Read: John 5:17-19
How did Jesus respond to the accusation that He sinned against God by healing on the Sabbath?
In what way did He endorse the healing? In doing so, how did Jesus elevate His role?
Why would this have been challenging for the religious leaders? How do you see this being a challenge today?
Read: John 5:15-18, Romans 8:5-11, Colossians 3:5-10
Explain the battle that will take place when Christians are spiritually healthy and following the Lord.
In what way is a Christian called to “die to self”? How is this different than dead religion?
How can you do a better job at addressing underlying conditions and dead religion? What steps will you take?
Read: John 5:11-18, Matthew 23:25-28
Describe the contrast between Jesus healing the invalid and the religious leaders wanting to kill Jesus.
How can they be so polar opposite and yet claim to follow God? What does this highlight about motives?
Explain the connection between selfish agendas and dead religion. How can you keep this in check?
Read: John 5:1-13
What is implied about the invalid’s healing given he didn’t even know who Jesus was? (Hint: no faith)
What is also implied by Jesus knowingly deciding to heal the man on the Sabbath? (i.e., purpose)
How does this help explain the miracles of Jesus? How does this also relate to dead religion?
Read: John 5:1-10, Romans 14:19, Hebrews 10:25
Describe how the religious leaders could have responded if they were spiritually healthy. Be specific.
In what way did they try to use God’s word to shut down God’s work? How were they self-deceived?
How can encouraging others prevent this type of deception from taking place? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 5:1-10, Matthew 7:1-5
Why did the religious leaders not acknowledge the healing? How were they living out Matthew 7:1-5?
In what way will a critical spirit display underlying conditions of dead religion? Be specific.
How can you struggle with this? Give an example. How does this challenge you to protect yourself?
Read: John 5:1-10, Exodus 20:10, Jeremiah 17:19-27
Describe the response of the religious leaders when the healing took place. Why?
In what way would they have appeared biblical? What does this imply about dead religion?
How can this subtle shift happen with Christians today? How can this show up in your life?
Read: John 4:51-54, Titus 3:4-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Summarize the dance of faith that took place between the official and Jesus. What were the rhythms?
How do these same rhythms relate to saving faith in Jesus? Be specific. How did this happen to you?
As you consider your current level of faith, what part of the process can you do a better job of responding to?
Read: John 4:51-54, 2:1-10, 4:13-19
How did Jesus ultimately reveal His power to the official? In what way was it confirmed?
In the same way, how did Jesus reveal Himself to His disciples at the wedding and to the woman at the well?
What does this highlight about the rhythms and dance of faith? How does this encourage you in your faith?
Read: John 4:48-50, Hebrews 11:1
In what way did the official believe in something unknown to him? What does this highlight about faith?
Why is this critically important for every Christian to recognize? How does Hebrews 11:1 support this truth?
What does this highlight about how stepping out in faith will feel? What steps of faith is God calling you to take?
Read: John 4:48-50, Hebrews 11:6, 8-9, 23-25
Explain the meaning of verse 48. How was Jesus essentially correcting the superficial faith of the official?
How did the official respond in verse 49? How was he trying to fit Jesus in his mold? Be specific.
How did Jesus require the official to take a step of faith? What does this teach you about the dance of faith?
Read: John 4:43-47, Romans 3:22-27
Given the official was trying to fill a need when coming to Jesus, how does saving faith have the same dynamic?
What were the circumstances surrounding your personal journey with Jesus when you considered following Him?
What connection do you see between “filling a need” and your initial stages of faith? How is it part of the dance?
Read: John 4:43-47, 2:1-5, 4:1-8
Why was the official seeking out Jesus? Be specific. What did this highlight about his belief in Jesus?
What does this also highlight about the initial stages of faith? Why is this important to recognize?
How does the wedding at Cana and the woman at the well relate? In what way does this help you understand faith?
Read: John 4:39-42, 6:44, 1 Corinthians 3:5-6
Explain how God used the woman to spread the Gospel in her town. What was her message?
Given her level of experience in sharing her faith, what does this imply about God doing a work?
Why is this important to remember when sharing your faith? How does this help lower your stress level?
Read: John 4:36-38, Matthew 13:1-10, 18
Explain the parable of the sower in terms of success in sharing the Gospel. How does this redefine success?
Why is this important to recognize? How should this adjust your expectations when sharing your faith?
In what way will unrealistic expectations negatively impact evangelism? How can this be avoided?
Read: John 4:36-38, 1 Corinthians 3:6, Ecclesiastes 11:4
Explain the difference between reaping and sowing when it comes to the Gospel? Why are both important?
How would this have adjusted the disciple’s perspective when it comes to leading people to Jesus? Be specific.
What will happen if this truth isn’t properly understood by Christians today? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 4:31-35, Matthew 9:37-38
What did Jesus mean when he told the disciples to, “lift up your eyes”? How was He addressing their priorities?
What does this imply about Gospel opportunities? What happens if Christians are not intentional about this?
How does this challenge your Gospel priorities? How can you grow in this area today? Be specific.
Read: John 4:27-34, 5:30, 6:38, 8:50, 10:37, 14:31
Why were the disciples concerned that Jesus was talking to a woman? Be specific.
In verse 31, how were the disciples distracted from evangelism? Be specific. How did Jesus respond?
What does this imply about being intentional in order to share your faith? How does this encourage you?
Read: Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
What are the patterns of this world that you’re most likely to conform to? How can you break that pattern?
How can you “renew your mind?” What habit can you form starting today that will create renewal?
In the spiritual battle that’s raging, how do your actions show support for or even effect the two kingdoms?
