Week 4

Look Back

How did you practice loving yourself this week? What were the results?

Look Up

Read Ephesians 3:16-19

1. According to these verses, what is the source of power and inner strength? What else does the author, Paul, say about the source of this power in these verses?
2. Try to put verse 17 into your own words. Why does Paul mention “trusting” Christ and having “roots” in God’s love? How have you applied this truth in your life, and what were the results?
3. What aspects of God’s love challenge or encourage you? How have you experienced God’s love, and what can you do to know God’s love better?

Read Mark 10:42-45 and Luke 6:32-36

1. According to Jesus, how are His followers to show love to others? Why is this important and how does this compare with how people naturally treat others?
2. What does Jesus mean when He mentions someone “giving his life as a ransom for many” in Mark 10:45? What does this mean to you personally, and how does it impact how you serve others?
3. What does Jesus mean when He says that our reward will be “great’ in Luke 6:35? What “reward” is He talking about, and why is it important for followers of Jesus to focus on this? What specifically helps you stay focused on the reward? What things make it difficult?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Who in your life do you currently struggle to love? In what way can you serve them this week?

Notes

The truth is that we can’t earn more love from God or lose God’s love - His love is unlimited and beyond our ability to ever fully understand. Jesus teaches His followers to show God’s love by serving others sacrificially, going above and beyond our natural inclinations - powered by the spirit of Christ in our lives. We need to know God’s love to show it to others. When we do, we become able to reflect God’s character while deepening our faith and storing up treasures in heaven. Serving others also has the power to free us from bitterness and clear our conscience. Love is the assignment - service is the game plan.