaiah 53; Matthew 26:62-67; Matthew 27:26-50; Mark 15:17-37; Luke 23:36-39; Luke 22:41-44; John 19:2-3; 19:16-18, 23-30) and, yet, it was God’s will to crush Him for our sakes (Isaiah 53:4!)
a) Why was Jesus willing to endure suffering (Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 12:2?)
b) What was His response?
i) Submission and obedience (Hebrews 5:-8!)
c) What was the result of Jesus’ suffering (Hebrews 5:9?)
i) In tasting death for everyone, He was able to bring many children to the Father—making us holy! He destroyed the one, (satan), who held power over death, and He has freed us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:9-15!)
ii) Who now holds the keys to death and Hades (Revelation 1:18!) Glory!
iii) When and where will death meet its ultimate demise (Revelation 20!) Amen!
d) What was Jesus’ reward (Isaiah 53:11-12; Philippians 2:5-11?)
e) What is our reward (1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 2:10!)
15) Is it important to you that God experienced life, just like you, in a human form? Why?
16) Since this is the case, Christ indeed did come in the flesh—was tempted and tested just as we are—can anyone accuse Him of not understanding our limitations and weaknesses?
17) How is this important in Christ’s role as our High Priest before God’s holy throne (Hebrews 4:14-16!)
18) Not Jewish? If you are in Christ, you are still a descendant of Abraham, therefore, heir to all God’s promises (Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:5-9 and Galatians 3:25-29!)
19) Oh, I pray that you have come to understand that love, protection, trust, hope and perseverance is found at the feet of the cross of Jesus Christ! It is because we know that HE loves, protects, is worthy of our trust, hope and perseverance that we can step out in faith and offer and, hopefully, receive those same attributes from His children, if not this world! We place ourselves in the Master’s hands, draw on the wisdom He has revealed to us in His word, and leave our security in His control. He is in control—nothing, or no one can come against us without God’s permission! Everything we endure is God-filtered for our ultimate good and for His glory. He will not fail us!
Romans 12:9-13 (Tuesday)
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (NIV)
1) Have you ever experienced spiritually sincere motivated love? Please share.
2) Have you ever been around a believer who has lost their zeal for the Lord? Did you notice that they also lost their joy, their hope, their patience, their belief in God’s goodness? Did that have any impact upon your own faith and zeal? Were you able to protect this sister or brother by building them up and encouraging them on the journey?
3) Perhaps, like me, you’re not the “Betty Crocker” award winner of the year! What are some other ways we can practice hospitality?
4) Perhaps you yourself are in need. Can you think of any ways you can still be available to others in need?
5) Isn’t it funny how we can cop out by promising to “pray” for someone, but offering little else to meet a need, and how at the same time “faithful prayer” can move mountains? What’s the difference?
Romans 14:19-21(Wednesday)
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (NIV)
1) By becoming a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters in Christ, quite often we can cause them to fall into sin and breaking their fellowship (not relationship) with God! For loves sake, we must realize that we are not all on the same spiritual level! Some are strong, free and have the blessing of a clear conscientious before the Lord! Others believers, feel condemned participating in certain activities that strike at the moral codes or standards they are spiritually comfortable with. Some would say they are weak in the faith. Perhaps, (though, personally, I think some of us would be better served if we followed their example) but still highly loved by God. God wants us to protect them! If someone is offended by partaking of an alcoholic beverage, or has a problem with overeating (whatever it may be) would it be loving to haul out the beer, wine and truck load of food in front of them? Remember, some of our brothers and sisters are recovering from sins you may not have experienced! What if they decide to go ahead and partake, but their conscientious haunts them later, or worse they are tempted to fall back into an ensnaring sin, or even develop an ensnaring sin. Remember, for all of us, anything not done in faith is sin—we have brought sin and not love into our brother’s or sister’s life!
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (Thursday)
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ.” (NIV)
1) As individual believers, we will not agree with every single aspect of the particular “religious doctrines” we may follow. This was the problem in Paul’s day. Everyone was “boasting” of being a follower of a certain leader within the church body. All noble, godly men—with but, all with one main objective in mind, to bring others to a saving knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ! ( 1 Corinthians 3:1-11) What does 2 Timothy 2:14 tell us about quarreling?
2) What are some “undisputable matters” that we must all agree upon!
Ephesians 4:25-29 (Friday)
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)
1) I hope you noticed that you can be angry and sin not! What type of things should be show righteous angry over?
2) This passage gives us a very good insight as to why anger can get out of control. What are we warned of?
3) Anger festers into bitterness, resentment and, finally rage. Please read Acts 8:23; Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15
4) So we’ve come full circle—back to our conversations (tongues) and the effect it has in building or destroying others! Take heed!

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