I’m excited to offer this study guide for groups who want to study this material together!  While studying God’s Word on your own can be extremely rewarding, studying it with others can be even more so.  I’ve learned from my own experience that the words of Solomon are true:  “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

This study is divided into twenty lessons (not counting the Introduction and Conclusion), and the questions that follow can be used for personal reflection, group discussion, or a combination of both.

If your group wants to read and discuss each lesson together, they could meet once a week and complete this study in twenty weeks.  If your group wants to cover the material more quickly, group members could study several lessons on their own during the week, then discuss those lessons together with the group (covering, for example, five lessons per week for a period of four weeks).

However you choose to do it, I pray that God will speak to you through it!

Introduction – The Top 20 Passages In The Bible

The Bible is filled with passages that God can use to speak to you at any time, whether those passages are well-known or not.  But because the Bible is both “God-breathed,” and “living and active,” God can bring any passage to life right before your eyes, speaking directly to your heart and mind.

1.  Has the Bible ever spoken to you in a way that you felt that God Himself was speaking to you through the words on the pages?  What is one of your favorite Bible passages, and why?  

2.  What do you think makes the Bible the best-selling book of all time?  Even if the words on its pages weren’t attributed to God Himself, why might the Bible still be a best-seller?

Number 20 – The Christmas Story

Luke’s version of the birth of Christ contains many miracles―with angels everywhere, a tongue that is tied and then loosened again, and even a virgin birth.  Yet Luke’s account is one of the most detailed and well-researched of the four gospels, having been written by a medical doctor who personally travelled with the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys.

 1.  When you think of the Christmas story, what are some incidents that stand out in your mind as miraculous?  When you read Luke’s account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ, what details does he include that he might have gathered from eye-witnesses?

2.  Why might the angel Gabriel speak with such authority regarding the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises?  When Gabriel said to Elizabeth “For nothing is impossible with God,” what was he referring to specifically in her case?  How might that encourage you that there really is nothing else that is impossible with God either?

Number 19 – Making The Best Use Of The Time

Paul told the Ephesians to make the best use of their time, living as wise, not unwise people.  He spoke of specific things they should avoid doing, and specific things that they should begin doing, if they weren’t already.

1.  What are a few of the things Paul specifically urged the Ephesians not to do?  What are a few of the things he specifically urged them to do?

2.  What caused the change in Alfred Nobel’s life, even though he was near the end of it?  How can thinking through how you’ll be remembered in the future change the way you live your life now?  Are there specific changes you could make right now to keep from wasting time―and making the most of the time you still have left?

Number 18 – God’s Love For You

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he said that he got down on his knees to pray for them, that they would be able to know the breadth and length and height and depth of God’s love for them.  He knew how hard grasping God’s love and grace could be, yet he spends a great deal of time trying to help them grasp this life-giving truth.

1.  What are some things that happen to people that can make them question God’s love for them?  What are some things that have happened to you that have made you question His love?

2.  Other than prayer, how can you get a better picture of what God’s love for you looks like?  And through prayer, what specifically might you pray so that you could better grasp God’s love?

Number 17 – The Gospel In A Nutshell

The most famous quote in the Bible took place in a conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council who came to Jesus at night.  Jesus told him that for someone to enter the kingdom of God, they must be born again―that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life.

1.  What other story did Jesus bring up in his conversation with Nicodemus to talk about God’s willingness to forgive and heal His people when they sinned?  How does this story relate to what Jesus was about to do on the cross?

2.  Why did Jesus describe entering the kingdom of God as being “born again”?  Do you feel like you’ve been “born again”?  And if not, do you want to be?

Number 16 – The Power Of God For Salvation

The Apostle Paul said that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it was the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.  In describing this gospel, Paul first explains the “bad news” regarding our sinfulness, then leads into the “good news” regarding our future if we’re willing to put our faith in Christ.

1.  Why is it helpful to understand the “bad news” of the gospel in order to understand why it is such “good news”?  What does the “wrath of God” look like, according to this passage?

2.  What are ways that people turn against God’s plans for their lives, according to Romans 1?  In what ways might God’s wrath manifest itself in the lives of people who do these things, without God even having to intervene?

3.  In Romans 1:32, Paul says “they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”  Why might giving approval to some of these things add to the damage that is already being done?  And what can someone do to be delivered from God’s wrath?

Number 15 – Walk In A Manner Worthy Of Your Calling

Even though Paul was imprisoned for his faith, he was able to treat those around him with the love that God had shown to him.  He encouraged the Ephesians to renew their minds so they could walk in a manner worthy of the calling they had receive from God.

