Sermon Discussion Questions: The Call of the Gospel

Sermon Discussion Questions: The Call of the Gospel

Sermon Discussion Questions: The Call of the Gospel
Mark 1:14–15

The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon from February 3, 2019 “The Call of the Gospel.” These questions can be used for discussion in small groups, family devotions, or for personal reflection. (PDF Link)

Main Idea: Kingdom access is available to everyone who responds in repentance and faith.

Outline:

I. A Significant Transition
II. A Surprising Declaration
III. An Already but Not Yet Experience

Discussion Questions:

1. How do the events in Mark 1:14–15 tell us that Jesus’ ministry marks a significant transition in God’s plan of redemption? (Focus in the text first). How does Jesus talk about this transition? (Luke 16:16, *Matthew 11:2–6, and *Isaiah 35:5–6) *Corrected texts.

2. How did Jesus’ original audience understand their role the “Kingdom’s” arrival? In light of these expectations: (1) How is Jesus’ proclamation in Mark 1:15 surprisingly “good news?” (2) On the other hand, how might his gospel be received as bad news?

3. How would you describe the necessity of AND biblical picture of repentance to a child or someone who did not grow up in the church? NOTE: Include texts you might turn to and make sure to describe how sorrow and guilt relate to biblical repentance.

4. Repentance is directly tied to sin, even though pastor Mark did not define sin in this message, how would you describe sin to a child or someone who did not grow up in the church?

4. How would you describe faith to a child or someone who did not grow up in the church? NOTE: Include texts you might turn to and make sure to distinguish faith from knowledge, agreement about historical facts / religious claims, and wishful thinking.

5. How does Jesus’ gospel of repentance and faith address: (1) The moral self-righteous rule-keeper? (2) The hopeless broken sinner? (3) The religious pluralist that believes there are “many roads to heaven?”

6. One of the hardest aspects of the Christian life is trying to live everyday in joyful trust fully believing that God is faithful to fulfill all of his promises because the faith doesn’t exempt Christians from suffering, sickness, and loss.

  • How can the “already but not yet” nature of the kingdom provide comfort and fuel our faith in the midst of horrific loss, loneliness, bankruptcy, disability, disease, or injustice?
  • How might the “already but not yet” nature of the kingdom encourage you to befriend those in your circle of influence who hold different political views or subscribe to clearly sinful “alternative lifestyles?”

Spend time praying that:
God would give us a greater passion for and faith in the gospel message
We would see the opportunities that God places in front of us every day to share the gospel.
God will call the lost to himself through our faithful but ever-imperfect evangelism.