Q – The Virtue of Goodness

Q – The Virtue of Goodness2017-03-30T17:07:02-04:00

Explanation

This is your response to moral authority.  How do you respond to rules and boundaries?  Do you instinctively submit to authority and shape your priorities accordingly?   Do you respect leaders, even if these leaders are flawed and treat them with respect?  Do you have an innate desire to seek what is good and follow the right path?  Are you uncomfortable when circumstances push you into grey areas?  On the other hand, are you quite comfortable pushing boundaries and limits?  Does it excite you to break rules?  Do you often find yourself seeing what you can get away with?  Do you simply ignore rules and do what you wish?  Do you sometimes hold leaders in disdain?  Do you sometimes resent authority figures because they are no better than you?  In short, do you prefer to have moral boundaries or do you resist them?

KEY SCRIPTURES

Key Scriptures

Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question.  They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject.  Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject.  They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole.  Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion.  Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.

Goodness

2 Peter 1:5-7 – For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. NIV

Prudence

Proverbs 8:5 – You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. NIV

Proverbs 14:8 – The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. NIV

Wisdom

Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. NIV

Proverbs 11:2 – When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. NIV

Proverbs 19:8 – He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers. NIV

See also Jeremiah 9:23-24, and James 1:5

Righteousness

Proverbs 13:6 – Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. NIV

1 John 2:29 – If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. NIV

1 Samuel 26:23 – The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. NIV

Matthew 6:33-34 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV

See also Proverbs 12:28; 21:21, 1 Timothy 4:12, & 6:11

Holiness and godliness

1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. NIV

Hebrews 12:14- Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. NIV

1 Peter 1:15-16 – But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” NIV

See also 1 Timothy 6:6

Obedience

Luke 11:28 – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” NIV

Revelation 14:12 – This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. NIV

1 John 3:24 – Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. NIV

See also Exodus 19:5 & Psalm 119:60

Inductive Bible Study Questions

to be used with individual Key Scriptures

  • What is the primary point of this passage?
  • How does this passage challenge us?
  • How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
  • What does this passage teach us about God?
  • What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
  • What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
  • What does this passage ask or require of us?

Key Scriptures Bible Study

to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together

  • Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
  • How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
  • What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
  • Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?

DISCUSSION GUIDES

Goodness

Q1 – Living as Children of Light – Ephesians 5: 8-20

Key Words: Goodness, Light, Kingdom of Darkness, Fruits of Sin, Righteousness, Joy

  1. Explore what it means to live in light rather than darkness.
  2. What do goodness, righteousness and truth have to do with light?
  3. Why are these considered fruits of light; how does this kind of light produce this kind of fruit?
  4. What is Paul saying when he indicates his readers were once darkness?
  5. What are the fruits of darkness?
  6. In what ways do the fruits of light expose the fruits of darkness?
  7. What is Paul’s prescription for living in the light?
  8. Why does Paul admonish us to be careful of how we live?
  9. What tends to happen when we are not careful of how we live?
  10. In verses 18-20 Paul speaks of being sober, joyful and grateful; how do such qualities enhance the light in our lives?
  • Approach all scripture prayerfully open

Q2 – The Good Life – Romans 12: 9-21

Key Words: Goodness, Humility, Righteousness, Spirituality

  1. How do verses 9 and 21 serve as bookends to this passage?
  2. List all of the ways this passage illustrates what is good?
  3. What is the most difficult or intimidating aspect of goodness to you?
  4. What do you suppose verse 10 means by the term ‘brotherly love?’
  5. Likewise, how do we honor others above ourselves?
  6. Why should Christians be willing to associate with people of low position?
  7. What does it mean in verse 21 to overcome evil with good?
  8. The word righteousness means right relationships or doing what is right in our dealings with God and others: how are good and righteousness related?
  9. Describe how this passage reflects the ethics and teachings of Jesus.
  10. How does God’s idea of what is good differ from man’s idea of what is good?
  11. How do you respond to Matthew 19:17 as it asserts that only God is good?
  12. How do you think the people in your life would respond if you lived out the teachings in this passage?
  • Approach God’s Word with humility, honesty and teachability

