Discussion question for February 24, 2023.

It seems like people fall into one of two general categories regarding conflict, they either attempt to avoid it or they enter into it head-on.  How does avoiding conflict benefit a person?  What are some strategies you have seen or deployed to avoid it?  What generally happens to the parties involved when conflict is avoided?  How does engaging conflict head-on benefit a person?  What are some strategies you have seen or deployed to enter into it?  What generally happens to the parties involved when conflict is addressed?  What would you like to be able to accomplish whenever conflict arises?  What stands in your way of resolving conflict amicably?

Discussion question for February 17, 2023.

First Corinthians 13 is considered the “love chapter” of the Bible because it contains description and outcomes of true love.  How would you describe unconditional love?  What are the primary characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of love?  When have you experienced unconditional love?  What did it feel like, and what did it make you believe to be true?  How effective are you at offering love unconditionally, and to whom?  What is one thing that stands in the way of a person being able to love like this?

Discussion question for February 10, 2023.

The disciples, except Judas Iscariot, were considered apostles; and Paul made the argument that he was also an apostle.  How do you define the role of apostle?  What is the responsibility or duty of an apostle?  Who assigns that title, and in what way does that matter?  How much apostleship do you demonstrate with your life?  What more do you aspire to in this regard?  Some believe the role of apostle was closed after the disciples, so what difference does it make to the body of Christ if you believe that or disagree with it?

Discussion question for February 3, 2023.

The disciples appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23), Paul instructed Timothy to appoint elders (2 Tim 2:2), and Titus to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5).  What do you understand the role of elder to be?  Who have been your elder role models?  What are the qualifications for elder, and how well do you meet them?  When and where do you act as an elder?  What gets in the way of acting in this role for you?  How can God raise up more elders for His kingdom?

Discussion question for January 27, 2023.

We are called a chosen people and a royal priesthood according to 1 Peter 2:9-10.  What do you understand to be the role of a priest?  How do you make time in your average day to minister to God?  What does it mean to you to act as a mediator between God and people?  How do you define these “people” and who is included in that definition?  Who are your priestly examples that influence your understanding of your priestly role?  What attributes and character traits are depicted in the best priestly role models?  What concerns or cautions do you have about being a priest, and what can get in the way of your effectiveness?  How do you protect the holy and expand the body of believers?

Discussion question for January 20, 2023.

The mature man has come to know that God provides more than enough of everything we need.  What motivates you to manage resources well?  How do you describe the difference between acting as a steward versus acting as an owner?  What standards of performance to you consider to guide your decisions?  How do you know the will of God toward the resources He entrusts to you?  Who benefits from your wisdom and obedience to God’s will?

Discussion question for January 13, 2023.

A parent is able to care for someone other than himself without expecting anything in return.  How does the principle of contribution apply to grandparents, or anyone who is thinking in a multi-generational context?  What values and convictions do you hope to pass along to your children and beyond?  How are you preparing the transfer?  What part of your calendar represents the fact that “truth is more often caught than taught”?  Psalm 86:17 asks the Lord to show a sign of His favor; what signs has He shown you?  How do you relate those signs to others?  How have you seen your influence expressed in your family, your church, your community, and other aspects of your environment?

Discussion question for January 6, 2023.

Mature people are able to see beyond their own circumstances to care for others and contribute to something bigger than themselves.  What contributions have you or are you making that will extend beyond your life?  How do your strengths and gifts impact your ability to contribute?  How would you describe the part of God’s character that is manifested through generations?  What legacies are you part of?  What motivates you to invest in a future thing in which you will not directly participate?  What have you learned from the Biblical record regarding this aspect of God’s nature?  How do you organize your resources, such as time, energy, and attention, to contribute to something bigger than yourself?

Discussion question for December 23, 2022.

A true friend helps another in their time of need.  How have you been a friend in times of adversity?  What prompts you to see to the needs of a friend?  When are you able to care for someone without expecting anything in return? What sense of responsibility do you have?  What resources are at your disposal to help others?  What can get in the way of you being a true-blue friend?  How does your care influence the depth of your relationships?

Discussion question for December 16, 2022.

While it is important to belong to a group and to know how to fit in, the same is true for personal relationships.  How have you developed relationships in the past?  Do you tend to be an initiator or responder, and why?  What is necessary in a relationship for you to feel safe? How have your relationships built your self-confidence?  What do you find comforting or soothing from others?  How do you make a relationship grow?  How do you define closeness, and what expectations do you place on yourself and others in relationship?  How do you distinguish between friends versus close friends?  What would you like to do more of to be a better friend to others?