LoveHome Study –

Part IA Spiritual Growth

Course

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1The Law of the King (Part 1)Matthew 5:1–6:18

Purpose: To learn how the law of Jesus reaches into our hearts and requires total obedience.

C. S. Lewis was once criticized for not caring for the Sermon on the Mount. He replied, “As to ‘caring for’ the Sermon on the Mount, if ‘caring for’ here means ‘liking’ or enjoying, I suppose no one ‘cares for’ it. Who can like being knocked flat on his face by a sledge hammer? I can hardly imagine a more deadly spiritual condition than that of a man who can read that passage with tranquil pleasure.” [God in the Dock (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1970), pp. 181–82.]

Lewis was right. Studying the Sermon on the Mount can be a devastating experience. It exposes the depth of our sin and the shallowness of our commitment. But the pain it inflicts is meant to heal not destroy us. In fact, the Sermon on the Mount could be called the Christian's job description. It is the most complete summary we have of Jesus' ethical expectations for his followers. Throughout church history it has been a helpful guide and a convicting challenge.

1. Have you ever had a job or a task in which you did not know what was expected of you? How would a job description have helped?

2. Read Matthew 5. The beatitudes describe the qualities Jesus desires in each of his disciples (vv. 3–12). Give a brief definition of each quality.

3. What is attractive about the blessings Jesus promises those who have these qualities (vv. 3–12)?

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4. Jesus compares his followers to salt and light (vv. 13–16). What do these metaphors suggest about our role in society?

5. In the rest of chapter 5 Jesus discusses various misconceptions we might have about the Law (Old Testament Scriptures). Why do you think that Jesus stresses that he did not come to abolish the Law (vv. 17–20)?

6. How does Jesus' teaching on murder and adultery (vv. 21–30) differ from the traditional understanding?

7. In verses 31–37 Jesus provides instructions on divorce and oaths (legal relationships). How does his teaching confront tradition?

8. How does Jesus want us to respond to evil people and our enemies (vv. 38–47)?

9. Verse 48 summarizes the essence of what Jesus has been saying. How does this verse challenge spiritual complacency?

10. Read Matthew 6:1–18. What do we learn about proper and improper motives from Jesus' examples about giving, praying and fasting?

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11. Why are our motives just as important as our religious acts?

12. What is your impression of Jesus after studying the first half of his sermon?

2Radical LifestyleLuke 6:12–49

Purpose: To examine the lifestyle our Lord exemplified to followers.General note. The Sermon on the Plain is a condensed version of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. But Luke views the beatitudes in a more material, physical way than does Matthew. This makes a good complement to Matthew's version.

The materials in this section lend themselves to several studies, because the group will find most sections immediately practical. But sticking to the major questions will help them to see the bigger picture of Jesus' intentions and not just isolated moral principles.

Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi was India's revered leader in the fight for national independence from British colonialism. As a child in India, a student in England and a lawyer in South Africa, he was exposed to Christianity—and racism. He admired the teachings of Jesus, especially the Sermon on the Mount. He admired the life of Jesus, and indeed was inspired to follow his example. But after years of observing Christians, he sadly concluded, “For me to believe in their Redeemer, their lives must show they are redeemed.” He never became a Christian.

A Christian's lifestyle matters—not only his correct words. The total teaching and example of Jesus demand a lifestyle that is noticeably different from the average person's.

1. Describe someone you know who has a truly Christlike lifestyle.

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2. Read Luke 6:12–16. Jesus' praying all night to God before choosing the twelve apostles is impressive (6:12). The context (before and after the present text), suggests reasons. What reasons can you find?

3. In verses 17–19 Luke has carefully given us the setting for the “Sermon on the Plain.” What kinds of people are in Jesus' audience?

4. Jesus begins with kingdom attitudes that shape one's lifestyle. What contrasts does he draw between his way of personal fulfillment and the world's way (vv. 20–26)?

5. In what ways have you found Jesus' road to happiness the right one?

Or an unsatisfactory one?

6. Read Luke 6:27–36. Loving one's enemies is another aspect of a radical Christian lifestyle. In what ways does your enemy make it hard for you to love him/her?

7. Jesus knows that loving one's enemies is impossible without strong motivation. How does he argue that his disciples can have that motivation (vv. 31–36)?

