As you begin this study, consider the life of Jesus. Note examples where He exhibits self-control. 

Read Proverbs 25.28 and Titus 2.12-14 and answer the following questions: 

• What happens to the person who lacks self-control?
• What “teaches us” to say, “No”?
• How does self-control spring forth from the gift of grace? 
• Is it possible to live a self-controlled life?
• Where and when are you most challenged in living a self-controlled life? 

Read Genesis 4.1-16. Note three parts of this text that speak to you most deeply.

Read Romans 5.12 and Romans 3.1-12, 22 and answer the following questions. 

• In your own words define “total depravity.”
• Why is this doctrine important? 
• How does God reconcile our totally depraved nature? 

Why does God approve of Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? 

How does Cain respond to God’s rebuke?

What was the root of Cain’s anger and downcast countenance? 

Where, or in what, is your anger most likely rooted? 

How do you see God being loving toward Cain? 

According to the text, where does sin have its roots? 

How in the last week have you allowed wrong thoughts to derail you? 

Read 1 John 3.11-12. How does this text help your understanding of what happens in Genesis 4? 

What does it mean to be a “brother’s keeper?” 

Who cares for you as a “brother’s keeper?” What does that look for you? How do you allow your “keeper” to care for you, redirect you, pray for you, and bless you?

What is Cain’s consequence for disobedience? How does God maintain relationship with Cain in the midst of disobedience? What does this teach you about the character of God? 

Is it possible to “master” sin? Is it possible for sin to master you?

Read 1 John 2.15-17. Rewrite this verse in your own words. 

What “stories” replay over and over in your mind? Where do you they lead you? How might you begin to exert self-control over those stories? 

Read 1 Peter 1.13-16 and 2 Timothy 1.7. What are the primary implications of each text? 

Read and reflect on the Serenity Prayer. What portion of this prayer might become the prayer of your heart? Which “brother’s keeper” can join you in this prayer? 

Serenity Prayer

“God, give me grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.”

Read Galatians 2.20. In your own words, describe what this verse means for your life today. 

Read Galatians 5.22-26. How do you see this text build on the foundation of Galatians 2.20?

The Scofield Bible notes, “Christian character is not mere moral or legal correctness, but the possession and manifestation of the graces of v. 22-23. Taken together they present a moral portrait of Christ, and may be understood as the apostle’s explanation of 2:20.” How do you see this as truth in your life today? 

Gentleness is defined this way, “acquiescence to authority and consideration of others.” Who in your life best exemplifies this Christ quality of gentleness? 

Describe gentleness in the world before Jesus came.

Think about the life and character of Christ. Note one or two examples from His life where He gentleness was best expressed. 

Read Isaiah 42.1-4 and Matthew 12.18-21. Note the fulfillment of Scripture here. 

Read Matthew 11.28-30. How does Jesus describe Himself in this invitation to you? 

When you think about Jesus, how do you see Him as gentle and tender? 

In what one way has Jesus been gentle toward you? 

Read James 3.17-18. What’s the implication of these verses for every Christ follower? 

Where is our world today most devoid of gentleness? Where in your world do you sense a deep need for gentleness?

Read Ephesians 4.2. What’s the implication of this verse for every Christ follower? 

Give God praise for His gentle love toward you today. 

Read Galatians 5.13-26. How do you sense the fruit of the Spirit growing in you? Describe what it looks like to “walk in the Spirit.” Describe the alternative, “walking in the flesh.” 

Read and reflect on the following passages of Scripture and respond to who each encourages or challenges you. Psalm 119.90; 2 Thessalonians 3.3; 1 Corinthians 10.13; 2 Timothy 2.13. 

What other passages of Scripture declare the faithfulness of God most personally? 

Faithfulness in the Greek is defined with two words, “reliability” and “trustworthiness.” How do these two words expand or narrow your understanding of faithfulness? 

Read Luke 7.36-50. Where do you find yourself in this text? Where do you see faithfulness? Where do you see faithlessness? 

What exactly does Jesus mean when He says, “Your faith has saved you?” Be specific in your answer. 

In response to the text and Jesus’ words, “your faith has saved you” Father Greg Boyle says, “I don’t think faith has anything to do with a belief, or allegiance or adherence to a set of beliefs or a belief system…rather, a choosing to be anchored in holy love to be tethered to a sustaining God – and because of that love – not even the least bit shaky about our own unshakable goodness.” Father Greg Boyle (paraphrased)

Reflect on Father Boyle’s comments. Do you agree that this is what faithfulness looks like? What gives you hesitation in this definition? 

If Father Boyle’s definition is accurate, what would this mean for you? What would faithfulness look like for you? What would change in you or around you? 

Read Lamentations 3.19-26. How and when have you resonated most deeply with this text? How specifically have you experienced God’s faithfulness in a season of wandering and wondering? 

What does Scripture say God is faithful to do? Note the references for each action of our Faithful God. 

Read Revelation 19.11-16. How does this passage bring you hope? 

Give God praise for His faithfulness. 

Read Matthew 5-7. Where do you find yourself most personally in this text? Where are you most encouraged? What challenges you most deeply in the text?

As we regather, where do you sense a desire for deeper connection to others and to God? As we re-center, where do you sense drift? How might our Faith Family help you anchor in the center of Christ’s life and love?

The fruit of the Spirit includes the “goodness” of Christ. In your own words, describe the quality of goodness Jesus possesses? How did Jesus express goodness during His earthly ministry? How do you experience His goodness being expressed toward you today?

How has Jesus already made you “good”? When and where do you most doubt that you are “good”? What is one area where you desire to grow in His goodness?

Spend a few moments reflecting on the life of the disciples after hearing the Sermon on the Mount. What do you think changed in them after hearing this truth? How would their life look differently, how would they begin to love differently? As you reflect on the words of Jesus, what’s one way you sense an invitation to change and grow? Trust Him to work in that space giving Him praise in advance for His faithfulness to you.

How is Biblical kindness different than being nice?

What does courageous kindness look like in your life?

How have you seen kindness be contentious?

Do you have a story where you have seen kindness be contagious?

How is God inviting you to respond to His kindness toward you this week?

Read 1 Corinthians 13 incarnationally. How do you see God expressing His love toward you today? 

What’s the difference between the world’s definition of patience and Christ like patience? 

Describe one way you are currently experiencing God’s love as patient? 

Biblical patience is best defined as, “love untiring.” Note three places in Scripture that you see God’s “love untiring.”

Read Romans 2.4. Why is God patient with us? In your own words, describe this verse being lived out through your story.

Consider the life and ministry of Jesus. What three words would you use to describe the pace of His ministry? 

“Jesus was busy but never rushed.” Do you agree or disagree with that statement? How so?

What qualities or expressions of love can you do when you are rushed or in a hurry? What qualities or expressions of love can you give when you are taking your time?

Read Mark 9.14-27. How do you see as “fully man” and “fully God” in this text?

When and where have you prayed, “I believe. Help me with my unbelief.” Who has joined you in that space? How has God ministered to you there? 

Read 2 Peter 3.8-10, 15. In your own words, describe the truth of this text.

How do you sense God’s patience as salvation?

With a family member, friend, or co-work talk about your responses to the following: 

• Where and when do you sense your love tiring? 
• What takes the life out of you?
• What gives you life?
• How do you sense God’s untiring love at work in your world right now? 

Read Galatians 5 incarnationally. Where do you find yourself in this chapter? 

As you consider the fruit of the Spirit, how do you see God at work in you conforming you to the image and character of Christ? 

Where and when most recently have you sensed the deep peace of God? 

Read John 14.25-27. What is the peace Jesus is talking about here? What is the peace He gives? 

How is His peace vastly different from the peace of this world? 

Read Philippians 4.7. In your own words, note how you would describe this truth to a non-Christian friend. 

Why and how did Jesus make peace for you? 

In what ways do you see yourself as a peacemaker? What’s the difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper? Which is more difficult? Why would Jesus call us “blessed” for living out that which is most difficult?

How desperate is our world for the peace of Christ? As a peacemaker, what is one step you’ve taken to bring peace to our unpeaceful world? 

Read, and reflect on the words of Mark Labberton: “There’s no place for an easy kind of common agreement. All naive expectations about some kind of easily achieved shalom (peace) have to be in some way to be reordered, shattered, left in disarray until sufficient agreement and readiness together has been created in order to necessarily come to a new future.”

Read Isaiah 58. What’s at the heart of this text? 

What does “fasting” mean here? Why would Isaiah press the care and love of others as a higher call? 

How might God be calling you to literally participate in Isaiah 58.6-12? 

Read and reflect on the words of Alec Motyer. “To loose the chains of injustice/’fetters of wickedness’ points to the need to labour for the abolition of every way in which wrong social structures, or wrongdoers in society, destroy or diminish the due liberty of others. To untie the cords of the yoke refers to the need to eliminate every way in which people are treated like animals.” Alec Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah.

Is God a conditional God? It appears there is a condition implied here. What do you make of this tension? 

What role does obedience play in the life of a follower of Christ? 

