Character Study -Apostle Paul (Part Two)
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Welcome to Part Two of our character study of the Apostle Paul. This is a character study that I have personally enjoyed, and I hope you have also been blessed. There is so much we can learn from the life and ministry of this great apostle.
For the next two weeks, we will turn our attention to some of the books Paul wrote, as recorded in the Bible. Again, we will not be able to cover everything, but I encourage you to read the Scriptures provided and answer as many of the questions as you can.
As you study, allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you and reveal how the truths you are reading can be applied to your own life.
My prayer is that this study will not simply increase your knowledge of Paul's writings, but will draw you closer to God and challenge you to live out His Word.
Scripture Readings
- Romans: Chapters 8 and 12
- Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 2, 3, 10
- Colossians: Chapters 1 and 2
- Galatians: Chapters 3 and 5
- Ephesians: Chapter 2
- Philippians: Chapters 2, 3, 4
- Thessalonians: 1 Thessalonians 2 and 5, 2 Thessalonians 1 and 2
- Timothy: 1 Timothy 2 and 3, 2 Timothy 1 and 2
Guiding Questions
Romans 8
What does Paul mean when he says there is now “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ Jesus?
- How is freedom from condemnation different from freedom from the consequences of sin?
- What does it mean to “set your mind on the things of the Spirit”?
- What tends to compete for your attention and influence your thinking?
Romans 12
What does Paul mean by presenting our bodies as a “living sacrifice”? What does this look like in everyday life?
- Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” What influences are shaping your thinking?
- What can you intentionally do to allow God's Word to renew your mind?
1 Corinthians 15
Why is the resurrection essential to the Christian faith?
- According to Paul, what would Christianity mean if Christ had not been raised?
1 Corinthians 13
Why does Paul place love above spiritual gifts, knowledge, and sacrifice?
- Which characteristic of love in verses 4–7 is easiest for you to demonstrate? Which is most challenging?
- How is biblical love different from simply being nice to someone?
2 Corinthians 3
Paul says that we are being transformed into Christ's image.
- What does spiritual transformation look like in practice?
- Where have you seen evidence of God's transforming work in your life?
Galatians 5
What does Christian freedom mean according to this chapter?
- Why does freedom in Christ not mean freedom to satisfy every desire?
- Which “works of the flesh” do Christians need to be especially careful about?
- What practical steps can help us avoid giving those desires control?
- Which fruit of the Spirit is most evident in your life right now?Which one would you like God to develop more deeply?
- What does it mean to “walk in the Spirit”?
- How can you practically surrender your daily decisions to the Holy Spirit?
Ephesians 2
What does Paul mean when he says we were “dead in trespasses and sins”?
- Why is recognizing our former spiritual condition important to understanding God's grace?
- Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that salvation is a gift of grace through faith. Why is it important to remember that salvation cannot be earned?
- What good works might God be calling you to pursue?
1 Timothy 3
What character qualities does Paul emphasize for church leaders?
- Why does character matter more than talent or ability in spiritual leadership?
- Although these qualifications specifically address church leaders, what can every believer learn from them?
- Which quality would you like to develop more intentionally in your own life?
2 Timothy 1
Paul tells Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear.” What does this mean in context?
- How can fear prevent us from using the gifts God has given us?
- What does it mean to be “unashamed of the testimony of our Lord”?
- What might being unashamed of Christ look like in your everyday interactions?
Philippians 3
Paul considered his former accomplishments as loss compared with knowing Christ.
- What does this teach us about worldly achievements?
- What accomplishments or identities could become more important to us than Christ?
- What does it mean to “press toward the goal”?
- What might help you remain spiritually focused when you become discouraged?
Colossians 2
Why does Paul warn believers not to be deceived by persuasive arguments and human philosophy?
- How can Christians distinguish biblical truth from ideas that merely sound spiritual?
- What does it mean to be “rooted and built up” in Christ?
- What are you doing to deepen your spiritual roots?