6. What is the application?
James taught we are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, and so deceiving ourselves. You don’t deceive yourself by listening to heresy so much as you deceive yourself by listening to the truth and not doing anything about it. This is why, as teachers, we want to teach for application.
7. What is the slogan?
Rick Warren said, “People don’t remember sermons or speeches—they don’t even remember paragraphs. What people remember are simple statements, slogans, and phrases.[2] Try to reduce this week’s teaching to a memorable slogan.
8. What is the benefit if I do?
It is always in our best interest to live the Christian life. God is a good, good Father. It is always good for us to follow God. Highlight this by thinking clearly about the benefits of obedience.
9. What will it cost me if I don’t?
People are motivated by two things: pain and pleasure. Of the two, pain is a slightly greater motivator. Bonhoeffer reminded us of the Cost of Discipleship. Non-discipleship also comes at a high cost.
10. What is the next step?
How can I reduce it to a baby step? The first step is always the most difficult. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If you can get your people to take one step in the right direction—no matter how small—others will follow.
Print these ten questions and put them in your Bible. There will come a time you will be glad you had them.
This article on small group questions originally appeared here and is used by permission.
[1] A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (HARPERONE, 1978).
[2] Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church: Growth without Compromising Your Message and Mission (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007).