How are you challenged and encouraged by Jesus’ words as recorded in John 16.33? “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Begin by reading three passages from John’s Gospel. John 10.10; 15.11; 17.13. Then 1 John 1.1-4 and answer the following questions:

What does Jesus say about joy? What is His joy? What does it mean to you to know Jesus prays for you to live in His joy?

When you think about the attributes of the Trinity in the heavenly realm, what comes to mind?

C.S. Lewis said, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” Dallas Willard wrote, “Undoubtedly God is the most joyous being in the universe.” How do these two phrases encourage you? How do they shift your perception of God?

Lewis Smedes said, “To miss out on joy is to miss out on the reason for your existence.” You exist to know joy, to live in joy, to experience the joy of the Trinity. In what ways are you currently experiencing this kind of joy?

Read Galatians 5.22-26. What is the Fruit of the Spirit? What’s the purpose of the fruit? We learned on Sunday “The Fruit of the Spirit is the character of Jesus Christ produced by the Spirit of Christ in the life of every follower of Christ.” What one specific way do you sense the character of Christ being formed in you?

Three questions were asked in the message on Sunday. Share your answer for each.

• Describe the joy filled life of Jesus?
• When are you most joy filled?
• Have you ever had a pervasive season of joylessness?

Read Psalm 133, and Philippians 2.1-4. How important is unity in the heavenly realm? How important is the unity of His Church to you? How are you fostering a spirit of unity in our Faith Family?

Read, reflect and respond to the truth shared by Eugene Peterson. “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence. It is not what we have to acquire in order to experience life in Christ; it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.” Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

Read Nehemiah 8.1-10 and answer the following questions.

Describe the power of God’s Word on display in this text. Where do you sense the Holy Spirit at work in the text? How did the people respond to the Spirit’s conviction? Is it surprising to you that Nehemiah encouraged the people not to sorrow, but to celebrate? Nehemiah says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” How have you experienced joy as God’s strength in you? Where do you need His joy to give you strength today?

Read Acts 9. What similarities do you see between the text and what has happened or is happening in your life today?

Describe a season when you felt “scales fall from your eyes.” Read and reflect on the words of Andy Westmoreland, President of Samford University.

Andy Westmoreland President at Samford University said, “Something like scales” are falling from the eyes of millions of Americans as we confront the fact that many of us who are white have done far too little to oppose racism. We have taken comfort in the knowledge that our own views are not typically “racist” and we support the concept of racial equality. If we have learned anything in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and tensions throughout our country, it is that whatever we have done—or believe we have done—to overcome racism, we have not done enough.” How are you relentlessly and redemptively acting on behalf of another?

Joy can be lost. The sin of King David led him into a season of joylessness. Read 2 Samuel 12, and then Psalm 51. Describe a season of joylessness you may have experienced. How did that season conclude? What role did conviction or confession play in you entering into a new season of life.

Joy is the serious business of heaven. How might you take a step in living in His joy today?

Read 1 Corinthians 13. What part of this text speaks most personally to you? 

Specifically, how is the kind of love described in Scripture different from the love of this world? 

Read Jesus words as recorded in Mark 12.28-31, John 13.34-35, John 15.9-17, Matthew 5.43-48, John 14.15-21 and answer the following questions: 

• Who is your neighbor?
• Who are your enemies?
• How does Jesus teach us to love both? 

In your own words, describe how you “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and will all your strength.” 

Jesus says “as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.” Describe the love of the Father for the Son. 

In response to the answer above, how then does Jesus love you?

What’s the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of each believer? How do you sense the Spirit at work in you?

Read Philippians 2.5-8. In what ways does this text evoke worship and give you hope?

Jesus said to Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16.18. What does this statement mean for the Church today? What does it mean for Sanctuary? 

Read Galatians 5.1, 13-26. What’s the primary difference between sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit? Describe a time when you sowed to the flesh? What was the outcome of that season? Conversely, describe a time when you sowed to the Spirit? What was the outcome of that season? 

Read 1 Corinthians 12.24-26. How do you see a part of our body suffering? How might you “suffer with those who are suffering?” 

Read and reflect on the words of Timothy Tennent, “Biblical love is not like the wavering flood of emotion that overtakes humans in some romantic surge; the love that God defines is a resolute disposition that acts on behalf of another, and does so relentlessly and redemptively. “

In response to the challenge in Sunday’s message, how are you taking one relentless and redemptive step on behalf of another? 

In our world today, how do you sense “hell prevailing?”

What’s the job of the Church as it relates to hell? How do we “put hell out of business?” 

How might your faith be expressed through love today? 

Read, reflect and then pray the Prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.