Chapter Seven Study Guide

Chapter Seven     The Gate of Lovely Thoughts

The word translated lovely that Paul uses in Philippians 4:8 is used only once in the New Testament.  What does it mean?  (p. 68)

There are many stories in the Bible whose characters endear us to them as examples of men and women who lived out Godly principles under difficult circumstances.  Share a few of your favorites:

Read Luke 7:36-50.  This story is a beautiful example of the love of God which binds each of us to our Savior.  Manningham focuses on three things in the action of this woman.  Comment on each:

1.  Her sacrifice-

2.  Her disregard for social and religious customs-

3.  Her tears-

How does God’s love touch your heart?

What are some of the ways you have witnessed God’s glory?  What gives you a sense of wonder?

The author gives three examples of people who lacked outer beauty but possessed a quality of inner loveliness.  How can we match our thinking to God’s rather than having the shallow view of the world’s in this area?  

How do humans as God’s created beings express this attribute of loveliness through things that we produce (in the Arts, for example)?  Why are these expressions important to our society?  How might they be used in worship of God?

Meditate on Psalm 145:5:   “On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works, I will meditate.”