March 25th, 2024
by Tony Stephens
by Tony Stephens
Bible Reading:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
James 2:14-17 (ESV) - "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, what is the role of grace in our salvation, and what is excluded as a means of earning it?
2. How does James 2:14-17 illustrate the relationship between faith and actions?
3. What are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and how might they be evident in a person's life?
4. In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do, and what is the promised result of such actions?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of grace as a gift from God challenge the idea that we can earn our salvation through good deeds?
2. What might be some reasons James emphasizes the need for actions to accompany faith?
3. Considering the fruit of the Spirit, how might these qualities influence the choices and actions of a believer?
4. How does trusting in the Lord with all your heart change the way you make decisions?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek God's guidance in that process, and what might you do differently next time to ensure you are aligning with His will?
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to cultivate it in your daily life?
3. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person?
4. Identify one daily activity you can replace with time spent in prayer or Bible study to prioritize God’s kingdom in your routine.
5. Consider a way you have experienced God's grace recently. How can you be a conduit of that grace to someone else this week?
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
James 2:14-17 (ESV) - "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, what is the role of grace in our salvation, and what is excluded as a means of earning it?
2. How does James 2:14-17 illustrate the relationship between faith and actions?
3. What are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and how might they be evident in a person's life?
4. In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do, and what is the promised result of such actions?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of grace as a gift from God challenge the idea that we can earn our salvation through good deeds?
2. What might be some reasons James emphasizes the need for actions to accompany faith?
3. Considering the fruit of the Spirit, how might these qualities influence the choices and actions of a believer?
4. How does trusting in the Lord with all your heart change the way you make decisions?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek God's guidance in that process, and what might you do differently next time to ensure you are aligning with His will?
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to cultivate it in your daily life?
3. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person?
4. Identify one daily activity you can replace with time spent in prayer or Bible study to prioritize God’s kingdom in your routine.
5. Consider a way you have experienced God's grace recently. How can you be a conduit of that grace to someone else this week?
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