Read: Psalm 119:57-72
In v. 59, the psalmist considers his life and makes changes to follow God. What does personal examination look like in your own life? How often do you practice this habit? As you read these verses, what (if any) changes do you need to make?
According to v. 71, God can use difficult times to teach us about his ways. Has this happened in your life? What was the last challenge you faced, and how did God use it to draw you closer to him?
Read: Psalm 119:33-48
Make v. 33 your prayer, and then slowly re-read vs. 33-48. Based on this passage, what are one or two things you feel God is teaching you?
In vv. 36-37, the psalmist asks God to turn his heart towards God’s Word and to turn his eyes from worthless things. What makes something “worthless?” Do you have any “worthless things” in your life? If so, what are they?
Read: Psalm 119:1-16
What is the writer’s relationship with the law, statutes, precepts, etc.? Be as specific as possible and make a list of keywords and phrases.
For you personally, what does it mean to hide God’s Word in your heart? (v. 11) When was the last time you practiced this habit?
Read: John 8:44-47, Ephesians 6:10-13, 1 John 4:4
Why is every Christian involved in a spiritual battle? How is it different than being a non-Christian?
In what way can this get confused with people, perspective and rational? Give an example.
What has been your experience with spiritual warfare? How does the promise of 1 John 4:4 make you feel?
Read: John 8:44-47, Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-5, 1 John 3:8-10
How did Jesus expose the spiritual source of the Pharisees opposition? Why was this important to do?
Explain how this relates to every non-Christian. Be specific. How does this help you understand opposition?
What changes when someone becomes a Christian? How did this happen for you? Be specific.
Read: John 8:41-45, 16:4-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 3:4-7
Explain what spiritually takes place when someone becomes a Christian. (i.e., baptism of the Holy Spirit)
In what way does this help explain why the Pharisees failed to understand the message of Jesus?
What has been your experience with the leading of the Holy Spirit? How does this help confirm your faith?
Read: John 8:39-40, 3:1-8, Luke 5:10
Why did Jesus call out the Pharisees plot to kill him? What distinction did He make about Abraham?
In what way does this highlight becoming a Christian and being saved? How does Luke 5:10 relate?
Describe how you became a Christian. How would you respond to someone claiming to be born a Christian?
Read: John 8:39-40, Matthew 4:17, Luke 13:1-5, 9:57-62, Acts 2:36-38
Explain what is necessary in order for someone to become a Christian. (Hint: choice)
Why is this important to understand? How can history, heritage, or family faith cause confusion?
From a spiritual standpoint, how were you raised? How are you similar or different? What does this teach you?
Read: John 8:37-40, Genesis12:1-3, 17:15-16, 22:15-18, Hebrews 6:15
Explain why Jews would base their position before God through Abraham. Why would they be confident?
In what way did Jesus confront their claim? Be specific. What did Jesus expose by doing this?
How can a similar confidence occur today when it comes to being a Christian? How does this adjust you?
Read: John 8:35-36, 10:27, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
In what way does the Parable of the Sower relate to John 8:35? (i.e., true and false Christianity)
How does the metaphor of a shepherd in John 10:27 also relate? Why is this critically important to understand?
After this week’s study, how confident are you in your Christianity and walk with Jesus? Be specific.
Read: John 8:33-36, Isaiah 53:5, Galatians 4:6-7
What was Jesus communicating with the slave/son metaphor in John 8:35? How does Galatians 4:6 support this truth?
In what way would a slave always be doubting their place in a family unit compared to a family member?
How confident are you in your place in the family of God? Be specific. What steps can you take to confirm?
Read: John 8:33-36, Ephesians 1:5-6, 2:12-13, 1 Peter 2:9-10
Explain what it means to become a child of God. Why should this make Jesus personal to every believer?
What are some indicators of this happening? (e.g., prayer, practicing sin, etc.) Why is this important?
How have you experienced Jesus in a personal way? Be specific. How does this make you feel?
Read: John 8:33-34, 1 John 3:6-8, Romans 6:16-18, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Peter 2:19
Given the Israelites were enslaved multiple times throughout their history, what does John 8:33 reveal?
In what ways did they misunderstand Jesus? Explain how a non-Christian is “enslaved” in sin.
Explain how a Christian is “set free”. What is the indicator of this happening? What are your indicators?
Read: John 8:31-32, 15:11, 1 John 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Titus 3:4-6
Describe the spiritual transformation that takes place when someone becomes a Christian.
