THEE Word for the Week: March 1–5, 2010

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Admonishing One Another Rom. 15:14; James 5:19-20 March 1-5, 2010
Monday - Read Romans 15:14
• How are you encouraged? When you are encouraged by someone, do you immediately think that they are "just saying that" or do you receive the compliment with humbleness? Does your response indicate anything about accepting how God views you? (Psalm 19:4; Phil 1:6) • Paul says that they are full of "goodness." This does not mean that they were without sin but it does means "a positive moral quality characterized by their interest in the welfare of others." Is this true of your own life? Why or Why not? Tuesday - Read Romans 15:14; Col. 1:28; Proverbs 27:6 • Who is/was your favorite instructor or teacher? Were they "easy" or "difficult?" Most people would agree that good teachers are "hard" teachers because they care enough to not let you stay where you are. Good friends are that way too. To admonish (instruct in the NIV) means "to give counsel about avoidance or cessation of an improper course of conduct." As an adult we avoid putting ourselves in a position to be admonished or we tune it out when we receive it. Why is that the case? • What was Paul saying that these "good" and "knowledgeable" believers would be capable of doing to one another? How should this affect your attitude about being corrected? Wednesday ‐ Read James 5:13-16 • What are the connections between the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of our lives? What is the role that the body of Christ should have in healing in these areas? Looking at verse 16, what role does confession play in healing? Does it follow that people are "sick" emotionally, physically, and/ or spiritually because they haven't confessed their sins? • Spend some time reflection while reading, meditating, and praying Psalm 19:23-24. Read Matthew 5:23-24 and 1 John 1:9. Are there things that you need to confess or reconcile to the Lord, to a close believer or small group? Don't allow any sickness in your life because of un-confessed sin. Thursday - Read James 5:17-18; 1 Kings 18:36-40 • What has been the biggest answer to pray you've ever witnessed? Why did you think God answered that prayer? Why do you think God answered Elijah's prayer? If Elijah would have had selfish motives, do you think God would have answered his prayer? What should your motive be in prayer (1 Kings 18:36)? Friday ‐ Read James 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 • When have you wandered or come close to wandering from the truth? Who helped bring you back? How would you go about turning someone back from the truth? What role should scripture be in that process? How would you rate you competency level in using scripture in turning someone back to the truth? What can you do to increase that level of confidence? What is the result and/ or reward for turning someone back to the truth?