Q3 – Christians are Strange – 1 Peter 4: 1-6

Key Words: Goodness, Self-Denial, Sacrifice, Love, Sin, World

  1. What attitude of Christ is Peter referring to: self-denial, sacrifice, love?
  2. What argument does Peter give for avoiding sin in our lives?
  3. Why should the cross impact our view of sin and sinning?
  4. How would you contrast the human desires mentioned with the will of God?
  5. Have you found verse 4 to be true: do people often think you strange because you do not seek after the lusts and pursuits of the world?
  6. If people do not think your values and morals are strange, why not?
  7. What does it look like to live distinctly Christian lives?
  8. If we live distinctly Christian lives, will we not always perplex those who live according to the values of the world… explain?
  9. How should we desire to be viewed by the world?
  • These questions are only suggestions, allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide

Wisdom

Q4 – Seeking Wisdom – Proverbs 1

Key Words: Goodness, Wisdom, Openness, Truth, Fearing God

  1. What synonyms for wisdom does Solomon use in this passage?
  2. What is the overarching idea or principle Solomon is trying to communicate?
  3. What is the attitude of the wise towards knowledge and understanding?
  4. What role does teachability play in gaining wisdom?
  5. What role does humility play in attaining wisdom?
  6. Why are fools often described as obstinate and closed minded?
  7. How do verses 10-19 describe the way of sinners?
  8. How these same verses describe consequences of forsaking wisdom to follow sin?
  9. How do verses 22 and following describe those ignore what they know to be God’s truth?
  10. Why do you suppose this is the very first Proverb… how does it serve as an introduction to the Proverbs?
  11. Why is the fear of the Lord the beginning of knowledge?
  • These questions are simply a foundation for you to build upon

Q5 – The Benefits of Wisdom – Proverbs 2

Key Words: Goodness, Wisdom, Knowledge

  1. How are wisdom, instruction, knowledge and discipline related?
  2. Are they simply synonyms or do they complement one another in more complex ways?
  3. How do verse 1-4 describe the attitude we should have regarding wisdom?
  4. How do verses 5-8 describe the Lord’s attitude and response towards those who seek wisdom?
  5. How do verses 9-11 describe the personal benefits of wisdom?
  6. How do verses 12-15 describe how wisdom protects us?
  7. How do verses 16-19 describe how wisdom keeps us from huge life-killing mistakes?
  8. How do verses 20-22 sum up the life and stature of those who seek wisdom?
  9. According to the text, where does such wisdom come from?
  10. Do you believe that scripture plays this role in the life of believers?
  11. How does this understanding impact how we view verses 1-4?
  • Create your own study by adding and subtracting questions as needed

Q6 – The Spirituality of the Wise – Proverbs 3: 1-18

Key Words: Goodness, Wisdom, Fearing God, Faith, Openness

  1. How many times is the LORD or God mentioned in these verses?
  2. What clues does this give regarding the theme of this chapter when we compare this number to the number of times God is mentioned in the prior two chapters on wisdom?
  3. According to verse 1, where does wisdom come from?
  4. According to verse 2, what is the result of wisdom?
  5. Explain the command in verses 5-6 and what that means practically in our lives?
  6. What does it mean to fear the Lord as verses 7-8 discuss and why is fearing God a good thing?
  7. According to verses 9-10, what is the promise for those who honor the Lord with their first fruits and why does such a heart please God?
  8. Verses 11-12 refer to the Lords discipline, what that look like and how do some people despise it?
  9. Do you agree with the description verses 13-18 of those who in Trust in the Lord, Fear the Lord, Honor the Lord and are Open to the Lord?
  10. Describe the attitude of the wise towards God.
  • Your questions are probably better than mine

Q7 – The Fruits of Wisdom – Proverbs 4

Key Words: Goodness, Wisdom, Wicked

  1. What do we learn about the source and nature of this wisdom in verses 1-5 (See Deuteronomy 6: 4-9)?
  2. List the benefits of wisdom given in each verse in verses 5-13.
  3. How would you sum up these benefits?
  4. How do verses 6-9 personify wisdom?
  5. Do you believe 1 Corinthians 1: 24-25 has any bearing on the personification of wisdom?
  6. What should our relationship be with ‘Wisdom?’
  7. With what does the author contrast the way of wisdom in verses 14-17, and what exactly is the path of the wicked?
  8. Is there any significance to the fact this is a father instructing his son?
  9. How might the young and old view this wisdom differently?
  10. Why do the young often struggle with the kinds of wisdom described in this passage?
  • Spend time with the questions prior to leading a group or coaching time

Q8 – Sexual Wisdom – Proverbs 7

Key Words: Goodness, Sex, Wisdom, Temptation, Lust

  1. What is the source of wisdom in verses 1-5?
  2. These instructions are for a young man, is it only the young who face the temptations described in this chapter or are the young especially susceptible to such temptations?
  3. Describe what we know of the young man from verses 6-9; is he special in any way or is he a random victim?
  4. What is it about him that makes him an easy mark for the adulteress?
  5. Describe her approach in verses 10-20: what is her dress, tone and speech calculated to communicate to this young man?
  6. In what ways is she disingenuous?
  7. How do she make the young man feel?
  8. What are the sexual voices of our society and how are many of them just as disingenuous?
  9. How do verses 21-23 describe what happens to those who give in to such feelings and temptations?
  10. How would mainstream society today view verses 24-27?
  11. How do you feel about these verses?
  • Interrogatives are keys that unlock wonderful secrets 

Q9 – If You Could Have One Thing – 1 Kings 3: 1-15; 4: 29-30

Key Words: Goodness, Wisdom, Success

  1. If you found the proverbial Genie in a bottle and was given one wish, what would you wish for?
  2. What does Solomon ask for and what does that say about him?
  3. Why is wisdom actually the wisest choice?
  4. What does this text say about the greatness of Solomon?
  5. Does the text link Solomon’s greatness with wisdom… explain?
  6. How did wisdom directly impact the greatness of Solomon?
  7. Do you believe everybody’s looking for something… explain?
  8. Most people seek things that are not accessible to them: money, power, beauty, etc.: how accessible is wisdom… explain?
  9. Is seeking wisdom the same as seeking God?
  10. How is intentionally seeking God and/or wisdom the wisest decision we could make?
  • Be like a detective who interrogates scripture 

Righteousness

Q10 – Real Service and Fake– Matthew 6: 1-4

Key Words: Goodness, Righteousness, False Spirituality, Good Deeds, Service

  1. How do you spot religious or spiritual fakes?
  2. What does the text mean when it refers to “acts of righteousness?”
  3. What acts of righteousness might we see among Christians today?
  4. What does this passage teach about the value of deeds done to impress others?
  5. Which pleases God more, righteous deeds done for the sake of others, righteous deeds done for the sake of God, or righteous deeds done for their own sake?
  6. Is it right to be motivated towards righteousness for the reward we might receive?
  7. Are acts of righteousness important to you?
  8. Should they be?
  9. What does this passage teach us about serving God and others?
  • The insight is found in scripture; questions are simply tools to mine the ore

Q11 – Authentic Living – Acts 5: 1-12

Key Words: Goodness, Greed, Righteousness, Deceit, Sin

  1. How were Ananias and Sapphira faithful to the Lord?
  2. They did give a portion of their profit to God, is that not more generous than most Christians… explain?
  3. Did God ask more from them than he does from us?
  4. How were they not faithful to the Lord: what sin did they commit?
  5. Why did they commit this sin?
  6. What did this sin reveal about their hearts?
  7. Why did God find their behavior so heinous that he took their lives?
  8. What does their sin teach us about true goodness, godliness and righteousness?
  9. Respond to the following statement: once we begin to quantify spirituality we run the risk of pride and insincerity.
  10. Respond to the following statement: many people know a lot about God, and do a lot for God, but do not look very much like God.
  • Follow the lines of curiosity 

