Hope Church Ashton Teaching

Questions to consider Do I consider myself to be a missionary? Why or why not? Thinking back over the last month is there evidence that I have been 'disciple-making'? If not what needs to change?

Questions to consider Do you view God’s commands as restrictive or a good gift? Why? What would you say to someone who thinks, ‘Christian’s don’t need to worry about obeying God’s word because we are saved by grace?'

Reflection Think about the 10 commandments. In what areas do you need to repent because you are not upholding the law?

Reflection Look back over the course of the last few months, years, or even over the course of a lifetime, and write down the individual/ personal ways in which God has displayed His glory, His wisdom, His goodness, His faithfulness, His grace and His love towards you. Now thank God that He is among His people.

To consider The content of our songs should be the same as the content of Bible songs. Singing is the overflow of a heart gripped by the grace of Jesus.

Questions to consider In your own words explain what Paul meant by “I am already being poured out like a drink offering”? What sacrifice and service is coming from your faith?

Questions to consider What is my attitude when I approach God’s word? Which areas in my life do I keep off limits to God? Who do I speak to about the Bible?

Questions to consider Is verse 10 your experience? If not repent! Turn away from indifference. Ask God to change your heart. Live to make it your reality. What is your plan to read God’s word? Conduct an audit of your information / entertainment intake. Think about the time you give to different things. Is there an imbalance? What habits do you need to change or form?

Questions to consider Take some time to reflect on the generosity of God who gives righteousness as a free gift. Delight in the truth that by faith our sins are forgiven, covered and not counted against us.

Questions to consider How has God rebuked me through His word recently? What have I done about it? Reflect on the amazing truth that Jesus, the Final Word, came from heaven to reveal God and His plan to us.

Questions to consider We are living in the last days. How can I ensure that I live in the light of this? What practical steps can I put in place to keep the gospel central in my thinking?

Questions to consider Is there any specific wickedness that I need to turn away from? How does this verse encourage you?

Questions to consider How would you use these verses to warn someone who is not taking obedience seriously? How do these words encourage you when facing hardship for your Christian witness?

Questions to consider Why is it such a serious issue that Paul is all alone in his prison cell, abandoned by everyone from the province of Asia?

Questions to consider How are you using your gifts to make Jesus known enabled by God’s powerful Spirit? Prayerfully consider where you need God’s help most in making Jesus known: Lack of power? Lack of love? Lack of self-control?

Question to consider 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on your guard: stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” How can you put these verses into practice?

Questions to consider Which best describes your life? ‘Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die’ (v32) OR ‘Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’ (v58)

Questions to consider How has your view of the believer’s eternal state changed since reading 1 Corinthians 15? How can you encourage yourself with these verses when you are feeling aches and pains? What stood out to you most in this passage?

Questions to consider Which is a more accurate description of your life? "I die every day" (v31) or “Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.” (v32)? How is the resurrection shaping your life? o you need to be on your guard in this area, “Bad company corrupts good character.”?

Questions to consider If an unbeliever asked you, “How can you be so confident that death is not the end?” what would you say? What practical steps could you take to set your mind more fully on the return of Jesus?

Questions to consider In your own words explain why without the resurrection of Jesus your faith is useless. Is this statement true for you? “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

Questions to consider What practical steps am I making to ensure I hold firmly to the gospel preached by the Apostles? From these verses what should be the basis of evaluating a “good” sermon? How would you explain the gospel to someone using these verses?

Questions to consider Think about what unites you with your fellow believers, as described in verses 12 and 13. Do you believe we are all equal and one in Christ? Do your attitudes towards others support this? What are the dangers of elevating and valuing certain gifts more than others? Do you do this? How has God gifted you? Are you seeking to use your gifts?

Questions to consider What is / are my spiritual gift(s)? How do I evaluate a person’s spiritual maturity? How can I use my gift(s) during lockdown?

Questions to consider Is there anyone you need to be reconciled to? What is stopping you? Are you prone to showing favouritism? How can you guard against that? Do you need to adjust your observance of the Lord’s Supper after studying this passage?

Questions to consider Are you following God’s good design? In what culturally appropriate ways can you demonstrate that? Are there areas in which you need to repent and believe the good news of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16?

Questions to consider Do I have a tendency to add rules or push my Christian liberties? As you reflect on chapters 8-10 do you mainly seek your own good or the good of others? How can you show love to your fellow Christians?

Questions to consider Do my prayers and Bible reading show I recognise I need help, or am I arrogant in my spirituality? What things (maybe good things) could I be tempted to elevate into too high a place in my life? How can I guard against this? Are there any areas in my life where I am being wilfully disobedient and presuming on God’s grace?

Questions to consider What are your priorities in life? Are they consistent with someone running to get the prize? Your daily decisions and choices reveal what your true priorities are. What do your practices reveal about your true priorities? Can you think of any prerogatives you have given up for the sake of the gospel?

Questions to consider What does Christian maturity look like in this passage? How do I normally respond if someone has a different view on a conscience issue? How should I? Think of other areas where these principles apply. Am I guilty of “destroying” my fellow Christians?