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Paul’s emphasis on public reading of Scripture, as well as on preaching and teaching, is not surprising. Books and scrolls were expensive in his day, and many did not know how to read. It is as important to know what the Bible says as it is to listen to what the church’s preachers and teachers say about the Bible.

What an indictment for a church to hear that their meetings were doing more harm than good (1 Cor. 11:17)! The fact that we like what is happening in the church does not always mean that God is pleased with it. Pray together with your Sunday school class or small group that your methods and motives will bring glory to God.

Some think the best way to determine one’s spiritual gifts is by a multiple-choice questionnaire, similar to a personality test. Such tools can be helpful, but even better is the opportunity to serve in your church and trust the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you. Also ask church leaders and those who know you well what gifts they see in...

Are you praying that God will help your church to look more like a community of love and forgiveness? Are you also praying that you will be growing in compassion, humility, gentleness, kindness, and patience? What steps can you take to grow in these areas and encourage others in your church?

The cure for inferiority and superiority mentalities is to understand God’s perspective. Each of us has been uniquely designed by God, and we are interdependent. God’s desire is that we recognize and appreciate this. Read John 13:34–35 and Jesus’ command to love each other, and commit to see others and yourself the way God does.

Herod’s fear drove him to oppose God’s will and inflict immense pain on others. As 1 John tells us, however, “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Do you harbor fears that are leading you to resist God or hurt others? Pray that God would help to drive out your fears so that you might love God and others more perfectly.

Reflecting upon your own experience, what predecessors helped lay a foundation for you to accept or grow in the Christian faith? Give God thanks for their contributions to you and to the work of God. Who might one day take your place? How might you support them and their faith? Pray that God would give you the grace to do so.

Are there portions of Jesus’ teachings that you have difficulty understanding, accepting, or living by? For instance, do you find it difficult to love your neighbors, to forgive those who have trespassed against you, or to accept that God’s grace is offered even to you? Ask God to help you allow these truths to shape your life.

Jesus’ teachings in this section are exceptionally rigorous. Many Christians have wondered whether it would be possible for anyone to fulfill them completely. If you feel despair at your inability to measure up, remember that Jesus teaches not only that God calls us to a high standard of living but also forgives us when we fall short.

Jesus tells us that “a tree is recognized by its fruit” (v. 33). Consider your actions, the fruit of your life. Where have you fallen into sin? What does that suggest about the evils that might be stored within you? Pray that Jesus, the great lover of our souls, would heal you and commit to working with the grace He offers to become more holy.