- Verses 3-8 discussed how we can serve one another with the gifts of the Spirit. What are some of the things we are told to avoid? (i.e. what are some sinful attitudes we must be on the look out for?)
- What are some ways that you have been served in the past by the different gifts mentioned?
- Which of these gifts would you like to either begin to exercise or increase in?
- Read I John 4:7-12 Who, from your past or your present, is an example to you of what it means to love someone with a Christian love?
- We are called to love without hypocrisy in 12:9. What are some of the ways that you are tempted to not obey this commandment?
- We are called to abhor what is evil. How can we cultivate a hatred for evil?
- God calls us to walk with others in the church with a “brotherly love.” What things happen in church life that can test this? What things can we do to foster it?
- We are to outdo one another in showing honor. We can do this both corporately (the church may honor someone or a group of individuals) and individually. How are you doing at the individual part? How can we grow in genuinely honoring others?
Showing posts with label Discussion Questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Discussion Questions. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2010
Discussion Questions for February 17th
Read Romans 12:3-10
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
July 2nd Discussion Questions
- Phil read Acts 20:17-24, Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders. What in this passage is unique to Paul, and what should we imitate in our own lives?
- How would your life be different if you lived like v. 24 describes? What keeps you from doing so?
- From Ephesians 3:8-10. What are the steps in the process outlined here? What is the ultimate end of the process given here?
- How should this understanding of the church’s purpose—“to be an intergalactic cosmic showcase of God’s glory”—affect our life here at SGC?
- Read 2 Tim 3:16-4:2. What does this tell us about the Bible?
- What happens to you when you fail to read the Bible, maybe for an extended period of time like 3-5 days?
- Do you typically have “ears to hear” on Sunday mornings? Why or why not? Is there something you could change about your life prior to the service, or following the service that would help you listen better?
- What is your current Bible reading plan? How is it working for you?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 7 Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
1. The Lord gives us joy in many ways. What are some of the things in your life that bring you joy?
2. The gospel and “gospel truths” (things that are the result of the gospel) are to be the source of our primary joy. How can we grow in this?
3. Phil said that because of justification when God looks at us he doesn’t frown but that he delights to see us and have us draw near to him. Is this the way you picture the Father as you approach him? (or do you struggle in this area?)
a. What is your experience with drawing near to God? How often do you do that and how would you describe it?
4. Verse 2 says “we have obtained access through faith into this grace in which we stand”. Phil said that this grace in which we stand is the kingdom of the beloved Son, a place where our sin is forgiven and forgotten. It is a place of grace not law or works where there is no judgment. A place of acceptance. “THE LAND OF GRACE”!. Do you feel like you live in this place?
5. “And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God”. What is your definition of glory (or one of Phil’s that you really liked)? What does the hope of the glory of God mean to you and do you find yourself rejoicing/exulting in it?
Corresponding Scriptures:
#3 - Hebrews 4:14Since then we have(Q) a great high priest(R) who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,(S) let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest(T) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been(U) tempted as we are,(V) yet without sin. 16(W) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need
#3 – Ephesians 2:12remember(AC) that you were at that time separated from Christ,(AD) alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to(AE) the covenants of promise,(AF) having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were(AG) far off have been brought near(AH) by the blood of Christ. …17And he came and(AO) preached peace to you who were(AP) far off and peace to those who were(AQ) near. 18For(AR) through him we both have(AS) access in(AT) one Spirit to the Father.
#4 – Col. 1: 13He(AD) has delivered us from(AE) the domain of darkness and transferred us to(AF) the kingdom of(AG) his beloved Son, 14(AH) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
#5 – 2 Cor. 3:18 - 18And we all, with unveiled face,(AD) beholding(AE) the glory of the Lord,[f](AF) are being transformed into the same image(AG) from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
#5 – Philippians 3:20But(AS) our citizenship is in heaven, and(AT) from it we(AU) await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform(AV) our lowly body(AW) to be like his glorious body,(AX) by the power that enables him even(AY) to subject all things to himself.
