Accountability is one of those things that, as Christians, we know we should practice. But if we’re being honest, it can be really hard to hold people accountable. The gospel of Jesus frees us to make ourselves accountable to others, as well to hold others accountable in love and grace.
Jesus, Peter, and John | John 21:15-25
In the concluding section of John’s gospel, the author focuses on Peter and what it looks like for him to follow Jesus that that he has seen the resurrected Christ. The comforts and challenges that Peter receives from Jesus are the same for us today.
Discussion Questions
What does this passage teach us about the nature of forgiveness and restoration? How can this interaction bring us comfort?
Why do you think that authors/speakers such as Brené Brown are gaining so much popularity? What is it about the message of shame that people need to hear? How is Jesus our ultimate hope for dealing with shame?
What does it mean for you to remain focused on your unique calling? Why is competitive comparison so dangerous?
How can we more deeply understand and appreciate the gospel so that we can love Jesus more? Why is “just try harder to love Jesus more” such bad advice?
Prayer Points
Pray that your life would be marked by freedom from shame, love for Jesus, and devotion to following his ways.
Pray that we would follow Jesus and fulfill the unique part of the mission that he has given to each of us individually.
Surprised by Jesus | John 21:1-14
Sermon Description
Doubting Thomas has long served as a negative example, but if we are honest—wouldn’t most of us be like him? In this passage, we learn how Jesus meets us in our doubts, and moves us beyond mere pragmatism into an experience of his supernatural grace.
Discussion Questions
Look at Acts 10:36 and Colossians 1:20. How is peace with God directly linked to the work of Christ on the cross?
What types of doubts do you experience? Where do your doubts turn into unbelief? How does Jesus want to meet you even in your doubts?
Where do you wrestle with bad pragmatism? How will the gospel always stretch us in our desire for absolute certainty?
What is the role of evidence or proof in the Christian faith? What are the limits to this approach, particularly when it comes to evangelism?
Prayer Points
Pray that Jesus would meet you in your doubts and pragmatism. Pray for a soft, believing heart that would trust Jesus even when you can’t understand everything.
Pray for those in your life who have yet to “ believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Pray that they would believe and receive “life in his name.”
Doubting Thomas | John 20:24-31
Sermon Description
Doubting Thomas has long served as a negative example, but if we are honest—wouldn’t most of us be like him? In this passage, we learn how Jesus meets us in our doubts, and moves us beyond mere pragmatism into an experience of his supernatural grace.
Discussion Questions
Look at Acts 10:36 and Colossians 1:20. How is peace with God directly linked to the work of Christ on the cross?
What types of doubts do you experience? Where do your doubts turn into unbelief? How does Jesus want to meet you even in your doubts?
Where do you wrestle with bad pragmatism? How will the gospel always stretch us in our desire for absolute certainty?
What is the role of evidence or proof in the Christian faith? What are the limits to this approach, particularly when it comes to evangelism?
Prayer Points
Pray that Jesus would meet you in your doubts and pragmatism. Pray for a soft, believing heart that would trust Jesus even when you can’t understand everything.
Pray for those in your life who have yet to “ believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Pray that they would believe and receive “life in his name.”
Carrying out Jesus' Mission | John 20:10-23
Jesus calls his believers to a mission of forgiveness and freedom.
Who Is It You're Seeking? | John 20:1-18
Every human heart is searching for something—for someone. When we see the empty tomb, we learn that Jesus is what we are all seeking for.
Discussion Questions
Why did the disciples not yet understand that Jesus would rise from the dead? How did they miss this important idea?
Why do you think John links the resurrection and the ascension in this section? Why is it important to avoid conflating the two?
What, in your life, are you searching for? What drives you? How are those desires ultimately met in Jesus?
How can we be more like Mary Magdalene and tell others that Jesus is no longer dead, but he has risen.
Prayer Points
Pray that your longings would find their satisfaction in Jesus.
Pray to be like Mary Magdalene, saying to all who will listen “I have seen the Lord.”
Death That Brings Life | John 19:31-42
Jesus’ death, the most tragic and heartbreaking thing to ever happen, is what brings about the incredible reality of eternal life.
Discussion Questions
Share a time in your life where something good only came through something difficult. How does that situation point us toward what happened through Jesus’ death?
What is the significance of blood and water flowing? Of the various explanations put forth, which one resonates most with you? Why?
Where do you need to experience the cleansing effects of Jesus’ death?
How does Jesus want to grow you to be more courageous?
