~~Each week we'll post a new set of scriptures and starter questions. There's no strict schedule, you can do all the scriptures at one time or divide them over multiple days.~~

Click on bolded words for helpful links.

*Note on Bible Study methods*

There are many tools and methods to use when studying God's Word. Whichever you choose to use, hopefully it will include these three primary sections: observation (noting what the text literally says,) interpretation (working to understand the meaning behind the literal message,) and application (how the message in this text impacts MY life.)

If you'd like to try a specific tool/method for helping in your study, here's one you could try: it's called S.P.E.C.K.A.

First, you read through the verse or passage focusing on understanding the literal message answering questions like what is happening in this story? what is the message that the author is saying?

Then you move through the acrostic:
-S: Is there a Sin here that I need to take note of?
-P: Is there a Promise that I should know?
-E: Is there an Example that I'm supposed to follow?
-C: Is there a Command I'm called to obey?
-K: Is the author convening a special Knowledge that I should remember?
-A: Based on any of the answers to the above questions what is an Application I should strive for in my life?
-(A): If you're up for it, you're encouraged to find a friend to share your application with for some Accountability in putting it into practice.

Hopefully, these questions can help guide you to a deeper understanding of the Word and how you fit into the message! If you have any questions or concerns or would like some help or suggestions of other Bible study tools, let us know at info@celebrationchurch.ca.

*1 Thessalonians 1

-What do you think are the most important components of this chapter?
-Notice that Paul mentions the believers' faith, love, and hope. Compare that with 1Corinthians 13:13. Why do you think that these are important?
-Paul says his gospel (or Good News message about Jesus) came with words, with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. What do you think this looks like? How might a person exhibit these in their life?
-What does this passage have to say about discipleship?

*1 Peter 2:1-3

-Why might Peter need to write this to the believers in this letter?
-In what ways do you need to rid yourself of these things?
-What do you think is the significance of us being like newborn babies, and what is our "pure spiritual milk?" What might it look like to "crave" it?
-What does it look like to "grow up" in your salvation? What growing up do you need to do?
-Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good? How?

*1 Peter 2:9-12

-What is the privilege of the believer in this passage?
-Why is this privilege given? (vs. 9)
-How should we live then in response, what does Peter urge?
-What is the end result?
-How have you seen these verses reflected in your life?
-What can you do to see these verses realized in your life more?

*2 Timothy 3:1-5

-What is your first reaction to this passage?
-List out each offence mentioned. Write at least one example of how this generation falls into these sins.
-What does "lovers of plesure rather than lovers of God" mean to you?
-What might it mean for people to have "a form of godliness (or religion) but denying its power"?
-Look again at the list you made. What are some ways that you are tempted in these areas?
-How can you "have nothing to do" with these?

*2 Timothy 3:10-17

-In contrast to the description of the wicked, deceived men mentioned in the last passage, Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong. What does this passage say to you about discipleship?
-What do you imagine the relationship was like between Paul and Timothy?
-Do you have any relationships that compare at all?
-What is promised for the follower of Christ? For the non-followers?
-What is the primary thing that has sustained Timothy?
-Given the answer to the previous questions and verses 16-17, what application can you integrate into your life?

* 2 Timothy 4:1-8

-What is your first impression of this passage?
-How might Paul's charge to Timothy apply to you?
-How have you seen truth around you of verses 3 and 4?
-What effect do you think the reading this letter would have had on Timothy and his ministry?
-What effect do you want it to have on you and yours?

*Jeremiah 5:1-6; Isaiah 55:1-9

-In Jeremiah 5 we see the charges being laid against an unfaithful Israel.
-When God's creation rebels against Him and "refuses correction," do you think the Lord is justified in His punishing?
-Can you describe a time where you've rebelled against God and/or refused His correction?
-In Isaiah 55 we see an invitation from a merciful, loving, benevolent Father.
-Are the views of God in these two passages consistent with each other? How can both of these describe the same God who is said to be changless? If that's the case, what changed?
-Can you describe a time wher you've found Isaiah 55 to describe your dealings with the Almighty God?
-What discipleship truths might you draw from these passages?

