Weekly Guide：Week 49
December 30, 2018
Forward
We completed reading the book of Hebrews last week. This week, we are going to read the books of James and the First Peter.
The book of James describes the relationship between faith and conduct as in the book of Hebrews. The Superior Sacrifice in the book of Hebrews is not just an academic discussion because our lives cannot be divided into two parts, worldly and spiritual, or live a life in the weekdays then another in the weekends. When the truth is not reflected in our lives, then the teachings are no longer realized, trainings become self-fulfillment, we no longer live in obedience and our lives can no longer transform. Do not pursue institutionalized religious status and beware of letting faith fall into sallow believe of false teaching. True faith is filled with zeal, is active, and not covered with layers of gowns and curtains. Testify for God’s presence with brotherly love, care for the suffering and burdened, reflect Jesus’ purity and holiness in faithful marriage, do not love money and be content. Faith should be reflected in all corners of our lives, gospel should be preached through all channels, live like Jesus Christ filled with merciful blessings and truth in our communities, let the world see God’s light reflects on us and satisfies the Superior Covenant between God and mankind.
May you all be renewed in God’s word each day!
Question
How does faith grow in trials?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Be Joyful when facing trials because testing of faith produces perseverance.
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When being tested, ask God for wisdom which He gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to us.
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Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation.
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Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.
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God does not tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
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Every good and perfect gift is from God who does not change like shifting shadows.
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God chose us through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - List out the descriptions of God’s character in this passage. How may these descriptions help those who are being tested in suffering? Also list out God’s will and promises in this passage. Think back in my own trials, have I ever doubted God because I forgot His will and promises? How does or will this passage help me face my current or next challenge?
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Integrity - Trials come in all shapes and forms. And they come continuously in waves. Summarize from this passage how does a beautiful life born out of perseverance in suffering? How does this hope bring joy? Think about my experiences or through other people’s testimonies of God’s goodness.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Do not merely listen to the word. Do what it says and be blessed in what we do.
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Look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Do not discriminate and judge with evil thoughts. Do not show favoritism or we’d have broken the law “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
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Faith without deed is dead. Faith and deed go together, and faith is made complete with deed. A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - We are saved by faith, not by our work to achieve God’s standard. However, faith must bring about corresponding deeds. What does James remind me of with the message about deeds that come from faith and death of faith without deeds? Combine this with the teaching of not merely listen to the word but to do what it says and be blessed in what we do. What have I learned from this encouragement about faith and deeds in terms of listening to the word and doing what it says?
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Identity - We shall avoid tainting ourselves with the worldly norm of showing favoritism by appearance, discriminate and become judges with evil thoughts. It is not pleasing to God to look up to the rich and powerful. It is also not pleasing to God to place high up the poor and sufferings. What similar worldly norms are found in the environment I grew up with and am living in? How are they affecting me? How does God want me to treat others? How can I remind myself not to be tainted by those worldly norms that displease God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What are the deeds filled with holiness, wisdom, and faithfulness like?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Seek wisdom from heaven and tame our tongues; we shall not curse human beings while praise our God at the same time.
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Do not let loose our desires, do not be friend with the world; Submit to God and obey Him, wash our hands and purify our hearts, repent and humble before God, go near God, do not judge other.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - A faith without deeds is dead and useless. But what deeds display fully a faith that is alive? On subjects of taming the tongue, seeking the wisdom, attitude toward worldly norms, judging myself and others, what kind of deeds does a lively faith bring out? What is most meaningful to me?
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Integrity - How is the wisdom we ought to seek according to chapter 3 different from the wisdom of the world? No human can tame the tongue, so we need the wisdom from heaven to tame it. How does the wisdom from heaven help us tame our tongues (3:17)? What is the reason for quarrel and fight between people? What are the causes for us to desire what we don’t have (4:1-3)? What is the attitude of my prayers?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What do faithful deeds wait for?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The plans of our lives should make God’s will top priority.
