Maturing in Christ: Understanding the Lord and His Word

Maturing in Christ: Understanding the Lord and His Word
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Page # 1141

I. Be a follower of Christ.
II. Pray for understanding.

Ephesians 1:15-18 Page # 1169

III. Study diligently.

2 Timothy 2:15  Page # 1191

Read - What does the text say in its original context?
(Great Commandment and Great Commission - Matt. 22:37-40, 28:18-20)
     1. Read the OT and NT at the same time.
     2. Switch back and forth from OT to NT
     3. Read a book of the Bible in one week to 30 days.
     4. Read based on a theme/subject.
     5. Read a “novel” type version of the Bible. (The Story by
         Lucado, ESV Reader’s Bible )

Examine - What does the text mean in its original context?
     1. Context - What is the single meaning the author wanted to
         convey?
     2. Content - What are the key words, phrases, and characters
         of the passage?
     3. Culture - What customs of that day influence the text?
     4. Cross-reference - How do other passages shed light on this
         text?
     5. Consultation - What have others seen in the passage?
     6. Christ- What does this passage reveal about Jesus Christ?
        (John 5:39)

Apply - What does God want me to know, believe, and do?
(Ask who, what, where, when, and why)

     1. Is there something that leads me to praise God?
     2. Is there a promise to believe?
     3. Is there something that leads me to give thanks to God?
     4. Is there a sin to confess?
     5. Is there a command to obey?
     6. Is there a warning to observe?
     7. Is there a truth to share?

Pray - Use the passage to pray. Remember, only by God’s Spirit and His word is true transformation possible.

IV. Seek righteousness.

1 Peter 2:1-3 Page # 1212
2 Peter 3:17-18   Page # 1213

V. Continue to walk with and learn from other believers.

1 John 2:15-20, 25-27 Page # 1219
Matthew 22:23-33 Page # 983 

Faith Sheet

Transformation Verse (July) – Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Main Themes  

~ Only God’s people have an appetite for God’s word, can understand what it truly says, and then live it out in daily life.
~ Bible study can be difficult at times, but it is rewarding to the prayerful and diligent. (Proverbs 2:1-22)

#1- Reviewing This Past Sunday
Maturing in Christ: Understanding the Lord and His Word  
1 Corinthians 1:18-31

1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and discuss with someone.
2. Why must we have His Spirit to understand His truth? (1 Cor.
    1:19, 23-24)
3. On average, how much time daily do you spend in Bible study?
    Ask God to increase your desire for Him and His Word.
4. How might the Bible study method R.E.A.P. enhance your walk
    with God?
5. Who could use your prayers? Pray as God leads.

     # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday  
Maturing in Christ: Praying as Jesus Prayed, Part 1
Luke 3:15-22

1. Read Luke 3:15-22. What was the atmosphere like at this time?
    (vs. 15)
2. What are the differences between John the prophet and Jesus
    the Messiah? (vs. 16-17)
3. Describe John’s ministry. (vs.18-20) Why did he need to pray?
4. Describe what you think you would have felt and done if you
    were at Jesus’ baptism? (vs. 21-22)
5. Notice this all happened while Jesus was praying (communing
    with the Father). Why is prayer so powerful? (See also Psalm
    34:8 and Jer. 33:1-3)