Grace in the Ordinary
A right relationship with Jesus Christ manifests itself not in some extraordinary otherworldliness, but in and through our Christ-like conduct and loving human relationships in this world. It is in our conduct and relationships that we are most in need of experiencing, expressing, and exemplifying the reality of God’s grace in the ordinary, everyday interaction we have with believers and unbelievers.
How often do you experience God’s grace in your ordinary, everyday interaction with others?
What does it mean for God to “open a door for our message” in verse 3? What doors has God opened for you to share the gospel? What doors would you like for Him to open in order for you to share the gospel?
Who are the “outsiders” Paul mentions in verse 5? Who are the outsiders in your life? Do you “make the most of every opportunity” in your interaction with them? What role does wisdom play in your interaction?
How would you explain to someone what Paul means by conversation/speech “full of grace, seasoned with salt” in verse 6?
Paul mentions several friends who were instrumental in serving with him to promote the work and message of Christ. Which of your friends would you mention in a similar letter? Which of them has been most influential in your Christian growth?
A Beautiful Thing
As Jesus prepared for the cross, an unnamed woman responded to Jesus with faith in a unique way. She understood truth about Jesus that eluded other disciples and gave Jesus an extravagant gift. Let’s remember how her example teaches us to follow the Lord with faith...
Stay Awake
Throughout His time on earth, Jesus' disciples asked Him many of the same questions that we find ourselves wrestling with today. Instead of giving a direct and clear response to their questions, Jesus focused more on the heart and attitude of His followers. We have...
Death and Taxes
Death and taxes are two of life’s certainties, and Jesus responded to questions about those topics to redirect our attention to timeless truth. Remembering the source and owner of all the parts of our life, as well as life itself, radically changes our perspectives....
Divine Authority
While Jesus entered conflict with religious leaders over his authority, he also revealed significant truth about his mission, God’s good gifts, and our responsibilities. What can Jesus’ teaching, storytelling, and confrontation with religious authorities teach us...
Foreshadowing
Jesus approaches Jerusalem with a loud celebration, but when he enters the Temple courts no one seems to notice. His strong actions both privately and publicly demand attention and response. Jesus’ triumphal parade into Jerusalem, a withered fig tree, and Jesus’...