Q12 – The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7

Key Words: Goodness, Righteousness, Spirituality

  1. Some say verse 6:33 is the key verse of this sermon; what do you think… explain?
  2. How many verses in these three chapters speak of the heart?
  3. What does this communicate about how Jesus viewed spirituality?
  4. Another word that appears frequently in the sermon is ‘righteousness,’ which means right relationships, which additional passages in the sermon actively instruct us in living righteously?
  5. Which teachings of Jesus regarding righteousness, or relationships, contrast with the relational values of our society?
  6. Describe in your own words the ethic Jesus communicates in this sermon?
  7. How well does your life match this ethic?
  8. How do the first 12 verses, or the beatitudes, instruct us the live consistently and righteously?
  9. Why is it so important to trust God as we try to live out Christ’s standard of spirituality?
  • Group leaders may wish to consult a commentary for background information 

Spiritual Leadership

Q13 – Follow the Leader – Hebrews 13:17

Key Words: Goodness, Spiritual Leadership, Spiritual Authority

  1. What are the most important qualities for spiritual leaders to possess?
  2. The text speaks of obeying your spiritual leaders, do you view your spiritual leaders as people to obey… explain?
  3. What is the nature and limits of spiritual authority?
  4. What does the text mean when it says that leaders must give an account?
  5. How does society generally view authority today…How do most people view pastors and other church leaders?
  6. What does disobedience towards human authority reveal about our hearts?
  7. Why is it such a challenge for us to submit to human spiritual authority?
  8. What reason does the text give to submit to spiritual authority?
  9. What does the text mean when it implies that it is no advantage for us to have spiritual leaders who are burdened?
  10. How does our cooperation and support of our pastors reflect and advance the Kingdom of God?
  11. How does our non-cooperation and non-support of our pastors deny and hinder the Kingdom of God?
  • Seek to connect the dots with other scriptures and Bible content 

Q14 – Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership – 1 Timothy 3: 1-7

Key Words: Goodness, Spiritual Leadership, Integrity

  1. What do you think makes a good spiritual leader?
  2. Why might the text refer to spiritual leadership as a noble task?
  3. According to the text, what does God look for in a spiritual leader?
  4. What qualities are you surprised to find in this list?
  5. What qualities are you surprised to find missing?
  6. What does it mean to be above reproach?
  7. How might violating each of the qualities in verses 2 through 4 compromise the integrity and leadership of a leader?
  8. What is the devil’s trap according to verses 6-7?
  9. Why is important for spiritual leaders to foster a goof reputation?
  10. What does this passage teach us about what God values in a person verses what man values?
  11. Give a profile of healthy spiritual leadership?
  • There are no greater tools for effective Bible study than humility, honesty, and diligence

Q15 – False Teachers Among You – 2 Peter 2: 1-10

Key Words: Goodness, Spiritual Leadership, Integrity, False Spirituality, Ambition, False Teachers, Greed

  1. The text speaks of false teachers and prophets, do you feel this is an issue or problem today?
  2. According to verses 1 through 3, what damage can false teachers cause in the lives of their followers?
  3. According to the text, what is the Modus Operandi of false teachers?
  4. What is the nature of the greed that verse 3 says motivates such people: greed for money… greed for power… greed for attention… or greed for something else?
  5. According to verse 3, where do their ideas come from?
  6. Does the text give us the nature of their destructive heresies? How can we spot false teachers?
  7. What is the fruit of their actions?
  8. How does the text drive home how serious God takes their actions?
  9. How serious should we take false teaching and how can we protect ourselves from it?
  • You are responsible for your level of engagement

Q16 – False Teachers in the World – 2 Peter 2: 4-10

Key Words: Goodness, Righteousness, Purity, World, False Teachers

  1. What does verse 8 teach about the righteous living among the unrighteous?
  2. Is it a challenge for you to remain pure, righteous and obedient amidst a world that does not share your values…explain?
  3. How would you sum up the teaching and wisdom of our age?
  4. How would verse 10 sum up the teaching and wisdom of our age?
  5. Who are the false teachers and prophets of our society… what sources most influence people in our society?
  6. Is it difficult for you to hold different values and beliefs than the world?
  7. How important is it for you to fit in and be liked by the world?
  8. What promise does verse 9 give to those seeking to remain pure and true to God?
  9. Why is it important for us to remain true to God even when the world pushes back?
  • Go beyond the obvious by avoiding “Yes” or “No” answers