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8. Read Luke 6:37–49. In verses 37 Jesus is probably being facetious, for he knows it is impossible not to judge others. Rather we are to judge with good sense. What guidelines does he give to judge in this way (vv. 37b-42)?

9. Jesus concludes by warning his listeners of the long-term results of their present choice of lifestyle (vv. 43–49). How do his logic and illustrations sharpen his argument?

10. What in this study gives you hope that you can maintain the kind of radical lifestyle Jesus expects of his followers?

3The Message of the CrossLuke 22:47–23:56

Purpose: To enhance our understanding and communication of Jesus' death.

The symbol of the cross is used in many ways—on and in Christian churches, by the Red Cross, on many European flags. It is used as jewelry even by non-Christians. But they would never think of wearing a burnished gold miniature of an electric chair around their necks. In the first century the wooden cross meant capital punishment for criminals.

Jesus died as a criminal to be the substitute for us sinners. Some old hymns have well retained this essential truth of Jesus' cross. Not many contemporary songs about his death do that. Approach this study with prayer for a deeper understanding of the cross of Jesus.

1. What was your first understanding of the Christian cross?

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2. Read Luke 22:47–62. In a word or phrase what describes the way Jesus relates to each individual or group during his arrest?

3. Only a few hours after Peter swore loyalty to Jesus, he makes an about-face (vv. 57–60). In what kind of situation are you tempted to avoid identification with Jesus and his cause?

4. After a sleepless night in the hands of calloused guards, Jesus faces a pretrial at daybreak. The Jewish council charges him with the religious transgression of blasphemy. But that is not cause enough to have him executed. So in the Roman trial before Governor Pilate they switch to the political charge of treason. Read Luke 23:3–25. What reasons can you suggest for Jesus' silence or near silence before Pilate and Herod (23:3, 9; see also 22:67)?

5. Three times Pilate says he finds no valid charge against Jesus, and seeks to release him (vv. 4, 13–16 and 22). Why then does he ultimately pronounce the death penalty on Jesus?

6. A mixed crowd accompanies Jesus to his crucifixion outside the city. Recalling the previous night, you can imagine his physical and emotional condition now. Yet he continues to be prophetic and sensitive, especially to the women mourners (vv. 26–31). Read verses 32–56. Luke gives few details of Jesus' physical death. Instead he focuses on people's attitudes. What attitude to the man on the center cross does each group or individual reveal?

7. Luke focuses on one of the criminals, the only person to whom Jesus personally responds. What may be Luke's reason for this focus?

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8. Throughout his six hours on the cross, Jesus is in touch with his Father. What do his brief words to the Father reflect about their relationship (vv. 46, 34)?

9. Luke carefully records the physical phenomena occurring at the point of Jesus' dying breath (vv. 44–45). What do they signify and imply practically about that death? (Check your view with Hebrews 10:19–25.)

10. What can we do to make the message of the cross relevant to our needy world—as the church?

as individuals?

4The Cost of FriendshipJohn 15:12–16:4

Purpose: To explore the personal relationship that Jesus desires to have with us and to use that relationship as a model for our other relationships.

While on earth, Jesus did not surround himself with a group of students or even a group of followers. He placed himself in the company of friends. To admit that we need friends is a sign of maturity, not immaturity. Close relationships are Christlike! In this passage Jesus shows us what friendship with him is really like. There's both comfort and cost.

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1. In your opinion, what are some of the most important qualities in a friendship?

2. Read John 15:12–17. Jesus' command in verse 12 is, “Love each other as I have loved you.” In what specific ways did Jesus demonstrate his love?

In what practical ways can we, like Christ, lay down our lives for our friends?

3. What are the requirements and benefits of friendship with Christ (vv. 14–17)?

4. Is being a friend of Jesus the same as being a believer in Jesus? Explain.

5. Read John 15:18–25. If love is to characterize our relationship with other believers, hate will characterize our relationship with the world. What reasons does Jesus give for the world's hatred?

6. Give one or two specific examples of how you have experienced the world's hatred as a Christian.

How did you respond to the hostility at the time?

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7. What does Jesus mean when he says that without his coming, his words and his miracles, the world “would not be guilty of sin” (vv. 22–25)?

8. Read John 15:26–16:4. In what specific ways will the Counselor and the disciples themselves continue the ministry begun by Jesus (vv. 26–27)?

9. What kind of treatment can the disciples expect from those who do not know Christ (16:1–4)?

10. What kinds of persecution are most probable for us in our society? Explain.

11. If we as Christians are not persecuted in some way, what might that imply about our spiritual commitment?

5A Dying Leader's Last CommandJohn 16:16–33

Purpose: To equip us to handle crisis situations for which we have no explanation or answers.This section is especially conducive to open sharing of struggles, fears and failures. You may not

have answers to the problems that emerge. The focus of the study is that, even in the times of

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greatest darkness and confusion, we have not been abandoned. We can still cling to the Father's love and the Spirit's presence. It might be profitable to end the study with specific prayer for the people and the needs in the group.

Those who believe in Christ are not shielded from life's deepest problems. We must still face sorrow, rejection and heartache. We see our loved ones die. We sometimes feel alone and unloved. We see our marriages fail or our children go their own way rather than God's way. Jesus gives us some very practical help in these verses for facing life's crises. He doesn't answer all our questions, but he gives us what we need to survive.

1. How do you tend to react in the midst of a personal crisis?

2. Read John 16:16–24. It is obvious that the disciples are confused and concerned about Jesus' statements (vv. 16–18). Why do you think they are confused?

3. Jesus answers their questions, not by giving them an explanation but by making them a promise (vv. 19–22). What was the promise?

Why would it bring them joy in the midst of their grief and confusion?

4. How can this incident help us when our questions to the Lord seemingly go unanswered?

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5. What new promise regarding prayer does Jesus give his disciples (vv. 23–24)?

How would this promise make their joy complete?

6. What connection can you make for your own life between problems, prayer and joy?

7. Read John 16:25–33. How would Jesus' assurance of the Father's love help the disciples in the days just ahead of them?

8. In verse 32 Jesus predicts that his disciples will abandon him. How do you think that failure affected their feelings of self-worth?

How does failure affect you?

9. How would Jesus' promise of peace and victory (v. 33) sustain them through that failure?

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10. Which of the promises in this chapter have made the deepest impression on you? Why?

11. How can these promises strengthen your heart during the trials and discouragements of the future?

6The Master's Final PrayerJohn 17:1–26

Purpose: To reveal the concerns of Jesus' heart as he faced the cross and to see how those concerns should be our concerns as his followers.

The approach of death has a way of bringing our priorities into focus. People who know death is imminent also know what is really important in life and who they really care about. In Jesus' final prayer with his disciples, he prays for himself, for them and for you! Every believer is on Jesus' mind as he faces the greatest trial of his life—the cross.

1. What specific people would you want around you in a crisis, and why?

2. Read John 17:1–5. Jesus makes only one request for himself—that the Father would glorify him, so that he might glorify the Father. In what way would each one glorify the other?

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Why do you think that was so important to Jesus?

3. To what extent is God's glory foremost in your mind on a daily basis? Explain.

4. How is Jesus' definition of eternal life (v. 3) different from merely living forever?

In what ways do you actively seek to know the Father and the Son better?

5. Read John 17:6–19. According to these verses, what specific ministries did Jesus have toward his disciples?

6. Twice Jesus asked the Father to protect his disciples from the evil one (vv. 11, 15). Why would that protection have been so important in Jesus' mind as he faced the cross?

7. Jesus also asked the Father to sanctify his disciples through his word (v. 17). How can we allow God's Word to have that kind of effect on our lives?

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8. Read John 17:20–26. Jesus prayed that those who believe in him would be one, “so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (vv. 21, 23)? Why is our unity a powerful argument for the reality of Jesus?

9. In what practical ways can we demonstrate our oneness with other believers?

10. Jesus obviously prayed this prayer out loud to bring comfort and assurance to his disciples. In what particular ways do Jesus' words encourage or assure you?

11. How do the concerns that were on Jesus' heart as he faced death match up with the concerns that would be on your heart if you were facing death?

How would you account for the difference?

7Obedient to DeathJohn 19:17–42

Purpose: To grasp the incredible price Jesus paid for our redemption from sin.

