Overview
These 9 sessions lead you to investigate–and learn to practice–key Christian virtues: faith, hope, love, wisdom, justice, courage, moderation, integrity, and perseverance.
Introduction
Getting the Most Out of Christian Virtues
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.
Session One
Faith
Paul draws a connection between the Ephesians' faith and their love. How does your faith help you to love others?
Ephesians 1:11-23
Session Two
Hope
What is at the root of David's sense of hopelessness? When have you had similar feelings of hopelessness?
Psalm 71
Session Three
Love
How have you seen Christians either literally or metaphorically "lay down their lives" for one another? Whose actions have helped you understand the love of Christ?
1 John 3:11-20
Session Four
Wisdom
How does God's view of wisdom contrast with the world's view? In what ways do many "wise" people today––scholars, philosophers, scientiststry to get along without God?
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Session Five
Justice
In verses 1-3 the prophet describes his call to serve. What groups are listed, and in what way do they need justice? What current situations do you know of that fit these categories of need?
Isaiah 61
Session Six
Courage
How might Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego have rationalized bowing down to the idol? When have you felt pressure to bow to the idols of the world?
Daniel 3
Session Seven
Moderation
List the ways in which the speaker has gone about trying to find what is good. Which of these efforts might be seen as frivolous by popular culture, and which might be seen as valuable endeavors?
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Session Eight
Integrity
Why does David regret cutting Saul's robe? What small actions of questionable integrity are tempting for you?
1 Samuel 24
Session Nine
Perseverance
Paul tells us to forget what is behind and "strain toward what is ahead." Why are both aspects of this instruction important? Which is more difficult for you?
Philippians 3:7-16
Total number of pages - 63 pages
Cindy Bunch is associate editorial director for IVP Books and IVP Connect at InterVarsity Press. She is the author of the LifeGuide® Bible Studies Woman of God and God's Word and the editor, in the same series, of Advent of the Savior (designed for use during the Christmas season) and Jesus' Final Week (designed for use during the season of Lent).
