Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Discussion Questions -- 3 John: Truth and Love

1. John is writing to a friend, Gaius, who is stuck in the middle of a church conflict led by Diotrephes, who doesn't respect John's authority. When you have found yourself stuck in similar situations, what has encouraged you the most? How does John encourage Gauis? [Hint: see verses 2 and 3]

2. Why are truth AND love both important to be a good encourager? 

3. Max DePree who said that  “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you.” How do we see John doing this? What are some practical ways you can become a better encourager in the same way?

4. In verse 9, John tells us that Diotrephes 'likes to put himself first.' Why is this such a destructive attitude? 

5. John Stott wrote about Diotrephes that "self-love vitiates all relationships." Do you agree? Why or why not? How can we overcome self-love to build each other up?

6. What is John's strategy for confronting Diotrephes? What do you notice him doing? 

7. John certainly remembered Jesus saying things like: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In what ways do you hear these teachings echoed in John's own thoughts in verse 11? Are the specific situations right now that you need to apply that same teaching? 

Sunday, November 11, 2018

John 21:15-25: Restoring Peter

John 21:15-25
Nov. 11, 2018

1. The context of Jesus' conversation with Peter is a meal (see verse 12 and 15). What is the significance of Jesus eating with Peter? How might this perspective inform our own meals with one another?

2. What is the significance of Jesus asking Peter (essentially) the same question three times, as well as charging him three times?

3. We often plan extensively for the future. What are the pros and cons of planning for the future? How does Jesus' command in verse 19 help us plan faithfully?

4. Jesus demonstrates that He pursues us relentlessly to restore us, not to reject us or lecture us. Why is this sometimes difficult for us to accept? What are the implications for our relationships with others? 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

John 21:1-14. A Touch of Wildness. 11/4/18 Discussion Questions

1. In 1940, Evelyn Underhill advised C.S. Lewis, "Perhaps what it all comes to us this, that I feel your concept of God would be improved by just a touch of wildness." Do you think this is true of all of us? Why or why not?

2. Read Luke 5:1-10 and compare that account with this one. What is the same? What is different? Why might Jesus have echoed that original call at this moment in His disciples' lives?

3. What caused Peter to jump in the water? How does that challenge our own response to Jesus?

4. What might be some reasons the disciples are questioning Jesus' identity now?

5. What did you learn about Jesus in this passage? What did you learn about following Jesus? What is one practical take-away from your discussion?