Questions for sermon on 25th may 2025 – Romans 13:8-14
Why does Paul say we should love our fellow human beings? (v8-10)
How should we respond to living in this time? (v12b-14)
Questions for sermon on 18th may 2025 – Romans 13:1-7
Intro
When it comes to commands, are you more of a policeman or a bandit? A rule keeper or a rule breaker?
Read v.1-7
For what reasons should Christians submit to governing authorities?
How do these verses change our thinking about those in authority….
- And who they are?
- And what they should do?
How does v.7 raise the standard on what submitting involves?
Choose an area of living under authority
- Driving/cycling
- Tax/benefit forms
- Talking about the government
- Relating to school/class and head teachers
- Workplace
- Other of your choice
In the area you’ve chosen, how have you been challenged?
What from Romans 12-13 renews your heart motivation to submit?
Questions for sermon on 11th may 2025 – Romans 12:9-21
Intro
- What sort of people is Paul writing to?
- See 12:1, 5:1-2, 6:6,22, 8:11
- How does that affect how we read these verses?
v.9-13
- What should be the features of our love for one another?
- What does each instruction imply about how we live by nature (if we weren’t Christians) e.g. – v.9 – we would love in a pretend/insincere way.
- How could you make sure v.11 is still happening in church life?
v.14-16
- What kind of relationships do v.15-16 assume?
- How does pride make this kind of living so difficult/impossible? Where has Paul spoken of our pride before in the chapter?
v.17-21
- What are the positive ways to respond to our enemies?
- How are those ways like the Lord Jesus? (see Luke 6:27-31, 36, 23:34 for help)
___________
Which way of being church here excites you most?
What do we need to keep believing to make progress in it?
Questions for sermon on 28th April 2025 – Romans 12:1-2
Which voices have the most airtime in your life?
- Family
- Friends
- Media/Social media
- Yourself
- God
___________
Why are Christians to offer their bodies as living sacrifices?
How has God shown mercy in Romans so far?
(see 3:21-26, 5:1-2, 8:1, 11:30-32)
How does each description of the sacrifices affect how we live for God?
How would you describe ‘true worship’ from v.1?
(How would you describe what we’re doing on Sunday mornings?)
___________
What will it mean to live as a sacrifice to God?
In what ways might these groups conform to the pattern of this world/age?
- 18-39 year olds
- 40-69 year olds
- 70 year olds and over
Why do we find it so hard not to conform?
What might it look like not to conform to the pattern of this world…
- …as I watch a film or the news?
- …as I chat with someone who is not a Christian?
- … as I engage with social media?
- …as I drive?
- …as I relate to those I’m closest to when no one else is watching?
According to 12:1-2 what should we do when we find ourselves conforming to the pattern of this world?
Questions for sermon on 30th March 2025 – Romans 11
Intro
How much time do you spend thinking about the place of the Jews today?
How does Paul expect us to leave this study?
11:1-10
What is the evidence that God has not rejected his people, the Jews?
How does that grace of God encourage us today?
11:11-15
How is God going to work through the hardening of the Jews?
How specifically are some Jew included back into God’s people?
What does that say, in general, about the importance of church life?
11:16-24
What is the message to the church in Rome from the olive tree analogy?
Why must they think about the sternness and kindness of God?
How should that affect the outlook of Gentile Christians today?
11:25-32
What does Paul underline about how God works his salvation plan?
What can we say about ALL God’s people, both Jew and Gentile?
11:33-36
Paul has been unpacking how God works to save many people by his grace.
Which particular things about how God does it cause you to echo v.33-36?
Questions for sermon on 23rd March 2025 – Romans 9:30-10:21
Intro
How would people generally answer the question, ‘What sort of people do you expect to be
Christians? What sort of people do you not expect to be Christians?’
v9:30 – 10:4
- What is so unexpected about God’s salvation plan?
- For what reasons did Israel not attain righteousness?
- Why is it worth praying still for Israel?
- How is Christ described in these verses? What do those phrases teach us about Christ?
- How might someone today be both zealous for God and yet not have righteousness?
v10:5-13
- What does Paul say Moses was describing back in Deuteronomy 30?
- What is Paul’s point about the message of faith?
- What do we learn about God’s righteousness in v.9-10? And in v.11-13?
- How does that make us respond?
v10:14-21
- What is needed for someone to call on the name of the Lord?
- In the whole chain of communication, which link would you say is weakest today?
- From what we’ve already seen, what will motivate us to have ‘beautiful feet’?
Summary
- In summary, according to chapter 9, why is anyone a Christian?
- According to chapter 10, why are people not Christians?
- What questions are we left with at the end of chapter 10?
Questions for sermon on 9th March 2025 – Romans 9:1-29
v.1-5
- How does Paul feel about the unbelief of his fellow Jews?
- Why is their unbelief so strange?
v.6-13
- Why has God’s Word not failed?
- What is the reason, and what are not the reasons, anyone is part of God’s people?
v.14-18
- Why is that not unjust of God?
- What should happen if God was just?
v.19-24
- Someone says, ‘why does God still blame me?’
