What might this 'agitator' have done to cause pain in the Corinthian church?
It seems the majority punished him in some way that was too severe. In what ways might we be lured into thinking with the majority instead of Biblically?
Contrast God’s plan versus Satan’s plan for an offending brother or sister? (Ref. Gal.6:1,1Pet 5:8) In what way does Satan attempt to devour us?
Why do they need to “reaffirm” their love for this sinful brother?
What is the difference between reconciliation and restoration in Christ?
In reviewing your relationships, who comes to mind you may need to reaffirm your love for them in Christ?
How then do we reconcile relationships without making ourselves victims or compromising our own faith?
Q32. What does every sin deserve?
Every sin is a usurpation of our infinite God’s authority and undermines His Lordship in our lives and thus deserves infinite wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come.
(Ephesians 5:6; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 25:41)
Reflection: In what way is all sin an afront to God?
Q33. What does God require, that we may escape His wrath and curse due to sin?
God requires of us confession and repentance of known sins and a trust in His plan to redeem us through the work of His Son Jesus Christ. This is authenticated by an outwardly changed life that produces fruit in service to God as ambassadors of Christ.
(James 5:16; Acts 2:38; John 3:16; Galatians 5:17; James 5:22-25; Galatians 5:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
Reflection: Why is some level of obedience not a requirement to escape God’s wrath?
Q34. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?
The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was and continues to be both God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever.
(1 Timothy 2:5–6; Acts 4:12; John 1:1, 14; Galatians 4:4–5; Colossians 2:9)
Reflection: Given the incarnation, how could there possibly be an alternate means to be reconciled to God?
What is Paul addressing when explaining why he did not do a return visit to them as planned?
Why does Paul exhort them to focus on God’s promises rather than himself?
What is the promise Jesus Christ has made to you in John 14:26?
How have you realized God’s promises in your daily life?
How is God’s promise superior to having a contract with Him? (Romans 4:13-16)
Q29. What did God first reveal to man for his obedience?
The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law as revealed in the Ten Commandments.
(Deuteronomy 10:4; Matthew 19:17; Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 2:14-15)
Reflection: Why is God concerned with the morality of His creation?
Q30. Is any man able to perfectly keep the moral law of God?
No mere human, since the fall, is able to perfectly keep the moral law of God, but routinely breaks them in thought, word, and deed.
(Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; James 3:2)
Reflection: Why is it difficult, in each occurrence, to keep the moral law?
Q31. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
All sins constitute equal rebellion against the authority of God. Sins committed intentionally are more heinous than unintentional sins as they demonstrate conscientious and continued rebellion against God. (Hebrews 10:26, 1 John 3:6)
Reflection: Why do we tend to think some types of sin are more heinous than others?
Why did Paul want them to know the severity of his suffering in Asia?
Share a time in your life you experienced God’s deliverance from suffering?
What is the fruit/result of trusting in God rather than yourself?
How did the Corinthians’ prayers help Paul in his suffering?
Read Hebrews 11:1. How can we have peace when considering the possibility of suffering in the future?
Q27. What were other results of the fall?
All creation was impacted by the transgression of Adam resulting in the decay of the human body and the world, disease, violence, difficulty, and death of all things.
(Romans 8:19-22)
Reflection: Since all creation exists in a fallen state, how does this help us understand the brokenness and suffering in the world?
Q28. Did God abandon all mankind in this fallen state?
God, out of His good pleasure, from before the foundations of the world, determined that some would be rescued from this state of rebellion, sin, and misery and bring them into a state of salvation by sending a Redeemer.
(Ephesians 1:4; Romans 3:20–22; Galatians 3:21–22)
Reflection: How does God having accomplished this before the foundation of the world reveal His character to us?
Review Titus 2:7, 2:14, 3:8 and 3:14. With the focus on “good works” what has changed in your thinking and actions?
Read John 17:23 and Romans 14:19. What is to guide our discussions with one another?
What is the fruit or results of the “unprofitable and worthless” discussions in verse 9?
What steps are you going to take to devote your conversations and thought-life to the Lord?
Q24. What is idolatry?
