The Roots and Fruits of the Gospel
The more you know God, the more you will naturally express God’s love. The opposite is also true: You can’t love the world well without an understanding of who Jesus is and what His gospel means for us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing from this message that you found particularly helpful, challenging, or encouraging?
- What is the difference between information and application when it comes to the Scriptures? What is the difference between knowing God and knowing about God? Why are these distinctions important?
- Read and discuss John 5:38-42. What does this tell us about Jesus? What does it tell us about the fruit of “searching the Scriptures”?
- Read and discuss Matthew 7:15-20, 24-27, and 13:23. What further context does this give us regarding how we interact with the Word of God?
- Discuss the following statements: “Any true knowledge of God will eventually express itself in love for God and for man.” “Love separated from the gospel is not love at all.” What are the implications of these statements as you follow Jesus?
- In what ways can we confuse biblical literacy with biblical maturity? How have you observed or experienced this?
- Should Christians worry about being loving if we are right? Why or why not?
- Do you tend to lean toward “truth at the expense of love” or “love at the expense of truth”? How does this tend to play out in your life? Where do you need the Lord to bring balance in that area of your life?
- How is Jesus the perfect intersection of truth and love?
- As an application point to your discussion, consider Colossians 1:10. What specific things might the Lord be calling you to through this verse? Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed.