Benjamin Murphy
Small Group Questions
Benjamin Murphy
Sermon Series Highlights
Sermon Series Highlights

2 Peter

Did God Really Say… His Word Can Be Trusted?

Introduction:

I Can Trust the Bible Because... (2 Peter 1:16-21)

  1. It is not a myth but Historical Fact (2 Peter 1:16)

    The Bible is Verified by...

    1. Eyewitness Testimony
    2. Archaeological Evidence
    3. Scientific Accuracy
  2. It is not an incomplete guide but The Only Source of Light in a Dark World . (2 Peter 1:17-19)
  3. It is not the opinion of man but An Inspired Message from God . (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. What does it mean that the Bible defends itself? Why can it be trusted?

  3. Why do we delay/put off Bible reading and study at times? How can you take steps to grow in your ability as a student of the Bible over the next several days and weeks?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Life after Salvation: Where's the Effort?

Introduction:

Three Parts to Salvation (2 Peter 1:3-10)

  • Justification: Past
  • Sanctification: Present
  • Glorification: Future

Results When Every Effort is Made:

  1. Making every effort results in Spiritual Maturity. (2 Pet 1:8)

    2. Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

  2. Making every effort keeps us from Habitual Sin. (2 Pet 1:9)
  3. Making every effort produces Confidence in our salvation. (2 Pet 1:10)

Ryan Stroupe - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Small Groups Ministry Leader

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 2 Peter 1:3-10

  1. Why should we want to do more than just "punch our ticket to Heaven"? What would you say to someone that doesn't want to do more than the bare minimum to get to Heaven?

  2. Why do we as Christians ignore Sanctification and focus on Justification and Glorification?

  3. As Small Groups what are some practical ways we can assist a fellow Christian or Small Group Member get past a habitual sin? 

  4. What are ways we can teach our children to start making every effort at a young age, i.e. teenagers?

  5. How much effort do you put into your relationship with God compared to other areas of your life? Would you say God is outside your house, in your "Good Room", or is running your entire house?

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another.

Controlling the Fire: Honoring God with our Speech

Some Types of Sinful Speech:

BOASTING

COMPLAINING

SLANDER (GOSSIP/BACKBITING)

PROFANITY

CARELESS WORDS / EMPTY CHATTER

LYING


Truths from the text to help control the fire:

  1. We are ACCOUNTABLE for how we use our TONGUE. (Titus 3:1-2)

  2. Control the TONGUE, control the BODY. (Titus 3:2-5)

  3. Recognize that the TONGUE DEFILES us. (Titus 3:6)

  4. Our TONGUE can be used for GOOD and EVIL . (Titus 3:9-10)

  5. We are POWERLESS to tame the TONGUE without Christ. (Titus 3:7-8)

Mark Ort - HBCPN Elder

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above with your cursor for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 1 Timothy 3:11 and Titus 3:2

  1. What does it mean to malign someone? Gossip and slander is vicious and damaging. How do you prevent this kind of evil communication from damaging your life and the lives of others?
     
  2. What is profanity? Does the culture dictate what words we consider profane? What words or phrases should we stop using, and why?
     
  3. If there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), will Christians really be held accountable for every careless or idle word (Matthew 12:36). How do you reconcile these two passages?
     
  4. Reviewing 2 Peter 1:3-11, discuss "God's part" and "our part" in controlling the tongue.

  
Breakout Questions:

Have you been encouraging/exhorting other in their walk with Christ this week? In what circumstances? Pray for one another.

Rest Assured

How to Grow in the Assurance of Your Salvation:

2 Corinthians 13:5, Jeremiah 17:9

1 John 5:13 - I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

2 Peter 1:1-10

  1. I grow in assurance when I focus on His POWER. (2 Pet 1:1-3)

  2. I grow in assurance when rest in His PROMISE. (2 Pet 1:4)

  3. I grow in assurance when I PRACTICE godly qualities. (2 Pet 1:5-7, 10)

  4. I grow in assurance when I PERSEVERE through time. (2 Pet 1:8-9)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 2 Peter 1:1-10

  1. Why do you think it’s so important to be confident in your salvation? How does confidence affect your walk with Christ? How does not being confident affect your walk?
     
  2. Why do you think many Christians struggle with assurance? What would you say to a friend who confides in you, “I just don’t know if I am really saved?”

Breakout Questions:

  1. On a scale of 1­-10 (1 = I have NO idea, in fact, I may be a Pagan, 10 = I am 100% positive) rate your assurance of your own salvation as of right now.
     
  2. What can you do to grow in assurance right now? Tonight? This week? (2 Peter 1:1-10).
     
  3. Pray for one another.