Idolatry is the placing of trust on created things rather than the Creator for our peace, joy, and contentment.
(Romans 1:21-25)
Reflection: Why do we place our trust in the temporal things of this world?
Q25. Did all humanity fall in Adam’s first act of rebellion?
God made a covenant with Adam and his descendants such that his fall propagated to all humanity that descended from him by ordinary generation.
(Romans 5:12, 18–19; 1 Corinthians 15:21–22)
Reflection: Do we see the sinful nature being passed from one generation to the next? Is it possible to stop this?
Q26. What was the state of man resulting from the fall?
All mankind, by their rebellion, broke their relationship with God, are under His wrath, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, death, and eternal separation from Him in hell.
(Genesis 3:8, 24; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41, 46)
Reflection: Why does it feel as though our sin is not that bad? In what ways do we minimize the weight of our sin?
What is the “trustworthy statement “referred to in verse 8?
Read Ephesians 2:1-3. What additional insight does this give, to our life before Christ, described in Titus 3:3?
What causing us difficulties in being courteous to all people?
Does your justification, adoption, and eternal hope change the way you live and respond in this world? How do these verses illuminate this change?
What is the benefit of remembering what our life was before coming to Jesus Christ as savior and Lord?
Discuss a person in your life that by applying these truths might affect an change in your relationship.
Q21. How did Adam and Eve dwell before they sinned?
Adam and Eve were provided a one-flesh partnership and were given the work of populating the earth, subduing it through their dominion, and to work and keep it.
(Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:15; Genesis 2:24)
Reflection: What does Adam and Eve’s responsibilities before the introduction of sin tell us about the potential for work to be good?
Q22. Did Adam and Eve continue in the state of their creation?
Adam and Eve, being left to the freedom of their own will, did not trust God, rebelled against Him and fell from the state in which they were created.
(Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 3:6–8)
Reflection: What motived Adam and Eve to not trust in their creator God who they knew intimately?
Q23. What is sin?
Sin is rebellious distrust of God. It includes both intentional rebellion and unintentional transgression of God’s law or will.
(1 John 3:4; James 4:17; Romans 3:23)
Reflection: Why is unintentional transgression considered sin? What does this say about our sinful nature and God’s justice?
How is godliness realized by us, in this “present age”?
Read Gal 2:20. Though we are never perfect how much progress can we make, in this life, to be like Jesus Christ?
What good deeds are we to be zealous for?
What is the blessed hope (verse 13) we look forward to?
What brings you joy and encouragement in your life in Christ?
Q18. What is the work of creation?
All things that exist were created by God, out of nothing, by His word, and are all very good.
(Genesis 1:1, 31; Hebrews 11:3)
Reflection: How is God’s creative power distinctly different from our own? How does this cause us to worship Him as Holy?
Q19. How did God create humans?
God personally created all humanity, male and female, by breathing life into them; creating them after His own image.
(Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 139:13-16)
Reflection: Why does God’s creation of humanity stand in stark contrast to that of the rest of creation? In what way does this inform our understanding of a human’s personhood?
Q20. What is the work of providence?
Providence is God’s governing and preserving all of His creation and all their actions by His wisdom and power and conforming all effects to His sovereign will.
(Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 104:24; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 10:29–31; Romans 8:28)
Reflection: How does providence remove the ideas of luck and chance and why does God’s character necessitate this distinction?
How does self-control impact a man’s life, family, and the community?
Vs 7 outlines an integrated life that “models” good works, pure teaching and sound speech. How do these work together to prevent condemnation?
Why is it important that the older men in the church are modeling these good works? What are other models that the young men may emulate?
While in the USA slavery and indentured servitude are illegal, we still play a role in society. What role do you play and how might your character affect that?
People that pilfer ‘rip off’ others. How can we reflect and glorify God in our economic interactions?
In our public life how do we speak with grace rather than being argumentative?
In what ways might you change or reflect on your attitudes and actions given these commandments?
Q16. In what way is God sovereign?
God is sovereign over His eternal purpose such that He has foreordained all that comes to pass.