Q17 – Healthy and Unhealthy Leaders – Malachi 2: 7-10

Key Words: Goodness, Spiritual Leaders, False Spirituality, Covenant

  1. Priests were the spiritual leaders for Israel, who do you look to for spiritual leadership?
  2. How are spiritual leaders messengers of the almighty?
  3. According to verse 7, what qualities does God look or in his leaders or messengers?
  4. For what is Malachi chastising the spiritual leaders of Judah?
  5. What is the covenant Malachi refers to?
  6. Do we have a covenant with God?
  7. How do we violate the covenant with God?
  8. In what ways are we tempted today to water down God’s message?
  9. Why should God’s Word be our ultimate standard for truth and life?
  • Think before answering

Rebellion and Disobedience

Q18 – The Best Deterrent for Rebellion – Deuteronomy 31: 24-29

Key Words: Goodness, Rebellion, Obedience, Law, God’s Word

  1. What is the book of the Law that Moses just finished writing, and what is its significance for the people of Israel?
  2. What did the Ark of the Covenant represent for the people of Israel (1 Samuel 6: 19-21)?
  3. Why did Moses tell the people to place the book of the law beside the Ark of the Covenant?
  4. Is God being negative or does he simply understand human nature?
  5. How could the Israelites rebel after all God had brought them through?
  6. Are we any different than the Israelites… explain?
  7. Did placing God’s word in their midst serve a strategic purpose?
  8. Knowing their inclination towards rebellion, do you suppose the presence of God’s word ever discouraged their disobedience?
  9. Does making God’s word central in our lives play a strategic role in keeping us from rebellion and disobedience?
  • Thoughtful silence is the soil of epiphany

Q19 – The Nature of Rebellion – Isaiah 1: 1-6

Key Words: Goodness, Rebellion, Ungrateful

  1. How would you define the concept of rebellion?
  2. What picture does God give in the last part of verse 2 to describe his relationship with his people?
  3. How do rebellious and ungrateful children treat and hurt their parents?
  4. How do good parents feel about wayward children, and do you think God feels the same way about his wayward children?
  5. What different image does verse 3 use to describe his people’s relationship with him?
  6. What does the owner of the ox and donkey provide for their animals?
  7. In what way do God’s people forget how God cares for us?
  8. What words in verse 4 describe God’s people and what clues do these words give regarding their behavior?
  9. How serious does the Lord take the rebellion of his people?
  10. How does the Lord plead with his people to return to him?
  11. How are you tempted to openly rebel against the Lord?
  12. Why is rebellion against the Lord something that should terrify us?
  •  Seek Nuance

Q20 – Closed Hearts Empty Souls – Isaiah 30: 9-11

Key Words: Goodness, Openness, Prophecy, Rebellion, Deceit, Religion

  1. What is the spirit of the people to whom this prophecy is directed?
  2. How do the people react to the authentic teaching of God’s Word?
  3. Do you feel this passage captures the spirit of our times… explain?
  4. The passage describes these people as not only rebellious, but deceitful… how might rejecting God’s instructions and teachers lead to deception: with others or with ourselves?
  5. Does anything in this passage lead you to believe these people are still religious?
  6. What do these people value most?
  7. The people in the passage do desire teaching, what kind of teaching do they desire?
  8. What is the danger of teaching that only affirms, and never challenges?
  9. What does this passage teach us about the kind of spiritual instruction we should seek for ourselves?
  • Be sure to explore all the resources for each doctrine, virtue, and practice

