CPC Discussions: March 2014

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Philippians 4:8-9: Food for Thought (March 16, 2014)

1. Ryan said that many of us have a tendency to focus on "right thinking" or "right acting" - which do you find yourself more prone to?

2. Paul's use of "whatever" opens the door to the world, where do you see beauty, truth, honor, etc. around you? What contributes to our difficulty to see these things?

3. What are the things that you've been called to do, but you've been reluctant to?

4. Ryan said knowing and doing is about love, what do your thoughts and actions say about who and / or what you love?

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Philippians 4:4-7 (March 9, 2014): Spoiler Alert

1. What are the things that prevent us from having joy?

2. What did Ryan say is the difference between denial and defiance? Why are these distinctions important?

3. What are the common things and where are the common places that you can find joy?

4. Do you find yourself to be more of a rule stickler or a rule bender? Where are places that you can grow in being reasonable in your life?

Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/