(Ephesians 1:4–11; Romans 9:22–23; Isaiah 46:10)
Reflection: If nothing is outside of God’s sovereignty, how do we understand the existence of evil?
Q17. How does God execute His sovereign will?
God executes His will through His works of creation and providence.
(Revelation 4:11; Daniel 4:35)
Reflection: In what ways does humanity attempt to pretend like it possesses the qualities of creation and providence? How are these forms of rebellion?
What is to guide the older women’s interactions with younger women?
In our culture, what competes with this for the attention of women?
Discuss Hebrews 10:24-25. What are we to consider about one another?
With so much going on in families today, discuss how older and younger women might interact to have this type of relationship?
How does the wife having specific responsibility for the household affect your understanding of marriage? What are some implications of this?
How do we know that these instructions are still applicable to us today?
Q14. Does God reveal Himself in other ways to humanity?
God reveals Himself through the work of the Holy Spirit in our conscience and through His church to remind one another of His words.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 3:13)
Reflection: Can God reveal new truths? What is the basis for all revelation?
Q15. What is the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit where He reveals that our thoughts, actions, or feelings are not in alignment with God’s and needing of repentance and correction.
(John 16:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10)
Reflection: What are two ways we can respond to conviction? How do we ensure we respond faithfully?
These qualities of men and women are observable behavior in what social interactions?
How does the world differ on their understanding of these attributes?
Read Col. 1:10. What do you need for these qualities to increase in your life?
How can focusing on perfection in ourselves and others hinder observable spiritual growth?
"Slanderer" is equivalent to devil. Why are slander and gossip so destructive to spiritual fellowship and growth?
Read Hebrews 3:12-13. How does encouragement combat the “deceitfulness of sin” in ourselves and others?
Why does God want us to reflect these attributes?
Q12. What is the duty which God requires of humanity?
The duty which God requires of humanity is obedience to His revealed will and to act as ambassadors, representing God to the world, and proclaiming His message of reconciliation.
(Micah 6:8; Deuteronomy 29:29; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
Reflection: Do we think of our lives as duty-bound in this way? What keeps us from accomplishing our duty?
Q13. Are the Scriptures wholly sufficient to reveal God?
Yes, the Scriptures are inspired and preserved by God such that they are wholly sufficient for a life of faith.
(2 Peter 1:21; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:23-25; Matthew 24:35; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25)
Reflection: If the scriptures were not wholly sufficient, what would that say about God? Is God able to preserve His revelation?
How are these rebellious men different from the “elders” in verse 5?
Verse 12 is a comment on the character of the false teachers attributed to Epimenides. How is this relevant for you today?
Why is a “sharp rebuke” needed rather than patient teaching for these men in the fellowship? When do we preform sharp rebukes vice patient rebukes?
Why is this rebuke required in order for them to be sound in faith?
How can all things be pure for those who are pure, but impure to those who are impute? How can this possibly be true?
How does someone deny God by their works?
Q10. In what ways does God tell us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?
God reveals this to us through His Word contained in the Scriptures of the 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.
(Ephesians 2:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:3–4; Galatians 1:8–9)
Reflection: Is our motivation in reading God’s word that we would know Him better and enjoy Him more thoroughly? If not, what can we do to facilitate this?
Q11. What else do the Scriptures reveal?
The Scriptures reveal the character of God, His promises, how He has worked in the past, and what duty He requires of us.
(John 20:31; 2 Timothy 1:13; Micah 6:8; 1 Samuel 15:22)
Reflection: Why is it important for us to know how God has worked in the past?
From the passage, what has God promised that you can rely on?
Why is truth from a “God who never lies” important? What other characteristics of God are foundational for our faith?
What did God do at the “proper time “in history from these verses? (Luke 1:20, 1 Pet 5:6, 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
What do we share with all believers in our “common faith” in Christ?
In what ways is your faith, knowledge, and godliness strengthening and growing?
Q8. What is the purpose of humanity?
Our purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
(1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31; Psalm 86:9; Romans 11:36; Psalm 16:5–11; Psalm 144:15; Isaiah 12:2)
Reflection: What does it look like to enjoy God?
Q9. How does humanity bring glory to God?