How does this relate to the power of the Holy Spirit and freedom from sin? Be specific.
How does this “happen” to a Christian rather than a Christian making it happen? What is your experience?
Read: John 8:31, 15:5-10, 1 John 2:28-29, Matthew 28:19-20
In your own words explain what it means to “abide”. How did Jesus relate this to abiding in “my word”?
In what ways can this be distinctly different than simply “believing”? (c.f., James 2:19) Be specific.
Why is this important when it comes to proving if someone is a Christian or not? How does this clarify you?
Read: John 8:21-22, 25-30, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
In what way did Jesus warn the Pharisees that time is running out? (i.e., going away) Why the warning?
Why does this ultimately apply to everyone? (i.e., mortality) Why is this important to understand?
How can younger people be more at risk than older people? How does this encourage or motivate you?
Read: John 8:28, 3:14, Mark 10:45, 15:38-39, 1 Corinthians 1:18-19
What did Jesus mean by saying he would be “lifted up”? (Hint: the cross) What would happen as a result?
How did the Centurion in Mark 15:39 reflect this truth? Why would the Pharisees have missed this truth?
In what way is the cross misinterpreted today? Why? How can discussing consequences help clarify?
Read: John 8:25-27, 3:17, 34, 5:30, 36-37, Hebrews 11:6
Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus “Who are you”? Why was it not an honest question? How did Jesus respond?
In what way can continually asking questions actually be a form of rejection? Be specific.
How does Hebrews 11:6 address those who use this tactic? How does this help encourage you?
Read: John 8:21-24, 3:16-18, 14:6, Romans 10:8-11
In your own words, explain the consequences Jesus is laying out to the Pharisees based on their rejecting Him.
In what way does this also highlight the risk of rejecting the Gospel? How is this a sobering truth for you?
What does this also highlight about the exclusivity of Jesus? How does this help clarify Jesus to you?
Read: John 8:21-24, 44, 3:6, 1 John 5:19, Exodus 3:13-14
Explain what Jesus meant by telling the Pharisees they were “from below”. How does John 8:44 clarify it?
Why did Jesus elevate himself with an “I am” statement in John 8:24? What was He trying to prevent?
How do you see today’s culture falling into the same trap? Give an example. Why is this important?
Read: John 8:21-22, Genesis 9:5-6, Ezekiel 3:18-19, 18:18
How would the Pharisees have understood Jesus’ warning of “die in your sins”? What was Jesus implying?
Why were the Pharisees at risk? How did the Pharisees try to turn it around with a statement about suicide?
In what way can this same perspective occur with non-Christians today? Give an example. What is the answer?
Read: John 8:12-20, Matthew 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Explain why living out the Christian life will have both a positive and a negative response on others.
How can this be easier around Christmas time compared to the rest of the year? Be specific.
What can happen if this truth isn’t understood? (i.e., compromise, etc.) How does this prepare you for 2023?
Read: John 8:13-20, 15:18-19, Matthew 10:22
What underlying motives did the Pharisees have when it came to the ministry of Jesus? (i.e. arrest Him)
Why were they not successful in accomplishing their goals? How did this relate to God’s timing and will?
In what way does this relate to every Christian who tries to follow Jesus? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 8:13-17, Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15
Why did the Pharisees tell Jesus “your testimony is not true”? How were they upholding the law?
In what way did the response of Jesus uphold the law and challenge the Pharisees’ viewpoint?
What did Jesus demonstrate when it comes to responding to spiritual pushback? How does this help you?
Read: John 8:12, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23, 2 Peter 1:19
Given the Jews viewed the Old Testament as providing light for everyday life, how does this relate to Jesus?
What does this imply about the importance of the New Testament in the life of every Christian today?
How will you take this same perspective into 2023? Be specific. How can “Daily Devotions” help?
Read: John 8:12, 1:2-5, 9, 1 John 1:5-7, Ephesians 5:8-10, Romans 13:1, Colossians 1:13
Explain the difference between walking in darkness vs. walking in light. Why is this only a Christian truth?
In what way does this relate to daily decision making? Give an example. Why is this important to understand?
How does this truth encourage you to stay focused on Jesus throughout the year? What steps will you take?
Read: John 8:12, Exodus 13:18-22, Psalm 27:1
How does the Old Testament present light and darkness in terms of spiritual truth? Be specific.
Given that Jesus was talking to the Pharisees in John 8:12, how would they have interpreted it?
Why would this have been challenging? In what way can this same interpretation apply in today’s culture?