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What we seek should be the valuable spiritual crop, not the worldly riches. We shall wait patiently for God’s timing, be patient in suffering without swearing.
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We shall place God in the center of our lives, continue to pray, pray for others, and praise the Lord in all circumstances and in all things.
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We shall make saving the sinners from death and covering their sins as our motivation for turning them around.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - God is the center of our lives. This is manifested in our pursue of valuables (5:1-12,) in our planning for the future (4:13-17,) in our attitude toward all things we face in daily life (5:13-18,) and in our motivation to preach gospel and truth (5:19-20.) Think about my conducts in these four areas, do they all come out of my faith? How my faith may be displayed in all these things?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How is the salvation like which is to be revealed to us in the last time?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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We are elected by the grace of the one true Triune God.
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This salvation gives us new life and living hope as well as the inheritance in heaven.
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Through trials, faith may be proven to be genuine that may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
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This salvation was revealed and pointed to the prophets, through their search with greatest care, and angels as well as those who have preached the gospel to us by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - God in three persons did the wonder. What were their works? What do these works mean to me? God’s salvation gives us new life and living hope as well as the inheritance in heaven. What is the new life to me? How am I now different from the old self? Have others observed any difference in me? What is my hope? What is living hope?
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Integrity - There is glorious joy in all kinds of trials. From this and surrounding passages, what is the source of this glorious joy? What is this glorious joy? Have I seen examples of this glorious joy? Have I experienced such glorious joy?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
In what aspects of life would the rebirth be displayed?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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A life reborn in salvation is obedient, holy, and lives in reverent fear.
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A life reborn in salvation does not rely on perishable things such as silver or gold, but the precious blood of Christ, and has faith and hope in God.
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A life reborn in salvation loves others deeply from the heart.
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A life reborn in salvation craves pure spiritual milk to grow up.
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A life reborn in salvation is like a living stone being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.
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A life reborn in salvation has a new identity of royal priesthood, of holy nation and of God’s special possession with a new mission to declare God’s wonderful light.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - With a reborn life, I shall be changed in my desires. What does this passage tell me about the spiritual milk that I shall be craving? Is my craving of this spiritual milk befitting my new identity? What should I be relying on in my reborn life? People often realize what they rely on is not God only when they fall out of their safety net. What do I need to lose to feel danger and hopelessness?
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Identity - How has my identity changed when I was reborn? What do this mean to me: chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s special possession? How am I living out this new identity?
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Fidelity - A reborn life has a new mission. How does the mission of declare God’s wonderful light relate to my new identity? What attitude and motivation should a royal priest hold when preaching gospel?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to be strong and disciplined when feeling weak and discouraged in serving the Lord?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Fan the gift of God into flame, for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
+ We must know He who we believe is capable of guarding what we have entrusted to him until that day. We must guard with the help of Holy Spirit who lives in us, with faith and love in Christ Jesus, the good deposit, the truth, that was entrusted to us.
+ Be a good soldier of Christ and be strong in His grace, because God's word is not chained and His faith never changes.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God is faithful. He does not forget us with the commission He gives and will guard it to the end; God is omnipotent, has already won, and His word is not chained; God gives power so we are not afraid. So, to be disciplined in His word is the only way to go into battle. Are you discouraged in any way with your service? Are you timid in the age of hostility? Do you worry about how to lead your children and family whom the Lord entrusted to you? Think about your relationship with the Lord and His promises. How would you fan up the flame of the gift the Lord gave you and be strengthened again?
+ **Integrity** - Study 2:1-13 and note the characteristics of Christ's soldier. What does the Holy Spirit remind me in each characteristic? How do I follow the example of Christ's soldier in facing my daily business?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How a worker who present himself to God as approved and unashamed should act?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The unashamed worker who preset himself to God as being approved, correctly handles the word of truth and does not quarrel about words;
+ He avoids godless chatter which would indulge people to become more and more ungodly; He flees the desires of youth along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart;
+ He is not quarrelsome but kind, able to teach, not resentful. He gently instructs and hopes that God would lead others to repentance and to a knowledge of truth.
