Getting Clarity

Pastor Mark Ambrose Series: How to Live a Life of Love May 24, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Getting Clarity

1. ______v. 4a

2. ______v. 4b

Grow Group Discussion Questions (currently meeting via Zoom Video Conferencing) A grow group is 8-16 people who get together weekly to study God's word and the previous Sunday's message. There is a time of discussion, support, encouragement, and learning how the message applies to daily life. PCC uses the ESV (English Standard Version).

HOW DO I JOIN A GROUP? To learn more or join a group, visit pacificcoastchurch.org/gg

Point #1 a) Read 1 Corinthians 13:4a. Describe what it means to be kind and patient without using those terms. b) How does this relate to Point #1? In what way is this “loving”? (i.e. what is the opposite?) c) How do you see this being a challenge in today’s culture? Be specific. How does this adjust you?

Point #2 a) Read 1 Corinthians 13:4b. Explain what it means to envy and boast as well as the underlying root issues. b) How does this relate to Point #2? How do you see this happening in culture today? Give an example. c) What is the solution? (c.f. 2 Corinthians 10:17) In what way can you be triggered? How will you apply Point #2? ______

Daily Devotions These are provided for mid-week personal spiritual growth. Prayerfully writing out your answers will help you experience real life transformation as you dig deeper into the spiritual truths of God’s word and today’s message. A downloadable PDF of this document is also available each week at pacificcoastchurch.org/sermons.

MONDAY // Read 1 Corinthians 13:4a, Romans 12:12, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:32, 2 Timothy 2:24 • If patience and kindness is described as fruit of the Spirit, what is implied by impatience and unkindness? • Practically speaking, how is this expressed? How does this highlight the way you are to love others? • In what way do you struggle with this issue? Be specific. How does God want you to adjust today?

TUESDAY // Read 1 Corinthians 13:4, 2 Corinthians 6:3-7, Colossians 3:12-13a • What other godly attributes does Paul equate to patience and kindness? Why is this important? • What does Colossians 3:12 say is required in order to practice patience and kindness? (Hint: “put on”) • How does this relate to practice? What are some ways you can practice this in your current relationships?

WEDNESDAY // Read 1 Corinthians 13:4b, James 3:13-16, 4:13-17, 2 Peter 2:1-3 • Explain what it means to “envy” and the root issue. Explain what it means to “boast” and the root issue. • Why should this not be part of the Christian life? How will it prevent loving others from taking place? • In what way can you be triggered in this area? How can you start monitoring this area of your life today?

THURSDAY // Read 1 Corinthians 13:4b, 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, Galatians 6:4 • What type of “boasting” should be part of the Christian life? Give an example of how this would sound. • In what way does this protect against 1 Corinthians 13:4b? How does this also address personal insecurities? • How often do you express this type of boasting? How can you start today? (i.e. verbally, writing, etc.)

FRIDAY // Read 1 Corinthians 13:4b, Romans 12:15-16, Philippians 4:11-13 • In what way is envy an issue of discontentment? What does this imply about where to find value? • In what areas of your life do you struggle with discontentment? How can this prevent loving others? • Take some time to pray and ask God to show you your triggers. Write out what God reveals to you.

SATURDAY // Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 13:4b • In what way will envy always cause division? What does this imply about envy within the church? • How have you seen the enemy blind Christians to this issue? What has been the result? Be specific. • What protective steps can Christians take in order to make the church a more loving place? What will you do?

MEDITATION VERSE: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast… 1 Corinthians 13:4a