Week 7
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A Palatable Witness
By Julie R. Wilson
Begin your study by reading "How to Get Your Loved Ones in the River" by Renee DeLoriea (SpiritLed Woman magazine, June/July 2001).
Introduction
As we encounter new realms of the Spirit, we want everyone to share our joy. However, not everyone immediately desires to go where we’ve been or even consider the journey.
To maintain an effective witness for Christ, we must be sensitive to the timing and approach with which we attempt to share new truths. Above all, we must serve those around us in love (see 1 Pet. 4:8).
What God Says
Read Matthew 7:1-6 and 1 Peter 3:1-4.
Circle the correct word in each group to complete Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV).
"You, my brothers, were called to be _____ (holy, subservient, free). But do not use your freedom to indulge the _____ (sinful, petty, spiritual) nature; rather, _____ (uphold, admonish, serve) one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as _____ (the laws requires, yourself, God demands).’ If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be _____ (replaced, judged, destroyed) by each other."
Deeper Insight
Read 1 Corinthians 7:12-24.
What is the "refrain" Paul repeats several times in this passage?
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Why does he encourage individuals to retain their "pre-Christian" position?
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What exceptions does he make?
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Application
In her article, DeLoriea quotes Pastor John Kilpatrick from Brownsville Assembly in Pensacola, Florida. Review Kilpatrick’s recommendations for relating to others who have not experienced what you may have experienced with God.
Write down at least two recommendations that particularly apply to your current relationships.
1. ______________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________
Review 1 Peter 3:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 7:12-24. How does the apostles’ advice coincide with Kilpatrick’s recommendations for women with unbelieving or uninvolved husbands? What is their common conclusion?
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Who is the most difficult person for you to relate to spiritually right now and why?
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What needs to change in you for that relationship to be strengthened?
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How would Jesus relate to that person?
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For Group Study
Begin by reviewing together Matthew 7:1-6. Jesus describes (at least) two distinct principles for relating to others in this passage. What are those principles?
Who do the "dogs" and "pigs" in verse 6 represent? In Scripture, pearls stand for truth, especially truth acquired through suffering (Kevin Conner, Interpreting the Symbols and Types, p. 159).
What does it mean to throw pearls to pigs? What does Jesus warn may happen to you if you do?
Have you ever shared a new spiritual insight with someone who didn’t understand? How did you feel?
What did you learn? Have you forgiven them? Conclude by praying for one another concerning your most difficult relationships.
Prayer
Memorize Matthew 7:6. As you pray this week, ask the Lord to help you develop reasonable expectations of others and to forgive any offenses.
Remember to seek the Lord before you share your spiritual experiences. Some things may not be intended for sharing. Let the Lord guide your utterances—all of them.