Sermon Discussion Q's - John 3:22-36

Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 3:22-36 you can view it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGxDQg42hjU
The sermon’s title is Humility: The Perfect Remedy. Humility is defined as a modest or low view of oneself. Humility is the perfect remedy for pride which is defined as an excessively high opinion of oneself. In light of these definitions, let’s jump into some discussion questions.

TPQ – Thought Provoking Question: Pride was characterized as lethal and destructive. What are some stories (outside the bible) that depict pride leading to a great demise? This can be answered on a “macro or micro level” as Aaron described in his sermon.

1. – Everything is given from heaven

Read verses 25-27. Where do you see the pride in John’s (the Baptist’s) disciples statements? Why do you think they were responding in this manner?

The Baptist reminds them in verse 27 that everything received is given from heaven. What are some things, that you received today, that you can respond with humble gratitude to God for?

Often times we can respond in a prideful manner when someone or something (church, business, ministry, etc) has more ‘success’ than us. What are some of the emotions displayed in your life that overflow from a prideful heart?

There was a quote in the sermon that said this, “Humility is not thinking more of yourself nor is it thinking less of yourself but it is thinking of yourself less.” How can we begin to cultivate more of this gospel humility in our lives?

(think through v. 27, as well as contentment and gratitude) 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:11 – responding with faith and a kingdom mindset in light of my or others circumstances.

2. – See your calling/role correctly.

Aaron used the illustration of a Navy Seal Team and that each member knows the role they play on the team. John the Baptist knew his role and at this time he knew that he must decrease. It’s vital that we are to understand our role too.

We are a body comprised of many members. Each member has their own unique gifting and role that they play within the body. Take some time and reflect not on your own role but on the roles fulfilled within your Life Group. Speak words of encouragement to one another as you identify gifts you see within individual’s lives.

Some softball questions for this: – How have you seen this Life Group’s gifting come out when a need arises? What are some of the roles of this Life Group and how do you see them being fulfilled by the individuals within this Life Group? One of the best ways to identify spiritual gifts is in the context of the Christian community (not the spiritual gifts test!)

As a side note/study, check out v. 31-36 and try to identify the role’s of the Trinity within this passage.

3. Believe in Jesus

John 3:31 states, “He who comes from above is above all.” This is clear in regards to Christ’s authority. He has all authority in heaven and on earth – Matt 28:18-20. But, how often to we submit to that authority?

What are some areas in your life that you must decrease and Christ (and his authority) must increase? It’s helpful to identify these areas when life is difficult – circumstances, relationships, experiences.

What areas of your life are you prone to run to the world first as opposed to Christ? (world – own understanding, success stories, counsel outside of church) (Christ – himself, his Word, his people/leadership)

In light of John 3:35-36 RC Sproul says this:

“The whole of Scripture speaks to us of the love of God for His people, but so often we fix our attention on God’s love for us that we forget that the ground of that love is the love that the Father has from eternity for His Son. Remember, we’re not the natural children of God. We’re the adopted children of God, and even our election must always be understood to be in the Son. It is because of the Father’s love for the Son that we can stand forgiven before the throne of God, delivered from wrath unto everlasting life. It is because of the love of the Father for the Son that we are invited to partake one day of the marriage feast of the Lamb. We are invited not simply as friends of the Bridegroom or as friends of the bride we are the bride. Christ our Savior has set His love upon us and betrothed us to Himself. He who died for us will cone again someday to receive us to Himself Then we will rejoice with Him in the final increase of His exaltation.”

Real simply and practically, how does the gospel drive us to humility each and every day?

Memory verse: John 3:27 – John answered, A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.

Next week’s passage: John 4