Pursue Love + Earnestly Desire
Praying & Praising In the Spirit
January 28, 2018 • Russ Miller
1. 1 Corinthians 14:2,4 describe the purpose of tongues as being for individual upbuilding. In what other ways might you build up yourself? 2. What is the only way in which speaking in tongues can be as profitable as prophecy in the public gathering? (v. 5) What correction is Paul making to the church in Corinth in 14:12? 3. In 1 Corinthians 14:13-19, what are the clues that Paul is not referring speaking in tongues in the gathering but instead is referring to a private prayer language? 4. What is your personal experience with this gift? What ways have you experienced it in the lives of other people - both positively and negatively? In light of this, what is one step you believe the Lord is directing you to take in response to this passage of Scripture?
What Is Prophecy?
January 21, 2018 • Russ Miller
1. How does defining prophecy as “something the Lord spontaneously brings to mind (or reveals)” instead of “predicting the future” change your understanding of how it can be a source of encouragement within the church? Are there any ways in which you have seen the Lord lead through supernatural means that has been encouraging to you? What specifically was encouraging? 2. During the service today, there were multiple references to testimonies of God speaking and leading other people in the church. Is there one that stood out as especially meaningful to you? Why do you think that is? 3. Read John 4 and consider 1 Corinthians 14:24-25. How does Jesus expose the life of the woman at the well through a word of knowledge? How did he do this and what was her response? What can we learn from this passage about the heart of God and his desire to speak to us? 4. In what specific way can you be obedient to 1 Corinthians 14:1 this week?
While We Know In Part
January 14, 2018 • Russ Miller
While We Know In Part 1 Corinthians 13:8-14:1 Reread the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. How does it challenge you? Where are you prone to be afraid when it comes to spiritual gifts and specifically prophecy? Consider the metaphor of the mirror given in 1 Corinthians 13:12. When you think of phrases like “heaven on earth” -- where have you experienced that? In what places or in what ways do you believe that you have caught glimpses of the majesty and glory of Jesus? How does knowing that you will see him face to face give you hope for the meantime? In what ways does it help you not be afraid? In what ways do you believe the Lord is specifically challenging you to grow in maturity through this sermon series and through these passages of Scripture? How might you need to become like a child (look foolish) in order to learn? Pray about these things. Ask God for a hope in Him that will fuel obedience to Him.
The Love of the Father
January 7, 2018 • Russ Miller
Reread Luke 15:11-32 What are the differences between the sin patterns of the younger brother and the older brother? Do you see similarity of your own life with one of the brothers? What does the character of the Father look like in this passage? How does he respond to his two sons? What truths about God does this parable reveal? What lies about the character of the Father are revealed through the son’s responses? How does our own disobedience to the Father reveal what we believe about the Father? When we read 1 Corinthians 13 and see the character and nature of love as well as when we see how the Father responding to his disobedient children, what truths about God do we need to believe? How do you think the Father will respond to you? What areas of my life would look different if I pursued the true nature and character of God the father?