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There is nothing pleasant or attractive about an execution. The only one I've ever seen was in a televised news report from Vietnam. A captured soldier was shot. It left a knot in my stomach for days.

In Jesus' day execution was designed to be public and painful. The account of the crucifixion is not easy to read. You may be tempted to think that Jesus' death was a cruel mistake. It wasn't. Jesus' life was not taken from him; he laid it down willingly. It was part of his plan—a plan that included you and me. His cross was in a very real sense our cross.

1. When you think about death, what feelings and thoughts come to mind?

2. Read John 19:17–27. Crucifixion was obviously a brutal and tortuous form of execution. Why do you think John leaves so much of the agonizing detail out of his account?

3. Three groups were involved in Jesus' death—the soldiers, the Jewish leaders and Pilate. How would you characterize each one's attitude toward Jesus?

In what ways do their attitudes toward Jesus parallel those of men and women today?

4. How do you think Mary, Jesus' mother, felt as she stood by the cross?

5. How is Jesus' tender care for her evident even while he is dying (vv. 26–27)?

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6. Read John 19:28–42. What was the significance of Jesus' cry, “It is finished” (v. 30; see Jn 17:4)?

7. What evidence does John give that Jesus really died?

8. Why was it so important for John to establish the certainty of Jesus' death?

9. What feelings and thoughts would have gone through your mind if you had helped prepare Jesus for burial?

10. Where were Jesus' disciples during his crucifixion and burial (see Jn 16:32)?

Why do you think they were so conspicuously absent?

11. Under the same circumstances, do you think you would have been more like Joseph and Nicodemus or Jesus' disciples? Explain.

12. When it comes to public identification with Jesus, how is it possible to respond in the same ways today?

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13. What aspect of Jesus' death has made the deepest impression on you, and why?

8The Righteousness from GodRomans 3:21–31

Purpose: This study considers how God can be just and yet justify those who deserve his wrath. This will help us appreciate whet Jesus has done for us on the cross.

Like prisoners on death row, people are guilty, condemned and awaiting the execution of God's wrath. They sit silently in the miserable darkness of their cell, all hope extinguished.

Then abruptly, the door swings open and darkness becomes light, death becomes life, and bondage becomes freedom. “You are pardoned,” a voice tells them. But how? Why? This passage answers these questions.

1. Imagine that you are a judge and someone you love is on trial. Would you be more tempted to compromise your justice or your love? Explain.

2. How is the righteousness from God (3:22–24) different from righteousness by law (2:5–13)?

3. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ (v. 22)?

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4. In verses 24–25 Paul uses three important words to describe what Christ has done for us. The word justified (v. 24) is borrowed from the law court. The judge declares that the person on trial has no legal charges against him. Why is our justification remarkable, given the background of Romans 1:18–3:20?

5. How should our complete acceptance by God affect the way we view ourselves?

6. The word redemption (v. 24) is borrowed from the slave market. It means to buy someone out of slavery. From what types of slavery has Christ delivered us?

7. The phrase sacrifice of atonement (v. 25) is borrowed from the Old Testament. Animal sacrifices turned away God's wrath from the sinner. Why does Christ's death turn away God's wrath from us?

How should we respond, emotionally and spiritually, to the fact that Jesus experienced God's wrath for us?

8. Some people find it difficult to understand how God can be perfectly just and gracious at the same time. How do the justice and grace of God meet at the cross (vv. 25–26)?

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9. How does boasting about ourselves betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel (vv. 27–31)?

10. At times do you still feel unacceptable to God? Explain.

11. In what ways might you feel or act differently if you more fully grasped what Jesus has done for you?

12. Take time to praise and thank God for Jesus Christ.

9Reasons to RejoiceRomans 5:1–21

Purpose: To consider why we have several firm and lasting reasons to rejoice in Christ.

We all long to be joyful, to experience the pure delight that life sometimes offers. But life's joys are elusive, momentary, gone as quickly as they come. How can we have an abiding, enduring joy—especially when suffering intrudes into our lives? In Romans 5 Paul gives us several firm and lasting reasons to rejoice.

1. What kinds of things make you joyful?

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2. Read Romans 5:1–11. How has faith in Jesus Christ changed our relationship with God (vv. 1–2)?

