APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• How critical is trusting God to thanking God?
• What causes you discontentment? What can you thank God for in your deepest discontent?
• Find the simplest Bible verse that encourages thankfulness and commit it to memory. What is the verse?
• Is peer-to-peer comparison a valid way to find thankfulness?
Abstain from Evil
July 12, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does "form" mean? What is a "form of evil"?
• How does a person know what is evil?
• In what way does 1 Thessalonians 4:3 help define the word "abstain"?
• What is the purpose of abstaining? What good does it produce?
Hold Fast to Good
July 5, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does it mean to "test everything"? Test by what standard?
• Describe what it means to "hold fast." How does one hold fast to truth?
• How important is decisiveness in the Christian life? Are there dangers to indecisiveness?
• Who determines what is good? Why?
Do Not Despise Prophecies
June 28, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What is the purpose of prophecy according to 1 Corinthians 14:1-6?
• What distinctions are noticeable between prophecy and tongues (1 Cor. 14:1-6)?
• What does “Do not despise prophecy" mean (1 Thess 5:20)?
• Where does the church find and receive prophecy today?
Do Not Quench the Spirit
June 21, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What specific ways does the New Testament describe the Holy Spirit’s ministry to a believer?
• Describe the word “quench." What does it mean? Why is it dangerous to quench the Holy Spirit?
• How does the Holy Spirit minister with God’s Word?
• Is the local church receptive to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
Pray without Ceasing
June 7, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• How do you choose the things you pray about? Is there a biblical reason for that prayer? Are your prayers balanced between personal and group needs, physical and spiritual needs, etc.?
• What does "without ceasing" mean? Are you faithful to it?
• Give a reason why God would ask believers to pray without ceasing.
• What emphasis does communion with God have in prayer? Please discuss.
Rejoice Always
May 31, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does it mean to rejoice?
• How does rejoice "always" fit in the rhythm of everyday life?
• How does the future return of Christ inform a theology of suffering?
• Who is the most joyful person you know? What is their source of joy?
Suppress Evil and Seek Good
May 17, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does the word “repay” assume?
• List 2-3 ways evil can be suppressed and 2-3 ways good can be encouraged.
• Are there boundaries around “to one another” and “to everyone”? Please describe.
• Why is it necessary to apply these two commands to a church?
Don't Lose Your Cool
May 10, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What situation or person needs more patience from you?
• Why is patience with people particularly difficult, especially close family and friends?
• Identify examples of waiting in the Bible. What can you learn from their patience?
• Name a few spiritual blessings of patience.
Don't Live Alone
May 3, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What is weakness? How would you identify a person as weak?
• Recall a time of personal weakness and share how someone helped you.
• Where does a spiritual desire to help the weak originate? How can you cultivate this desire?
• What is the church’s responsibility to help the weak in the church and in society?
Don’t Lose Hope
April 26, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• What does it mean to be fainthearted? How have you experienced this recently?
• What is gospel-defined hope?
• Describe the church member's responsibility to "encourage the fainthearted."
• How should Christians view pain (physical or emotional)? What biblical examples of pain inform your conclusions?
Don't Waste Time
April 19, 2015 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
• Who “admonishes” who according to 1 Thessalonians 5:14?
• What does it mean to admonish? Have you given it or received it lately?
• Share examples of idleness.
• In what regular ways can a church “admonish the idle”?