Prayer Points
Ask Jesus to help you to truly find your life in him, not seeking life in other sources that leave you empty.
Pray for courage like Nicodemus and Joseph, that you would be willing to be identified with Jesus no matter the cost.
Fear of Man | John 19:6-16
Both Pilate and the Jewish religious leaders serve as examples of what happens when people don’t fear God, but instead give place to the fear of man. When we consider the gospel of Jesus, we see how the fear of man kills, but the fear of God brings life.
Discussion Questions
Who is somebody in your life who, from your perspective, does a good job of fearing the Lord rather than man? What does this look like in their life?
Why is fear of man such poison? Why do we fall into it so easily? Where do you personally struggle with fear of man?
What does it mean that not all sins are the same? What does this not mean? Why is this understanding important?
What do you think that Joseph and Nicodemus were like after going “all in” with Jesus? How can we learn and grow from their example?
Prayer Points
Pray that God would help you to see where you place too much priority on the opinions of man and not enough on him.
Pray for boldness, like that of Joseph and Nicodemus. Pray that you would seek to share the gospel of Jesus no matter what the cost.
My Kingdom is Not of This World | John 18:28-19:5
In his interaction with Pontius Pilate, Jesus utters the famous phrase, “my kingdom is not of this world.” In this scene, Jesus shows us how he interacts with the powers of the world, and invites us to follow him as we live and interact with earthly powers and institutions.
Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 27:11-26, Mark 15:1-15, and Luke 23:1-25. What do these other passages show us about Pontius Pilate and his motivations? What do we see about Jesus and his relation to earthly power?
Why is it so hard for us to live as citizens of the Kingdom, not of the world but for the world. What would be different in our earthly institutions if we more fully embodied his kingdom?
In what way is the gospel “political” and in what ways is it not? How can we help one another avoid falling into the trap of using Jesus to further our earthly political agendas?
How can we reach people in our area with the gospel of Jesus when so many people think of Christians as “political” in the wrong ways? How can we correct wrong perceptions without throwing fellow Christians under the proverbial bus?
Prayer Points
Pray that we, as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, would know where our true allegiance lies, and that we would wisely interact with earthly powers and institutions.
Pray for God to use us as a church to bring the goodness of his Kingdom to our neighborhoods, communities, cities, and region.
Jesus is Arrested | John 18:1-27
We all want to be courageous, but far too often we give in to fear. Other times, our courage is misguided because we act rashly or without all the information. The good news is that Jesus, the truly courageous one, has saved us so that we can live godly and courageous lives.
Discussion Questions
What people in your life make you feel brave? What is it about them that gives you courage? How can you borrow that from them?
Think through the gospel from the perspective of Jesus’ courage. Why is it important to remember the courage that Jesus displayed from start to finish?
What does true integrity look like? Who do you know that lives with tremendous integrity? How can we be truthful in all circumstances?
What fears do you have, or where do you lack courage? What beliefs might be underneath those fears? How does Jesus want to help you grow in courage for the sake of mission?
Prayer Points
Pray that Jesus would make Sound City a courageous church, full of wisdom, truth, and love.
Pray for opportunities to be courageous in sharing the gospel with people.
Unity in the Church | John 17:20-26
Sermon Description
Unity is one of the more sought-after experiences in our culture. With Jesus, true unity is very difficult to achieve; without Jesus, it’s basically impossible. As Christians, our unity directly reflects our understanding and experience of the gospel.
Discussion Questions
Who do you know that is very different from you, but that you love and appreciate? How have you learned from them? How have they shaped and challenged you?
Which “unity ditch” are you more prone towards: forcible uniformity, or conflict avoidance? How does God want you to learn a healthier definition of unity?
What are some of the main differences between true and false unity? How can we contend for truth without becoming combative? How can we practice humility without giving up on standards?
How can we, as believers, work toward unity in a way that makes the world take notice?
Prayer Points
Pray that you, as an individual, would cultivate a heart of true biblical unity towards the body of Christ.
Pray that we, as a church family, would display true unity. And pray that this unity would be a witness to a watching world.
Further Study
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/opinion/sunday/political-polarization.html
https://news.usc.edu/110124/political-polarization-at-its-worst-since-the-civil-war-2
Ask and Receive | John 16: 21-25
In the upper room discourse, Jesus invites his disciples to “ask anything in my name.” If Jesus is as truthful and powerful as he claims to be, then why do so many of us neglect to take Jesus up on this offer? Jesus wants us to pray, and gives us profound truth that helps us do so with confidence.
Discussion Questions
Where do you experience a wrong mindset when it comes to prayer? How can others in your life help you remember the relational foundation of prayer?
Have you experienced disappointments in prayer, or what has felt like unanswered prayer? How can others help you bring those disappointments to God?
How can we lean into the tension between asking Jesus for “anything/whatever,” while understanding that Jesus wants our prayers to be shaped by his glory and character?
How are our prayers connected to mission, evangelism, and service? How does Jesus want to use your prayers to see his kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven?
Prayer Points
As you pray this week, focus on the relational foundation of prayer. Rather than starting with a list of requests, begin with praises, with language of abiding, and thankfulness for the gospel.
Pray missional prayers, and thank God that he is working and doing things even while we sit and pray.
My Father's House | John 14:1-4
Jesus spoke about being from heaven, about bringing heaven to earth, and about heaven and earth becoming one. But few subjects in the Christian faith are as often misunderstood as heaven. A right understanding of heaven enables us to experience Jesus, frees us from fear, and fuels us for mission.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think there are so many wrong ideas about heaven? How can we help one another to think biblically about this important subject.
Why is it important that we understand the gospel in bigger terms of just “going to heaven when you die?” What did Jesus say about the relationship between heaven and earth?
Where do you currently experience fear, worry, or anxiety? How does right thinking about heaven provide perspective and relief?
How can mission and service go wrong in the life of a believer? How does thinking about heaven provide the fuel that we truly need?
Prayer Points
Thank God that your citizenship is in heaven, and pray for those who have yet to receive Jesus, the one who came from heaven.
Pray that God would remind us of our eternal hope, and that this hope would minister to our fears and anxieties.
Additional Resources
Heaven and Earth video from the Bible Project
Heaven and Hell book by Edward Donnelly
Surprised by Hope book by N.T. Wright
Heaven short tract by J.C. Ryle
The World | John 15:18-25
The word “world” (Greek: kosmos) is the second-most used word in the gospel of John. Needless to say, how followers of Jesus live and interact with the world is an extremely important topic, one that requires careful thought, intentional action, resilience, and Christ-like love.
Discussion Questions
Of the negative ways for a Christian to interact with the world, which are you most prone toward and why: non-engagement, going along with culture, or hostility toward culture?
How does God’s love for the entire world differ from his love for those who have trusted in Jesus? Why is this distinction important? Where do we need to be careful with this distinction?
Have you experienced hatred, resistance, or pushback from “the world” in your Christian walk? Share your experience with your group. How does Jesus want to grow you in perseverance and deep love?
What avenues has God “sent” you into the world? How do you need to grow as a faithful and loving witness to the gospel of Jesus?
Prayer Points
Pray that we, as a church, would know how to wisely engage with the world, even when there is opposition or pushback.
Pray for opportunities to love your enemies like Jesus has loved us.
Love and Obedience | John 14:15-24
Time and time again throughout the upper room discourse, Jesus makes it clear that there is a close connection between love and obedience. If this is true, why so often do we find it so difficult to obey him?
Discussion Questions
In general, why do you struggle with obedience: ignorance, pride, or injury? Expound and explain with your group.
Specifically, where is God prompting you to respond to his love with obedience? Is there any partial obedience happening currently? What joy are you missing out on because of this disobedience?
How is Jesus’ perfect obedience our only hope? How does his love actually fuel our obedience?
How can we help one another be the type of disciples who obey joyfully, while at the same time keeping the gospel at the forefront of our message?
Prayer Points
Take time to repent of pride or ignorance that would lead you to disobey Jesus.
Pray for yourself or others who have been wounded by bad authority. Pray that we would be able to obey Jesus because his authority is perfectly loving.
Pray for those who are not yet Christians and think that following Jesus is just about keeping all the rules. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
Vine and Branches | John 15:1-11
Jesus uses many metaphors and images to describe his ministry, but perhaps no metaphor is so deeply woven into the biblical narrative as that of a garden. God is the gardener, and Jesus is the true vine, the one whom we must be connected to in order to have life.
Discussion Questions
1. Think through the storyline of the Bible through the lens of “garden.” Why is it significant that the story begins in a garden and ends in a garden city? How does God want us to think about our work in the world?
2. Where, apart from Jesus, are you prone to seek love and joy? How is he asking you to turn from those sources of life and remain connected to him?
3. How do those around you help you stay connected to the vine? How can you help and encourage others to remain connected to Jesus?
