The Church of the Living God

Small Group Questions

The Household of God

I Timothy 3:14-15

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
  1. What does it mean for the church to be “the church of the living God”? How is this different from being “the church of a dead God” or just another human institution?
  2. Paul calls the church the “pillar and buttress of the truth.” In what ways does the church uphold and support the truth of the gospel in our contemporary world?
  3. What happens when a church begins to act less like a family and more like a club, a business, or a political movement? What are some modern temptations that might compromise the church’s role as a pillar of truth?

The Mystery of Godliness

I Timothy 3:16

16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,
    vindicated by the Spirit,
        seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
    believed on in the world,
        taken up in glory.
  1. Take turns reading the six phrases. Which of these phrases resonates most with you, and why?
  2. “What does the “mystery of godliness” mean? How is this “mystery” revealed to the world?
  3. “He was manifested in the flesh.” What is the significance of God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ? How does this reality shape your view of God and your own life?
  4. “He was justified in the Spirit.” What does it mean for Jesus to be vindicated or justified by the Holy Spirit?
  5. “He was seen by angels.” What does this detail add to your understanding of Jesus’ significance?
  6. “He was proclaimed among the nations.” How does the global spread of the Gospel prove the power of Christ’s message? What is your role in this mission?
  7. “He was believed on in the world.” This points to the faith of countless people. Who was the person who helped you first believe this message?
  8. “He was taken up in glory.” The ascension and enthronement of Christ is the final point. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is in heaven, ruling in glory?