1.  How does Dennis the Menace’s comment to his friend about Mrs. Wilson’s goodness to them relate to God’s goodness to us?  How is Paul able to draw on this truth to extend love to those who mistreated him?

2.  What does Paul tell us to “put off” in this passage, and why?  And what does he tell us to “put on” instead, and why?  How does he suggest we do that, particularly in regards to our minds?

Number 14 – God Knows You

King David wrote many beautiful songs, called Psalms, that are recorded for us in the Bible.  One of the most beloved among them is Psalm 139, which describes in detail just how intimately God knows each one of us, reminding us that there is no place in the world that we can go where He is not there with us.

1.  What are some of the details that God knows about you, as mentioned in Psalm 139?  Do any surprise you, or give you special comfort?

2.  What things come to mind that make you think you were “fearfully and wonderfully made”?  Do you think God has a plan for your life, based on the words in this Psalm?

Number 13 – Like A Tree Planted By Water

Sometimes we want to go and do something for God, but He wants us to be like a tree planted by the water, drawing life from His Word.  In this way, we can refresh ourselves,  provide shade and rest for those who are drawn to us, and like a strong and healthy tree, yield fruit at the proper time.

1.  What are some of the things this Psalm says that we should do―and not do―in order to grow and prosper in our lives?  How can we do those things in a practical way?

2.  What are some of the benefits of doing―and not doing―these things in our lives?  How did Thomas Merton describe the renewal he experienced when reading God’s Word?

Number 12 – Don’t Be Anxious

Writing from a prison cell, the Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in the city of Philippi not to be anxious about anything, but to give thanks to God, making their requests known to God.  He reminded them that the Lord was “at hand,” and urged them to dwell as much as possible on things that were good and godly.

1.  What did Paul mean when he said the Lord is “at hand”?  What difference can that knowledge make in your thoughts and attitudes towards what you’re facing?

2.  What are some of your favorite things, things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise?  How might dwelling on such thoughts keep your thoughts in perspective?

Number 11 – A Living Sacrifice

In Romans 12, Paul talks about being “a living sacrifice,” using your gifts to make an offering to God, at the same time blessing you and those around you.  Paul lists many of these gifts,  saying that each of us has been given different gifts by God and are to use them according to the grace God has given to us.

1.  How can identifying some of your passions in life help you to also identify the gifts God may have given you?  Based on the meaning of the word enthusiasm, how can our enthusiasm relate to our giftedness?

2.  What are some of the spiritual gifts, as listed in Romans 12, that you feel most passionate about?  If you could be the best at one particular skill, what would it be, and why?  How might your answers to these two questions be related.

Number 10 – The Reality Of Heaven

After telling the disciples He was going away, Jesus assured them that He would not leave them alone, sending the Holy Spirit to be with them while He was gone.  He also assured them that He was going to prepare a place for them and would return for them.

1.  Why did Jesus say to the disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled”?  What assurances did He give them so they wouldn’t have to worry about His going away, or their future?

2.  What did Jesus say they could do if they ever needed anything?  And what did He ask them to do if He ever needed them to do something?

3.  When Jesus said He was the way, the truth and the life, why did He add that no one could come to the Father except through Him?  Are you sure you’re going to heaven, and if not, are you ready yet to put your faith in Christ to get that assurance?

Number 9 – Need Wisdom? Ask God!

God loves to pour out His wisdom to those who ask Him for it, for He has a vested interest in the decisions we make.  But James reminds us that when we ask for wisdom, we are to ask for it in faith, believing that God will answer us, and that He has our best interests at heart.

1.  Why does James say we must ask for wisdom “in faith”?  What does he say will happen to the person who doesn’t believe what God tells them in response to their prayers?

2.  How hard is it for you to say, “Yes, Lord!” to God even before He’s given you His answer?  How would it change your prayers if you were to tell God you would do whatever He said, even before you knew His answer?

Number 8 – Will God Really Reward You?

Some people believe that the only rewards you’ll get in life are the ones you get here and now here on earth.  But Jesus says that there are all kinds of rewards awaiting us in heaven when we put our faith in Him, trusting Him to reward us for acts done in secret with rewards that won’t rust or rot away but will last forever.

1.  How does Jesus say we can store up rewards for ourselves in heaven?  Why does He say we should work towards those rewards instead of just rewards that we can get here on earth?

2.  What specific things might you change in your life if you were to really focus on storing up rewards for yourself in heaven?  How might focusing on heaven―seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first and foremost―help you not to worry about things you need here on earth?

Number 7 – Where Should I Start?

