Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

Praise and await our God who saves us from sin to serve him.

1. The Story: John's unusual birth prompts a question: What will he be? (vv. 57-66)

2. The song: John prepares for God's saving King. (vv. 67-80)

A. God saves us to serve him (vv. 67-75)

1. He has raised up a saving King (vv. 68-69)

2. He will save us from our enemies (vv. 70-73)

3. He will save us so we can serve him (vv. 74-75)

B. God saves from sin (vv. 76-80)

1. As prophet, John will show our need for salvation from sin (vv. 76-77)

2. A provision has been made because of God's tender mercy (v. 78)

3. This provision gives permanent hope (v. 79)

Digging Deeper    

Read Luke 1:57-80

1. The Story: John's unusual birth prompts a question: What will he be? (vv. 57-66)

Verses 57-66 describe some relatively normal events for that time and place (the birth of a child, the child is given a name, and the (male) child is circumcised). And yet, amid these relatively mundane events, it is clear that God is present and actively at work. In what ways do we see the Lord at work in verses 57-66? How do the people respond? 

Read Luke 1:64. What happens in verse 64 needs to be read in the context of Luke 1:18-20 (please read Lk. 1:18-20).  What the angel Gabriel said would happen did happen.  Why do you think it is important for us to see this? 

2. The song: John prepares for God's saving King. (vv. 67-80)

A. God saves us to serve him (vv. 67-75)

1. He has raised up a saving King (vv. 68-69)

2. He will save us from our enemies (vv. 70-73)

3. He will save us so we can serve him (vv. 74-75)

In v. 68 Zechariah says God has “visited and redeemed his people.” How does what Luke has narrated thus far into his gospel show this to be true? How is this true to an even greater extent for us? 

In v. 69 Zechariah says that God has raised up “a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (v.68)? What (or who) is meant by this? (Lk. 1:27 helps us). 

What sort of expectations did the people have for the long-awaited Messiah from the line of David (cf. v. 71)?  In what sense did he do what they hoped / expected he would? In what sense did he not?  

In what sense has Christ saved us from our enemies? (v. 71 & 74)  How can we cultivate a greater sense of wonder and amazement that, in his mercy, God has delivered us from our enemies? 

God saves us to serve him (cf. v. 74).  What does it mean to serve God?  What does that look like for you? 

B. God saves from sin (vv. 76-80)

1. As prophet, John will show our need for salvation from sin (vv. 76-77)

2. A provision has been made because of God's tender mercy (v. 78)

3. This provision gives permanent hope (v. 79)

There are many people today who feel no need for rescue or deliverance. In what way is being shown your need for salvation from sin a mercy?  

What did God use in your life when he, for the first time, made you aware of your need for deliverance from sin and its consequences?  

Because of his tender mercy, God has made provision for us to be forgiven of our sins (vv. 77b-78a). Is there a particular sin(s) for which you are especially thankful to God that he has forgiven?  When was the last time you thanked him for his forgiveness of that sin(s)?  

Was there a specific truth from this passage (and/or the sermon on it), that you found particularly encouraging?  Who could you share that truth with this week?

Prayer

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

Rejoice in God's might, mercy, and memory, shown in sending Jesus.

The story: the coming of Jesus is cause for joy (vv. 39-45)

The song: our joy is fueled by what God's sending of Jesus reveals about himself (vv. 46-56)

A. Might: God has done great things to save (vv. 46-49)

B. Mercy: God shows his favor to those who fear him (no matter how low in the world's eyes) (vv. 50-53)

C. Memory: God remembers his promise to help his believing people (vv. 54-55)

Digging Deeper    

Read Luke 1:39-56

Rejoice in God's might, mercy, and memory, shown in sending Jesus.

1. The story: the coming of Jesus is cause for joy (vv. 39-45)

For some of us, the Christmas season can be hard for various reasons. And yet, regardless of our circumstances, the coming of Jesus should be a cause for great joy in our hearts. How does Jesus coming to earth give you joy?    

What is one step you could take this Christmas season to create time and space to reflect on how the coming of Jesus should lead to greater joy in our hearts?  

Luke 1:45 says, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” In your own life, when have you seen the blessing of taking God at his Word?

