Monday, August 16, 2010

Discussion Questions from 08/15/2010 Sermon at WBC


Okay, so its been a while since I have blogged or posted discussion questions from sermons. For those who care, my apologies. Various reasons have kept me from it. But, Lord willing, I plan to be much more diligent and purposeful (and dare I say, 'radically intentional') about blogging and posting questions for further understanding and application from sermons in the days, weeks, months, and years (?) ahead.


Yesterday's message was entitled "Amazing Grace: Was Blind, But Now I See." The Scripture passage was Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10. You can listen/watch the message here.


Discussion Questions for Further Understanding and Application:


1. Read through Luke 18:31-43; 19:1-10 and note any references to seeing and blindness.


2. Why do you think the disciples were kept from understanding the most important reality in the universe? (see Luke 18:34 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) When did they have their 'eyes' opened? (See Luke 24:44-45)


3. Why do you think Luke recorded the story of a blind man immediately following these verses?


4. Why did this blind beggar call Jesus the Son of David? (See 2 Samuel 7:13-14)


5. According to Jesus, what saved the blind beggar? (See Luke 18:42) Reread Luke 18. What are some other ways Jesus (Luke, inspired of the Holy Spirit) emphasized salvation (justification) is by faith in Jesus alone?


6. How does the story of Zaccheus help the reader piece everything from chapter 18 together? (Hint: note Zaccheus' occupation and his monetary status; note also the fact that he was small of stature and therefore could not 'see' Jesus).


7. When Jesus said 'Today, salvation has come to this house' (see Luke 19:9), was this because Jesus wanted to see what Zaccheus would do first? Why or why not? (Hint: the fact that Jesus calls him a son of Abraham implies that he is a man of faith).


8. Since Zaccheus was right with God through his faith in Jesus, he joyfully gave liberally to the poor and made all his wrongs right by repaying people up to 4 times. What does this imply about those who 'know God' through faith in Christ?


9. How does your life reflect that God is your God and not your money or stuff or reputation?


10. Obviously God must do the work of 'opening eyes' to the truth of the Gospel, (See 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6) but what part did the blind beggar and Zaccheus play in their 'salvation' story? What does this say about divine sovereignty and human responsibility?

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