3. In verses 2–11 what reasons does Paul give for rejoicing?

4. What does it mean to “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (v. 2)?

How has this been a source of joy to you?

5. How does suffering for Christ's sake produce the character changes mentioned in verses 3–4?

6. How can a knowledge of this process help us to rejoice in our sufferings?

7. How do verses 5–8 emphasize the love God has for us?

8. How do verses 9–10 assure us that God accepts us completely in Christ?

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9. Why should God's outpouring of love and his complete acceptance make us rejoice (v. 11)?

10. Read verses 12–21. How are Adam and Christ similar (vv. 12, 18–19)?

11. How is Christ's gift different from Adam's trespass (vv. 15–21)?

12. This passage gives us many reasons for rejoicing. Spend time thanking and praising God for all we have in Jesus Christ

10Glorious ConquerorsRomans 8:18–39

Purpose: To realize that our present sufferings cannot compare with the future glory we will receive in Christ.

Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters, musicians and strange animals from the conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot or rode the

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trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.“ [At the end of the movie Patton, these words went through the mind of that famous general.]

In Romans 8 Paul describes Christians as glorious conquerors, who by God's grace overcome all forces arrayed against us. But the glory we receive is eternal.

1. Why is it often difficult to feel like a glorious conqueror?

2. Read Romans 8:18–27. What words and vivid images in these verses underscore the difficulties of the present time?

3. Explain why these difficulties don't compare with the glory that will be revealed in us.

4. How can this eager expectation help us cope with our present problems and sufferings?

5. How can the Spirit's help also encourage us (vv. 26–27)?

6. Read verses 28–39. How would you describe the mood of these verses?

7. In verse 28 Paul speaks of “the good” and “his purpose.” What is God's good purpose for us (v. 29)?

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8. How do the words foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified help us understand how God accomplishes his purpose for us?

9. Paul asks: “What, then, shall we say in response to this?” (v. 31). How are you encouraged by Paul's answer (vv. 31–32)?

10. In verses 33–34 Paul imagines a courtroom in which God is the judge and Jesus is our defense attorney. How and why would they reply to any charges brought against us?

11. How might trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or the threat of death cause us to question God's love for us (vv. 35–36)?

12. In spite of these things, why does Paul proclaim that we are “more than conquerors” (vv. 37–39)?

13. In verse 17 Paul stated that we must share in Christ's sufferings in order to share in his glory. How does this passage clarify and confirm this fact?

11Submitting to AuthoritiesRomans 13:1–14

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Purpose: To consider why it is appropriate for Christians to submit to those in positions of authority.

The sergeant glares at a delinquent recruit whose face is now only inches away.“That's an order!” he barks. “Do you understand?”“Yes, sir,” replies the recruit.“I can't hear you!” shouts the sergeant.“YES, SIR,” screams the recruit, who has just had his first lesson in military authority.For many people the word authority conjures up images like the one just described.

Those in authority are viewed as oppressors, and too often the impression is correct. Paul was no stranger to the abuses of authority. He had experienced much persecution at the hands of civil and religious authorities all around the Mediterranean. In light of this, Paul's view of authority may be surprising.

1. What comes into your mind when you hear the word authority?

2. Read Romans 3:21–31. How is the righteousness from God (3:22–24) different from righteousness by law (2:5–13)?

3. What is Paul's view of authority and those who exercise it (vv. 1–5)?

4. How would Paul's view of governing authorities apply to wicked and perverse rulers such as Nero or Hitler?

5. What are some reasons Paul gives for submitting to those in authority (vv. 1–5)?

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6. Do you think it is ever appropriate to resist rather than to submit to the authorities? Explain.

7. In verses 6–7 Paul suggests some practical ways we should submit to those in authority. What other examples can you think of?

8. In verse 8 Paul says, “Let no debt remain outstanding.” Does this mean Christians should never incur any type of debts (mortgage, car and so on)? Explain your answer.

9. Why is love a debt that can never fully be paid (vv. 8–10)?

10. In verses 11–14 Paul uses several vivid images to describe “the present time.” How does each one give us a picture of how we should (or shouldn't) live?

11. Think back over this chapter. In what ways do you need to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”?

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Eating with ChristAll for the Glory of God1 Corinthians 10:1–33

Purpose: To invite people to choose a life of freedom in Christ that is beneficial for themselves and others.

