Michael Quattlebaum

2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 4:17-32; Romans 8:1-4

1. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?  What are they?
2. What do you need to leave behind in this new year?
3. God re-creates us when we come to know Him, and are filled with His Spirit.   What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ?
4. If we are His, and have been made new, how then should we live?
5. How did God reconcile us to Himself?  How are we given the ministry of reconciliation?
6. How are we made into righteousness?
7. What is your old self all about?  What have you left behind?  What lies before you?  What is made new for you?
8. Who do you need to forgive?  Who do you need a new start with?

There is good news, for those who have been hurt, or who have caused hurt.  We have a God of forgiveness.  Who provided a way, in love, for us to be reconciled to Himself first, and then to each other.  We trust, not in a system of laws and rules and regulations, but in a God who has a relationship with us, and who forgives, restores, and renews.  We have a God who is in the business of new beginnings.  So as you consider what you must leave behind this year, and what opportunities lay ahead, trust in God for it all.

2 Timothy 1:13-18

1.     Paul instructs Timothy to follow his example.  What standard is set for Timothy in how Paul lives?  What “sound words” is Paul talking about?  (1 Timothy 1:12-15)

2.     What is the treasure that Timothy is to guard, and how does the Holy Spirit help with that?  Why does it need guarding?

3.     Read verse 15.  Now read Acts 19:1-10.  Were the people in Ephesus and to a larger degree in Asia familiar with the teachings and reputation of Paul?  If so, why did so many turn away from him?

4.     What was different about Onesiphorus?  Why was he not ashamed of Paul?  How did he serve Paul differently? 

5.     What service had Onesiphorous performed that pleased Paul?  What was his motivation in helping Paul?

6.     What could the believers in Asia learned from Romans 12:9-13?  What about us?

We should each be motivated to serve one another.  That motivation should come out of the love of God, and His Spirit working in us.  This love and service properly displayed will show others that we are different, and that God lives in us (John 13:34-35).