Radiant Groups Study Resources

Radiant Groups Study Resources

Fall Semester 2024

We are excited for another season of Radiant Groups. This year for small groups, we provided a couple of different study resources for our Radiant Groups leaders to select from for their group. We wait in anticipation of all that the Lord will do through this time spent together pursuing Him. For Radiant Groups studying “12 Truths & a Lie” by J.D. Greear, see study questions below for your personal study and group discussion.

12 Truths & a Lie Study Questions

  • Chapter 1: How can I know for sure I’ll go to heaven?
    1. Read Romans 4:5 in the ESV, CSB and NIV translations. Explain in your own words the idea of counted (Greek word logizomai). How confident are you that God has looked at the motivation of your heart and the actions of your living and counted you as righteous?
    2. Read Romans chapter 4. Why is it important to Paul that we know that Abraham was credited with righteousness before he was circumcised? (Hint: Read vv. 9–10 and then vv. 2–3 again)
    3. What additional passages of scripture can you offer as evidence that God has counted you as righteous and has not revoked that righteousness?
    4. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that God made Jesus to be sin for us, and that we in turn become the righteousness of God. Why is it difficult for us to see ourselves as righteous as God sees us? How can we begin to live out that truth?
    5. Do you view your obedience to God – whether consciously or subconsciously – as effort invested to earn salvation or as a grateful response for the gift of salvation that can never be earned?
    6. Does your motivation to obey God stem from a fear that you might not do enough good to truly have salvation, or from a deep, rich love for the Savior who freely gave you His righteousness despite your unworthiness?
    7. What does the posture of my actions say about my faith? (pp. 22–23)
  • Chapter 2: What are the most important practices in a Christian’s life?
    1. Before reading this chapter, what has been your definition or understanding of what a Christian is? Has your definition changed/expanded after reading this chapter?
    2. Of the five core identities of a disciple explained on pages 40–41, in which are you flourishing and bearing fruit? Where do you need to grow?
    3. What keeps you from surrendering to live as a disciple of Jesus?
    4. What would it look like to live your life as a representative of Jesus in this world? What would stay the same? What would need to change?
  • Chapter 3: How can I discover my purpose on earth?
    1. Describe a time when you wondered if your life had meaning and purpose. Why did you feel that way? How has that changed, or has it?
    2. Who is the Samwise to your Mr. Frodo?
    3. How does viewing work as taking the materials that God has made and preparing and developing them change your view of work?
    4. Is there anything you do, or have done, that gives you that “this is what I was made for!” feeling?
    5. We are called to make disciples “as you are going.” (Matthew 28:19) Where is it you are going? Who is there for you to make into a disciple of Jesus?
    6. Who are the “kings of the earth” in your life that you stand before? (Proverbs 22:29) Does the quality of your work give you a platform to share about Jesus?
    7. What would it look like to live your “ordinary life” with gospel intentionality? Describe how this could play out in your sphere of influence.
  • Chapter 4: If God is really in control, why is there so much evil and suffering?
    1. What is a situation in your life, or in the life of someone close to you, that makes you question why God has allowed it to happen?
    2. Do you truly stand in awe of God? How does recognizing, or attempting to recognize, the magnitude of God’s power and wisdom affect how you view tragic and evil situation and events?
    3. How does God’s infinite perspective help us to be more confident that even amidst such evil, God is in control and “works all things according to the counsel of his will?” (Ephesians 1:11)
    4. Can you relate to one of the “purposes for suffering” listed on page 83? Please describe.
    5. What are some of God’s everlasting promises that you cling to regularly?
    6. Both Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 28:20 tell of God’s promise to be with us always. Do you believe this promise? Why?
    7. How have you felt God’s presence in times of suffering?

