Seven Pursuits of a Godly Life

Small Group Questions

Nourishment in Faith and Doctrine

I Timothy 4:6-8

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
  1. How has being part of a Bible-teaching community helped to nourish your own faith?
  2. Physical training has some value, but godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. How does this perspective change how you prioritize spiritual disciplines (like prayer, Bible study, fellowship)?
  3. Why do you think Christians often struggle with laziness in spiritual disciplines, and what could be a solution for this?
    • How did you handle that?

Setting an Example

I Timothy 4:12

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
  1. In which of these five areas (speech, conduct, love, faith, purity) do you feel you are setting a good example for others? Which area needs improvement?
  2. How can we, as a group, encourage one another to be a better example to those around us?

Gifts and Devotion

I Timothy 4:13-15

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
  1. Paul instructs Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. How can we prioritize God’s Word more effectively in our busy lives?
  2. Do you know your spiritual gifts? If so, what are they? How are you currently using your gifts to build up the church? What are the potential dangers, for ourselves and the church, if we neglect our spiritual gifts?

Perseverance and Impact

I Timothy 4:16

16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
  1. Why is it so crucial to monitor both our personal lives (life) and what we believe and share (doctrine)?
  2. How does this verse emphasize the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian walk and in ministry?