+ God's solid foundation stands firm! The Lord knows those who are His and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.
+ There will be terrible times in the last days, we shall have nothing to do with those who are godly on the surface but corrupted on the inside and control the gullible and weak. Their folly will be clear to everyone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - We may feel powerless seeing those who do not listen and acting on their own desires and those being held captive by the false religions and idols. However, God's foundation stands firm! He knows those who are his and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. How does this promise bring hope to me? I might be burdened by the aforementioned people. Let me pray to the omnipotent God who is in control and made all the beautiful promises for those people.
+ **Integrity** - We must present ourselves to God as the approved workers and not being ashamed. This passage reminds us how to handle God's word (correctly handle the word of truth, not quarrel about words), fellowship (flee the desires of youth along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart), treat the weak minded and sinful people (teach kindly, not to resent, instruct gently, and give hope in God). Have I experienced quarrel in words and not correctly handle the word of truth in my bible study group, fellowship, or daily conversations? Have I focused on food and entertainment in fellowship? Am I lacking in patience and not willing to kindly teach and gently instruct (especially my spouse and children)? Let me pray to the Lord and present myself as an approved worker.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the duty of those who want to live a godly life?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, but the Lord always rescues them.
+ Endeavor in learning the truth, for the Holy Scriptures make you wise for salvation in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
+ Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry.
+ Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. There is in store the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to all who long for His appearing.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - We must endeavor in learning the truth so we may stand firm; we must preach the word and discharge all duties of our ministry. This is God's command through Paul to Timothy and to remind us. Thanks to the Lord that we are almost halfway through the two-year Bible reading plan. What is your thought in the past year of learning God's word? Don't worry if you paused. Pick it up again anywhere and remember to share the essence of the Bible and to share the great works of God almighty!
+ **Walking with God** - Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. However, God would rescue us even as we are being persecuted and bring us closer to Him. Those who long for His appearance would be awarded with the crown of righteousness on that glorious day! How do the promises of this life and hope for the eternal life help us who are living near the end of time and to encourage us to endeavor even more?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the work of God's servant?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Elders and the overseers must be godly, blameless, hold firmly to the truth, can encourage as well as refute others.
+ With sound doctrine and clear explanation, encourage and rebuke, and help others to live a godly life that glorifies God.
+ Living godly life is the command from our gracious God, our savior.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - A life that holds firmly on truth and blameless is what God asks of all believers. Even for those who are not serving as elders or overseers, God asks the mature believers to teach and encourage others by sound doctrine, and to be responsible to refute those who oppose to it. How am I tirelessly learning the truth in my daily life?
+ **Integrity** - What is a blameless life? How does today's passage tell us to see whether one is blameless? God not only asks the elders and overseers to live blameless lives but of all believers (Philippians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Peter 3:14.) Think about the meaning of blameless. How shall I live blamelessly?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What should our attitude and basis be for doing good?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The basis for us to do good is God's kindness and love, not our own righteousness.
+ We need to be careful to be ready to do whatever is good, to be obedient to authorities, to be peaceable and considerate, to be gentle to everyone; these things are profitable for everyone. Avoid foolish controversies and useless quarrels.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It is not because we are righteous, rather it is because God saved us while we are foolish and disobedient that we ought to do whatever is good. The basis for doing good is God's kindness and love for all who are lost. The ability to do good is from God's power in renewing us. Therefore, we need to connect with God to be ready to do whatever is good. What is my reason to do good? How can I gain the ability to do good?