#5 – Colossians 1: 27(BQ) To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are(BR) the riches of the glory of(BS) this mystery, which is Christ in you,(BT) the hope of glory.
Monday, February 4, 2008
February 6th Discussion Questions
I Corinthians 2:6-16:
1. Please read over this passage and be ready to share any nuggets you find in it especially any not addressed in the following questions.
2. CJ mentioned that in Paul’s day that Christianity was despised by both the Jewish and Gentile cultures, that it was completely foreign to those cultures. Is that different in our day and culture? If so how?
a. He said that the cross is emptied of its power when mixed with the wisdom of the world. Are you tempted to do so when communicating the gospel or your testimony?
3. CJ said that “what matters” is not how cool (or rich or smart) one is but whether one is saved from the wrath of God; that what matters is the day of judgment.
a. Do you tend to think that way (to have that divine perspective)? Give examples of how that perspective can make a difference in your own life and the circumstances you find yourself in.
b. How easily do you lose sight of that truth? In what ways?
4. As you look back on your conversion share how it was God who opened up your spiritual eyes and revealed himself and the gospel to you. This could have been a dramatic occurrence or happened over time.
5. Has the understanding that God came looking for you (rather than the other way around) helped you to grow in humility and gratefulness?
1. Please read over this passage and be ready to share any nuggets you find in it especially any not addressed in the following questions.
2. CJ mentioned that in Paul’s day that Christianity was despised by both the Jewish and Gentile cultures, that it was completely foreign to those cultures. Is that different in our day and culture? If so how?
a. He said that the cross is emptied of its power when mixed with the wisdom of the world. Are you tempted to do so when communicating the gospel or your testimony?
3. CJ said that “what matters” is not how cool (or rich or smart) one is but whether one is saved from the wrath of God; that what matters is the day of judgment.
a. Do you tend to think that way (to have that divine perspective)? Give examples of how that perspective can make a difference in your own life and the circumstances you find yourself in.
b. How easily do you lose sight of that truth? In what ways?
4. As you look back on your conversion share how it was God who opened up your spiritual eyes and revealed himself and the gospel to you. This could have been a dramatic occurrence or happened over time.
5. Has the understanding that God came looking for you (rather than the other way around) helped you to grow in humility and gratefulness?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Discussion Questions for January 2
Romans 1:17-23:
1. Why is v17 such a dramatic, significant statement?
2. Why do you think Paul goes from rejoicing in the gospel (v15-17) to a lengthy discussion on God’s wrath against sinful man?
3. Define God’s wrath. Why is it so important to understand it? What does it reveal about God?
4. Paul says in v16 that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Why is it a temptation to be ashamed of the gospel? When do you find yourself tempted to do so?
5. What do verses 19-23 help you to understand?
6. Phil said that even more important then asking what are the idols of our age is asking what are the idols we personally struggle with. Here are some of the ways he said we could help identify them: -
What gives you meaning and or comfort more than anything else?-
What do you live for?-
What do you serve?- What is the most glorious thing to you? (from Daniel’s teaching)-
What make you angry? (from Connie)
What do those questions help you to see about yourself?
7. Phil mentioned the “inglorious” exchange found in v23. He then ended his message talking about the great exchange. What are each of these?
1. Why is v17 such a dramatic, significant statement?
2. Why do you think Paul goes from rejoicing in the gospel (v15-17) to a lengthy discussion on God’s wrath against sinful man?
3. Define God’s wrath. Why is it so important to understand it? What does it reveal about God?
4. Paul says in v16 that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Why is it a temptation to be ashamed of the gospel? When do you find yourself tempted to do so?
5. What do verses 19-23 help you to understand?
6. Phil said that even more important then asking what are the idols of our age is asking what are the idols we personally struggle with. Here are some of the ways he said we could help identify them: -
What gives you meaning and or comfort more than anything else?-
What do you live for?-
What do you serve?- What is the most glorious thing to you? (from Daniel’s teaching)-
What make you angry? (from Connie)
What do those questions help you to see about yourself?