February 2024 Discussion Questions

  • Week 5: John 15:1–26
    1. On the night He was betrayed and hours before His arrest, Jesus taught His disciples a metaphor about a vine and its branches. Why does Jesus use this picture to illustrate what it looks like to remain connected to Him? Why is the timing of this important?
    2. God doesn’t hack away at your life inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain. He prunes you to produce new growth. How have you responded to seasons of God’s pruning in your life?
    3. Abiding in Jesus results in joy. If you want to experience supernatural joy, the source comes from remaining connected to Jesus. Why is this truth about joy so important to the Christian life? Why is the timing of this teaching astonishing?
    4. As a Christian, how should you respond to a world that hates you?
  • Week 6: John 16:1–33
    1. What does this passage say about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life?
    2. Jesus says we don’t have to be anxious or afraid. As a Christian, how does the Bible help manage your expectations of the world? How does this bring encouragement and comfort rather than surprise you or instill fear?
    3. Has God ever brought you joy out of sorrows (16:21)?
    4. What does Jesus mean when He says, “I have overcome the world”? How does this statement fill you with hope?
  • Week 7: John 17:1–26
    1. Imagine that you are one of the disciples and after months of hearing Jesus say that His time has not yet come, He opens a prayer to the Father with “the hour has come” (vs 1). What do you think is coming?
    2. John 17 is a prayer as Jesus reflects on His time with His disciples and looks ahead to future believers who will carry on His ministry. Do you think it’s odd that Jesus doesn’t make any requests for Himself even though He is minutes away from being arrested? What does this tell you about Jesus and the way He views Himself and His followers?
    3. What are some takeaways regarding prayer that you see in this passage?
    4. As Jesus prays for His disciples, He also prays for you and everyone who will believe in Him. Read the following verses: Romans 8:34, 1 John 2:1 and Hebrews 7:35. How does Jesus speak to the Father on your behalf? What stands out to you with this truth?
  • Week 8: John 18:1–14
    1. Jesus was not a helpless victim or courageous martyr. Jesus gave Himself up and freely surrendered. Why is this important and how does this truth stand out as Jesus is arrested?
    2. Put yourself in the shoes of Judas. What do you think is going through his mind as he betrays Jesus?
    3. Jesus wasn’t the only person betrayed by Judas, the disciples were also betrayed by their friend and shocked by what Judas did. What’s at the heart of betrayal and why does it hurt so deeply when you are betrayed by someone you love? How should you respond to the betrayal?

March 2024 Discussion Questions

  • Week 9: John 18:15–27
    1. As a biography of Jesus, all four gospels record a similar scene of Peter denying Jesus three times. What stands out in each account? (Read Matthew 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72 & Luke 22:54–62)
    2. When questioned by the high priest, Jesus responded that He taught openly and consistently. He denied the accusation of plotting a conspiracy in private with His disciples. What do the religious leaders have against Jesus? What are they most concerned about?
    3. What are some ways you have seen Peter embody immense faith and courage in following Jesus? Why do you think Peter turns so quickly on Jesus and denies knowing Him?
    4. As we anticipate Easter, who has the Lord brought into your life that needs the hope of Jesus? Spend time praying for boldness and ask God to give you an opportunity to encourage this person in their journey of faith.
  • Week 10: John 18:28–40
    1. All four gospels provide a unique perspective into the life of Jesus. What stands out as Jesus appears before Pilate in each gospel? (Read Matthew 27:11–14, Mark 15:1–5 & Luke 23:1–17)
    2. What stands out in each gospel as the crowds shout for the release of Barabbas? How is Barabbas described in each gospel? (Read Matthew 27:15–23, Mark 15:6–15 & Luke 23:18–25)
    3. From the beginning, Jesus knew what kind of death He would die (18:32). How would knowing your death, both how you will die and when you will die, change the way you live?
    4. Like Pilate, who is someone in your life that is questioning or searching for truth (18:38)? What is one truth from the gospel of John that you want to pray over this person?
  • Week 11: John 19:1–16
    1. According to the Old Testament, the crime of blasphemy would result in death by stoning. In the first century, the Jewish leaders didn’t have the authority to impose the death penalty. How do the religious leaders manipulate Pilate to crucify Jesus by the title King of the Jews?
    2. Why is it shocking when the chief priests claim to have “no king but Caesar” (19:15)?
    3. Not only did Jesus come to the earth as the conquering King, but also He chose to be the crucified King. Take a few minutes to sit in this moment and reflect on Jesus preparing for the cross.
    4. As you anticipate Easter, pray that God will prepare people to hear the gospel and receive it.
  • Week 12: John 19:17–42
    1. Familiarity can often breed complacency. As you reflect on the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus, what is new or something you’ve never noticed? (Read Matthew 27:27–66, Mark 15:16–47 & Luke 23:26–59)
    2. In some of His final words, Jesus speaks to His mother and the disciple John (19:26–27). Why do you think John includes this personal moment right before the cross?
    3. As we read through the gospel of John, it’s easy to get caught up in the conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders and all of the details of the story. When Jesus says His final words, “It is finished”, what is the bigger story of what Jesus completed with His death on the cross?
    4. Take time to pray and thank the Lord for the gifts of salvation, redemption and forgiveness.
  • Week 13: John 20:1–18
    1. Without the resurrection of Jesus, we have no hope as Christians. How do the gospel authors portray the resurrection and empty tomb? Compare the similarities and differences by reading Matthew 28:1–15, Mark 16:1–8 & Luke 24:1–12.
    2. Step into the shoes of the disciples as Peter and John ran to see the empty tomb. What are the disciples thinking as they returned to their homes (20:10)?
    3. When Jesus spoke to Mary by name, she immediately exchanged weeping with worship. Has there ever been a time when your emotions completely reversed? What does this feel like?
    4. Reflect on Easter and the joy of our risen Lord. Why do we celebrate in such an extravagant way?

