Small Group Questions

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We will be discussing the following sermons which can be accessed by clicking the sermon title:

Knowing Christ Jesus my Lord // The love of God was made manifest in Christ

Read Matthew 13:44

• What does the parable of the hidden treasure teach us about the value of the Kingdom of Heaven?

• In what ways does this passage challenge our understanding of what is truly valuable in life?

• How do our choices demonstrate what we really believe?

Read Matthew 6:19-21

• What do these verses say about treasure and our heart?

Read Mark 10:17-22

• What was the fundamental problem that hindered the young man from receiving heavenly treasure? 

• How would you define idolatry and how might it continue to affect us?

• Can you identify any idols in your life that rival the place of God and what steps must you take to remove these idols?

Read Philippians 3:3-9

• What transformation occurred in Paul’s life after he encountered Jesus?

• How would you describe the goal of the Christian life based on Philippians 3:8 (See John 17:3 and 1 John 5:11-13).

• How can you cultivate a heart that prioritizes God over earthly desires?

• What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to fully embrace Christ and his kingdom?

Read Luke 6:43-49

• What distinguishes a wise builder from a foolish builder?

• What do these verses tell us about what it means to truly follow Jesus as Lord?

• What is Jesus’ warning to those who call Him Lord but fail to do what He says?

Read John 3:16-19

• Imagine you’re sitting on a bus and someone asks you what Christians believe (and you only have 5-10 minutes until you arrive at your destination!) What key points would you share?

• What are some important Bible verses to remember?

• Are there particular themes that are best to share before others?

• How does a familiar verse like John 3:16 convey God’s goal in creation, the problem of sin, God’s solution, and our response?

• What is helpful language to use in sharing the gospel with someone who isn’t familiar with the Bible? (What would be unhelpful?)

• Is it helpful to share our testimony when sharing the gospel? Why or why not? How can we best do this?

Read Galatians 1:6-8

• What do these verses say about the gospel as truth?

• What are the implications for those who “are turning to a different (false) gospel?”

• What do these verses tell us about the importance of having right doctrine?

• Who does Jesus need to be in order to give us the kind of salvation we have in Him?

• Why is it important to be clear about the Bible as authoritative for the Christian?  What are the implications if its not?

• How do we determine the essentials of the gospel in comparison with where its okay to disagree?

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

• What do verses 1-3 tell us about the problems we all face?

• What do verses 4-8 tell us about God’s solution to the problem?

• What is the basis for our acceptance with God? (See 1 John 2:1-2; 4:9-13)

• How would you describe faith and repentance?

• Is the gospel better described as the “ABCs of Christian life” or the “A to Z of the Christian life?” Explain.

• How can we apply the gospel to our lives in an ongoing way? 

• What role do works play in the life of a believer? (See Ephesians 2:10 and Titus 3:5, 8)

• Can we contribute in any way to gain God’s acceptance?

• If our acceptance with God is based on what Christ has done rather than what we do, what is our motivation for love and obedience?

Read Romans 6:3-5

• How does baptism illustrate the Gospel’s message of salvation? (Consider the following quote: “Baptism is “a neon light flashing ‘Gospel, Gospel, Gospel.’” When the church practices baptism, she testifies to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies the sinner’s union with Christ in all he did and accomplished on our behalf.” Thabiti Anyabwile)

• How can you reflect on your own baptism experience as a means of strengthening your faith in your day to day life?