Bible Study Guide: October 18-24

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(Monday) Acts 17: Mixed Results

Paul interacts with three different cultures in three cities. What approach does he take in each one?

How do the people respond to his teaching in Athens?

What points of his message are consistent (v. 3, 18, 24-28, 30-31)?

Paul mentions the “objects of your worship” to the Athenians. What are some of the objects of our worship in modern American culture?

Paul uses the things the Athenians value to springboard into a discussion of the gospel. How could you follow his example in your conversations with people today?

Prayer Focus: An unwavering commitment to share the gospel in all situations and cultures

Family Devotional: Read verses 22-23. What are some things in our world that people don’t understand? How can we explain those things with our faith in God?

(Tuesday) 1 Thessalonians 3-4: Preparing for the End

What evidence do you see of Paul’s love for the Thessalonians (3:2, 5, 10)?

What are Paul’s desires for the Thessalonians (3:10-13)? What specific instructions does he give (4:3-6)?

What instructions does he have for lazy people who live off other Christians’ kindness (v. 11-12)?

How can this passage challenge you to resist sexual sin (reflect on the way it’s described in v. 6)?

Prayer Focus: Pray that your entire life would be pleasing to God.

Family Devotional: Read verses 11-12. What does this say about our work habits? Why should we work hard to support ourselves?

(Wednesday) 2 Thessalonians 2: Rumor Control

What good things does Paul notice about the Thessalonians (v. 3-4)?

Paul proclaims God as just. How does he describe God’s justice (v. 5-10)?

In light of God’s judgment, why does Paul pray as he does in verses 11-12?

How can God’s justice encourage you when things don’t seem fair?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s justice in your life and throughout the world

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-7. Can you think of a time when life didn’t seem fair? How will God make things right in the end? How does that encourage you now?

(Thursday) 1 Corinthians 13: True Love

How would you define each of love’s qualities (v. 4-7)? What is so tragic about using our gifts without love (v. 1-3)?

In verses 8-13, Paul summarizes the supremacy of love. Why do spiritual gifts have limited value in comparison to love?

Why is love greater than faith or hope (v. 13)?

Do you tend to be relationally dependent or independent? How can this kind of love lead to healthy interdependence?

Prayer Focus: Ask to experience more of God’s love so you can share it with others

Family Devotional: Read verses 4-7. For each of these qualities of love, think of an example of how it could be shown in our family.

(Friday) 1 Corinthians 15: The Last Enemy

What are the essential elements of the gospel Paul preached (v. 1-11)?

If there is no resurrection, what are the consequences for Christ, for Paul, and for us (v. 12-19)?

How does belief or unbelief in the resurrection affect a person’s lifestyle (v. 29-34)?

How can the truth of the resurrection change your life this week?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the hope of eternal life that starts right now

Family Devotional: Read verses 51-55. Why don’t we need to be scared about death? What do we have to look forward to when we die? How should this affect our life right now?