God's Word For You is a free Bible Study site committed to bringing you studies firmly grounded in the Bible – the Word of God. Holding a reformed, conservative, evangelical perspective this site affirms that God has provided in Jesus Christ his eternal Son, a way of salvation in which we can live in his presence guilt free, acquitted and at peace.

 
 

STUDY FIVE WORKSHEET

© Rosemary Bardsley 2009, 2014

#1 The example of Jesus
Look at the example of Jesus in these passages.
Discuss: [1] ‘Did Jesus’ knowledge of these people make him love them less? Did it change his attitude to them?And [2] What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ attitude and approach?
Luke 19:1-10

 


John 4:1-26

 


John 8:1-11

 


John 13:18-30; Luke 22:48

 

 

John 13:31-38

 

 


#2 The principle of encouragement

What does Hebrews 10:24-25 teach us about encouraging each other?


What do the following verses show us about the power of words?

Proverbs 18:21a:
Proverbs 12:25:
Proverbs 15:4:

 

What does 1Thessalonians 5:11 command us to do?  

 


Read Ephesians 4:29-32.
What words and attitudes are inconsistent with the principle of encouragement?

 

What attitudes, words and actions are required of us to build them up rather than destroying them?

 

In what ways can you use encouraging words and actions to build others up?

 


#3 The principle of integrity
Discuss and answer the following:
Read Matthew 5:37 and James 5:12. Why do Jesus and James stress the need for integrity?

 


John Maxwell [Becoming a Person of Influence] states that integrity allows others to trust us (p. 27). Read Genesis 3:8-12. Think about the effect Adam’s words would have on Eve.

 

Integrity is lived out in relationships. Lack of integrity and breaches of trust result in damaged relationships, and interferes with our work for the Lord. Consider the difficulty Paul had in establishing trust after his conversion. [Acts 9:11-30]

 

 

#4 The principle of other-centredness
Check out these Scriptures. What do they teach you to do for the ‘other’?

Leviticus 19:11

Zechariah 7:8

Philippians 2:4

1Corinthians 10:24

Romans 12:10

Ephesians 5:21

Philippians 2:2

#5 The principle of forgiveness
We are forgiven in Christ. Consider the following verses and discuss their implications for our attitude and actions.  

Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
Luke 7:47-50
Matthew 18:22-35

Why is it important to understand and own the real basis [our forgiveness in Christ] as the foundation for forgiving others?


In your experience, describe what you believe happens when we try to forgive in our own strength.


Where to you need to exercise forgiveness in your relationships this week?


#6 The principle of love
Love is the hinge on which all relationships hang
Consider the following verses and discuss their implications for our attitude and actions.
 
1John 4:21: who must love his brother?                       

1John 2:10: who is it that lives in the light?                      

1John 3:11: which Greek word is used here for love?   

Colossians 3:12-14: what virtues does love bind together?

1Corinthians 13:1-8a: How does Paul’s description of love contrast with our normal reactions?

What does John 13:35 say about the result of demonstrated love?


How can you demonstrate love more each day in your relationships?