Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faithfulness, Integrity, and Humble Trust (Pope St. Leo the Great)---
Bible ReadingWisdom 1:1-7 (ESV)> Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord with uprightness, and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, nor dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said.
Psalm 139:1-10 (ESV)> O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Luke 17:1-6 (ESV)> And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
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Observation Questions- According to the reading from Wisdom, what kind of person does God’s Spirit dwell with, and what kind of person does it flee from? ([08:37])
- In Psalm 139, what does the psalmist say about God’s knowledge of us and His presence in our lives? ([10:05])
- In the Gospel reading, what does Jesus say about forgiveness and the seriousness of causing others to stumble? ([12:21])
- What request do the apostles make to Jesus after hearing His teaching on forgiveness, and how does Jesus respond? ([12:21])
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Interpretation Questions- The Book of Wisdom says that “wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul.” What does this suggest about the connection between our inner life and our ability to receive God’s guidance? ([08:37])
- The psalmist describes God as knowing every detail about us, even our thoughts and words before we speak them. How might this awareness affect the way someone lives their daily life? ([10:05])
- Jesus calls for forgiveness “seven times in one day” if someone repents. Why do you think Jesus sets such a high standard for forgiveness? ([12:21])
- The apostles ask Jesus to “increase our faith” after hearing about radical forgiveness. What does this reveal about their understanding of faith and its connection to forgiveness? ([12:21])
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Application Questions- Pope St. Leo faced huge challenges, but the sermon said faithfulness is not just for saints in history, but for each of us in our daily lives. What is one challenge you are facing right now where you need to stand firm in faith? How can you respond with courage and humility this week? ([05:30])
- The Book of Wisdom teaches that God’s Spirit flees from deceit and dwells in those who pursue goodness. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with honesty or integrity? What is one step you can take to live more transparently before God and others? ([08:37])
- The sermon talked about the power of forgiveness and how it is not a sign of weakness, but of strength rooted in God’s mercy. Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? What would it look like to ask God to help you take a step toward forgiveness, even if your faith feels small? ([12:21])
- Jesus says that even faith as small as a mustard seed can do great things. When have you felt like your faith was too small? How can you reach out to God this week, even if it’s just a simple prayer for help? ([12:21])
- The psalmist says there is nowhere we can go to escape God’s loving presence. Is there a part of your life where you have been trying to hide from God? What would it look like to invite Him into that area? ([10:45])
- The sermon encouraged us to bring our burdens and distractions before God, trusting that He is already reaching out to us. What is one burden or distraction you want to lay before God today? How can your small group support you in this? ([14:32])
- Pope St. Leo’s example shows that God equips us for whatever challenges we face. Can you think of a time when you felt unprepared but saw God provide what you needed? How does that memory encourage you for what you are facing now? ([05:30])
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