Should Christians go to R-rated movies—or any movies for that matter? Should they drink alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine? Should they wear expensive clothes, makeup and jewelry? Debates over such “questionable” practices are as old as the church. How can we resolve them?

The Corinthians were divided over such issues. Some had overscrupulous consciences. They would not sit down to a meal if the meat had been purchased at a pagan meat market (and therefore offered to a “god”). Others were so “liberated” that they could eat the Lord's Supper and then commit sexual immorality. These liberated Christians regarded baptism and the eucharist (communion) as automatic protection against God's judgment. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul finds a way of reaching both kinds of people: he calls them and us to do everything for the glory of God.

1. What “questionable” practices have you wrestled with personally?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–13. What experiences did all the Israelites have in common when they left Egypt and headed for the Promised Land?

Why was God not pleased with them?

3. Why does Paul remind the Corinthians (and us) of these events?

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4. How does Paul counter the idea that some temptations are just too strong to be resisted?

5. Think of one or two areas where you are currently experiencing temptation. In which one of these are you least likely to believe that there is a way of escape?

In what way has God provided an escape for your temptation?

6. Read 10:14–22. Why are some lifestyles incompatable with celebrating the Lord's Supper?

7. Although Paul is dealing with a pastoral problem rather than doctrine, what does he teach us about the sacredness of the Lord's Supper?

8. Read 10:23–33. According to these verses, what principles should guide our behavior as Christians?

How does Paul apply these principles to the subject of eating meat offered to idols?

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9. What practices in your life do you consider “permissible” but possibly not beneficial or constructive (v. 23)?

10. How can the principles discussed in this passage guide your behavior in these specific areas?

The Christian is a most free lord of all, subject to none. The Christian is a most submissive servant, subject to all. (Martin Luther)

13Body of ChristManifestations of the Spirit1 Corinthians 12:1–31

Purpose: To discover the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts.

Imagine designing a church in which most members sit passively, where one or two gifts are exalted and others are made to feel dispensable. Sound familiar?

The church today has enormous frozen assets. Only when we thaw these assets and release every member for ministry can the work of God be done in the world. After several decades of “gift” teaching, we have made surprisingly little progress. One reason is that gifts have been co-opted by the human potential movement. We view our gifts as part of our development and fulfillment rather than as one more glorious way to be interdependent in Christ. This passage focuses on the true nature and purpose of spiritual gifts.

1. How do you respond when you are told that you have a gift or talent which the group vitally needs?

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2. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1–11. What particular problem in the Corinthian church may have led Paul to offer the “test” in verse 3?

What clue does Paul's test give us about the ultimate goal of spiritual gifts?

3. What do verses 4–6 reveal about the unity and diversity of spiritual gifts?

4. Paul calls each gift a “manifestation of the Spirit” (v. 7). In what ways does the Spirit manifest himself in the church, and why (vv. 7–11)?

5. Read 12:12–26. What might make some members of your church feel useless or envious of other parts of the body?

How does Paul respond to such people (vv. 14–20)?

6. What might make some members of your church feel self-sufficient or superior (v. 21)?

7. According to Paul, how can we make every part of the body feel special (vv. 21–26)?

How could you apply these principles in your church or group?

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8. Read 12:27–31. Paul does not give us a complete list of gifts in this chapter. What might the words first, second, third and then (v. 28) indicate?

9. How do you reconcile Paul's exhortation to “eagerly desire the greater gifts” (v. 31) with his earlier emphasis that God sovereignly assigns gifts (vv. 11, 18, 28)?

Do you think this is a personal exhortation, something for the whole Christian community to hear, or both?

10. What can you do to help others in your group or church to discover their giftedness?

What do you think will happen to your own gift when you do this?

Sir, you wish to serve God and go to heaven. Then you must find companions or make them, for the Bible knows nothing of solitary religion. (Advice given to John Wesley)

14Love of ChristThe Most Excellent Way

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1 Corinthians 13:1–13Purpose: To evoke love in the Christian community as the greatest way to express interdependence in Christ.