*John 15:17-27

-What do you make of the contrast of verse 17 with verses 18-25?
-What kinds of things do you think Jesus is preparing His disciples for in these verses?
-According to these verses, what is one of the roles of the Holy Spirit for the believer?
-What should be the believer's response to this role of the Spirit? Can you describe or give examples?
-What do you think this passage means for a disciple of Jesus today?
-What do you think it means for training up other believers?

*Psalm 1

-Here in the beginning of Psalms we get a wonderful sort of descriptive summary of much of what the Psalms are about--namely the contrast of the righteous and the wicked.
-How would you explain each verse in your own words?
-In what ways could you envision someone fitting each of these descriptions?
-How does this passage relate to discipleship?

*Proverbs 2:1-13

-How do you define wisdom?
-Based on these passages, how do you think God views wisdom?
-How do these passages relate to discipleship?
-If the wisdom that we receive through faith is so valuable, how might we transmit that to others?
-What have been some ways that God has given you wisdom?
-What are some ways that you've been (or are) "double-minded?"

*Malachi 2:10-11; 3:1-4, 10-12

-Here is a sampling of the rebellion of God's people, the enactment of God's justice, and the blessings in God's promise in the Old Testament.
-How might this reflect the life of a believer?
-What about God's character can we learn from these verses?
-Can you see yourself in any of these stages?
-How might these passages relate to discipleship?

*Matt. 6:24-34; 7:1-20

-Matthew 6 and 7 contain a sort of rapid fire series of practical spiritual truths. Read through them and try making two lists: 1) ways you can improve in these areas, and 2) ways you can encourage others to stand strong in these areas.
-The transition at the beginning of verse 25 connects the passage on worry to verse 24. What do you think is the significance of this connection?
-Why do you think we worry? What helps you deal with worry?
-Why do you think it is so easy for us to judge other people? How can we be reminded to trust our "costly grace" and be salt and light instead of judging?
-Why do you think that the "gate is small and way narrow" that leads to life? Why do only a "few" find it?
-If a tree is known by its fruit, how are you known at work? at school? at home? when you are by yourself?

*Colossians 1:15-23

-The Apostle Paul was one of the most dedicated disciples the world has ever known. He is a shining example of the two motivations of a disciple--fellowship with Jesus and witness for Jesus. Read and re-read his worshipful expression of the supremacy of Christ.
-What about this passage stands out to you the most?
-Paul follows up the greatness of Jesus with what His greatness/ministry means for us. Read verses 21-23 and switch all the "you" pronouns to "me" or "I". How might this help you view what it means for you to be a disciple of Jesus?
-What are some ways that Christians "move away from the hope of the gospel?"
-What are some ways that the supremacy of Christ could be shown through your words and/or actions?

*Colossians 1:28-29
-Here is a great summary statement of Paul's ministry. Does it seems like discipleship was important to Paul?
-How do you see some of the truths of discipleship that we've been studying reflected in these verses?
-Spend some time praying that God would help you and help Celebration! Church proclaim Jesus as well as admonish and teach people with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
-What part might you play in helping accomplish this goal?

*Matt. 5:17-20

-Here Jesus further describes the functional definition of a disciple.
-How would you describe Jesus' relationship with the Law?
-Verse 20 gives a high standard. What do you think Jesus' purpose is in this standard?
-How do you stack up?
-Remember your answers to these in order to compare them with later answers.

*Matt. 5:21-32

-Jesus is making further statements about the "old" Law and His "new" standard concerning it.
-What do you think is significant about His "new" standards?
-How do you think the people who would have been listening to Jesus might have reacted?
-How well do you think Jesus' audience modeled these commands? How well do you feel like you model them?

