Small Group Weekly Questions - Entries written by Michael Sust

 Small Group Bible Study Questions
Week of August 16, 2009
“Living It Out”
John 17:20-26
Speaker: Pastor Michael Šust

1) I am prayed for…(John 17:20)

Read (Luke 3:21, Luke 9:28-35, John 11:41+42) What happens when Jesus prays? What should you expect to happen when you pray? When has waiting for a “voice from heaven“ hampered your spiritual life?  Share a time in your life when you could say “Father, I thank you that you have heard me”. Jesus’ intercession for us is not begging God to do something contrary to His will but rather a conversation between the Godhead confirming what they have desired from before the creation of the world. 

2) I am predestined …(John 17:21-22)

God’s desire was to choose to save a people who would be the exhibit of His son’s glory for all eternity. (Read Eph. 1:3-11) God is not forced to act by anything external to Himself. He works ALL things according to the council of His will. The council of His will is what the Father, Son and Spirit in perfect oneness determined to do before time began. Awesome, how do you know God’s will? What do you do to keep your behavior consistent with God’s will?   In verse 21 what does our oneness demonstrate? What does your behavior toward other believers demonstrate? What is the source of our oneness? What might be true if we have no desire for oneness? 

3) I am loved…(John17: 23)

In verse 23 what will our oneness demonstrate to the world? What does it mean for the Father to love us just like He loved the son?  Identify a time in your life when someone continued to love you when you didn’t deserve it. What would our church be like if you consistently chose to love people who don’t deserve it? What would your life be like if you loved Jesus enough to love the people He loves? What’s stopping you?

4) I am invited…(John 17:24-25)

Where is Jesus going? (See John 17:5) What similarities do you see between verses 5 and 24? What will we experience in His presence? Jesus isn’t satisfied with just having his glory restored but desires to have us share in that glory. In your life what are you doing to glorify Jesus? How many more opportunities to glorify God are we promised?

5) I am called…(John17: 26)

How is Jesus continuing to make the Father’s name known? In verse 26 what is the end result? How is Jesus accomplishing this through us? It is important to remember those God has called must respond. They can’t respond until we share a gospel that demands a response. As you share your faith what essentials must you include to insure the gospel you share is indeed the Gospel of Jesus?  

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Small Group Bible Study Questions

Week of May 17, 2009

“Falling ‘From’ Love”

Genesis 3:1-13

Speaker: Pastor Michael Šust

Falling from the Purpose – READ Genesis 3:1-5

a) The serpent is described as “crafty” (Hebrew: a·rûm), which in a positive sense means “prudent” and in negative sense “tricky.”  In unmasking the devil’s strategic schemes, where in this text do you see his craftiness in approaching the woman?

b) Share a practical example from your life where you discovered the devil’s craftiness in what at first seemed to be an innocent conversation. 

c) The three ways of satanic deception all have to do with attacking the truth by

1. Manipulation

2. Twisting

3. Denying (lying)

In your own words define each way in one sentence based on your observation of the biblical text.

d) READ John 8:44. In reference to Satan’s character, why does the Word describe him as “murderer?”  Using words, have you murdered anyone recently?

e) READ John 8:31-32 Concerning the truth of the Word, what is the promise of God for us if we know the truth?  How do you apply this knowledge in your daily life and relationships, especially with your spouse (fiancée).

Falling from the Plan – READ Genesis 3:6-7

a) Where do you see the falling away from God’s plan for a leader and helper in this text?  Answer the question based on the “Four Cs of Godlike Relationship:”

1. Companionship (togetherness)

2. Compatibility (as leader and helper)

3. Closeness (not only physical, but spiritual, emotional)

4. Commitment (communication, responsibility, obedience)

b) Which of the above areas in your marriage would you point out to a single person as “positive” and “need improvement” (and why) as an advice for their future as a spouse? Do this exercise in your group and if you don’t have any singles share with each other.

c) READ 1 Timothy 2:12-14 – In light of the fall, do you see this scripture as an instruction to men for leadership or does it make you uncomfortable as “bashing the women?”

d) READ 1 Timothy 2:12-14 and Matthew 19:4-6 and discuss the verses in light of the topic of “falling away from God’s plan” for men and women.

Falling from the Relationship – READ Genesis 3:8-13

a) What’s the one and only reason the relationship between the man and woman failed?

b) God is all-knowing, and yet He asked the man and woman several questions about their whereabouts and their behavior.  Why do you think He did that and can you cite any scripture verses to support your opinion?

c) READ 1 Corinthians 15:22 – Why is Adam (not Eve) held responsible for the death of all men? (What’s the difference between being deceived and sinning willfully?)

d) READ 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the content

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Small Group Bible Study Questions

Week of April 12, 2009

“The Evidence”

John 20:24-31

Speaker: Pastor Michael Šust

Easter Quiz: How many times did the risen Jesus appear to various people before talking to Thomas? a) Three times ? b) Five times ? c) Seven times ? (give names and references)

The Evidence of His Resurrection (READ John 20:24-25)

a) Concerning the evidence of the resurrection, what is the most compelling evidence that Jesus Christ is alive? (Consider the quiz results as well as its application today).

b) What is the one simple reason Thomas missed the evidence of the resurrection? (v. 24)

c) Concerning the presence of the Lord, based on scriptural evidence, does the Lord Jesus (not an angel or just a “voice”) appear more often to individual believers or a group (more than one)? – You may need to do a little word study on this issue.

d) Discuss God’s promises of His presence within a group of believers in Psalm 22:3, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:1 and Hebrews 10:23-24.  How do these verses affect your desire to worship together with others?  What are the things you miss if you’re not there?

e) Have you settled your priorities concerning the “gathering of the saints?” Do you believe that community worship with (Lord’s Day) should be a priority in the life of a committed believer? What biblical reasons can you present for not observing the commandment of the Lord in Hebrews 10:23-24?

f) What was the original day of the week set apart for corporate worship?  When and why did it change?  Is there a Biblical precedent for designating Sunday as the “church” day?

g) What was the result of Thomas missing the first Sunday’s gathering with all the saints? (v. 25).  Can you make a contemporary application of this verse?

 The Evidence of His Presence (READ John 26-29)

a) Apart from greeting the disciples, what appears to be the sole purpose of Jesus’ appearance in this passage?

b) Thomas was one of the original Twelve.  Why do you think Jesus dealt with him so personally and rigorously?

c) Read Mark 9:14-24, Jude 17-23, Matthew 12:31, 1 John 5:10 and Hebrews 11:6.  Discuss the difference between “doubt” and “unbelief.” Do you struggle with one of these?

d) Based on Romans 10:17, did Thomas have a chance to respond in faith? (i.e., did he “hear” that Jesus is alive - look back at v. 25)

e) What was Thomas’ real problem, doubt or disbelief?  (See Hebrews 11:1)

f) Apart from our faith, is there any other more compelling evidence that Jesus is alive?

The Evidence of His Life (READ John 20:30-31)

a) Why was John compelled to write his gospel? (v. 31)

b) What is the clear goal of God for giving us His Word?  What role does His Word play in your day to day life?

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Small Group Bible Study Questions

Week of

“The Commitment”

John 12:1-11

Speaker: Pastor Michael Šust

At His Feet – READ John 12:1-3

a) Verse 3 is obviously the loaded verse in this passage.  Discuss why Mary’s act of worship caused indignation in her time and culture (cf. Matt. 26, Mark 14).

b) What do you think: Would your public (biblical) worship of Jesus cause indignation in a religiously inclined community because of its costliness, intimacy or genuineness? J

c) As a reflection of your commitment to Him, does your worship of God include giving a biblical portion of your income in support of God’s work at Harvest? (10% is a good place to start – see Hebrews 7:1-10, Malachi 3:8-12).

d) In principle, do you desire or fear this “Mary-kind-of-worship” in your walk with Jesus?  Is there a good reason for not desiring this kind of commitment and freedom?  The purpose of this study is to help people in their walk (not to judge them).  Try to share with the group in your own words what would help you to worship God like this both in your personal and public lifestyle.

e) In the last part of verse 3 that says, “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume,” God shows us that passionate biblical worship touches every bystander through its genuine expression.  How do you think your personal expression would affect a friend or co-worker someone else invited to worship at Harvest?  Would there be a question about its genuineness - compared to the way they know you outside of church?

f) What are you willing to adjust concerning your commitment to Jesus, so that your public worship lifestyle will become “an aroma that touches every bystander?”  (Simple things count, like being on time on Sunday morning, participating in prayer before worship, assuming a more reverend body posture, forsaking a “status-quo-appearance”).

At His Disposal – READ John 12:4-8

a) In verse 4 we learn that Judas, though he is described as a “disciple,” was “about to betray” Jesus. What character attributes do you see (v. 4-6) in his conduct that preceded his betrayal of Christ?  For additional information see Matthew 26:8 and Mark 14:4-5.

b) There are many ways we can betray Jesus rather than being at His disposal.  Are you struggling with any such negative attitudes that could be a sign of an upcoming betrayal (also known as “sin”)?

c) In v. 8 Jesus warns about a danger of substituting business in ministry for closeness with God.  Have you ever fallen in this spiritual trap?  Are you in it now?

At His Mercy – READ John 12:9-11

a) Lazarus’ life was in danger (v. 10) because of his closeness and friendship with Jesus. Over all, how would you evaluate your commitment to Jesus?

b) There is a direct relation between the totality of our commitment to God and being an effective witness (v. 11).  Based on this passage of scripture, what must change first before God will increase your fruitfulness?  Do you need to adjust?  How can we help?