- What does Paul say?
- What is God’s purpose in acting as he does?
v.25-29
- What is the makeup of God’s people, and why is it not a surprise?
_____________
What do these verses teach us about God?
For each of those truths about God, what is the fitting response?
Questions for sermon on 2nd March 2025 – John 6:35-40
- When is it hard to believe these words?
- How does this verse change/reinforce your understanding of what Jesus thinks of his people?
Questions for sermon on 23rd February 2025 – Hebrews 4:12-16
Questions for sermon on 16th February 2025 – Mathew 11:28-30
Ice breaker question
What would you say are some of the things that people long for out of life?
How might some of our unrealistic or even realistic expectations of life become
burdens that weigh us down?
Question 1 – What does Jesus ask people to do in v.28?
1a) What does this tell us about God posture towards people?
- God invites people to himself
- He wants to be a source of comfort and rest
- God encourages relationship
1b) What does this mean for those addressed?
- There is a responsibility to reply to the invitation
- God wants us to respond
1c) What might coming to Jesus look like?
Question 2 – Who does Jesus ask us to come to?
2a) Can you list some of the great joys of belonging to a church family?
2b) Are there some aspects of church life that can be enjoyed in other social clubs
and fellowships?
- Music
- Friendship
- Tea, Coffee
- “Inspirational talks”
- Moral guidance
- Youth groups
2c) If there are aspects of church life that can be enjoyed elsewhere why do we
invite people to come to church specifically?
- When we invite others to church what sort of experience are we inviting them to?
- We’re inviting people to church to meet Jesus himself.
- This is or should be the main reason for inviting others to church. We want them to meet Jesus himself.
Question 3 – Who does Jesus invite to come to him?
3a) What burdens do you think people might be carrying?
- In the context on Matthew the burden is an inability to live guilt free lives. This is exacerbated by the traditions and laws given by the religious leaders.
- There is no reason to believe that burdens would not include the general suffering and sorrow experienced in life.
3b) Are there any too burdened or too far gone to be invited to Jesus?
- Jesus says come to me ALL you who are burdened…
3c) Who are the least likely to come to Jesus?
- Those who feel they need no help
- Those who do not believe they are sick/sinners
3d) When you are going through tough times is Jesus your first port of call? When
you’re stricken with guilt over the past do you turn to Christ?
3e) When you speak to others who are troubled by sin and going through tough
situations how likely are you to direct them to Jesus?
Question 4 – What does Jesus promise to those who come to him?
4a) What sort of rest do you think Jesus promises? (See v.29)
- This is a rest for our souls?
4b) Does the rest Jesus provide mean there is no burden? (See v.29)
4c) What is the difference between our burdens and the yoke we receive from
Jesus?
- Jesus’s yoke is easy and his burden is light
4d) Jesus tells us to take up his yoke. What is the other command given to us in
v.29? Why might this be a comfort?
- We’re to learn from him
- There is always more to learn in the struggles of life the comfort here is knowing there is someone who will be guiding us along the way.
4d) What is it about Jesus himself that is comforting?
- He is gentle and humble in heart
How is Matthew 11:28-30 a personal comfort to you?
How would you share the comfort you receive here with others?
Questions for sermon on 5th January 2025 – Luke 7:36-50
Question 1
Who has invited Jesus to a meal and why is this strange?
See – Luke 5:21, 30; 6:2, 7, 11
Question 2
A woman now appears on the scene.
What is her reputation in the town?
What does she do?
Would you feel comfortable as an onlooker?
Question 3
How does the Pharisee interpret the scene that plays out before his eyes? What
does this scene tell him about Jesus?
– What did he think a godly/holy man should do in the presence of a sinner?
Question 4
Who does the Pharisee raise his concerns with in v.39? What is the irony of v.40
given the Pharisees concerns?
Question 5
How does Jesus’ parable reinterpret the scene with the woman? Why does she
show such extravagant love toward Jesus?
Question 6
How does the woman’s actions toward Jesus contrast with the Pharisees hospitality?
(Vv.44-47)
How was the Pharisees identity and understanding challenged by the parable?
– What does he have in common with the woman?
– What is the difference between him and the woman?
Question 7
If the woman has acted out of thankfulness and love toward Jesus because her sins
have been forgiven why dos Jesus then say – “Your sins are forgiven?” in v.49?
(What response does it provoke)
Question 8
Was this woman saved because of her devotion or was her devotion a response to
being saved? – How do you know?
Question 9
Why did this event happen? Who was the great beneficiary of God’s wisdom and
insight in this narrative?
Application
How might we be just like Simon in this story?
In what ways do our lives demonstrate an acceptable hospitality toward Jesus
tolerated secular unbelieving world?
What would being more extravagant towards Jesus look like in our context?
How could you demonstrate your love for Jesus
What is it that drives us toward loving Jesus with absolute devotion?
Questions for sermon on 1st December 2024 – Romans 8:28-29
Introduction
It might be a good idea to read all of Romans 8 as you begin your study. In todays
passage Paul is going to be summing up Romans 8 as well as the previous 7
chapters bringing it to a wonderful conclusion.
Once you have read through Romans 8 ask your group to list the things that give us
assurance of the salvation we have in Christ.
Questions…
Question 1
In the previous passage vv.26-27 there is an acknowledgement that we do not
always know what to pray for.
1) Who intercedes for us?
2) What are his prayers aligned with?
How might the will of God be different to our will in times of suffering?
Question 2
How is the first half of v.28 (In all things God works for the good of those who love
him) a comfort to us when our wills do not align with God’s in v.27?
Question 3
The second half of v.28 says “God works for the good of those who have been called
according to his purpose”. What does v.29 offer as God’s purpose for those he has
called?
How does this purpose give meaning to all that we face in life? How might this
purpose reshape the way we think about the trials and suffering we might
experience?
Question 4
Romans 8:28-39 is set in the context of innocent and faithful suffering. (We have
Psalm 44 quoted twice). It might be good to read Psalm 44 to get a feel for the
subject matter addressed in Romans 8
Quick Questions
Psalm 44
o In vv.1-7 what does the Psalmist credit God with?
o In v.8 what do given v.1-7
o What changes in v.9
o Who does the Psalmist recognise as being in control? Vv.9-14
o Are God’s people facing these circumstances because of sin and
unfaithfulness? Vv.17-21
Question 5
How does Psalm 44 give weight to Romans 8:28 in the context of suffering?
Question 6
List all that is said about God and his relationship to us in vv.29-30. How do these
verses give us assurance in what might seem like an uncertain future?
– Aid
– Ephesians 1:4 helps understand what foreknew and predestined means
– This list is all set in the past tense. This is to show that our future is so certain
that in God’s hands all has been accomplished already.
Question 7
In vv.31-34 what are the perceived threats and what is it that nullifies them?
Where in now and what is he doing on our behalf?
Question 8
What is Paul concerned to assure us of in v.35-39?
Note that Paul points specifically to the “love” of God and of Christ v.35, 37, 39!!!
How does Psalm 44 end?
How might this be a comfort to us in times of suffering?
Question 9 – Application
1) If God’s purpose is that we are conformed to the image of Christ through all
things
a. Is there any situation in life that we might consider unprofitable for
growth in Christ? (No – in ALL things)
2) How does God’s purpose for us shape how we relate to
a. Brothers and sisters in Christ that we disagree with?
b. Children we’re raising or helping to raise?
c. Husbands or Wives when we’re not seeing eye to eye.
d. Responsibilities we have that seem overwhelming.
e. Responsibilities we’d love to shirk.
Questions for sermon on 24th November 2024 – Romans 8:17-26
Question 1
As Children of God what are three things we share with Christ?
Question 2
How does v.18 provide perspective for a Christians view of suffering?
Question 3
a) How do the following verses help us to understand what part of our
inheritance in Christ is? (Romans 8:17)
Read – Psalm 2:7-9 & Romans 4:13
b) How might the following verses aid our understanding. What do these verses
say about the responsibility God has given and will give to mankind?
Read – Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:3-8 & Romans 5:17
c) How do the verses above help us understand creations longing in v.19 and
21?
d) On a side note – What is the true solution to concerns we may have for the
environment?
Question 4
What is it that creation has that enables it to patiently endure, frustration, futility and
decay?
How might this help us when we experience the frustrations of life, a lack of fulfilment
or decaying bodies?
Question 5
Who groans in vv.22-27?
Is groaning a pleasant experience?
How does the illustration labour pains tie in with the theme of hope in vv.20, 24-25?
What help do we have in our groaning and weakness? (V.26)
What comfort is to be had when we just do not know what to pray for?
How does v.28 give more meaning to Holy Spirits prayer for us in v.27?
Questions for sermon on 17th November 2024 – Romans 8:1-17
v.1-4 (A new Law of Life)
1) What condition does Paul find himself in at the end of Chapter 7? (Rom 7:14-
20; 21-23)
2) How does 8:1 give assurance to Christians struggling against sin?
3) Why is their no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (See v.2)
4) What was the law powerless to do? V.3 What was the problem?
5) What did God do to overcome the problem of sin? (v.3)
6) What is the result of God’s work (v.4)
v.5-8 Two mind-sets
1) Describe the two mind-sets found in vv.5-8
2) Are non-Christians able to please God?
vv.9-11
1) What is Paul so certain about as he addresses Christians? (v.9)
2) Christians still face death but what confidence can we have? (vv.10-11)
v.12-13
1) What obligation do we have? What obligation do we no longer have?
2) How is our obligation accomplished v.13
v.14-17
1) What is our new identity in the Spirit?
2) What does this new identity mean for our present and our future?
3) How might this new identity give you reason to turn from sin?
If you skim through the passage try and list all the elements that give you assurance
of salvation through faith in Christ
Questions for sermon on 10th November 2024 – Romans 7
Intro
How would go about doing a moral clean-up of your life?
v.1-6
What has happened to the Christian?
How has it happened?
How did the law affect us before?
What is different now?
v.7-13
How is the law helpful?
How is the law hijacked?