2. The song: our joy is fueled by what God's sending of Jesus reveals about himself (vv. 46-56)

A. Might: God has done great things to save (vv. 46-49)

How is God’s might revealed in his sending of Jesus to earth as a baby? 

Mary’s heart overflows in song to God as she marvels that God would choose her to bear the Messiah. Though not in the same way as he did with Mary, it is God’s intention to use each of us to further his kingdom purposes on earth. How have you seen God use you for his purposes in the world (be it in a big way or small)? 

B. Mercy: God shows his favor to those who fear him (no matter how low in the world's eyes) (vv. 50-53)

How is God’s mercy revealed in his sending of Jesus to earth as a baby? 

Why is God’s mercy for those who fear him (and implicitly not for those who don’t)? 

Read vv. 51-53 again. How have you seen God do what is described here? 

C. Memory: God remembers his promise to help his believing people (vv. 54-55)

In vv. 54-55 Mary said, “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his offspring forever.” How did God do this through his sending of Jesus into the world as a baby? 

God sent his Son into the world on a mission (cf. Luke 19:10). How should God’s purposes in sending Jesus into the world shape our purposes as individuals, Gospel Communities, and as a local church?   

Who could you share this story within the coming week? 

Prayer

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

God always accomplishes his purposes even when they seem impossible to us.

1. Humble Virgin Birth (vs 26-27 & 34-35)

2. Forever King (vs 32)

3. Jesus, the Son of God (vs. 35)

Digging Deeper    

Read Luke 1:26-38

In the passage today, Mary is promised a son named Jesus. Last week, Elizabeth was promised a son named John (Luke 1:5-25). How is Mary’s trust in God heightened when read in light of Zeheriah’s failure to trust God? 

In each story, a son is promised. How is Jesus’ supremacy over John highlighted in the text?  

God always accomplishes his purposes even when they seem impossible to us.

1. This passage reminds us that our God always accomplishes his purposes. How has this truth brought comfort and/or courage to you?  

2. Is there an example in your life of God accomplishing that which seemed impossible?  Please share.

Humble Virgin Birth (vs 26-27 & 34-35)

1. This passage contains echoes of Isaiah 7:10-17. There the prophet Isaiah foretold, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Is. 7:14).  How does Jesus’ birth bring to fulfillment what Isaiah had foretold hundreds of years earlier? What is a takeaway for us in this? 

2. Theologically, what is the significance of the virgin birth of Christ? Why is it important that we hold fast to this teaching? 

3. “And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35) What is the significance of the “therefore” in v. 35? How does the nature of Jesus’ birth make him uniquely fit to be our Redeemer?  

Forever King (vs 32)

1. Please read 2 Sam. 7:12-17. Then read Luke 1:32-33. Why do you think God (through Luke) wants us to know that Jesus is the long-awaited offspring of David, who will reign forever?  (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12-17)  

Mary’s response to all that is spoken to her (“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” [v.38]), is an example of humble trust and submission. In what area of your life do you need to ask God for the grace to respond in a similar way? Please share.

Is there someone in your life with whom you could share the Good News about Jesus this Christmas season? 

Prayer

Discussion Questions 

Sermon Overview 

God will faithfully fulfill his work for his imperfectly waiting people.

1. A waiting people (vv. 5-10)

2. A gracious word (vv. 11-17)

3. A flawed response (vv. 18-20)

4. A faithful God (vv. 21-25)

Digging Deeper    

Read Luke 1:5-25

A waiting people (vv. 5-10)

1. Is there something you are waiting for God to do in your life or the life of someone you care about? Please share. 

2. What are some specific concrete ways you have seen God fulfill a promise(s) to you? 

3. God calls us as his people to “walk blamelessly” (v. 6) before him, even in the midst of longing and pain. Are there ways you have been tempted to “throw in the towel” and give up hoping and praying for something you are eager to see God do?  Please share.

A gracious word (vv. 11-17)

1. Are there specific verses from the Bible that God has used to bring comfort and assurance? Please share.

2. How confident are your prayers go to a God who hears, cares, and will answer in his time for your good?

A flawed response (vv. 18-20)

1. Are there promises God has made to you that you feel are simply too good to be true? 

2. What effect does a failure to trust God and his Word have on those around us? Have you seen this reality in your own life?  Please share.

3. How can we help one another grow in our trust in God’s faithfulness to do what he has promised to do for us? 

A faithful God (vv. 21-25)

1. How has God shown his faithfulness to you? 

2. Are you in the habit of telling others of God’s faithful dealings with you? How can we grow in this? 

3. What God did for Elizabeth (taken away her disgrace / reproach) he has done for each of us.  How has God taken away our shame? 

Prayer

Sermon Overview 

You can build your life on what Luke says about what God has accomplished through Jesus.

1. Luke's content is God's accomplishment. (v. 1)

2. Luke's sources are reliable. (v. 2)

3. Luke's method is rigorous. (v. 3)

4. Luke's purpose is our certainty. (v. 4)

Digging Deeper  

Read Luke 1:1-4

1. As a church, we are on the front edge of an in-depth look at the Gospel According to Luke that will likely take us into the year 2026. How do you feel about that? How familiar would you say you are with Luke? What are you looking forward to in this series? 

2. What does Luke tell us his book will be?

3. In reference to Luke 1:1, Pastor Brett stated that “Luke's content is God's accomplishment.” What did he mean by that? What are “...the things accomplished among us” (v.1)? 

4. The Gospel According to Luke shows us what God in Christ has accomplished for you and me. What aspect of what God has done for you through his Son are you most grateful for? Why? 

5. Pastor Brett helped us see from verse 3 that “Luke’s method is rigorous.” Where do we see that in the text? Why is this worth noting?  

6. Why did Luke write his book (vs. 4)?

7. How would you respond to someone who says, “The Gospels were just stories made up by random people”?

8. Can genuine believers have doubts (i.e. lack certainty)? What might be some of the things God wants to get done in our hearts with regard to our lingering doubts and questions? What might it look like for us to care for one another well in this regard? 

Prayer

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

A life worthy of the gospel is marked by a costly commitment to the gospel's progress in the world and the church's progress in the gospel.

1. A life worthy of the gospel rejoices at the gospel's progress (vv. 12-18a)

2. A life worthy of the gospel aims at Christ's honor through the church's progress (vv. 18b-26)

3. A life worthy of the gospel endures together suffering for the gospel. (vv. 27-30)

Digging Deeper    

Read Philippians 1:12-30

1. Our eighth Defining Value as a church is “Commitment to Faithfully Pass the Gospel on to Others.” (You may want to reread this section of the Defining Values document below.)  What are some of the ways you see this value lived out in our life as a church? Are there ways you would like to see us grow in this? How so?   

2. Verse 12 talks about the advance of the gospel. What does that mean?

3. Even though Paul is in prison, the good news of Jesus spreads throughout the prison guards (v. 13) and encourages followers of Jesus to be bold in sharing the gospel too (v. 14). Where else in the Bible or in your own life have you experienced God using something that seems bad for good? (see Acts 2:23 for the ultimate example).

4. Paul talks about groups of people with differing motivations for preaching the gospel: (1) out of envy and rivalry and (2) out of goodwill.  Surprisingly, Paul doesn’t call this first group out and instead rejoices that Christ is proclaimed      (v. 18a). How should Paul’s response affect the way we prioritize the spread of the gospel?      

5. How might this passage and this sermon help us be a part of spreading the gospel to others?

6. What would suffering for the gospel look like for us today? What’s the worst that could happen if you share the gospel with a friend?

7. What keeps us from sharing the gospel with others?

8. How could the members of this Gospel Community help you share the gospel with others?

9. Share if there’s someone in your life that you’d love to know Jesus. How might God use you to share the gospel with them?

Prayer

Defining Value 8: At CrossWay we see ourselves, along with all Christians, as commissioned by God to engage with our local community and with the larger world in such a way that the Gospel is faithfully demonstrated and clearly proclaimed.  We also see it as a specific charge from God to pass on to our children a clear and complete doctrine and a compelling witness to the transforming grace of God, and by so doing, firmly establish the next generation in its faith in Jesus Christ.  CrossWay is committed to the advance of the gospel in our homes, in our community and in the world.

Discussion Questions 

Sermon Overview 

A life pleasing to God includes humbly, genuinely loving his people in the local church.

Digging Deeper    

Read Romans 12:3-10

1. Our seventh Defining Value as a church is “Growing Relationships within the Local Church.” (You may want to reread this section of the Defining Values document.)  What are some of the ways you see this value lived out in our life as a church? Are there ways you would like to see us grow in this? How so?   

2. When you think of church (or “the church”), what comes to mind?

3. Over the last twenty years or so, there has been a decline (accelerated by COVID), in church attendance, even among those who claim to be Bible-believing, evangelical Christians. What are some of the reasons people offer for not attending a local church (or not attending very often)?        

4. How might this passage and this sermon help us as we seek (with humility, gentleness, and love) to encourage ourselves or those in our lives who are currently not attending church (not engaged in / participating in a local body), to consider a greater degree of engagement? 

5. Pastor Brett helped us see from Rom. 12:3-10 that “A life pleasing to God includes humbly, genuinely loving his people in the local church.”  What are some of the reasons it can be hard to love God’s people in our local church? 

6. How does the Gospel provide the motivation and power we need to love others well?

7. God calls us to humbly serve one another with the gifts he has given us (Rom. 12:3-8). What gift(s) has God given you? How are you using them to serve God’s people? How might you grow in using the gift(s) he’s given you more effectively? 

8. One aspect of loving one another is dealing rightly with good and evil in ourselves and one another (“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” v. 9b).  What is a specific situation in your life right now where God is calling you to do this? What might obedience to this verse in that situation look like for you? 

9. God calls us to treat one another (within the church) as a family (“love one another with brotherly affection” v. 10a).  What is one specific concrete thing you could do this week to put this into practice? 

10. One of the ways we can genuinely love one another is by “lead(ing) the way in putting others first.” (“Outdo one another in showing honor.” v. 10b). To whom in your life could you seek to show honor? How might you do that this week (in word or deed)? Is there anything in your heart that resists that? If so, please share.

Prayer

Discussion Questions 

Sermon Overview 

Jesus sent the Spirit to show the world its need and to share with us God's truth.

Digging Deeper    

Read John 16:4b-15 

1. Our sixth Defining Value as a church is “The Active Presence and Ministry of the Holy Spirit.” (You may want to reread this section of the Defining Values document.)  What are some of the ways you see this value lived out in our life as a church? Are there ways you would like to see us grow in this? How so?   

2. When you think of the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind? How is that similar or different from what was covered in the passage or in the defining value?

3. Given our love for the Savior, it is not unreasonable that we might wish that we had been alive when Jesus was on earth. And yet, Pastor Brett helped us see from this text (cf. vv. 4b-7), that it is better for us that Jesus is no longer here on earth. Why is it better? Do you believe this to be true with your mind? Do you feel this to be a precious reality with your heart?   

4. This text shows us that one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to show the world its need for Christ (vv. 8-11). Verse 8 says that he (the Spirit) “will convict the world concerning sin…”  What does this mean? Is this a good thing? Why (or why not)?  

5. How have you seen this ministry of the Holy Spirit (to bring conviction of sin) at work in your own life? What good comes from conviction?

6. Verse 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit will also “convict the world concerning….righteousness”?  What does this mean? How does justification by faith address our lack of righteousness? What are some ways this truth should function in your life today?  

7. The Spirit will also convict the world “concerning… judgment” (v. 8). What does this mean?  How might reflection on the judgment to come motivate us to humbly, lovingly point unbelievers in our lives to their need for Christ?  

8. Verses 12-15 show us that the Spirit shares God’s truth with us (God’s people). In verse 12, Jesus promised that the Spirit “will guide (us) into all the truth.”  What does this mean? How might we find encouragement from this truth? 

9. What aspects of who the Holy Spirit is should bolster our confidence that he is more than capable of guiding us into the truth?  

10. How does the Spirit work in and through the Scriptures to guide us into the truth?  

11. Are there specific verses / truths from this passage you could share with others who don’t follow Jesus in your life?  With whom could you share them? 

Prayer