Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Depth of God’s Love
Bible Reading- John 15:13-17 (ESV)
> Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
- Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
> For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV)
> Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Observation Questions- According to John 15, what does Jesus say is the greatest expression of love?
- In Romans 8, what are some of the things Paul lists that cannot separate us from God’s love?
- The sermon compared God’s love to oxygen. What does this analogy suggest about how we experience God’s love? ([02:25])
- What does Jesus command his followers to do in John 15:17, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on obedience as love?
Interpretation Questions- The sermon says, “He chose us before we ever thought to choose Him.” How does this truth affect the way someone might view their relationship with God? ([01:23])
- The speaker shared a personal story about running away from God and being welcomed back. What does this reveal about the nature of God’s mercy and patience? ([05:01])
- In John 15, Jesus calls his followers “friends” instead of “servants.” What does this shift in relationship mean for how believers approach God?
- The sermon mentions that obedience is the evidence of our love for God. Why might actions be a more reliable indicator of love than words alone? ([04:17])
Application Questions- The sermon compared God’s love to being picked for a team, even if you’re not the best player. Have you ever felt unworthy or overlooked? How does knowing God chooses you anyway change your perspective? ([01:23])
- The analogy of God’s love being like oxygen suggests it’s always available and sustaining. When have you felt God’s love “keeping you going” during a hard time? ([02:25])
- The speaker shared about running away from God and being given a second chance. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been running from God or someone else? What would it look like to take a step toward reconciliation this week? ([05:01])
- The sermon says obedience is how we show love to God. What is one specific command or teaching of Jesus you find challenging to obey? What’s one step you can take this week to act on it? ([04:17])
- The call to love is also a call to share. Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through you? What is one practical way you can show or tell them about Jesus this week? ([06:32])
- The speaker mentioned that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” What holds you back from sharing your faith or serving others? How can you overcome that barrier? ([06:32])
- The sermon reminded us that our names may not mean “God loves me,” but the truth remains. How can you remind yourself daily that you are deeply loved by God, especially when you don’t feel it? ([06:15])
Closing Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His unearned, unconditional love. Ask for help to receive it, live in it, and share it with others this week.
