Weekly Reflection Questions

September 8

Read James 2:1-13.

            Who have you been showing partiality too?

            

            What does it look like to fulfill the royal law?

 

            What sin do you struggle with?

 

            What sin do you look down on as worse than yours and should you?

Read Luke 4:18-22.

            What can we learn from this text?

 

            Do you see yourself as poor, captive, blind, or oppressed? 

 

            Were you before Jesus? How should this information change the way we live?

 

            Write down a few ways you can combat the sin of condemnation and partiality.

 

September 1

Read James 1:1-27

  Write down 5 takeaways from the text that can change your life.

   1)

   2)

   3)

   4)

   5)

 

Spend the week listening to people without agreeing, disagreeing, advising, or defending. Try to repeat back to them and clarify what they say before you develop your thoughts.

 

Spend the week talking to people without accusing, attacking, labeling, or judging. Build communication around how you respond to a situation more than what they did to cause your response.

 

Reflect on receiving the word of God.

 

Reflect on responding to the word of God.

 

Reflect on letting the word of God reform you.

 

 

 

August 25

Read James 1:13-18,

  What in life tempts you?

  Are they tests or temptations?

  How do we know the difference?

  How do you keep the temptation from becoming sin?

  How do you respond when scripture says God does not change?

  What has the gospel done in your life?

  How does it drive action in your life?

 

August 11

Read Hebrews 10:24-25.

 

What do you think it means to stir up one another?

 

How do you love other believers?

 

What is the best way to love an unbeliever?

 

What are good works? Are you doing any?

 

What can you do to encourage another believer?

 

August 4

Where are you giving financially?

1)

2)

3)

4)

 

Where are you giving your time?

1)

2)

3)

4)

 

Where should you be giving?

 

Do you give out of obligation or from a cheerful heart?

 

Do you believe in the mission of FBC?

 

 

July 28

 

What areas do you need to put in your freedom plan to provide for the Family?

1)

2)

3)

4)

What areas do you need to put in your freedom plan to get out of debt and pay bills?

1)

2)

3)

4)

How can you earn more money with your money?

 

Where are you wasting money?

1)

2)

3)

4)

            

How can your spending and living be godly in every way, not just in what we give away?

 

 

 

July 21

What are your unforeseen goals for saving?

1)

2)

How much do you need to save for emergencies?

What are some foreseen goals for saving?

1)

2)

3)

4)

How much do you need to be saving each month for these?

           

What are your goals for investing?

            1)

            2)

            3)

            4)

 

What are the desires of your heart?

 

July 14

Read Luke 10:1-12.

  Why would Jesus send them out in pairs?

  How are we lambs amongst wolves?

  When does a missionary deserve a wage?

  Where do you think God is calling you? (Notice I did not say is God calling you. He is calling 
  every believer.)

  How can we heal the sick?

  What does do verses 11 and 12 mean? 

 

 

July 7

 

What are your goals with God’s money?

 

Download the EveryDollar app. Fill out your Freedom Plan.

Giving and saving money and time?

1)

2)

3)

4)

Fixed Expenses

1)

2)

3)

4)

Variable Expenses

1)

2)

3)

4)

Debt

1)

2)

3)

4)

 

June 30

Think about a time in your life when you felt very unsafe.

 

Think of a time when you have felt very secure.

 

How often do you stop and think about the future you have because you are secure in Christ?

 

Read these verses:

  James 1:12

  1 Corinthians 2:9

  1 John 3:2

  Luke 23:43

  Psalm 16:11

  Revelation 21:4

  Revelation 22:5

 

How do these passages excite you about the future as a believer?

 

June 23

Read Jude 24.

   Who keeps the believer from falling?

 

Read John 10:28-30.

   Who keeps believers in his grip?

 

Are people accountable for what they choose? (site verses)

 

Does God predestine people to be saved? (site verses)

 

Are both choice and predestination biblical truths?

 

Must we understand how predestination works with freedom to choose?

 

June 16

Read 1 John 4:18-21.

What do you think Paul means by, “love perfect with us”?

What is the day of judgment?

How can believers be confident on the day of judgment?

Have you ever doubted your relationship with God?

How has God’s love for you helped you with your doubts and with relationships with other people?


How can you increase your love for brothers and sisters in Christ?

 

 

June 2

What is the command of John 13:34-35?

What is the call from God in Matthew 16:24?

What is the exhortation for believers in James 1:27?

What is the warning for believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8?

What is the most important and second most important commandment?

What does Hebrews 11:6 teach us about living meaningful lives?

What is the advice Jesus gives for successful Christian living in Luke 9:23?

How would you honestly evaluate your Christian life?

 

May 26

Read Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 17:3-4.

Why do you think Peter asked, “As many as seven times?”

 

Do you keep track of how many times a person offends you?

 

What is meant by “seventy-seven times”?

 

Is it difficult for you to move on when you have been offended/sinned against even when you try to forgive?

 

Can you relate to the wicked servant?

 

What does Matthew 18:35 cause you to think about?

 

 

May 19

Read Ephesians 2:1-13.

    List how Ephesians 2:1-13 relates to Ephesians 6:1-10.

    Why is it important to remember where we were?

    What peace do you have in Christ?

    What is the foundation of the apostles and prophets?

Read Ephesians 6:10-20.

    How do we ‘be strong’ in the Lord’s might?

    List the areas in your life that you have not covered with armor.

    What does it mean to stand firm?

    What is truth?

    If all your prayers came true tonight, would somebody's life change besides yours?

 

 

May 12

Read 1 Peter 4:7–11(ESV).

What do you think ‘earnestly’ or ‘fervent’ means in verse 8?

 

How do you think love covers a multitude of sins?

 

Why is agape love so powerful?

 

Hospitable literally means to love strangers. What makes being hospitable difficult?

 

Is there any Christian who has not received a spiritual gift?

 

Discuss why the use of each believer's gifting is vital in this age.

How will you serve the body of Christ?

 

 

May 5

Read 1 John 4:7-21.

According to this passage, why are we to sacrificially love each other?

 

Is God’s love anything like human love?

 

What is the ultimate expression of God’s love?

 

How does God abiding in you affect your life of love?

 

How does perfect love cast out fear?

 

Talk about things that make it hard for you to love others.

 

 

 

April 28

Read James1:5-8.

  How does this passage help the believer in trials?

 

  Why do you think God places such a high value on wisdom? (See Proverbs 1:7; 3:13-18; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 3:16; James 3:17)

 

  What is the only reliable source of wisdom?

 

  If we ask for wisdom in our prayer life, how will we know God’s answer?

 

  How would you define being double-minded?

 

  How does being double-minded relate to idolatry?

 

 

April 21

Read the book of Malachi.

     Write down 10 take aways from the book.

     In what ways are we like the Israelites?

     How can this book help us understand our money?

 

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

            Do you feel like you reap bountifully from your generosity? 

            Do you give reluctantly or are you a cheerful giver?

            Do you have everything you need? 

            Do you want more?

            What should be our goal when we give?

            How can we be generous in every way?

            Is your thanksgiving overflowing?

            Are you seeing eternal investments from your generosity?

            Is service part of your generosity also?

April 14

Read Romans 7 & 8.

   According to Paul, what produces death?

 

   Can you honestly relate to Paul’s words in verses 15-24?

 

   How does chapter 8 answer chapter 7?

 

   How does 8:31-39 help your struggle with indwelling sin?

 

Read Romans 12:1-2.

   What are some practical ways to apply these verses every moment of every day?

 

April 7

Read Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15.

   Write down the differences in the text.

   Why do you think Deuteronomy is different?

 

Read Numbers 15:32-36.

   Why does it seem like God lacks grace for the men?

   Why was it important to punish picking up sticks on the Sabbath?   

 

Read Romans 14:1-12.

   Do you think it is important to keep the physical Sabbath day holy and why?

   What is your motive?

 

 

March 31

Read Galatians 4:4-7 and Romans 8:15-17.

   What does redeem mean?

 

   What was the cost of your adoption?

 

   What does 'ABBA' mean?

 

   How did the death, burial and resurrection satisfy God’s perfect justice?

 

   How was adoption for God and for us?

 

   What does 'heir' mean?

 

   What do we as believers inherit?

 

   How do these passages stir your heart?

 

March 24

Read Psalm 118.

            How many times does it repeat “His steadfast love endures forever?”

            What other phrases does Psalm 118 repeat?

            Repeat Psalm 118:24 every morning and see if it changes your day.

           Pay attention to the little things in life which God is directing and write them down? Discuss them if you are in a
           small group.

          How can your house bless the Lord?

 

Read Psalm 113 – 118.

            What is a common theme between all of them?

            Is this your heart?

            Spend some time writing down your blessings.

            Spend some time only praying prayers of thankfulness to the Lord.

 

 

March 17

How do Romans 12, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 1:19-25 and 1 Peter 4:8-11 impact how you live within the local body of Christ?

 

Talk about specific tasks, positions, and services that are represented in the body of Christ. What can you do for FBC?

 

What do you think about your appointment by God to be an ambassador of His kingdom? See 2 Corinthians 5:20.

 

March 10

Read Philippians 2:1-11.

   What does Paul tell us will complete his joy?

 

   How do verses 3 and 4 affect people who do not know Christ?

 

   In practical everyday ways, how can you live verses 5-7?

 

Read Philippians 4:8-9.

   How does this passage help us accomplish Philippians 2:5-7?

 

   How do you think people, who do not know Christ, respond to us when we live out Philippians 4:8-9?

 

 

 

March 3

Read John 6:1-15.

    Make a list of questions you have in this chapter. 

    Discuss the questions.

    Why is it important Jesus did the miracle with His hands and not while the disciples were handing out the food?

    Why do you think they were trying to make Him king?

    Why do you think He resisted?

 

Read John 6:16-21.

    What is significant about this miracle? 

 

Read John 6:22-71.

    What does it look like to truly seek out Jesus?

    Do you work to get love from Jesus or do you work because you love Jesus?

    What is significant about verse 39?

    What is significant about verse 44?

    What is significant about verse 47?

    Do you overthink theology? 

    Do you give Jesus part of you? Or all of you?

February 25

Read Matthew 24:37-42.

    What were the people doing before the flood?

    Were they ready?

    How does our lifestyle mimic what was happening before the flood?

Read Luke 21:34-36.

    Many translations of verse 34 read, “be on guard”. 

    What are some ideas from this passage to help us be on guard? 

    Do you think Jesus could come at any moment?


    What can you practice in your life to daily be on guard?

    How do you think people, who do not have a relationship with Christ, will react when He comes?

    How will you react?

 

February 18

Read Daniel 7.

   Why is Daniel not in chronological order?    

   Who do you think the 4 beasts are?

   What type of person are you when you think of the end times?

   In verse 10, who do you think the thousands are? Who are the ten thousands?

   What book are we talking about?

   What do you think are the most important verses in this chapter? Why?

Read Daniel 8.

   List some ways Daniel 8 helps interpret the other prophesies.

   List what the Antichrist will be like. Do you ever worry about who it is?

   What should we be worrying about?

   How can we take comfort in Daniel not understanding the vision?

 

February 11

Read Daniel 6
     
     Would you describe your life as working hard for Jesus?

 

      Do you complain about others or are you positive?

 

      Who do you need to ask for forgiveness?

 

      Who do you need to forgive?

 

     Would somebody say your faith is hidden? Is there enough evidence you would be convicted of loving Jesus?

 

     What would you have done in Daniel’s situation? Compare this situation to a situation you have been in?

 

     Do you do your best and trust God with the rest?

 

     Do you believe about God what King Darius proclaims? How has he rescued you in your life?

 

 

February 4

Read Revelation 18.

   Look at a map and think about the strategic location of Babylon.

   When in Scripture do we first read about Babylon?

   What was happening at Babble?

   Find some passages that speak of God’s hatred for idolatry.

   How are Babylon and the Antichrist connected?

   How much do you rely on the world's system instead of God?

 

January 28

Read 1 John 2:15-17.

   What is meant by the term 'world' in this context? Look at John 15:18.

   The Bible presents two kingdoms. The kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God. Are they in any way compatible?

From 1 John 2:15-17, what are three reasons believers should not love the world?

   How can we know the will of God?

   What is your relationship to the world?

   How does your relationship with the world affect your relationship with God?

   What practices could you pursue to improve your relationship with God?

 

January 21

Read Daniel 3.

            Why do you think King Nebuchadnezzar built a huge statue out of gold?

            

            Now think deeper, not just on the surface, and ask yourself the same question.

 

            Talk about a time in your life when you felt like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; where you were doing the
            opposite of what everyone around you was doing.

 

           What is a way God delivered you in your life?

 

          When did He walk with you in the furnace?

 

          Name a time when your actions made a difference in somebody’s life.

 

          List some stories in the Bible and in your life, which guide your ability to be uncompromising.

 

January 14

The exultation of Jesus Christ.

How do the following passages exult Jesus? There are four ways.

  Mark 16:6

  Luke 24:1-53

  Acts 2:32

  Acts 1:9

  John 14:2

  Hebrews 4:14

  Psalm 89:27

  Matthew 28:18

  Acts 5:31; 7:55-56

  Ephesians 1:21-22

  Revelation 11:15

  Hebrews 4:14; 6:20; 7:25-26; 8:1-6

 

 

January 7

Read James 4:4.

   Why do you think James uses the term adulterous people?

 

   How do people live as friends of the world?

 

   How can people live as friends of God?

 

   How do you think Romans 8:6-9 works with James 4:4?

 

   What do you think it means to set your mind?

 

 

December 31

Read Hebrews chapter 11.

  How did the people in this chapter deal with looking back and looking forward in life?

 

  How many of these people experienced God’s promises in their earthly life?

 

  What would you have to change in your life to be added to the list in Hebrews 11?

 

Read Jude 17-23.

  What goes through your mind when you read this passage?

 

  Do you think verses 18-19 speak of the times we live in?

 

  How do you keep yourself in the Love of God?

 

  How are some snatched from the fire?

 

December 24

 

What do the following verses say about the birth of Jesus?
Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Micah 5:2; Jeremiah 31:15; Hosea 11:1; Genesis 12:3

 

Read Philippians 2:5-11.

 

How does this passage help us understand Christmas?

 

What does this passage teach us about where Jesus was before his human birth?

 

Why will every knee bow in submission to Christ?

 

What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is Lord?

 

 

December 17

Read Psalm 22.

            Do you think it is fine to speak your frustrations with God?

 

            When was the last time you did it?

 

            What does it mean to live in shame (V5)?

 

            Are you free from shame, when you have Jesus (V5)? Why?

 

            List ways you see prophecies of Jesus in Psalm 22?

 

            Why is this important for a sermon on honesty?

 

            Do you still feel like you have people in your life who want to take you down?

 

            How should we address them?

 

            Do we live our lives like Jesus is not far off (V19)?

 

            What in your life demonstrates you fear the Lord?

 

December 10

Read Luke 1:26-56.

            Why do you think the virgin birth was so important?

 

            Why were Elizabeth and John the Baptist so important?

 

            Why is the story about Mary visiting Elizabeth so important?

 

            Why do you think Mary’s song is in the Bible?

 

            What does ‘our soul magnifying the Lord’ look like?

 

            How does this work with humility?

 

            How does the church display humility in our community?

 

            Is your humility real or is it false humility?

 

            What is the difference?

 

 

 

December 3

 

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20.

            What does it mean when it says ‘O daughter of Zion’?

 

            Do you rejoice and exalt with all your heart?

 

            Where and how can you live out these principles in your daily life?

 

            What are some of your enemies?

 

            What are some of your fears you need to give to Jesus?

 

            Do you really believe Jesus can give you freedom from your fears?

 

            How do we live a life where joy, laughter and humor are evident?

 

Read Psalm 126:1-6.

            When people think of you, do they think of joy and laughter?

 

            What was your desert like before Jesus?

 

            What is it like now?

 

            Be intentional this week to spread Joy to other people!