QUESTIONS
1) Would you say that you are guilty of serving “leftovers” to God? How so, or why not?
3) Being as practical as possible, describe some of the ways that taking up your cross and following Jesus might play in your unique setting.
4) How would you explain the difference between living a perfect life and developing a posture of obedience to God? Why is the distinction important?
5) Whether or not you’ve decided that you’re living the “lukewarm life” at this point in your life, write down some thoughts about the solution to lukewarmness (if you don’t need this right now, you will at some point). How do you overcome apathy and increase your love for God?
6) What does it mean to be, “quick to Listen” NRS/NIV/“lead with your ears” Message? How does this produce the “righteous” life that God desires?
7) What is the point of the “mirror” image? How is this point reflected in “real” or “pure” religion (v. 26-27)?
8) What aspect of God’s Word here will put into action?
9) Spending some time with God. As you do, meditate on the following questions. Don’t answer quickly; just consider these things in God’s presence, and do whatever business with God is necessary: Am I willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants? Do I believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in my life? Do I believe that nothing I do in this life will ever matter unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?