When does the ‘law’ stir up sin in you?
v.14-25
What is positive about Paul’s present experience?
What is negative about Paul’s present experience?
How would you describe the experience of being a Christian from these verses?
What should be our expectations be about sin in the Christian life?
How should we respond when we’re discouraged by sin in our lives?
How are we going to grow in holiness as Christians?
How might we be tempted to keep some rules to grow as Christians?
Questions for sermon on 3rd November 2024 – Romans 6:15-23
Intro
What is your first response to the idea of slavery?
Can you think of any positive form of slavery?
v.15-23
Before being a Christian…
…to whom/what were people slaves?
What was life like and what was the fruit?
Someone says, ‘I don’t want to be a Christian. I want to be free!’
What would Paul say to that person?
How are people transferred out of slavery to sin?
After becoming a Christian…
… to whom/what are Christians slaves?
What is life like and what is the fruit?
At the moment in your Christian life, what do you most need to offer to God?
A deed, a word, a thought?
What from these verses will best motivate us to live a life of holiness and not sinfulness?
Questions for sermon on 20th October 2024 – Romans 6:1-14
Intro
Why might the gospel of grace seem a scandal?
How would you put v.1 into your own words?
v.2-11
Find all the places in v1-11 that refer to the Christian being united with Christ.
How does mentioning baptism help?
What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for the Christian?
What was the purpose of our old self dying with Christ?
What does it mean and not mean to have ‘died to sin’?
Before the Christian takes any action against sin, what needs to happen?
v.12-14
How is this response different from telling someone to do their best and try hard?
Pick 2 of the following ‘parts of the body’: eyes, ears, hands, feet, hopes, loves.
Being as specific as you can, how might we offer those parts to sin?
And how should we offer them to God?
Questions for sermon on 6th October 2024 – Luke 16:19-31
Intro: On Australian beaches there are signs saying, ‘Danger! Sharks! No swimming!’
What would you say to a mother who complains that the signs are frightening her daughter?
How does that parallel help us understand the motive of Jesus in speaking of hell?
v. 19-26
Before they die what are the differences between the two characters?
Before they die, how can you tell who will end up where?
How would you describe the experience of hell for the rich man?
What is Abraham’s answer to his plea for help?
What do these verses add to Jesus’ teaching on hell?
Matt 25:30, 46
2 Thess. 1:8-9
v.27-31
What is the way to avoid hell according to these verses?
How is that both an encouragement and a challenge for Christians?
What will the Christians’ response to hell be?
Questions for sermon on 29th September 2024 – Revelation 21:1-8
Questions for sermon on 22nd September 2024 – Luke 19:11-27
Intro: What is your reaction to the idea of ‘rewards’? What concerns might we have?
v.11-14
What kind of thinking is this parable addressing? How might we fall into this thinking?
What do we learn about the master here?
v.15-19
Judging from the context of this passage, what is the master’s work?
What do we learn about ‘rewards’ here?
What else becomes clear about the master?
How do the servants describe what has happened? Why is that significant?
v.20-26
Why is the third servant described as ‘wicked’ (v.22)? What is his mistake?
What kind of wrong thinking might stop us engaging in the master’s work?
What excuses might we make?
How could we be more mindful of all that Jesus has given us and all that he promises us?
Which verse/phrase will encourage you to keep living faithfully for the king until he returns?
Questions for sermon on 15th September 2024 – Matthew 25:31-46
Intro: How does the thought of final judgement make you feel? How do you think it should make you feel?
v.31-33
What will the coming of the Son of Man be like?
What does Jesus say about the final judgement here?
v.34-46
What seems to be the basis of judgement?
Which verses show this isn’t salvation by good deeds?
Read John 3:36, 2 Thess. 1:8-9
What do these verses say about the basis of final judgement? What is surprising in these verse?
Read Romans 14:12, Hebrews 4:13
What do these verses also say about judgement?
Read 1 Peter 1:17
What is the reminder for Christians here about their status before God? And how should Christians live now?
Read 1 Peter 2:20-23
How does Jesus’ death help us live with injustice?
Having seen some of what the Bible says, how does the thought of final judgment now make you feel?
Questions for sermon on 8th September 2024 – Matthew 24
What comes to mind when you think of the return of Jesus?
Questions for sermon on 28th July 2024 – Psalm 3
- What do you tend to do when you are under pressure?
2. Who is against David, what are they saying?
3. How does David respond in verses 3 and 4?
a.Why is the fact that David calls out to the LORD significant?
Questions for sermon on 30th June 2024 – Song of Songs 1:1-2:7
How do you feel about looking at the Song of Songs on Sundays/in small groups?
Why do you think you feel that?
————————————-
- How would you describe the mood of these verses?
- What is the young woman wanting?
- How does the young man respond to the woman?
- What can we learn about sexual desire and love?
- Why is it difficult for Christians to keep believing what we learn?
- How does the experience of this couple compare to our experience of relationships (whether we’re married or single)?
- How does the fulfilment of this couple’s relationship (the relationship of Christ and his people) reassure us and comfort us?
