Chapter 1- study guide

1

YOU DID THIS FOR ME?

Nailing It Down

A. “Oh, the things we do to give gifts to those we love.”

1. Describe some of the memorable gifts you have received from a loved one.

2. Describe a specially chosen gift for someone you love. What made it unique?

3. Why do we go to such great lengths to delight those we love?

B. “We are at our best when we are giving. In fact, we are most like God when we are giving.”

1. What do you think Max means by this statement?

2. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

3. How can you be like God in your giving this week?

C. “Have you ever wondered why God gives so much? We could exist on far less. He could have left the world flat and gray; we wouldn’t have known the difference. But he didn’t.”

1. Why do you think God gives so much?

2. What aspects of God’s creation most delight your heart?

3. Why is salvation the most amazing gift?

D. “Every gift reveals God’s love . . . but no gift reveals his love more than the gifts of the cross.”

1. What gifts have you received from God? What do they mean to you?

2. List several “gifts of the cross” and explain how each reveals God’s love.

3. What gift of the cross speaks most profoundly to your heart? Why?

Glimpsing God’s Heart

A. Read Romans 6:23.

1. What gift from God is mentioned here?

2. How does one receive this gift?

3. What is Jesus’ connection to this gift?

B. Read 2 Corinthians 9:15.

1. What gift from God is mentioned here?

2. Why is this gift called “indescribable” (NIV)?

3. How are we to respond to this gift? Why?

C. Read 1 Peter 1:3–5.

1. What gift from God is described here?

2. Where is this gift kept? Why is it kept there?

3. When will we receive this gift? How can we be sure of this?

D. Read James 1:17–18.

1. Where do all good gifts come from?

2. What did God choose to do for us? How did he accomplish this?

3. Why did God choose to do this? What did he want to accomplish?

E. Read Matthew 7:9–11.

1. What point does this passage make?

2. What promise is made here? How is that promise meant to sustain us?

Making a Choice

A. If we are “most like God when we are giving,” how can you “be like God” this week? Whom can you bless with an unexpected gift? What kind of gift should this be? When can you give it? How can you present it to make the moment extra special? Plan the details of your gift giving, and then carry it out before the end of this week.

B. Set aside at least fifteen minutes to thank God for all of his gifts to you. Before you begin, make a list of the gifts for which you are especially grateful. Conclude your prayer time with a special focus on God’s gift of salvation. Try hard not to bring up any requests during this holy time, but instead pour out your heart in thanksgiving to God for all his rich gifts to you.

Excerpt From: Lucado, Max. “He Chose the Nails.” Thomas Nelson, 2011-10-12. iBooks. 

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NOTE FROM THE BLOGGER: Hey y'all! Feel free to copy this study guide and take notes as you read. I will posting mine on here closer to the end of the week. Now... Like I said this is a judge free blog and I will be sharing my personal thoughts, and if anything said against me or any other who comments on here... I will take harsh measures... A warning will be given... I'm not that mean.