*Matt. 5:33-48

-Still more practical instructions from Jesus on living like a disciple.
-Remember the standard from Verse 20? Check out the standard in Verse 48! Why do you think Jesus raises the standard like this?
-In whose strength would the people have been pursuing righteousness? How far would that have gotten them?
-Since Jesus seems to be giving us commands that we are to follow BUT He also gives us an impossible standard, how do you think we are supposed to reconcile these two ideas? Hint: Romans 3:19-20, 8:1-6
-In whose strength do you typically pursue righteousness? Based on the above passages, how is righteousness rightly pursued?

*Matt. 5:13-16

-Why do you think Jesus uses the analogy of salt? What uses and/or qualities of salt make it useful?
-What does a person who has lost their "saltiness" look like?
-What about the light analogy is meaningful to you?
-In what ways are you salt and light?
-In what ways have you maybe lost some saltiness or hid your light?

*Proverbs 4:18-19; John 8:12

-How is the path of the righteous like the light of dawn?
-What do you think it means by "shining brighter until the full light of day?"
-Do you see people in the world as being in darkness? How?
-Reflect on Jesus as the Light. What does that mean to you? What does it mean for your life and light?

*Matt. 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-31

-Compare and contrast the two passages. Does anything in particular strike you? Click here for info on the harmony of the passages.
-Based on Jesus' teaching, what kinds of things does it seem like He/God values most?
-Take a minute to make two lists: 1. the behaviours of a disciple, and 2. the promises. Can you see value in making these qualities a part of your life? How does your heart respond to the promises?
-"Blessed" can mean happy, satisfied, full of joy, fulfilled. Do you feel "blessed" as a disciple of Jesus? To what degree does your life reflect these qualities?

*Colossians 3

-In this chapter Paul, filled with the Spirit, gives us a picture of a disciple in practice using the analogy of wearing two different outfits. One is the clothing of our sinful natures and "old" tendencies from before knowing Jesus. The other is that of "God's chosen people," His followers. Contrast the two pictures as they relate to experiences in your life.
-What are some qualities of the "old, sinful" list that connect with your heart? What are some qualities of the "new, redeemed" list that connect with your heart?
-What do you like about this passage? What encourages you?
-What is hard to read in this passage? What challenge can you give yourself through the truth in these verses?

*2 Timothy 3:16-17

-Do you trust the authority of scripture?
-How can the Bible be useful in the ways Paul mentions? What must happen for it to be used this way?
-Using Scripture is said to equip us for good works, what are some ways you've seen this in your life? in other's lives?
-What are some ways you could make better use of Scripture in order to be equipped for good works?

*Matt. 4:18-20; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 9:57-62;

-Compare Jesus' call in the first two passages with those in the third.
-What do you think accounts for the differences?
-What do you think Jesus meant by "let the dead bury the dead?
-What might "putting our hand to the plow and looking back" look like for us today?

*Matt. 19:16-22

-What do you think this young man's motivation was for coming to Jesus?
-How would you describe this man's view of discipleship?
-How would you describe what Jesus wants this man to understand?
-What importance does this story have for you?

*Luke 14:25-35

-Summarize this passage in your own words.
-What do you think Jesus desires from His followers?
-What effect do you think this had on the crowd?
-What effect does this have on you?

*John 13:12-17, 34-35

-What are two reasons why Jesus did what He did in this passage?
-According to the story, what should our response be if we are followers of Jesus?
-How does Jesus say that people will recognize us as His disciples?
-Do people recognize you as one of His disciples?
-What can you do to obey this command and have people see Jesus in you?

*Ephesians 2:1-10

-What do you think is the significance of using the language of being "dead" and "alive?"
-How would you define "grace" and "faith" and "works?"
-What do you think the relationship is between verses 8-9 and verse 10?

*Hebrews 11:6; 1John 5:4, 11-13; John 14:23-24; 1Samuel 15:22

-What do you think it looks like to "please God?"
-How would you describe the relationship of belief and obedience?
-What is the importance of each?

*Titus 3:1-7, 14; James 2:14-24

-What do you think the Holy Spirit is saying through each author; what is the goal?
-How would describe the relationship between faith and works?
-Do you think there is a difference between the "justification of sin" and the "justification of the sinner?" Why or why not?