- Why might we find it hard to hear Christ’s love for us in the terms of this song?
- How could we hear his love in the song more?
Questions for sermon on 23rd June 2024 – Romans 5:12-21
Opener:
In what ways do we feel the pain of a world under death?
What does it say & what does it mean:
- What are the consequences of the first man’s sin? (v12)
- What difference does it make whether or not people know God’s commands? (v13-14)
- In what way was Adam ‘a pattern’ of Jesus (v14)?
- What words are used (in the whole passage) to describe the one thing Adam did, and the one thing Jesus did?
- How does Paul signal (in the whole passage) that the grace of Jesus is stronger than the sin of Adam?
- How does the one thing Jesus did affect all Christians?
- In verse 17, who or what are the two alternative rulers of the world?
- How did God’s law make things worse (v20)?
So what:
- The Bible teaches that all the pain in the world is the result of being in a world under sin. How do our responses to pain and death often ignore this, and how can we help one another to respond in a way that takes account of needing rescue from sin?
- How is it different to say, ‘I sometimes commit sins’ from saying, ‘I am a sinner’? Why is the latter so much deeper and more serious?
- As you look at your own life and history, in what ways can you see that Adam was a good and fair representative for you?
- Why do we find it hard to believe that Jesus’ one act of obedience can change us from sinners to righteous? Why would our pride prefer this change to be done in some other way?
- What difference does this teaching about a new humanity make to the way we treat one another in the church?
- How does overflowing grace change the way we think about those outside the church?
Pray:
How precious is Christ’s active obedience to you? How have these verses caused you to love the Lord Jesus more?
Questions for sermon on 9th June 2024 – Romans 5:1-11
Intro
What do you love to talk about?
v.1-2a
How would you explain ‘justified through faith in Christ’ in v.1? (see 4:5, 7-8 for ideas!)
What are the great blessings that come from justification?
How does the Bible understand those things differently from the world?
v.2b-4
What does it mean/not mean to rejoice in sufferings?
How is it even possible to do that?
Which words or phrases here might help you to rejoice in suffering?
v.5-8
How can we know our hope won’t disappoint us?
How can we be sure of God’s love today? How do we normally measure God’s love for us?
What is different about God’s love?
v.9-11
How can we be reassured about the future day of judgement? Why is it important to be sure?
If we find ourselves rejoicing in other things apart from God and our hope, what could we do?
How does this passage help you to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God?
If everyone in a church rejoiced in God more than anything else, what difference would that make to church life and witness?
Questions for sermon on 2nd June 2024 – Mark 10:32-45
v.32-34
Jesus has predicted his death twice before in 8:31-32 and 9:30-32.
What do the disciples learn newly here?
v.35-40
How are the disciples thinking wrongly about what it means to follow Jesus?
What is the answer to Jesus’ question in v.38?
Whose decision is the seating plan in Jesus’ glory?
In what ways do we think similarly wrongly about following Jesus? How might it show itself in our lives?
v.41-45
Why do you think the 10 others reacted as they did?
How does Jesus describe worldly greatness? How might that infect our thinking/church life?
How is Christian greatness different? And why?
Read Daniel 7:13-14. Why is what Jesus did remarkable?
What can I do if I find it hard to accept what it means to follow Jesus?
What might the Christian look like who forgets what it means to follow Jesus? What will they prize and what will they despise?
What might the church look like that understands what it means to follow Jesus?
Which verses here are ‘the engine’ for following Jesus the right way?
Questions for sermon on 12th May 2024 – Romans 3:21-31
Intro
What is Paul’s main point in the letter back in 1:16-17?
What has he just been showing in 1:18-3:20?
The words ‘righteous’ and ‘justify’ and associated adjective and verbs are the same word group in the original language. How many times does that word appear in this paragraph?
v.21-26
How does Paul show this righteousness is publicly revealed?
Why is trust in Jesus the only way to be rescued?
What does the death of Jesus achieve for us?
How?
What does the death of Jesus prove about God?
What reason is normally given for God sending his Son? How does that compare with the reason here?
v.27-31
What application does Paul draw? Why is that the application?
What is right/wrong about these statements?
- On the cross, God forgave our sin
- Jesus took our sins away
- At the cross, God overcame his justice with his love
Questions for sermon on 5th May 2024 – Romans 4:1-25
Intro
What does the world think faith is?
v.1-8
How does Paul show that Abraham was not justified by works?
How does David say the same thing?
What is astonishing about God here?
v.9-12
How does Paul show that Abraham was not justified by circumcision?
Why was Abraham not made righteous by circumcision?
How does that help us think rightly about our involvement in church life?
v.13-17a
How does Paul show Abraham was not justified by obedience to the Law?
What were the promises made to Abraham? Why did they not come by works of the Law?
In each case above, what is Paul saying about how we are justified before God?
How would you explain that to a non Christian?
v.17b-25
How could you define faith from these verses?
How was Abraham able to have faith in his impossible circumstances?
When might we doubt our justification?
What can we hold on to about God, from these verses, that will strengthen our faith?
Robert Murray McCheyne – “For every one look to yourself, take ten looks at Christ!”
Questions for sermon on 28th April 2024 – Romans 3:1-20
Intro
‘I just can’t believe in a God who would judge’
How might someone justify that view today?
v.1-8
What is the advantage for being a Jew?
What advantage did the unconverted Jew think they had?
What did they seem to think God’s faithfulness meant?
How does quoting Psalm 51 (v.4) help answer them?
Why does the argument in v.5 not work?
Why does the argument in v.7 not work?
How might we paint God in a bad/false light when it comes to his judgement of people?
How might someone today think it unreasonable of God to punish people?
v.9-18
What has Paul been trying to establish?
What do these verses say about
– the root of sin?
– the scope of sin?
– the signs of sin?
Even as Christians, how do these expressions of sin show themselves in us?
v.19-20
What is the point of all the quotations?
What does the Bible do and what can’t it do?
If no one is right with God without Christ, how does that shape our attitude to:-
– God?
– ourselves?
– the world around?
– other Christians?
Questions for sermon on 10th March 2024 – Romans 2:1-29
Intro
What kind of people has Paul been talking about in chapter 1?
v.1-5
What kind of people is Paul now addressing in chapter 2?
What does Paul say about the current experience and future prospects of those people?
How can we be like these people?
v.6-11
What is the basis of God’s judgement? Who will be judged this way?
How are the two groups of people described? How does that help to identify them?
What does God’s judgement say about the importance of living the Christian life?
v.12-24
What is Paul’s message to the religious person?
Why might we need to hear that message too?
What happens when professing believers are not real believers?
v.25-29
What is needed for someone to be in the real people of God?
What outward and physical things might we wrongly rely on?
How can we avoid becoming unrepentant for our sin?
How does this chapter help grow the church in unity and harmony?
How does this chapter help grow our compassion for the world?
Questions for sermon on 25th February 2024 – Romans 1:8-17
Think of an example use of the phrase, ‘you’re preaching to the converted!’
v.8-15
What does Paul want and why?
What does he evidently believe about who needs the gospel?
How does that compare to what we tend to think?
If we are to bear more fruit in our lives, what is needed according to Paul?
v.16-17
Why is Paul unashamed of the gospel?
What is it about the gospel that means it can save?
How do the truths of v.16-17 encourage humility and unity in the local church?
In what ways could we increasingly proclaim the gospel to each other?
What, from these verses, should motivate us to do that more?
Questions for sermon on 18th February 2024 – Romans 1:1-7
How does Paul describe himself? How does affect how we hear the letter?
What does Paul say about the gospel?
How does Paul make clear who Jesus is?
What does Paul say about the recipients of the gospel?
And the response to the gospel?
To what extent does your understanding of the gospel match Paul’s?
Where are you adrift? What might you underplay?
How are Christians described? How does that affect how we hear the letter?
Questions for sermon on 7th January 2024 – Philemon
Read the whole letter.
What do we learn about the relationships between
- Paul and Philemon?
- Paul and Onesimus?
- Philemon and Onesimus?
v.1-7
What does Paul value in Philemon?
How does that compare with we value in other believers?
What does Paul want for Philemon? Why does he want that?
As we pray v.6 for each other this year, what can we be doing to make v.6b happen?
v.8-16
What change has happened in Onesimus?
What does Paul want in the situation?
How does that explain Paul’s manner in the letter?
What does Philemon need to understand about the situation?
v.17-25
How should Philemon welcome Onesimus?
How can Philemon be expected to welcome Onesimus back like that?
How might the world tell Philemon to treat Onesimus? And so what will Philemon need to set aside to welcome Onesimus?
Why is it so important then that Philemon welcomes him back the right way? What is at stake?
If we’re to ‘welcome’ other Christians, including those who may have wronged us, what do we need to remember?
What did Christ need to set aside to welcome us?
What will happen as we ‘welcome’ even those who have wronged us? (v.6)
Questions for sermon on 3rd December 2023 – Titus 1-8
Introduction
Who would you say is a ‘good’ person?
Read Titus 3:1-8
How does God want Christians to live?
How do you react to what God wants?
Why can’t a non-Christian live a good life?
How can a person get out of that position?
Who takes action?
Why do they take action?
How do they take action? Why is it more than just turning over a new leaf?
What exactly does Titus need to do so that people devote themselves to doing what is good?
What might it be like to live by faith in what God has done in us?
Questions for sermon on 26th November 2023 – Romans 3:9-26
The Cross – Justification
Introduction
How confident are you about God’s final day verdict?
Why do you have that much/little confidence?
Read Romans 3:9-20
What is mankind’s position before God?
What response can be given to this position?
Read Romans 3:21-26
(the words ‘justify’/’justice’ are the same word group in the original language as the words ‘righteousness’/’righteous’. So in some form the word comes 7 times in this paragraph.)
Where does justification come from?
How does justification happen?
Who is justification for?
Why is justification still fair?
_____________
Whose verdict and approval are you tempted to live for?
What is life like when you do that?
What would it take for you to enjoy God’s verdict of the last day now? What in these verses reassures you?
Questions for sermon on 19th November 2023 – Romans 6:1-14
Many Christians know the feeling of giving in to temptation because ‘God will forgive me anyway!’ Or as Paul puts it in v.1, the thought that says, ‘Shall we go on sinning so that grace may abound?’
How does Paul answer that thought?
How does baptism display what’s happened to a Christian?
How has a Christian’s relationship to sin changed?
How would you put v.11 in your own words?
What response is Paul calling for in v.12-14? How is it different from telling people to do their best and turn over a new leaf?
What is a common temptation to sin for you?
What, from these verses, can you say to yourself at that moment?
Questions for sermon on 12th November 2023 – Isaiah 52:13-53:12
52 v.13-15
What will the servant accomplish despite appearances?
53 v.1-3
How do verses 1-3 explain why people reject Jesus today?
53 v.4-6
How is sin described here?
How is the cross explained here?
Who is at work in the cross?
How would you explain to a non Christian from these verses what is happening on the cross?
53 v.7-9
How did Jesus approach the cross?
53 v.10-12
What is the result of the cross in these verses?
How does this passage help your understanding of the cross?
How does this passage make you feel about the cross?
Questions for sermon on 5th November 2023 – John 17:1-26
Big Idea: Jesus prays for glory in God’s continued mission to the world.
Aim: Recognise Jesus has sent us out into the world to bring him glory by making the Father known.
Potential Structure
Prayer 1 – Glorification in mission vv.1-3
Prayer 2 – Return to Glory vv.4-8
Prayer 3 – Protection for disciples vv.9-15
Prayer 4 – Sanctification in Truth vv.16-19
Prayer 5 – Unity in Mission vv.20-23
Prayer 6 – Destiny of Disciples v.24
Prayer 7 – Perseverance through the Spirit vv.25-26
Introduction Question:
Where and when do people receive glory and honour?
Questions
1. Jesus prays to be glorified. How does Jesus’ reference to “the hour” help us understand where he and the Father will be glorified? (See John 12:27; 13:1).
2. What has the Father given Jesus?
Authority over all flesh (v.2)
Authority to give eternal life (v.2)
People (v.2, 6×2, 9, 24)
Work (v.4)
Everything (v.7)
Words (v.8)
Name (v.11, 12)
Glory (v.22)
3. What has Jesus given to others?
Eternal life (v.2)
Words (v.8, 14)
Glory (v.22)
Jesus prays for the Fathers name to protect the disciples (v.11)
Jesus will pray for the disciples’ work (v.17)
The Question of Mission
5. Where is Jesus going? Where are Jesus disciples going to be? (See vv. 11, 13, 15, 18)
6. What are the disciples going to need in the world? (v.12, 15, 17)
(Aside) Question of Judas .
Take a look at the following references to Judas in John’s gospel how is he described?
John 6:64 – Judas is known by Jesus as being an unbeliever
John 6:70 – Judas is said to be a devil
John 13:18 – Jesus knows Judas is going to betray him (Scriptures fulfilled)
John 13:27 – Satan enters into Judas
John 17 – Son of destruction (the one destined to be lost)
John 17 – This happens that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.
How is Jesus’ prayer in v.15 a comfort to us?
7. Jesus prays that the disciples are sanctified (Set apart to serve). What service do you think we might be called to?
8.
a) How does Jesus define eternal life? (V.3)
b) How does this help us understand where Muslim’s, Jehovah Witnesses, other religions, and the secular world stands with regard to eternal life?
c) What or who does the world need to know to receive eternal life?
d) How do you suppose those outside of Christ might come to this knowledge?
9. How did the disciples receive eternal life? (v.6)
10. How does v.20 expand on how people might come to know about the Father and receive eternal life?
11. In v.8 what is it that disciples believe and know?
12. In v.21-23 what is the purpose of unity among disciples? Why might this be the highest call on our lives? (See v.6 and 8 what is it that Jesus did?)
13. What is our future hope (v.24)? And what help have we got until we reach that destination (v.26)?
Important verses to consider and highlight – v.13, 23, 26
Questions for sermon on 29th October 2023 – John 16:17-33
Big Idea: Jesus’ death and resurrection establishes a personal relationship with the Father and a joy that cannot be taken away.
Application: Pray that the Father would sustain you in times of trouble with an inexpressible joy.
Q.1 What is the confusion about in vv.16-18? What do you think Jesus is referring to?
Q.2 In vv.19-22 Jesus tells the disciples what they are going to go through in the near future. How will the disciples experience in the near future contrast with that of the world?
Q.3 What hope is held out for the disciples and is it worth the pain, anguish, and grief? (vv.20-22)
Q.4 What two blessings will the disciples receive in “that day” and how will they make up for their confusion and grief? (v.23-24)
Confusion gives way to clarity v.23
In vv.23 the disciples will have clarity and will not need to ask Jesus anything. This is in contrast to their current situation where everyone is confused and wants to ask Jesus. It is also the situation the disciples think they have gained in v.30.
Grief gives way to joy with an intimate relationship with the Father v.24
Important to notice that the prayer life we have with the Father is the source of complete joy!
Q.5 How do vv.25-28 reinforce the blessings to be received in vv.23-27?
Q.6 In vv.29-32 the disciples now claim to know what Jesus is talking about. What does Jesus say that makes us realise the disciples are not quite on the same page?
Q.7 Why has Jesus told the disciples “These things” v.33?
Q.8 What is the warning and comfort of v.33?
Application
Q.1 To whom does Jesus direct us for a secure and lasting source of joy?
Q.2 Jesus says that when he sees the disciples again they will have rejoice and their sorrow will be turned to joy. Why is it important to realise this joy is a joy to be had now and not simply when Jesus returns in judgement?
The joy that Jesus is speaking about is a joy that the disciples will have after they have seen him resurrected from the dead. This is a joy to be had in the world before the second coming. The world will still provide trials and tribulation v.33 but in the midst of that there is a joy and peace to be had!
Trials are not evidence of God’s hand against us. They are part and parcel of what living in the world brings. The Father loves us v.27 and he does not abandon his children in trials v.32.
Q.3 Who could you run to when you find yourself in times of trouble? What is the comforting truth that we can hold onto when times are tough? How might v.33 bring us peace?
Questions for sermon on 8th October 2023 – John 15:18–16:4
Which relationships for the believer has Jesus dealt with in John 15:1-17?
Which relationship does he turn to now?
What does Jesus say about why the world will hate his disciples?
What do we learn about the status of Jesus’ disciples?
What do we learn about the nature of the world?
What are disciples supposed to do in the world?
How are they able to do that?
What would the Christian look like who forgot….
…the hatred of the world?
…the help of the Holy Spirit?
What might/might not be happening in the Christian who never experiences any adverse reaction from the world?
Which relationships for the believer has Jesus dealt with in John 15:1-17?
Which relationship does he turn to now?
What does Jesus say about why the world will hate his disciples?
What do we learn about the status of Jesus’ disciples?
What do we learn about the nature of the world?
What are disciples supposed to do in the world?
How are they able to do that?
What would the Christian look like who forgot….
…the hatred of the world?
…the help of the Holy Spirit?
What might/might not be happening in the Christian who never experiences any adverse reaction from the world?
Questions for sermon on 1st October 2023 – John 15:1-17
Intro
What do you find most encouraging to hear at Christian funerals?
v.1-8
How do we know fruit is important to God?
How does that affect how we manage trials?
What does the believer do to bear fruit?
What does Jesus say about what it means to do that?
How practically can we remember that remaining in Jesus is relational?
v.9-17
What does it mean to remain in Jesus’ love (v.9)?
In Jesus instructions to disciples, what analogy does he use?
What does obedience show about a person?
How does that highlight the privilege of being a disciple?
How are you already loving each other as a group (which is a great sign of being Jesus’ disciples)?
What more could you do to love each other and the wider church family as Jesus loves?
Summary
What is vital to remember is the source of all fruit?
What can you keep doing/do for the first time…
…to remain in Jesus’ words?
…to remain in Jesus’ love?
Questions for sermon on 24th September 2023 – John 14:15-31
Intro
What has been your greatest experience of God?
v.15-24
What does Jesus say about…
- who the Holy Spirit is?
- what the Holy Spirit does?
How will it be better for the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit than to be with Jesus?
How can you tell a person who has and who hasn’t received the Holy Spirit?
According to Jesus, what’s the link between love and obedience in the Christian life?
What would you say from these verses to the person who says, ‘I really want to experience God in my life’?
v.25-31
How does Jesus prepare his disciples for his departure?
Why is the Spirit’s help for them so important for us?
When Jesus speaks of ‘peace’, what is he stating and what is he commanding them? Why does that distinction matter for the Christian life?
What does Jesus say are and are not the reasons for him going to the cross?
Why does he tell the disciples that? How does that help us?
Give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ provision for disciples.
Questions for sermon on 17th September 2023 –John 14:5-14
v.5-7
Looking at chapter 13 and esp. v.8b, how is Jesus the way?
Looking at 7:16 and 12:29, in what sense is Jesus the truth?
Looking at 1:4, 3:36, 5:26, in what sense is Jesus the life?
When might you be ashamed of Jesus’ words in v.6?
How do Jesus’ words in v.6…
– humble you?
– comfort you?
– motivate you?
v.8-11
What is Philip not understanding?
Why at is Jesus saying about how we ‘see’ God?
What do Jesus’ words say to the person who wants an experience of God?
What would you say to the person, ‘it’s ok for Philip. He saw Jesus face to face’? (see also John 20:30-31)
v.12-14
What does Jesus promise his disciples?
- Read John 5:20-24
How does Jesus help us understand the promise in 14:12?
Why does Jesus say believers will do ‘greater things’?
How does that help us understand when and how the ‘greater things’ will happen?
How do the ‘greater things’ help us understand what it means to ask Jesus for anything ‘in his name’?
How do these verses help with Philip’s question in v.8?
How do these verses change how we think about sharing Jesus words and praying in Jesus’ name?