IBC Richmond

Application Questions: Why is the church described as a Body in 1 Corinthians? What characteristics does the image of a body suggest for the local church? Is there an overall theme to the book of 1 Corinthians? How would you state it in one sentence? What issues caused division in the Corinthian church? Should these issues create conflict? Why or why not? What is the difference between the univers...

The Apostle Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth are timely for our own church. Watch as Pastor Michael shares why he has chosen 1 and 2 Corinthians for our new sermon series.

Application Questions: What three contemporary ways can a Christian woman replicate specific Proverbs 31 principles? Where does the Proverbs 31 woman find motivation for her good works? What is the root, cause, or source for such altruism? Read Proverbs 31:30 and answer the following question: How important is physical beauty as compared to spiritual wisdom? Who is the closest example of feminine...

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: How do today’s actions influence tomorrow’s outcomes? List things the Bible values as eternal. As it applies to your past ask the following questions: Do I embrace, take care of, and have gratitude for my current situation? Do I take responsibility for the world that has been both given to me and created by me? Do I bring my past to bear on my present? As it applies to your...

Application Questions: What are the limits of self-understand or self-awareness? Do these leave you capable or incapable of knowing God? Read the five questions in Proverbs 30:4. What ultimate, existential question would you add to the list? Is it humanly possible to answer these without God? How do you define the doctrines of biblical inspiration and inerrancy? What Scripture texts would you list...

Application Questions: What is providence? Are God’s providence and sovereignty identical? How do you prepare for the next day? What difference does providence make in daily planning? What was casting lots in the Bible? Give examples. Does God work through randomness? How does God’s providence relate to Romans 8:28? Is it contingent on man’s love and calling?

Application Questions: What does Proverbs mean by “the heart of man reflects the man” (Prov. 27:19)? How do intentions become choices? What factors translate good intentions into wise choices? Do you quickly receive teaching or commands? Why does the heart resist instruction? How does the heart ’study’ how to answer (Prov. 15:28)?

Application Questions: What is an addiction? How or why does addiction control us? How does the Bible describe addiction differently from the medical community? Did God create man to be dependent? How can this be right, good, and healthy? Share a story that agrees with Proverbs 23:32: “In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder." How would you counsel a friend or family member fro...

Application Questions: How do you define greed? What are the dangers of greed according to Proverbs 23:1-8? Is 1 Corinthians 10:31 a remedy for greed? Why or why not? Are Christians forbidden to enjoy luxuries like exotic vacations, expensive meals, or affluent possessions? When you host, who do you invite, why do you invite them, and what is your goal in showing hospitality?

Application Questions: How are praise and flattery distinguished from one another? Why is it appropriate to praise but inappropriate to flatter? Why did Jesus say, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their father’s to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26)? How does praise test a person’s character like a crucible or a furnace (see Proverbs 27:21)? Is it appropriate to praise yourself?...

Application Questions: If words are dangerous according to Proverbs 18:21, why not just avoid talking to people? What risk and reward apply to your conversations? Which is more powerful—spoken or written words? Read Judges 8:1-3. What did Gideon accomplish with his words? Explain the expression, “stick your foot in your mouth.” What examples prove the meaning? What association does good timing hav...

Application Questions: How does God discipline like a father? What two motives does Proverbs give for God's discipline? What is life like without discipline? How would you explain God's discipline to an unbeliever? Does age guarantee wisdom? Why or why not? What role does the heart play in receiving correction?

Application Questions: Since listening presumes someone is communicating, when should you speak and when should you listen? Can listening be a gift given to the speaker? How does ‘feeling heard’ affect a person? How can Christians ask questions in order to listen well? When should you stop listening to voices in social media, cable news, or other culture shapers?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What does Proverbs mean by urging, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Prov. 3:7)? Isn’t the whole book about wisdom? If humility leads to wisdom (Prov. 11:2), why does the New Testament say knowledge puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1)? What benefits does God give to the humble? Use key words from the text. If God let you choose three ways by which he would humble you in the next 30 days...

Pastor Michael Wilburn on the ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper.

Application Questions: When do you laugh? What place does joke-telling and comedy have in the Christian life? What does the ‘tree of life’ symbolize in Proverbs 13:12? How does this affect the emotions and well-being? How do wise people use words? Do you use social media? How can you share good news, speak encouragement, or commend others online?

Application Questions: What is a friend? How is friendship defined? How many friends do you have based on that definition? Who was the last friend to rebuke you as in Proverbs 27:6? What was the issue and circumstance? How did you respond? What does friendship mean during a time of comfort? Should there be a distinction between friendship with believers and unbelievers?

Application Questions: What does discipline include? How do definitions of instruction, training, and correction inform the goal of discipline? What motivation must underline all child discipline? Read Proverbs 22:6. How would you counsel, pray for, and encourage parents of an estranged child? How were you disciplined as a child? What methods would you recommend or discourage for the next generati...

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. Who are better planners—the wise or the foolish? Compare Proverbs 16:3 with Proverbs 24:8. What distinguishes wise and foolish plans? 2. How will you know if plans are the Lord’s will? How do you make decisions without 100% certainty? 3. Who helps you plan? What value does counsel and advice provide? 4. Is there any randomness in life? Are you able to plan for everything?...

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. How is laziness hidden, excused, or overlooked? When and where do you find yourself struggling to work? 2. What is the last project you started but did not complete? What will it take to finish the job? 3. Do your emotions help or hinder your work? List emotional triggers and how they affect your discipline. 4. What Proverb from today’s sermon will help you start, do, and...

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. Why don’t riches profit in a day of wrath according to Proverbs 11:4? How does that influence estate planning? 2. What distinctions does Proverbs make between the rich and the poor? 3. Does God promise the righteous wealth? What does the book of Proverbs say about wealth and righteousness? 4. In what ways is wealth limited? In what way is wealth limiting?

Application Questions: What is the fear of man? Why is it a problem? Why does Proverbs 29:25 call it a ‘snare’? Should you please people? When is it right? When is it wrong? How can you build healthy relationships? What does it mean to love people more but need them less? How does this address the fear of man? What is the difference between fearing God and fearing man? Should you fear God? How doe...

Application Questions: Who are the two speakers in Proverbs 9? What are their final appeals? Is criticism a valid means of education? How do the wise handle criticism differently from scoffers? Give a recent example of criticism that you have received and benefited? What role does education play in the Christian life? How does a Christian grow by learning? Who is a scoffer? Why does Proverbs warn...