The 5 P’s Bible Study Method
Following the mountaintop experience of a weekend long retreat, your first week back at home might present challenges that you didn’t see coming. Maybe you’re feeling emotionally disconnected and lonely now that you’re not surrounded by Christian community 24/7. Maybe you’re doubting if your recommitment to Jesus was sincere. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of opening your Bible on your own.
We would like to encourage you to take one step at a time and run to the Father. There are so many distractions and temptations to lead you away from Him now that you’re home, but we’re challenging you to open up the Word of God today and spend time with your heavenly Father. Set aside 30 minutes in a place where you can be alone with the Lord, just like you did on the retreat. We’ve included what would have been out Monday morning quiet time below as a guide to help you navigate the passage.
Read the following passage at least 3 times.
Answer the following questions in the Bible Study Guide below.
If you feel called to take it a step further, call a friend from your discussion group over the weekend and share with them what stood out to you.
ROMANS 12 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The 5 P’s Bible Study Method
01. P R I N C I P L E
What is one idea or command that stood out to you? How does it relate to walking in the Spirit like we have been studying this weekend?
02. P U T A N O T H E R W A Y
Rephrase that idea/command in your own words. How would you describe this idea/command to someone who had never read the Bible before? How would you explain it to someone who needed encouragement?
03. P E R S O N A L S T R U G G L E
Does this particular idea/command seem difficult to believe or live out? Why do you sometimes struggle to accept this truth? What specifically about this idea/command is sometimes hard to understand or apply to your life?
04. P R O F I T O R L O S S A N T I C I P A T E D
What kind of blessing do you think will come from believing and living out this idea/command? What is the cost of believing it and living it (what will you have to give up)?
BLESSING:
COST:
05. P L A N O F A C T I O N
What is one practical thing you can do starting today to live out this idea/command?