7. Phil mentioned the “inglorious” exchange found in v23. He then ended his message talking about the great exchange. What are each of these?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
November 7th Meeting
Hey fellow bloggers - this week for hg:
1. come ready to discuss your favorite passage in Romans. or at least one of your favorite passages - trying to narrow it down to the favorite is like going to a buffet and saying what is your favorite food.
2. also concerning the book of Romans which will be the preaching series for the next 18-24 months: feel free to do some background check on the book. there could be a test.
3. normally our following hg meeting would be on nov 21st which is the night before thanksgiving (and all thru the house not a turkey was stirring... oh sorry i was just trying to embrace my "inner goofiness"). let's discuss whether we'd rather meet tuesday the 20th or the following wednesday the 28th.
Dear hgers - Sorry to get this out to you late. If you don't get this email before the meeting we will review it there. We're not going to have alot of discussion, just talk about an introduction to Romans. I'd like to take a little more time in our worship and prayer Specifically I'd like you to come having thought about the following:
What one area in your life would you'd like to see more of the Holy Spirit's power and presence (e.g. =more boldness to evangelize, more clarity in studying the Bible, the grace and annointing to prophesy...) ? Come ready (and in faith) to pray for one another. Also is there a time you'd like to share about when you saw the Holy Spirit's power at work in a remarkable way?
Mike
1. come ready to discuss your favorite passage in Romans. or at least one of your favorite passages - trying to narrow it down to the favorite is like going to a buffet and saying what is your favorite food.
2. also concerning the book of Romans which will be the preaching series for the next 18-24 months: feel free to do some background check on the book. there could be a test.
3. normally our following hg meeting would be on nov 21st which is the night before thanksgiving (and all thru the house not a turkey was stirring... oh sorry i was just trying to embrace my "inner goofiness"). let's discuss whether we'd rather meet tuesday the 20th or the following wednesday the 28th.
Dear hgers - Sorry to get this out to you late. If you don't get this email before the meeting we will review it there. We're not going to have alot of discussion, just talk about an introduction to Romans. I'd like to take a little more time in our worship and prayer Specifically I'd like you to come having thought about the following:
What one area in your life would you'd like to see more of the Holy Spirit's power and presence (e.g. =more boldness to evangelize, more clarity in studying the Bible, the grace and annointing to prophesy...) ? Come ready (and in faith) to pray for one another. Also is there a time you'd like to share about when you saw the Holy Spirit's power at work in a remarkable way?
Mike
Sunday, October 14, 2007
October 17 Questions
Attached our the discussion questions for chapter 7. I know some of them may be "preaching to the choir" but we should always be willing to examine areas that we think we are strong in. I think the questions/quotes concerning leisure are applicable to us all even you anti-sports snobs (just kidding, well kinda).
1.What is one thing you feel so strongly about that you would “pound the table” in a conversation? (Examples: football, paintball, the Christian coalition)
2. Read Acts 2:40-42. Are you devoted to the same things as these believers? Where do you see you can grow?
3. Read the following scriptures and write down what they describe the church as Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:25-32
4.Are you currently pursuing any career goals or hobbies that compromise your commitment and contribution to the church? Are you pouring time and energy into anything which on an eternal scale is irrelevant?
5.The author states, ” We have tried pointing beyond small groups to the purpose for which they exist- Christ’s glorious Bride, the church.” Is the church at the center or circumference of your affections?
6. Do any of the viruses mentioned seem to effect you in your devotion to the church? What about the following 2 quotes in the leisure virus ?
“The decline of the church is more due to laziness than "wickedness”.
“Leisure tempts us to trade our experience of God for the entertainment of men. It makes us spectators rather than participants in God’s purposes. Leisure subtly persuades us to invest our time not necessarily in evil but in irrelevance."
1.What is one thing you feel so strongly about that you would “pound the table” in a conversation? (Examples: football, paintball, the Christian coalition)
2. Read Acts 2:40-42. Are you devoted to the same things as these believers? Where do you see you can grow?
3. Read the following scriptures and write down what they describe the church as Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:25-32
4.Are you currently pursuing any career goals or hobbies that compromise your commitment and contribution to the church? Are you pouring time and energy into anything which on an eternal scale is irrelevant?
5.The author states, ” We have tried pointing beyond small groups to the purpose for which they exist- Christ’s glorious Bride, the church.” Is the church at the center or circumference of your affections?
6. Do any of the viruses mentioned seem to effect you in your devotion to the church? What about the following 2 quotes in the leisure virus ?
“The decline of the church is more due to laziness than "wickedness”.
“Leisure tempts us to trade our experience of God for the entertainment of men. It makes us spectators rather than participants in God’s purposes. Leisure subtly persuades us to invest our time not necessarily in evil but in irrelevance."
Friday, October 5, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Questions for October 3rd
Questions on chapter 6: (pgs. 85 – 99)
1. On page 87 the word “koinonitis” is mentioned. What is this and how can it be avoided?
2. Do you have memories of attending a meeting and feeling like an outsider – if so, what could have someone done to make you feel more welcome?
3. How “visitor – friendly” is our group and are there any ways we can improve upon it?
4. Does the thought of our group expanding (and eventually multiplying) excite you or tempt you to become anxious?
5. Have you ever been in a small group that was too large and what positive qualities are lost when that happens?
6. Can you describe a particular time in which God wanted to push you out of the nest although you felt you were not ready to fly? Are there any areas now where you believe He wants to test your faith?
7. As our church grows and expands, do we as individuals and as a group feel as though we are “on board” or just being dragged along with the tide? What can we do to more fully “own” the vision of our leaders as it pertains to homegroups and church growth?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SEPT 19
Read Chapter 2 of "Why Small Groups" for discussion.
HG - Here are the questions I'd like us to discuss on Wednesday:
1. What is your definition of biblical fellowship?
2. Reasons given in the book for not participating in fellowship = self-
sufficiency, formality, bitterness, elitism. Which ones of these do
you struggle with and are there any others that you'd add to this list?
3. How can we individually and as a group increase our experience of biblical
fellowship? Where do you need to change for this to happen?
4. The author states on pg 23 "fellowship with others begins with an honest,
open, obedient relationship with God rooted in the truth of his Word. How
we wrestle with understanding truth and struggle to apply it to our lives
- is the essence of fellowship."
How are you doing with: 1)your relationship with God (would you describe
it as "honest, open, obedient"? 2)Sharing with others about your relation- ship with God?
5. The author states "Fellowship flows when we volunteer information about
our internal state to others not simply to relieve the problem of
loneliness, but to gain their honest evaluation of how we are dealing
with the issue and how we can change." How are you doing at that type
of "fellowship"? Is that your motivation for sharing things?
6. Come ready to share: 1) something funny about your childhood 2)A
spiritual experience that has had a significant impact on your life.
HG - Here are the questions I'd like us to discuss on Wednesday:
1. What is your definition of biblical fellowship?
2. Reasons given in the book for not participating in fellowship = self-
sufficiency, formality, bitterness, elitism. Which ones of these do
you struggle with and are there any others that you'd add to this list?
3. How can we individually and as a group increase our experience of biblical
fellowship? Where do you need to change for this to happen?
4. The author states on pg 23 "fellowship with others begins with an honest,
open, obedient relationship with God rooted in the truth of his Word. How
we wrestle with understanding truth and struggle to apply it to our lives
- is the essence of fellowship."
How are you doing with: 1)your relationship with God (would you describe
it as "honest, open, obedient"? 2)Sharing with others about your relation- ship with God?
5. The author states "Fellowship flows when we volunteer information about
our internal state to others not simply to relieve the problem of
loneliness, but to gain their honest evaluation of how we are dealing
with the issue and how we can change." How are you doing at that type
of "fellowship"? Is that your motivation for sharing things?
6. Come ready to share: 1) something funny about your childhood 2)A
spiritual experience that has had a significant impact on your life.
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