Q21 – Obedience and Love – John 14: 15-24

Key Words: Goodness, Obedience, Love

  1. How does Jesus indicate in verses 15, 21, 23 and 24 we demonstrate our love to him?
  2. Jesus repeats this command to obey four times, what does this say regarding its importance to Jesus?
  3. Does it surprise you that Jesus connects obedience and love?
  4. Do most people view God’s commands as onerous… explain?
  5. Do you feel God’s commands are onerous?
  6. What does Matthew 11: 28-30 say about the commands of Jesus?
  7. Why do the commands of Jesus lead to freedom and love?
  8. How does Matthew 22: 37-30 influence the teaching of this text?
  9. Why do you suppose the true intentions of our hearts are revealed through obedience?
  10. What would you conclude about an individual who claims to love Christ, but intentionally and repeatedly disobeys Christ?
  11. Does failure in the presence of a genuine desire for obedience represent rebellion?
  12. What does this text teach is the secret to obeying Christ?
  • Remember there are additional studies in the Key Scriptures section

Q22 – Sabotaging Your Own Spirituality – Jonah

Key Words: Goodness, Religion, Rebellion, Mission, Service, Attitude

  1. How would you describe Jonah’s relationship with God?
  2. Do you think God desired to do a work in Jonah’s life as well as in Nineveh… explain?
  3. Was Jonah religious… explain?
  4. Was Jonah good… explain?
  5. Did Jonah think he was good?
  6. Is Jonah misunderstood… explain?
  7. Do you ever find yourself identifying with Jonah?
  8. Did Jonah’s Old Testament perspective (law) keep him from fulfilling a New Testament command (grace)?
  9. Do you ever struggle with New Testament expectations because you cling to Old Testament values?
  10. How do you think God would have blessed Jonah had his attitude been right?
  11. What principles do you find in Jonah’s story to keep us from sabotaging our own spirituality?
  • Remember there are other learning and scripture studies in the Growing Exercises section

GROWING EXERCISES

  1. Read a Proverb every day for one month.
  1. Prayerfully make a list of what you believe God would identify as your 5 greatest character flaws. Discuss with your spiritual coach.  Begin praying about these flaws and create a strategy to address them.
  1. Tithe 10% of your income to your church this month.
  1. Fast from your TV, movies and internet for one week. Spend the time you would normally spend engaged in media doing spiritually productive activities such as spending time with your family, praying, reading God’s word, attending church, writing a letter or email to an old friend, serving in your church or community, or some other productive activity.
  1. Identify the 3 most common reoccurring sins in your life. Keep a daily journal for one month chronicling your successes and failures each day in these 3 areas.  Keep track of the number of times you feel tempted, the times you overcame the temptation and the times you did not.
  1. Identify any hindrances or stumbling blocks that cause you to continue in the sins identified in exercise 4. As far as it is within your power, remove these influences from your life.  Perhaps you need to install monitoring software on your computer.  Perhaps you need withdraw from a negative relationship.  Perhaps you need to quit watching certain TV shows or reading certain books.  Remove the modes of temptation from your life.
  1. Determine to perform at least one sacrificial good deed each day for someone else. It must not involve someone a person who can help you in return.  Help a stranger, a child or someone in need.  The point is to demonstrate goodness for goodness sake.  How hard would it be to establish a pattern of goodness in your life?
  1. Read a biography of a great Christian whom you admire.
  1. Keep a prayer journal for one month. Make a list of prayer needs and people you are praying for, then record any answers to those prayers over time.
  1. Practice a new spiritual discipline. If you already have a prayer, try fasting once per week.  If you already fast, try memorizing scripture.
  1. Identify another believer who is strong in an area of weakness (finances, service, sharing your faith, parenting, patience, Bible study, marriage relationships, vocational success, purity, etc…). Make an appointment with them for lunch or coffee.  When you meet, simply tell them that you struggle in this particular area and that you would like to interview them regarding how they are able to excel in this area.

RECOMMENDED READING

  1. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
  2. Toxic Faith by Arterburn and Felton
  3. How Should We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer
  4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
  5. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  6. Radical: Taking Your Faith Back From the American Dream by David Platt
  7. The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
  8. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
  9. My Heart Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger
  10. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
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