The psychiatrist R. D. Laing says that “we are effectively destroying ourselves by violence masquerading as love.” [The Politics of Experience (Pernguin Books, 1970), p. 50.] Perhaps the most abused phrase in the English language is “I love you.” Instead of communicating unselfish caring, it often expresses enlightened self-interest, manipulative affection or sheer lust.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul not only defines love for us but shows us why this is the most excellent way to relate to anyone—especially to members of the family of God. Following his treatment of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul seems to say, “If you are confused about gifts, just love!” This is one absolute that is not obsolete.

1. Think of a person who has truly loved you. What were the marks of that person's way of relating to you?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter has been called “a pure and perfect gem, perhaps the noblest assemblage of beautiful thoughts in beautiful language extant in our world” (H. Alford). What are your main impressions after reading the chapter as a whole?

3. What is so tragic about using our gifts without love (vv. 1–3)?

How can we know whether our personal ministry is so loveless?

4. How would you define each of love's qualities (vv. 4–7)?

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5. Which aspect of love do you most need to develop?

6. Besides telling us what love is, this passage gives us an incidental portrait of Jesus as the ultimate lover. Reread verses 4–7, replacing love with Jesus. What fresh picture of Jesus' care do you gain through this exercise?

7. In verses 8–13 Paul summarizes the supremacy of love. Compared with love, why do the gifts have limited value?

8. Some understand the “perfection” in verse 10 as the completed New Testament, thus eliminating the need for tongues or prophecy today. Others understand it as the perfection we will experience when Christ returns. In light of Paul's other comparisons (vv. 11–12), which interpretation seems more likely? Explain.

9. Why is love greater than faith or hope (v. 13)?

10. Why is love the ultimate solution to the divisions in Corinth or in any church?

11. How can love lead to healthy interdependence in our relationships rather than unhealthy independence or dependence?

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Love is not a gift. … It lies at the very heart of all gifts. (A. Bittlinger. Gifts and Graces [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 1967], p. 75)

15The Need to Give2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15

Purpose: To discover and apply Paul's great principle of stewardship.

The privacy of the purse makes it extremely difficult for Christians to talk about their money. The fig leaf has slipped from the genitals to the wallet. The problem is compounded by hard-sell media evangelists raising funds for their personal empires. But Paul devotes two whole chapters to the grace of giving, because both he and the Corinthians have a problem in this area.

Paul has been tramping throughout the gentile churches raising money for the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, many of whom have lost their jobs and homes for the faith. But the Corinthians haven't produced a red cent! That is their problem, because they are denying themselves the joy of “this grace of giving” (8:7). Paul's problem is that he has been boasting to the Macedonians (Philippi and Thessalonica) about how much the Corinthians were going to give (9:2–3). As Paul sets out to resolve this problem, he meets not only the Corinthians' need to give but ours as well.

1. What positive and negative feelings do you have about people raising money for a Christian cause?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:5. What methods does Paul use to encourage the Corinthians to give to the poverty-stricken Christians in Jerusalem?

3. In what ways are the Macedonians excellent examples of generosity (8:1–5)?

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Why is Jesus Christ the supreme example of sacrificial giving (v. 9)?

4. In both chapters Paul refrains from using the word money. Instead he speaks of sharing (8:4; 9:13), service (8:4, 18; 9:1, 12–13), offering (8:19), grace (8:6–7) and gift (8:12, 20; 9:5). What insights do these words give us into the nature of giving?

5. Paul never raised money for himself, for his own missionary organization or even for Corinth Community Church. What is the primary goal that governs his appeal for gifts (8:10–15)?

What should the principle of equality mean to us as we consider our bond with believers throughout the world?

6. What care does Paul take to avoid any suspicion of dishonesty or self-interest as he handles this large gift (8:16–24)?

What would be an equivalent strategy in our own day?

7. Read 9:6–15. Some people teach that giving money to the Lord's work results in your getting more money yourself. What does Paul say about the personal benefits of giving (vv. 6–11)?

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8. In addition to meeting their material needs, what benefits does our giving produce in others (vv. 12–14)?

9. Paul encourages cheerful giving (v. 7). The word is the root of our English hilarious. It is the exact opposite of calculated giving under compulsion. According to these two chapters, how could you become a more cheerful giver?

10. What difference will this study make in the stewardship of your resources?

11. How should these chapters guide the planning of your church budget?

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