Pastor Ralph

To help you internalize and apply what you’re learning from John’s Gospel, I’ve included several Discussion Questions in each lesson. These are designed to help you think about and ponder the most important points. Don’t skip this. It’s best to write them out. You can post your answers – and read what others have written – by going to the online forum by clicking on the URL below each question. (Before you can post your answer the first time, you’ll need to register. You can find instructions at http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/instructions.htm Q1. (John 1:1-3) According to the Apostle John, is Jesus fully God? What does it mean that Jesus is the “Word”? What does this say about him and his ministry?

It's exciting to meet other people who are involved in this Bible study. Why don't you check in and share a bit about yourself, and what state and country you are from. Please do NOT include our e-mail address. Be discrete about sharing private things about yourself.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 16:22) Whom does Paul curse in this verse? Whom does he invite to come quickly? Why, do you think, Paul looks forward so much to Christ’s coming?

Q3. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9) What does it take to continue to minister in the face of opposition? Why does opposition nearly always accompany success? In what way does this require spiritual warfare?

Q2. (1 Corinthians 16:4-7) What does Paul’s wording, “if the Lord permits” teach us about making plans? Why is planning without this mindset actually arrogant?

Q1. (1 Corinthians 16:2) What does this teach us about regular giving? About proportional giving? About planned giving, rather than last minute giving?

Q5. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Why do we sometimes get discouraged serving the Lord? What does this exhortation contain to encourage and motivate us?

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ) What does this passage teach us about Christ’s coming? In what ways does it encourage us?

Q3. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) What does this passage teach us about the subordination of the Son to the Father? How can that be consistent with the doctrine of the Trinity?

Q2. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7 ) What is the core of the gospel according to this verse? Paraphrase it in your own words based on this passage.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2) In what sense is our salvation dependent upon us continuing in faith? Why is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints important for us to understand?

Q4. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40) In your particular congregation, which parts of verses 39-40 are most needed in order to bring your congregation into a biblical balance?

Q3. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) How are Paul’s instructions to those who speak in tongues in verses 27-28 similar to his instructions to those who prophecy in verses 29-32? How do they differ? How might we hold meetings today that allow for the Spirit to inspire spontaneous contributions to the gathered people?

Q2. (1 Corinthians 14:5-25) Paul does value speaking in tongues. What does its value seem to be according to verses 2, 4, 17, and (perhaps) Romans 8:26-27? How are the Corinthians abusing speaking in tongues?

Note. Good Christians disagree about some of these matters. Please be loving, even if you disagree with someone. Q1. (1 Corinthians 14:1-4) What is the value of prophecy over tongues, according to verse 4? What does prophecy typically do to benefit the church, according to verse 3?

Q4. (1 Corinthians 13:8b-13) Why is it important to Paul’s argument to contend that even the greatest spiritual gifts will become obsolete? Why does he stress the permanence of love?

Good Christians sometimes disagree about this question. Remember to be loving in your answer. Q3. (1 Corinthians 13:10) When do you think the “perfect” comes? (See my “Excursus” before answering.) How do you support your interpretation?

Q2. (1 Corinthians 13:4-6) Which one or two of these tests of agape love do you have the most trouble with? How might prayer help you grow? How will walking with the Spirit help you deal with these flaws?

Q1. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) What is the result of the greatest imaginable manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit done without love? Is it possible to operate a gift of the Spirit from a selfish or wrong motivation. Which make us more spiritual – Gifts of the Spirit or Fruit of the Spirit?

Q5. (1 Corinthians 12:27) How are you hurt by the people who don’t use their spiritual gifts for one reason or another? How much richer would your congregation be if you – and everyone else – were to use their spiritual gifts? What might happen in people’s lives? What might be the community impact of your congregation?

Q4. (1 Corinthians 12:11) What are several lessons that we learn from verse 11? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual gifts?

Note: This is not the time to criticize others’ use of spiritual gifts, but to look for positive examples of the use of spiritual gifts. Q3. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) Has God used you in one of these nine spiritual gifts – or someone you know? How has this gift help build up and strengthen your congregation or community?

Q2. Is it legitimate to use Jesus as our example in the use of spiritual gifts? Or was he so different than we are that we can’t pattern our ministry after his example?

Q1. (1 Corinthians 12:7) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What happens when people don’t employ spiritual gifts for their intended purpose? What happens when a whole church full of people start using their diverse spiritual gifts?

Q4. (1 Corinthians 11:28) What kind of self-examination at the Lord’s Table is appropriate? How do confession and repentance fit with self-examination? How do confession and repentance serve to bring spiritual health and character change?