Many people recommend to those who are new at reading the Bible to start in the book of John, for John gives a great overview of the life of Jesus, and focuses on Jesus’ great love for  each one of us.  John’s purpose of writing the book is recorded in chapter 20, saying that his hope is that those reading his words will put their faith in Jesus.

1.  In the opening words of John chapter 1, why does John describe Jesus as “the Word”? What does he mean when he says “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”? 

2.  If you look through the book of John, what are a few of the many verses that talk about God’s love for us?  Are some of these particularly meaningful to you at this time in your life?  

3.  If you’ve never read through the book of John, would you be interested in reading it now, reading, for instance, a chapter a day for the next 21 days?

Number 6 – The Best Sermon Ever

Jesus preached His famous “Sermon on the Mount” on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee.  In the sermon, Jesus addressed dozens of practical issues that people face in their lives, and ends with an encouragement to be like a person who built their house on solid rock, by putting the words He had spoken into practice.

1.  As you look through the “Sermon on the Mount,” what are some of the phrases that strike you as particularly famous?  What are some of the phrases that stand out as important to what you’re dealing with today?

2.  What does Jesus say a person will be like if they hear His words and put them into practice?  And what will a person be like who hears His words and doesn’t put them into practice?  How can you put Jesus’ words into practice in your life this week?

Number 5 – God’s Protection

In Psalm 92, Moses says that God’s protective hand will shelter those who put their faith in Him.  Moses knew this truth first-hand, having believed God when God called him to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Egyptians, following God’s commands and staying safe and secure under His protective wings.

1.  What are some of the benefits of staying close to God, as described in Psalm 91?   Which of these benefits are particularly appealing to you in your life right now?

2.  What’s the difference, in your own words, between just believing in God and believing God?  What could you do this week to demonstrate that you do both?  And what benefits could there be if you do?

Number 4 – God Works For Your Good

In Romans chapter 8, Paul reminds us that God works all things for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  He also reminds us that the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living inside us, and can give life to our mortal bodies as well.

1.  How can the karate concept of “borrowed force” be applied to our lives today, in light of what Paul says in Romans 8:28?  Have you ever seen God work things out for good which looked, at first, to be disastrous?

2.  Why does Paul say there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus?  What are some of the things Paul lists at the end of Romans 8 that can’t separate us from the love of God?

Number 3 – From Cover To Cover

The Bible begins with Genesis chapter 1, which describes the creation of the world, and it’s a great place to start reading the Bible, and keep reading all the way through it all the way to the end.  Reading it like this from cover to cover, over and over again, is one of the best ways to grow in your faith, and in your ability to share that faith with others.

1.  What benefits might there be from reading the Bible all the way through, from cover to cover?  What benefits might there be from reading it from cover to cover, several times, especially at different stages of your life?

2.  Have you ever read through the entire Bible, from cover to cover?   If not, would you consider doing it?  If so, are you ready to do it again?

Number 2 – Savoring Every Word

Psalm 23 is the second most popular passage in the Bible, describing God as a shepherd who leads us beside His still waters.  Each word of this Psalm is precious, just as each word in the Bible is precious, and there are times when God wants us to savor every word.

1.  What are some of the benefits of having the Lord as your shepherd, as described in Psalm 23?  Have you ever felt like God was leading you to a place of rest, and what purpose did He seem to have for doing this?

2.  What are some of the benefits of reading big chunks of the Bible at one time?  And what are some of the benefits of taking your time and savoring just a few words or phrases at a time?

Number 1 – The Love Test

Paul’s famous passage on love is a reminder that God wants love to pervade everything you do, for without it, even if you had faith to move mountains or to give away everything you owned to the poor, you would gain nothing.  In the end, life is not about all that you do, but doing all that you do in love.

1.  How do Paul’s words about love, and the motivations behind what we do, put our good deeds into perspective?  Can a person do good deeds without love?  Can a person love without good deeds?

2.  How can Paul’s words about love―pure love―be used as a checklist to see how well we’re doing in our own relationships?  What does Paul mean when he says at the end of this passage, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love”?

Conclusion – The Ultimate Love Affair

There’s a danger when reading the Bible that we can be so focused on the words on the pages that we forget to focus on the One who is described by those words.  God wants us to do both, to learn more about Him from the stories and writings about Him in the Bible, and then to use those Scriptures to deepen our understanding of and relationship with Him.

 1.  Why did Jesus rebuke the religious leaders of His day in John 5:39-40, when they were obviously searching the Scriptures diligently, which would seem like a good thing?  What warning is there for us in these words today?

2.  What might you do differently as a result of reading this warning?  What added dimension might this bring to the way you read your Bible from now on?