Proverbs: The Quest for Character
Who are the people you consider your heroes? What do you admire about them? In your opinion, what makes them successful?
Read Colossians 3:12-16. What qualities does Paul encourage followers of Jesus to have? How are these qualities similar or different to the qualities you listed in the first question?
Read 2 Peter 1:3-8. The words “effective” and “fruitful” can be synonymous with success. According to Peter, what qualities lead result in a successful life? Do these qualities change the way you think about success? If so, in what ways?
Considering your answers to the first and second questions, what are some of the challenges or difficulties you face pursuing this kind of success? How would you ask God to help you develop a successful life?
Further Reading
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’...