Read: Hebrews chapters 7 and 8 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: But this is the new covenant I will make…I will put my laws they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people in their minds as. (Heb 8:10) Has reading the Bible helped you to better understand its meaning? In what way?
Read: Hebrews chapters 4, 5, and 6 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: The Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. (Heb 4:12) As you have read through the Bible so far, how have you found this to be true for you? If you think of The Word of God as the person of Jesus, how have you experienced Jesus as careful and trustworthy with knowing your deepest thoughts and desires?
Read: Titus chapter 3 – Philemon (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Did God anticipate these times we live in? Paul tells Titus, Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. (Titus 3:1-2) In what ways could taking Paul’s advice change the way you interact with others?
Read: 2 Timothy chapter 4 to Titus chapter 2 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Titus 1:2 reminds us that God cannot lie. Sit with that truth for a moment. What does it mean for your life and your faith, as you read through God’s Scripture, that you believe in a God that not only won’t, but can’t, go against His own nature of being truthful?
Read: 2 Timothy chapters 2 and 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Paul writes to Timothy: Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you. (2 Tim 3:16-17) How has this proven to be true in your own life, as you have become more familiar with the Bible? Prayerfully consider your most recent assignment from God.
Read: 1 Timothy chapter 6 to 2 Timothy chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. (2 Tim 1:7). Have you ever felt the urge to share your faith, but held back? What was your reason for holding back?
Read: 1 Timothy chapters 1, 2, and 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Paul teaches, in 1 Timothy 2, about prayer, saying that we should pray for all people, including kings and those who are in positions of authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:2) What would happen if all believers prayed faithfully for those in positions of authority, especially if they disagreed with them? What can you do to make certain you are faithful to praying that way?
Read: 2 Thessalonians chapters 2 and 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16) How would you explain the difference between a life of peace and a life that does not have peace? Is your life a life of peace? If not, have you asked God for peace?
Read: 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 – 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3). What a report – that they are observed to be loving and faithful! How can you assure that your church gets a report like that from people who see you? What will be your part in assuring that that report is given about your church?
Read: 1 Thessalonians 3-4 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Not only non-believers are watching us as we live out our lives. God’s will is for us to be holy. In 1 Thessalonians 4, verses 3-8, Paul gives us a list of things to guide us – sexual purity, honesty, fidelity. He adds that not living in this way rejects God, who has given His Holy Spirit to us (1 Thessalonians 4:8). Ask God where you can do better. Record God’s response.
Read: Colossians chapter 4 and 1 Thessalonians chapters 1 and 2 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Paul reminds us to live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6). Everything we do as believers is to be an example to those who do not believe. If you were to be graded on your ‘Christian behavior’ for the last week, how would you fare? What could you do better in this next week?
Read: Colossians chapters 2 and 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. (Colossians 3:24-25) Given that humbling ourselves is one of the most difficult things to do, do you personally keep yourself reminded that everything you do is for the Lord? How?
Read: Philippians chapter 4 and Colossians chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Paul urges the people in the church in Colossae to not drift away from the assurance they received when they first heard the Good News. When we first grasp what Christ has done for us, we tend to be pretty excited and enthusiastic. What has worked best to keep you bound to Jesus Christ even though you are not new to the Good News?
Read: Philippians chapters 2 and 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Paul gives us a prescription for life in this passage: Don’t complain or argue, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (Phil 2:14-15) How is your light shining lately?
Read: Philippians chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul says, "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ." (Phil 1:27) Would you say that you are living worthy of the Good News? How can you live in a way that is more worthy?
Read: Ephesians chapter 6 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Paul tells us that we do not fight against flesh and blood enemies. (Eph 6:12) When you think about those people in your life that are especially difficult, how does knowing the fight is against what might be pushing or influencing them help you see the difficulty in a new way?
Read: Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)
Reflection Question: Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes, Paul says, in Ephesians 4:23. What is the best way you have found to do that? What are some of the suggestions Paul makes in the rest of those two chapters that might be helpful to you, personally?
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