Discipleship Questions

1.  John is writing that we might experience joy.  How would you define joy in your own words?  

2.  In these few verses, John repeats himself several times.  Why do you think he does this?  What is trying to communicate to us?

3.  What different words does John use to refer to Jesus?  What do each of these words communicate to us about Jesus?

4.  John writes not just for the joy of others, but also for his own joy.  What does this teach us about the nature of joy and fellowship?

Discipleship Questions

1.  According to Matthew, what is the primary purpose for which was Jesus born?  How does this affect the way we read the rest of the Bible?

2.  In what ways  are you tempted to reduce Jesus to something other than savior of sinners?

3.  Read Isaiah 53:5.  Take a few moments to consider specific personal sins that Jesus came to die for.  

4.  Read 2 Corinthians 5:21.  What does it mean for you to become the righteousness of God?  How does this transform the way your view yourself and God?

Discipleship Questions

1.  What questions do you have about the virgin birth of Jesus?  What is confusing?  Inspiring?

2.  Read Romans 5:12-14.  What does that text teach us about the importance of the virgin birth?

3.  How does King Jesus use power and status differently than Caesar or other “earthly” kings?

4.  As citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom, how ought we to use our power, status, and resources differently?  What specific steps might you take to grow in this area?

Discipleship Questions

1.  How did you experience darkness in your life before coming to faith in Christ?  How has the light of Christ affected your experience of darkness?

2.  All of God’s people are a people of waiting.  Think of a time when you had to wait for God.  What was it like?  How did use that time to shape and form you?

3.  Take some time to reread Isaiah 9:2-5.  Describe in your own words what God is promising to do for his people in the text.

4.  There are a number of titles that describe who Jesus is in verse 6.  Take some time to think about how each title reveals who Jesus is and how he relates to you.

Discipleship Questions

1. In what ways do you see people commonly try to “cover” shame and sin?

2. In what ways do you tend to “cover” your shame and sin?

3. How can the gospel bring you hope as you struggle with sin?

4. What lies have you been believing? What Gospel promises do you need to embrace?

Genesis 3:14-19
Discipleship questions

1. Romans 8 tells us that because of sin, the creation (physical world) is groaning. How have you encountered this groaning in your own life?

2. What are the unique consequences that women deal with as a result of the fall? How have you witnessed or experienced these?

3. What are the unique consequences that men deal with as a result of the fall? How have you witnessed or experienced these?

4. Genesis 3:15 is the first proclamation of the gospel. What does this text teach us about God’s story and plan? How does this promise give you hope?

Discipleship Questions

1.  Read through the text and pay special attention to how Satan tempts Eve.  What are his tactics?  What are some of the lies Satan is telling today?

2.  According to the text, why did Eve choose to eat from the forbidden tree?  How have you been tempted by these same desires or motivations?

3.  How did Adam and Eve respond to their sin?  How can you identify with their attempts to manage their sin?

4.  How does God respond to Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden?  What surprises you about his response?  What does this teach us about the heart and nature of God?

Discipleship Questions

1.  What stands out to you from the text regarding marriage?

2.  What are some of the differences between the way the world thinks about marriage and what Genesis teaches about marriage?

3.  What elements of this text do you find most challenging?  What is most encouraging? Why?

4.  What areas of your current life and thinking need to change in light of this text?  How can you pursue these changes in your life?

Discipleship Questions

1.  These verses provide details while also leaving many questions unanswered.  What are some of the questions you have about this part of the creation story?

2.  How does the description of God creating man in Genesis 2 compare to the account in Genesis 1 of God creating other living things?  Why is this difference important?  What does it teach us about God?  What does it teach us about man?

3.  How would you describe the job description God gives Adam?  What does this teach us about the purpose of life?

4.  Why do you think God gives Adam instructions regarding Eden before God creates Eve?