4. How might the use of imagery, story, and metaphor better help you to share the gospel with non-Christians in your life?
Prayer Points
1. Take time to pray individually this week, reminding yourself that this is one of the key ways that you abide in Jesus.
2. Pray for opportunities to invite others into relationship with Jesus. Remind yourself that what we see as dead branches can be brought to life by being connected to Jesus!
For Further Study:
https://derekzrishmawy.com/2012/12/07/9-reasons-the-garden-of-eden-was-a-temple
The Holy Spirit | John 16:6-15
Many people—even many Christians—feel uncertain, confused, or even downright afraid when it comes to the topic of the Holy Spirit. But Jesus wants us to know the joy that comes from walking a life that is filled with the Holy Spirit!
Discussion Questions
When it comes to the Holy Spirit, where do you experience confusion or fear or other emotions like that? What experiences may have led to those emotions?
Discuss the word paraclete. When you consider the various ways that it can be translated (helper, comforter, advocate), how does this help you understand the Spirit and his role in our lives?
How is the ascension of Jesus very good news? How does it sometimes get diminished or ignored in our thinking about the gospel?
How is Jesus inviting you into a deeper experience of himself through a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit? What steps of obedience do you need to take?
Prayer Points
Pray that we would be a church that walks closely with the Holy Spirit for all that he is: comforter, advocate, the one who convicts us of sin, and the one who draws us closer to Jesus.
Pray that the Spirit would lead us and help us to “glorify Jesus” to those in the world who don’t yet know him.
Additional Resources
Ten Things You Should Know About Being Filled With the Holy Spirit blog post by Sam Storms
Know the Creeds and Councils book by Dr. Justin Holcomb
Jesus and Glory | John 17: 1-10
In John 17, Jesus talks about glory: that he glorifies the Father, the Father is glorified in him, and Jesus is glorified in us. If we are invited into this amazing experience of God’s glory, why do we so often seek glory from other sources? Guest preacher Justin Anderson teaches on this profound truth.
Discussion Questions
Does it feel wrong to ask to be glorified? What is the difference between seeking glory from God and seeking glory from another human?
Jesus asks God to glorify him because he accomplished the mission he was given. What is the mission God has given you?
If God was going to glorify you, what would he talk about?
If your glory were tied only to how your neighbors have grown as image bearers, what glory would you receive?
In your worst moments, who do you seek glory from and for what behavior?
Prayer Points
1. Pray that our lives would bring glory to Jesus in all our thoughts, words, and deeds.
2. Pray that we would seek Jesus' glory by sharing the good news with those in our lives who don't know Jesus.
The Way, The Truth, The Life | John 14:1-11
In John 14, Jesus makes one of his most famous—and controversial—claims: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If Jesus is the way, where are we trying to go? If he is the truth, what do we need to know? And if he is the life, why do we sometimes push back against this claim?
Discussion Questions
1. Heaven and earth will ultimately be joined together, and we will be with the Father forever. Why is this such good news? Why do we sometimes forget this amazing news?
2. Where are you prone to seek life from other sources besides Jesus? How do those sources ultimately leave us empty?
3. Read through Hebrews 9. How does the earthly temple show us a picture of heaven? How should we think of the final union of heaven and earth?
4. What are the factors that make many in our culture bristle against the idea of salvation in Jesus exclusively? How can we show people that this is actually good news?
Prayer Points
1. Pray that Jesus would return soon so that we can experience the final union of heaven and earth. Pray that we would remain faithful to Jesus until that day.
2. Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with those who don’t know him, even those who are opposed to the idea of “exclusivity.”
The Upper Room | John 15:12-17
Sermon Description
“People should be more loving.” It would be hard to to find anyone who disagrees with that statement. But the problem is that we don’t do it, we don’t love others well. In the upper room, Jesus lets us know that the only way we can love others is if we first experience his love. Loved people will love people.
Discussion Questions
Generally speaking, how does our culture define love? How does Jesus define love? Why do you think we use the word “love” in such divergent ways?
Who are the people in your life who have shown you the most Christlike love? What is it about the way they loved you that reminds you of Jesus?
When you are acting unloving towards people in your life, how can you be reminded of Jesus love toward you?
How has God specifically gifted you to be able to show Jesus’ love to a world that desperately needs it? How do you need to obey Jesus’ command to love?
Prayer Points
Pray that we would know more deeply than ever that we are loved people.
Pray for courage and grace to obey Jesus and share his love with the world.