+ **Integrity** - It is our relationship with God that gives us the ability to do good. But, it does not mean we have to wait to be fully mature spiritually to begin going good! To be ready to do good means to prepare to do good at any moment that opportunity presents itself. What principles of doing good can be summarized from what Paul mentioned in what to do and what not to do? What does it mean to be "profitable" and "unprofitable?" What is the true "profit?"
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to face our past sufferings and mistakes?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Onesimus was an escaped slave from Philemon and had owed Philemon a lot. Led by Paul, he became a believer and was transformed by the grace of God's salvation. Philemon received the grace of gospel and was an important co-worker of the Corinthian church with much love and faith to testify for.
+ Paul sent Onesimus back to Corinth to face his mistakes from past. At the same time, to bring the letter from Paul to Philemon asking him to treat Onesimus with love instead of authority. Paul would pay back what Onesimus owed and expressed wish to benefit in the Lord that Philemon would welcome Onesimus.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The broken relationships can only be rescued with gospel. The manifestation of gospel is seen everywhere in the book of Philemon. Think about the gospel filled life when Paul handled this difficult relationship. How may I apply the same to my relationships? How does it help me reconcile with those around me?
+ **Integrity** - By the grace of God, we may face our past mistakes with courage and forgive those who owe us. Through God's power, I may become the ambassador of peace. Summarize their lives' attributes: Paul's humility and gentle teaching; Philemon's faith, love, and obedience; Onesimus' courage and transformation. Where am I lacking? Where have I improved?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to be strong and disciplined when feeling weak and discouraged in serving the Lord?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Fan the gift of God into flame, for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
+ We must know He who we believe is capable of guarding what we have entrusted to him until that day. We must guard with the help of Holy Spirit who lives in us, with faith and love in Christ Jesus, the good deposit, the truth, that was entrusted to us.
+ Be a good soldier of Christ and be strong in His grace, because God's word is not chained and His faith never changes.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God is faithful. He does not forget us with the commission He gives and will guard it to the end; God is omnipotent, has already won, and His word is not chained; God gives power so we are not afraid. So, to be disciplined in His word is the only way to go into battle. Are you discouraged in any way with your service? Are you timid in the age of hostility? Do you worry about how to lead your children and family whom the Lord entrusted to you? Think about your relationship with the Lord and His promises. How would you fan up the flame of the gift the Lord gave you and be strengthened again?
+ **Integrity** - Study 2:1-13 and note the characteristics of Christ's soldier. What does the Holy Spirit remind me in each characteristic? How do I follow the example of Christ's soldier in facing my daily business?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How a worker who present himself to God as approved and unashamed should act?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The unashamed worker who preset himself to God as being approved, correctly handles the word of truth and does not quarrel about words;
+ He avoids godless chatter which would indulge people to become more and more ungodly; He flees the desires of youth along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart;
+ He is not quarrelsome but kind, able to teach, not resentful. He gently instructs and hopes that God would lead others to repentance and to a knowledge of truth.
+ God's solid foundation stands firm! The Lord knows those who are His and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.
+ There will be terrible times in the last days, we shall have nothing to do with those who are godly on the surface but corrupted on the inside and control the gullible and weak. Their folly will be clear to everyone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - We may feel powerless seeing those who do not listen and acting on their own desires and those being held captive by the false religions and idols. However, God's foundation stands firm! He knows those who are his and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. How does this promise bring hope to me? I might be burdened by the aforementioned people. Let me pray to the omnipotent God who is in control and made all the beautiful promises for those people.
+ **Integrity** - We must present ourselves to God as the approved workers and not being ashamed. This passage reminds us how to handle God's word (correctly handle the word of truth, not quarrel about words), fellowship (flee the desires of youth along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart), treat the weak minded and sinful people (teach kindly, not to resent, instruct gently, and give hope in God). Have I experienced quarrel in words and not correctly handle the word of truth in my bible study group, fellowship, or daily conversations? Have I focused on food and entertainment in fellowship? Am I lacking in patience and not willing to kindly teach and gently instruct (especially my spouse and children)? Let me pray to the Lord and present myself as an approved worker.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the duty of those who want to live a godly life?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, but the Lord always rescues them.
