Practicing GODliness Series - Message 3

Study Questions:

1. One of the essential elements in developing godly character is proper motivation. What guidelines for determining proper motives do the following passages of Scripture suggest? Genesis 22:12; Genesis 39:9; Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 10:31

How would you summarize those four passages in one statement about the proper motivation for developing godly character?

2. To whom did Paul attribute the power he experienced for his Christian life and ministry? (See Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:29.)

3. According to Jesus, what do we need in order to experience divine power in our lives? (See John 15:4-5.) In this passage, Jesus uses figurative language to express a spiritual truth. Try stating this truth in words that are more personal or explicit to you.

4. “Christians are both totally responsible and totally dependent.” Philippians 2:12-13 highlights these seemingly incompatible conditions. How, practically, can you live out these two qualities of the Christian life?

5. In the following passages, what is the common thread indicating that Paul believed we are responsible for developing the fruit of the spirit in our lives? Romans 12:18; Philippians 4:4; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

6. Ephesians 4:22-24 describes growth in Christian character as consisting of two simultaneous actions. Describe these two actions according to how you might like to apply them in your life.

7. Some of the character traits listed as fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 are more compatible with each person’s temperament than the other character traits listed there. Which of the traits do you think are most compatible with your temperament? Which are least compatible? What is your responsibility toward all of the character traits, whether or not they are compatible with your temperament?

8. How did Paul feel about the need for continual growth in Christian character in the following areas? In his own life (Philippians 3:12-14)? In the lives of his spiritual children (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)?

9. Is there a godly character trait in which you have grown recently that you would like to develop even more? Explain.

10. Peter described certain false teachers who had become “experts in greed,” or whose hearts were trained in greed (see 2 Peter 2:14). This is the same word Paul used in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Train yourself to be godly” (emphasis added). What warning does this concept of training provide concerning how ungodly character traits develop in our lives?

11. After listening to Message 3 of the series, list the most important truths about principles of Christian character that you observe. To help make these truths practical, write down any applications of the truths in this lesson that you believe the Lord wants you to make in your own life.

Source: Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges