Discuss
Message Discussion Questions
From September 24, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
What reasons cause you to get most discouraged? Why?
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
In what ways is it easier to give up or give in to the pressures the “world” throws at you?
In what ways may we be tempted to fight for good things, but maybe not the right things?
What did Dave mean (in the context of 2 Corinthians 4 that in response to the world, “let yourself be broken, but never let it break you?
In what way can you and I respond, as followers of Jesus to a messy world around us as a “lockbox or as jars of clay” Pull down the shades on the world, or as light that displays Christ? How will this impact what “we are for”?
Explore the Passage (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
What kind of jars contained Paul’s treasure? (4:7)
How did Paul contrast his own weakness with God’s power? (4:8-9)
What did Paul call his sufferings? (4:10)
What value did Paul see in his sufferings? (4:10-12)
What motivated Paul to preach the gospel in spite of hardship? (4:13-14)
How did Paul encourage the Corinthians to carry on despite difficulty? (4:16-18)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
How have you experienced the tension that the light and treasure of Christ is in you, AND, you are a fragile clay jar?
In what way has Christ secured our hope, future and our identity as fully God and fully human (in the same human frame as us)? Why is this significant?
What stories are you telling yourself about your own suffering, circumstances, troubles, and problems? In what way would the apostle Paul tell us to see things as God sees them?
Why, do you think Paul didn’t harden his heart in trying and difficult times?
What may God be nudging you to be for in the context of these verses? What is the enemy of your FOR?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage? How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From September 17, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
When has there been a time in your life you were certain about something, but you ended up being wrong? What was that experience like?
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
As a group, recount things you know and remember about the book of Jonah? What have you understood the basic meaning of the book?
Why do you think Jonah runs from God and criticizes God even though He knows God? What is Jonah for? What is he against?
How is Jonah a mirror for us?
Explore the Passage (Jonah 4)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
How did Jonah respond to God’s goodness to the Ninevites? (4:1)
What was the attitude of Jonah’s prayer? (4:2-3)
What did God say to Jonah? (4:4)
What did the distraught prophet do? (4:5)
How did God deal with Jonah? (4:6-11)
What did God want Jonah to understand? (4:9-11)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
In your view, which culture, persons, or special interest group is undeserving of God’s mercy? Jonah wanted Nineveh, Israel’s enemy, destroyed. When have you wanted revenge rather than restoration in a relationship?
In what way do things like pride, resentment and fear drive Jonah “the prophet” than a true understanding of who God is and His heart for people? How can that be true for us if we don’t deal with our unresolved feelings, or with unforgiveness?
In what way does the things Jonah is against get in the way of what God is for?
What hard lesson have you had to learn from God?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage? How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From September 10, 2023
Getting Started
Reflecting on your week, what is one thing you are thankful for and one thing that needs prayer?
Share a little of your faith journey – what would you say was the “beginning” of your relationship with God?
Quick Reactions from the Message
- In what ways does being “for” something move us out into the world?
- Are there any people that you know, or Biblical characters you can point to, as being “for” something? How do you know?
- What traits do you typically associate with God? Have you grown more or less certain of those traits as you’ve grown in your faith?
- Have your views on God changed through the years?
- How would resting in God’s complete (and free) gift of salvation cause a person to move differently in the world vs. feeling they must earn their way to a relationship with God?
- Do you know what you are “for”? Do you know what you are against? Is this an easy question or a difficult one to answer? Has it changed for you through the years?
- Is there anything that is difficult for you to surrender to God?
- Romans 8:6 tells us that the mindset of the spirit is life and peace. In what way would operating in your “for” bring life and peace?
Explore the Passages (Acts 9, 16 & 26, Phil 1)
- What are things your group already knows about Paul? In what ways did he demonstrate that he was “for”?
- When Paul recounts meeting Christ on his way to Damascus in Acts 26:14, Christ told him it was “hard to kick against the goads.” Goads are long rods with spikes to keep animals moving, which means that while Paul was persecuting the church, he was hurting himself. In what way? In what ways have you (or someone you know) “kicked against the goads” when it comes to your relationship with God?
- Based on Acts 16:15 and Acts 16:40, what do you think Lydia was “for”? In what way was her spirit of generosity continued in Philippians (Phil 4:14-16)?
- In Acts 16:7, Paul and his companions were unable to enter Bithynia because the “Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Have you ever been redirected by the Spirit? How did the redirection turn out?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage? How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From September 3, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
What are the hallmarks of a true friendship? How do you (we) maintain a friendship?
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
In what way is John 10:10 related to “fruitfulness”?
How do you interpret Galatians 5:22 in light of the vine and the branches in John 15?
Why is “fruitfulness” an essential element in growing as a Christian?
What does it mean to you that the “Father has to cut in order to cure”? Why ought we as believers welcome that and not fear it? How can we resist it?
What would it mean to you to walk with Jesus not only as Savior and Lord, but also as a friend?
Explore the Passages (John 15:1-17)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
How are Jesus and the Father related? (15:1)
How does the gardener tend to the branches that bear fruit and the branches that do not? (15:2) What did Jesus say the branches must do in order to bear fruit? (15:4)
Who are the branches? (15:5)
What did Jesus say would happen to the branches that did not remain in Him? (15:6)
What privilege was given to the branches that remained in the vine? (15:7)
What would be demonstrated by the disciples’ bearing much fruit? (15:8)
What did Jesus urge His disciples to do? (15:9)
How were Jesus’ disciples to remain in His love? (15:10)
Why did Jesus talk with His disciples about vines and branches? (15:11)
What command did Jesus give His disciples? (15:12)
What is the greatest manifestation of love? (15:13)
Who did Jesus say were His friends? (15:14)
Why did Jesus call His disciples friends? (15:15)
Why did Jesus choose His disciples? (15:16)
What was Jesus’ command? (15:17)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
How are we to remain in Jesus? Why?
What does it mean to bear fruit as a Christian?
When is it difficult to develop and maintain a friendship/relationship with Jesus?
In what way has God been removing “dead” or useless pieces from your character?
In what way is your joy complete?
When do you struggle with loving others the way Jesus has loved you?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From August 27, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
In what ways have you been formed by others? (e.g. coaches, teachers, parent, mentor)? In what way have they impacted you?
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
Dave said, you are either being formed by Scripture, or by someone or something else.
* What do you think he meant by that statement?
* Agree or Disagree? Why?
In the message today, Dave mentioned three ways Scripture forms Christ in us…
- It transforms us
- It is beneficial to us
- It satisfies us
In what way has reading and applying Scripture accomplished those things in your life?
Why is it important for us to understand that Scripture is not an end, but the means by which we are formed in Christ?
Explore the Passages (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; and 2 Corinthians 10:5)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
Hebrews 4:12—
What is God’s word?
What is the function of God’s word?
How does God’s word “cut” between soul and spirit?
In what ways does God’s word expose our innermost thoughts and desires?
2 Timothy 3:16-17—
What is the significance that Paul says that the Word is God breathed?
In what way is that concept connected with the idea that God’s word is alive and powerful? How is God’s word useful?
What is the purpose of God’s word in our life?
In what way are you equipped to do every good work? What does that look like for you?
2 Corinthians 10:5—
How did the spiritual warfare that Paul fought, and the spiritual weapons that he used, differ from ordinary warfare and weapons? (10:3-4)
What did Paul want to demolish? How?
What did Paul take captive?
How have you seen Scripture be a weapon for good in your life?
Why do our thoughts need to be “taken captive”?
What would it mean for you to make your thoughts obedient to Christ?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading these passages?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From August 20, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
In what ways have you seen our culture/society change over the years in ways that do not value or promote building relationships? How have you see this impact people and creating “fellowship” within the church?
If you could do one thing to help promote fellowship in your life and in the church, what would you do?
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
Explore the Passage (Acts 2:42-47)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
What were the activities of the early church? (2:42)
How did the new believers approach what they did? (2:42)
What unusual things did the apostles do? (2:43)
How did people respond to what was going on? (2:43)
What life-style did the early believers adopt? (2:44-45)
Why might the early Christians have had “everything in common”? (2:44)
How were the goods distributed among the early believers? (2:45)
How often did the believers meet? (2:46)
Where did the early believers meet? (2:46)
How did the early Christians meet together? (2:46-47)
What did the Christians do when they met together in homes? (2:46-47)
What was the spirit of the believers in all they did? (2:46-47)
What was the growth of the early church like? (2:47)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
Take a moment to review what happened with the early church before these verses. What is so significant and different from the church in Acts 1-2:40 and what follows?
What was miraculous about 3000 people being added to the church in one day?
Why were these early Christians “devoted” to these things?
What kinds of things can “churches” or us be devoted to things that are not listed here in Acts 2:42-47)?
How may that impact the Spirit moving and transforming our lives?
What does devotion look like for you?
What would it look like for our church to be devoted to “fellowship” with one another?”
In what ways could we pray for our church and work towards becoming more like the early church?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From August 6, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
Have you ever taken a personality assessment? What kind? Was it helpful in affirming what kind of personality you have?
What “personality” is difficult for you to work with? Why?
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
Below is a simple “personality assessment”. As a group share how you tend to be “wired”
Being with people can either drain you (introverted) or energize you (extroverted)
Extroverted Introverted
1 2 3 4 5 | 5 4 3 2 1
What energizes you in how you structure your time?
Routine Variety
1 2 3 4 5 | 5 4 3 2 1
What manner of expression are you most comfortable with?
Self-Controlled Self-Expressive
1 2 3 4 5 | 5 4 3 2 1
When doing a task, or completing a project, how are you motivated to do it?
Cooperative Competitive
1 2 3 4 5 | 5 4 3 2 1
In what way has God “made” your personality that could be a benefit in serving others? What places have you served or worked that was not a right “match” for your personality?
Explore the Passage (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
How did Paul describe God? (1:3)
Why do you think Paul began his letter by praising God? (1:3)
What does God do when we are troubled? (1:4)
How does God involve Himself in our troubles? (1:4-5)
What did Paul’s distress produce for the Corinthians? (1:6)
In what way is patient endurance produced in Christians? (1:6)
Why did Paul tell the Corinthians about the hardships he had endured? (1:8)
Why did Paul despair? (1:8)
How did Paul’s confidence in God enable him to rise above his despair? (1:8-10)
For what reason did Paul endure suffering? (1:9)
How did the Corinthians help Paul through his hardships? (1:11)
What was the gracious favor Paul anticipated? (1:11)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
How does God want us to help one another in difficult circumstances?
How have painful experiences shaped you?
How have other Christians helped you through difficult circumstances?
Out of your painful experiences, how may God use those to move you to help others?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves as a result of what we have been learning? How can we share this with others?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From July 30, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
What is one unique talent or ability, or gifts you have (whether you think it is important or not)?
How did you find out what you are gifted at? (e.g. others affirmed them, you took an assessment, through trial and error, etc…)
Quick Reactions from the Message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
Explore the Passage (Ephesians 4:11-16)
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.
With what kind of people does God fill the church? (4:11)
What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? (4:12-13)
What results from gifted believers equipping the church? (4:14-16)
Explore the Passage (Romans 12:6-8)
What are the gifts of God? (12:6-8)
How should each person use his or her gifts? (12:6-8)
Explore the Passage (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
Why did Paul give the Corinthians advice about spiritual gifts? (12:1)
What was the condition of the Corinthians when they were pagans? (12:2)
Why can someone speaking by the Spirit of God not say, “Jesus be cursed”? (12:3)
What is the only way a person can say, “Jesus is Lord”? (12:3)
What common element exists in the diversity of gifts, service, and working? (12:4-6)
Who works through the various gifts Christians have? (12:4-6)
Who is given a spiritual gifts of the Spirit? (12:7)
What purpose are the gifts distributed? (12:7)
What spiritual gifts did Paul describe? (12:8-10)
Who determines how the gifts are distributed? (12:11)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
In each of the three texts we have read about spiritual gifts, ask yourselves—
What do they all share in common? In what ways are they different?
After reading these texts, how would you describe a “church” should be organized, led and determine if it is “successful”?
In what way may God be asking or prompting you to serve out of your gifts?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From July 23, 2023
Getting Started
• Have you ever been too afraid to share the truth about something, but then you did? How did it feel to hold onto it, and then to let it go?
Questions from the Passage (Mark 16:1-11)
- What are the details in this story that reveal to us that Mark is writing a piece of authentic history and not just making it up? (Why is the difference actually evidence that Mark’s account is true?)
- Why is it significant that Mark mentions three women as the first eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection? (vs. 1-2)
- What is the command given to the women upon seeing that Jesus has risen? (vs. 7)
- If verse 8 is the true ending to Mark’s Gospel, why do you think he might have ended it this way? (vs. 8)
Questions from the Message
- What are Mary Magdalene and Salome discussing in verse 3? Based on their actions up to this point, is there any indication they believe Jesus might not be in the tomb?
- What’s significant about the angel naming Peter? What does this reveal about Jesus?
- Read Colossians 3:1-4. How does the resurrection change how you think and live?
- “He is not here – He is risen from the dead” is perhaps the most hope-filled, joy-filled, space and time-altering statements in the history of the universe. Why? How has the truth of the resurrection impacted you personally?
Application
- Share about a time in when God met you in your weakness and unbelief and showed you who He really is. Were you terrified, as the women were? How did you respond?
- What gospel truths are you most prone to forget? How can we help each other (and ourselves) to remember?
- Take time to pray for one another.
Message Discussion Questions
From July 16, 2023
Getting Started
What is one thing you are thankful for this week and what is one thing we can pray for you this week?
I’ve often said (and others too) something like this: “Please Jesus, come soon”. Take a moment as a group to reflect on what is behind this statement. (for instance, am I really just tired of this life, its hardships? Why would I (you) say words like this?
If you knew Christ would return tonight, next month, or next year…would you do something different? If so, what?
Quick reactions from the message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What idea, context, Scripture do you think could have been expanded on, or included in the message?
explore the passage (read Mark 13:1-37)
- What precipitated this discussion about the return of Christ? How may this be significant to the things Jesus says later? (vv. 1-3)
- What questions did the four disciples have for Jesus? How do those questions still resonate for us today? (v 4)
- How does Jesus answer their questions? (5-8)
- How does Jesus answer their questions? (9-13)
- How does Jesus answer their questions? (14-22)
- How does Jesus answer their questions? (23-31)
- How does Jesus answer their questions? (32-37)
- How are they similar and how are they different?
Dave mentioned two things when we interpret the Bible, particular Biblical prophecies. First, we don’t determine the meaning of the passage, it is determined by the author (in this case Jesus’ words recorded by Mark). We can determine how we ought to apply a passage, but the meaning is determined by Jesus (the author). It is also important to determine how the audience would have understood what Jesus said. In this case, the four disciples. So, in this setting Jesus responds to their inquiry about the impressive buildings of the temple by giving them three warnings about what will happen before He returns. 1. Don’t be misled, be watchful and stay alert.
In what way are the “signs” specific, but also not particularly detailed? Why do you think Jesus does this? What do you think would be his concern for His disciples in the “in-between” when He would leave them and before He returns?
What lesson should we take for ourselves as we live in the “in-between”?
How can we be mislead?
How can we not wait watchfully?
How can we fail to stay alert, or be on guard?Lastly, scholars agree that biblical prophecy includes three elements (most often). A prophecy can be fulfilled in the past, the present or the future, and sometimes an OT prophecy includes a double fulfillment. In the case of Daniel’s prophecy, the prophecy could be fulfilled in history by someone like Antiochus who defiles the temple by slaughtering pigs in it in BC 200, or by the Romans defiling the temple by setting up Roman images on its remains in AD 70, and the future, where an Anti-Christ would set up a new defilement in the temple.
Ask yourselves…
How would any of this impact the truth that Christ will one day return?
What is the one empirical way that we know Christ is returning? (vv. 26-27)
In what way could “looking for signs” actually distract us from living for Christ in the present?
Why are verses 32-33 so essential in helping us understand this passage and apply it to our lives?READ THE TWO ILLUSTRATIONS JESUS GIVES ABOUT BEING PREPARED FOR HIS RETURN:
Verses 28-31
What lesson is Jesus helping us to understand? How does this correlate with anticipation? Dave used the story of the man coming back from Iraq to his family who were prepared for his return even though they didn’t know when he would return. In what way does this relate to Jesus’ lesson?
Verses 34-36
What lesson is Jesus helping us understand? How does not knowing when He will return have a vital bearing on our lives as we wait?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From July 2, 2023
Getting Started
• Share about a time when you felt like people were trying to trap you; into saying something or buying something. How did you respond?
Questions from the Passage (Mark 12:13-17)
- Why did the Pharisees and Herodians ask him this question? (vs. 13)
- What does Jesus give as His reasoning for paying taxes to Caesar? (vs. 15)
- Knowing that they are seeking to trap Him, what does Jesus request of the Pharisees? Whose image appeared on a denarius coin? (vs. 15-16)
- How did the people respond to Jesus’ answer (vs.17)?
Questions from the Message
- Who are the Pharisees and the Herodians? What’s surprising about the fact that they’re partnering together?
- What question do they ask of Jesus? What makes it a challenging question to try and answer?
- In light of Jesus’ teaching and the rest of Scripture, what does it mean exactly to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”?
- What makes Jesus’ teaching in verse 17 so revolutionary?
- In what way is God’s image on every human being? In what way is God’s image specifically on genuine Christians?
- What questions do you have about how a Christian is called by God to engage with human governments? As you work through your questions, here are some passages you might find it helpful to consider: (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-17)
Application
- Make a list of the things that belong to God in your lives. From the list, are there any things that you are struggling to give to God? Why?
- What would be a healthy and godly way to engage in politics?
- Take time to pray for one another.
