Be Prepared for Builders Men’s Ministry 3 22 2022 Craving Certain Foods?

Scripture Focus Passage for March 22, 2022:

I Peter 2:1-3

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (NIV)

I Peter 2:1-3

So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech; 2 like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], 3 if in fact you have [already] tasted [a]the goodness and gracious kindness of the Lord. (AMP)

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Here are the Questions to help you prepare for Builders Men’s Ministry this Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

1. Lean In: What do you notice about newborn babies that they all seem to have in common? How do parents help that baby? What happens when a newborn doesn’t thrive or can’t maintain consistent growth? How do babies let you know when they don’t like the food you are feeding them? How can you tell if they have tasted it,] and they really like it?
2. Look Down: Would you read the passages above or from your Bible? I included the text from two translations for your reading. What does Peter say we should “lay aside”? Why do you think he says that these things should go away? How have you seen some Christians change and get rid of those things? What has helped them make such a shift in thinking, speaking, attitude, and actions? How does Peter say we should grow, and what tool does he suggest is absolutely necessary? Why is the Word of God so vital to our growth? What if we did not have it?
3. Look Out: How have you seen that the Word of God is foundational for Christians to grow and mature? As you have observed in churches and ministries, what studies have been particularly effective in spurring spiritual growth? What have you observed in places where the Word of God is not the focus or foundation of teaching and preaching? (no names please)
4. Look In: How has the Bible been effective in your life as you have grown in your faith? Was there a special study or book of the Bible that was instrumental in your coming to faith or in your early growth as a believer? How has the Bible been a part of your regular “diet” of reading, study, memorization, or meditation? Who are some pastors/teachers who’ve been particularly helpful in your life regarding their help with understanding the Bible? What place does God’s Word have in your prayer life?
5. Take It Outside: What can we do as men to encourage and assist other men and boys to make the Bible a part of their growing relationship with God?

• Teach a men’s group or mentor an individual man/boy
• Learn to “Do the Book”; note when a child, grandchild “Does the Book”
• Meditate and practice verses you know or will learn then look for ways the Holy Spirit uses the scripture to bring show how God is at work
• Pray verses that specifically apply to an issue you are facing, a sin problem with which you struggle, then use the scripture as a weapon against the enemy and the sin. Stop the sin before it takes root.
• Read books, watch movies about how the Word of God changes lives, biographies of Christian men who loved God’s Word, or people who smuggled Bibles into countries where it had been banned, and include young men and boys where appropriate.
• Other ideas you suggest….

I usually print all the verses we’ve studied on previous Builders Men’s Ministry nights, but I will ask you to look up 1 Peter 1:1-25, rather that my pasting it below. OK? Makes the email very long!