+ Endeavor in learning the truth, for the Holy Scriptures make you wise for salvation in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
+ Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry.
+ Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. There is in store the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to all who long for His appearing.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - We must endeavor in learning the truth so we may stand firm; we must preach the word and discharge all duties of our ministry. This is God's command through Paul to Timothy and to remind us. Thanks to the Lord that we are almost halfway through the two-year Bible reading plan. What is your thought in the past year of learning God's word? Don't worry if you paused. Pick it up again anywhere and remember to share the essence of the Bible and to share the great works of God almighty!
+ **Walking with God** - Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. However, God would rescue us even as we are being persecuted and bring us closer to Him. Those who long for His appearance would be awarded with the crown of righteousness on that glorious day! How do the promises of this life and hope for the eternal life help us who are living near the end of time and to encourage us to endeavor even more?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is the work of God's servant?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Elders and the overseers must be godly, blameless, hold firmly to the truth, can encourage as well as refute others.
+ With sound doctrine and clear explanation, encourage and rebuke, and help others to live a godly life that glorifies God.
+ Living godly life is the command from our gracious God, our savior.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - A life that holds firmly on truth and blameless is what God asks of all believers. Even for those who are not serving as elders or overseers, God asks the mature believers to teach and encourage others by sound doctrine, and to be responsible to refute those who oppose to it. How am I tirelessly learning the truth in my daily life?
+ **Integrity** - What is a blameless life? How does today's passage tell us to see whether one is blameless? God not only asks the elders and overseers to live blameless lives but of all believers (Philippians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Peter 3:14.) Think about the meaning of blameless. How shall I live blamelessly?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What should our attitude and basis be for doing good?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The basis for us to do good is God's kindness and love, not our own righteousness.
+ We need to be careful to be ready to do whatever is good, to be obedient to authorities, to be peaceable and considerate, to be gentle to everyone; these things are profitable for everyone. Avoid foolish controversies and useless quarrels.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It is not because we are righteous, rather it is because God saved us while we are foolish and disobedient that we ought to do whatever is good. The basis for doing good is God's kindness and love for all who are lost. The ability to do good is from God's power in renewing us. Therefore, we need to connect with God to be ready to do whatever is good. What is my reason to do good? How can I gain the ability to do good?
+ **Integrity** - It is our relationship with God that gives us the ability to do good. But, it does not mean we have to wait to be fully mature spiritually to begin going good! To be ready to do good means to prepare to do good at any moment that opportunity presents itself. What principles of doing good can be summarized from what Paul mentioned in what to do and what not to do? What does it mean to be "profitable" and "unprofitable?" What is the true "profit?"
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How to face our past sufferings and mistakes?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Onesimus was an escaped slave from Philemon and had owed Philemon a lot. Led by Paul, he became a believer and was transformed by the grace of God's salvation. Philemon received the grace of gospel and was an important co-worker of the Corinthian church with much love and faith to testify for.
+ Paul sent Onesimus back to Corinth to face his mistakes from past. At the same time, to bring the letter from Paul to Philemon asking him to treat Onesimus with love instead of authority. Paul would pay back what Onesimus owed and expressed wish to benefit in the Lord that Philemon would welcome Onesimus.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The broken relationships can only be rescued with gospel. The manifestation of gospel is seen everywhere in the book of Philemon. Think about the gospel filled life when Paul handled this difficult relationship. How may I apply the same to my relationships? How does it help me reconcile with those around me?
+ **Integrity** - By the grace of God, we may face our past mistakes with courage and forgive those who owe us. Through God's power, I may become the ambassador of peace. Summarize their lives' attributes: Paul's humility and gentle teaching; Philemon's faith, love, and obedience; Onesimus' courage and transformation. Where am I lacking? Where have I improved?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses