sample discussion questions

Monday, I shared my ongoing education in creating good questions for small groups.

Here's an example of some questions for the sermons in our current series on 2 Timothy. This study guide covers chapter 3 verses 10-13. I've already sat with one small group that discussed these questions from this weekend's sermon. Some of these questions generated good discussion, some not so much...Like I said...I'm always learning...

(The underlined text is the outline from the sermon.)


What has left its mark on you? Share a story about a scar or broken bone…

What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain…

A Christ-follower will live by:

1. Calling (10a)
Do you think most people, Christian or not, think of themselves as being “called” to something? Explain your answer.

a. Teaching
Share one unique aspect of a Christian’s call to teach:

b. Way of life
“Way of life” can be translated “conduct. ”Share one unique aspect of the Christian’s call in his or her conduct:

c. Purpose (1 Corinthians 9:16)
“Purpose” can also be translated your “aim in life.” Share one unique way that a Christian is called to live a life of purpose:

By 2006, there were 30 million copies of Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life in print. What do you think is the reason for the overwhelming success of a Christian book on purpose? Can you connect that to what Paul is saying here in verse 10?

2. Convictions (10b)

a. Faith (Hebrews 11:6)

b. Patience

c. Love (1 John 4:7-8)

d. Endurance
Share one way that some else’s endurance has encouraged you:

Read Hebrews 11:6 and 1 John 4:7,8. Share a reason you think Paul included these four convictions:

Which of these convictions is most difficult for you to manifest in your life? What is one reason for that?

3. Courage (11-13; Acts 13, 14)

“God’s way of escape is according to what is absolutely best for you.” Share one way that statement comforts you? One way it challenges you?

“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” If a Christian friend says, “I’ve never been persecuted; perhaps I’m not really a Christian…” What questions might you ask or advice might you give to help that friend?

We will be persecuted because we are Christ-followers, but we can be persecuted because we are obnoxious Christians. Share one way a person can be an obnoxious Christian? What are some ways we can help that person?

This week’s application:
-How should you complete the statement, “Woe to me if I do not…” (1 Corinthians 9:16)?
-Would the people who know you be able to identify your calling as a Christian? If so, how? If not, what is one thing you can do to change that?
-Which conviction is most lacking in your life? What is one thing you can do to change that?
-Send a note of encouragement to someone who is enduring, a note of thanks to someone whose endurance has encouraged you.
-Are you being persecuted as a Christ-follower? How? How are you responding? Reread the stories of courage from Acts 13 and 14.
-Are you persecuted because you are an obnoxious Christian? What is one thing you can do to change that?
-What else do you need to do as a result of what you’ve learned?