We glorify God by reminding ourselves and revealing to others how worthy God is of our adoration. We do this through our trust and enjoyment of Him; the glad sacrifice of our time, resources, and talents to the benefit of His Kingdom.
(Matthew 5:16, John 15:8, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Philippian 1:9-11; Romans 12:1)
Reflection: Is it possible to glorify God in everything we do? In what ways might we be able to place our entire lives in service to this aim?
Like driving a car, living as Christ’s disciple requires attention and alertness. From Proverbs 4:1-27 what requires attention to “walk in the Spirit” (Romans 8:4 and Galatians 5:16)?
What causes distraction or inattention for you?
What is instructed about “the heart” in verses Proverbs 4:21, 4:23?
What does Jesus teach about the “heart” in Luke 6:45?
What might you do to increase your focus on your daily “walk” in Christ?
Q6. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Faith in Jesus Christ describes our trust in His work alone for our salvation and His return for our rescue.
(John 1:12; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9; Revelation 22:20)
Reflection: Why is trust a better word to use than faith? How do we apply this idea of trust in our daily actions and attitudes?
Q7. Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity that is sent to those who have faith in Jesus Christ to change their affections in agreement with His and to remind them of their adoption to God.
(Ezekiel 36:22-27; Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; John 16:7-14)
Reflection: What does God’s decision to send the Holy Spirit to indwell the believer tell us about His concern for us and our powerlessness without Him?
How does wisdom and discretion yield security and peace in a fractured world?
Discuss what is the 'good' that may be due to you or another?
Why is it wrong to delay or make someone wait for the good you are to provide them?
What drives the envy and emulation of violent people in your life?
How does the Lord’s favor and blessings spur us to be righteous?
Q4. Is there more than one God?
There is only one God, the only creator who is the living and true God.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6)
Reflection: If there were other gods or other ways to reach God, what would this say of God’s revelation to humanity?
Q5. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, of the same substance, equal in power and glory.
(Matthew 3:16–17; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Reflection: What does it mean that God exists in three persons and why is this significant to His character?
What does Isa. 42:16 tell us about the “paths of Righteousness?"
How do you know you are walking in the way of good on the paths of righteousness?
If you leave the way of the good, how do you regain it? (2 Cor. 7:10, 1 Jn 1:9)
What does it mean to inhabit or remain in the land?
When are the wicked cut off and rooted out?
It doesn't seem like we see this justice on a consistent basis, how do we understand the truth of this scripture when the wicked often seem to succeed and the righteous do not?
Q2. How does God reveal Himself to humanity?
God reveals Himself sufficiently to all humanity through His creation and His implanting of a conscience. This general revelation is sufficient to make no man ignorant of Him and for all to be equally guilty of their rebellion against Him.
(Romans 1:19-20; Romans 2:14-15; Romans 1:18)
Reflection: How does our conscience reveal to us what we ‘ought’ to do and ‘ought not’ to do? What happens when we ignore our conscience?
Q3. Does God reveal Himself more specifically?
Yes, God revealed himself specifically to Israel by means of the ten commandments, the Levitical laws and sacrifices, and through the prophets; He reveals Himself to all humanity finally through His Son Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures.
(Deuteronomy 10:4; Matthew 19:17-19; Galatians 3:23-27; Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 1:1-2)
Reflection: How does God’s decision to reveal Himself to humanity provide us with an opportunity for a personal relationship with Him?
What is special and different about the wisdom of God verses earthly wisdom? (1 Cor. 4:2-6)
Why are the Simple, Fool, and Mocker in this condition? (Pr. 1:22)
What does it mean to “Turn at/to my reproof?" (Pr. 1:23)
What is the promise in Pr. 1:23?
What is essential to your practice of Godly wisdom? (Matt. 7:24, James 1:5, Col. 3:16)
Q1. Who is God?
God is spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. He is holy, wise, powerful, just, and good.
(John 4:24; Job 11:7–9; Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Exodus 3:14; Romans 11:33; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 15:4; Exodus 34:7; Psalm 107:8; Hebrews 6:18)
Reflection: In what ways is God’s character essential to our trust in Him?