April 2024 Discussion Questions

  • Week 14: John 20:19–31
    1. What stood out to you on Easter as we celebrated our risen Savior?
    2. As Jesus appears to the disciples, how does John’s gospel compare to Matthew and Luke? (Read Matthew 28:9–10 and Luke 24:13–49)
    3. As an eyewitness and disciple who was with Jesus, what specific details does John include to invite you into this story and provide evidence for the resurrection of Jesus?
    4. Put yourself in the shoes of the disciple Thomas, who did not simply rely on the experience of the other disciples. How do you relate to Thomas and share his desire to encounter Jesus for himself?
  • Week 15: John 21:1–25
    1. While John doesn’t end his gospel with the Great Commission, John does say that Jesus is sending the disciples (20:21). Yet, what do the disciples default back to in 21:1–14? What do you think about this?
    2. Why does Jesus allow the disciples to fail in fishing? How does this scene of fishing foreshadow the mission for them to become fishers of men?
    3. What does Jesus teach Peter about the most important thing that will sustain his life and career in ministry?
    4. The first and last words that Jesus spoke to Peter were, “follow me.” How does this statement sum up the Christian life? Why does John end his gospel with these same words?
    5. How does the ending of John’s gospel leave you with a sense of wonder and awe?
  • Week 16: Review & Reflect
    1. John was the youngest disciple to follow Jesus and he lived to be the oldest, dying at 90 years old. John had a close relationship with Jesus. He was the one called “beloved.” He was the one whom Jesus entrusted to take care of His mother. After reading the gospel of John, what stands out about this man? How was John’s life changed by Jesus?
    2. Take a few minutes to skim through the main headings of John’s gospel. What is one truth or takeaway that has impacted you from this series? In what ways are you encouraged or challenged?
    3. Looking back, what is one theme or scene that stood out as the most memorable or something you’ve never seen before?
    4. After completing John, why do you think this gospel is the first book of the Bible that people are often encouraged to read? What makes the book of John so distinct and special?
    5. Would you feel comfortable taking someone through John’s gospel? How would you do this?

Prefer a PDF document to work through this month’s Discussion Questions? Click here for April questions.

SERIES CHALLENGE

At the beginning of our “LIFE” sermon series, Pastor Nate challenged our faith family to three things: 1. Be present 2. Dig in and 3. Pray. As a church of small groups, we want to embrace these challenges in our small groups as well.

Be Present

As much as possible, make Sunday worship and small group a top priority. If you miss a Sunday, be sure you watch or listen to the sermon. If there is a week that you cannot attend small group, be sure you let your leader know in advance.

Dig In

As you gather around God’s Word, come prepared and be ready to participate. Use the Radiant Groups Study Guide to take notes on the passage, answer the weekly discussion questions and write down sermon notes. If you tend to be quiet, try to speak up and contribute during each group discussion time. If you are more of a talker, allow others the opportunity to share and participate in the group.

Pray

Who is someone in your sphere of influence who doesn’t know Jesus? Pray for Gospel opportunities and ask God to bring new people into your life and help you point others to Jesus this year.