Life Group Questions

1. If you could not hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What main ideas did you gain from the message? Do you have any questions?

2. Why do you think the resurrection of Christ has been so heavily emphasized over the centuries by Christians? What is it about the resurrection that makes it so important for our religious faith? Why do you think the New Testament makes more references to the resurrection of Christ than His virgin birth?

3. Take some time to read Matthew chapters 26-28. List or describe a few things that stand out to you about this section of Scripture. What connection exists between Christ’s work on the cross and His resurrection and the giving of the Great Commission?

4. What does Paul mean when he states that Jesus was “declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection” in Romans 1:4? How is the resurrection a manifestation of power? What does the resurrection demonstrate or prove that God has influence or “power” over?

5. Read Philippians 3:1-11. What things did Paul consider to be rubbish and why? What does it mean to know Christ and the power of His resurrection? List some things which interfere with your effort to know Christ? How do we know that we truly know Christ (1 John 2:3-5)?

6. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:18-19 that he desires for us to “know” the power which God has toward believers. How do we grow in our knowledge of this power? Can you describe the “surpassing greatness” of God’s power toward us? What are some key concepts or facts that should come to mind?

7. How does the resurrection of Christ give us “hope” (cf. 1 Peter 1:3)? What are some of the elements of this “hope” we have because Christ has been raised from the dead? If we believe that our salvation is by “faith,” why does Peter say that we are born again to a living hope “through” the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead? Expound upon that concept.

8. Read 1 Corinthians 15 and list five observations or truths about this passage and its teaching. How effective are you at being steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord? Is total devotion to the Lord unrealistic or impractical? Explain.

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision