Week 4

 

Good Morning Sweet Friend!

As you’ll see from the video—I do mean good morning! It’s the no make-up, just out of bed, me (OK…I did at least brush my hair and throw it up in a clip). Why? Because I want you to know that a real relationship with God requires authenticity. Unlike our human relationships where we are often judged on our outward appearance, God looks at our hearts. We can mask the external, but we can’t fake the internal. Our study this week plunges us into considering the importance of our heart.

This week we’ll be reading chapters seven and eight. In chapter seven you’ll read about a funny story that turned into a profound lesson on the state of my internal character. I think you’ll be able to relate. Chapter eights discusses prayer. You’ll find answers to questions like How should I pray? Is there a right way? A wrong way? Why doesn’t God always answer my prayers the way I think He should?

As usual, you’ll find the shortened version of the Bible study below.

I hope you’ve been enjoying our online study so far. It’s my prayer that you are learning, connecting to God on a deeper level and understanding His great love for you.

Have a great week and know that you are loved!!

 

Chapter 7: Why Are There Jerks in the World (and Am I One of Them)?

 

1. The word “sin” evokes all kinds of emotions. What connotations does “sin” have for you? Why? (page 153)

2. Look up James 4:17 and note what it says about sin. How does this affect your perspective on what constitutes sin? (page154)

3. Look up the following verses and note how sin has affected all mankind.(page 155-156)

Romans 3:23

1 John 1:8

4. According to Romans 6:23 what is the consequence of sin and what is God’s provision for sin? (page 156)

5. Look up 1 John 1:9 and write down what we are supposed to do when we realize we’ve sinned. (page 158)

6. Is there anything in your life you need to confess right now? If so, take a moment to write down a prayer of confession. Then write 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Thank God that through Jesus Christ all your sins—past, present and future–were paid for when Jesus died on the cross in your place.

 

 

Chapter 8: Talking with God

1. According to the following verses, why should we pray? (page 174)

Jeremiah 29:11-13

James 5:16

2. What did Jesus tell us about prayer, according to the passages below? (page 175)

Matthew 21:22

Mark 11:25

Luke 18:1-7

3. The following verses give us a glimpse into what we should pray for. Read each and chose one to pray for yourself, your spouse, your kids or a loved one. (pages 178-179)

Psalm 90:12

Psalm 90:17

Ephesians 1:16-18

4. Based on Hebrews 4:16 how are we to approach God in prayer?

5. At times you may find yourself in a circumstance where you don’t know how to pray or what to pray. In moments like these, what does God do for us through His Spriit, according to Romans 8:26? (page 180)

6. What does this tell you about God’s love and care for you (yes, YOU!)?