40 Days Discussion Questions :: Week 1
A Better Way to Live - Luke 9
Through Jesus Christ, we receive eternal life and discover the most fulfilling way to live. Embarking on this 40-day journey, we will examine what it looks like to live the way that Jesus wanted us to live in the power that Jesus provided. Jesus showed us a better way to live in a relationship with God and others. Over these 40 days, we will discover how Jesus taught us to live in abundance and fullness of life. Jesus’ way of life is not a barrier but illustrates liberating truths that guide us to live abundantly.
Memory Verse for Week 1: "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
1. What stood out the most to you as you participated in the worship service this past weekend?
2. Pastor James mentioned Elmo’s tweet on X (formerly known as Twitter), asking, “How is everyone doing?” How would you answer that question today?
3. Read Luke 9:23-24. The greatest threat to the life you want is living life your way. How does Jesus’ statement stand in contrast to what society says is important? What is the “life” that people want? What is the “life” that you want?
Pastor James said, “Following Jesus makes your life better and makes you better at life,” he then went on to give us three practical steps in following Jesus:
Embrace Jesus as all you need.
4. Read Luke 9:57-58. "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”" Jesus sees something in his heart; He asks the man, “Are you willing to follow me even if that means giving up what you think you need?” Are you willing to follow Jesus, even if it means you have to give up some things you think you need?
5. Read John 10:10b. Jesus didn’t die and rise again so you could have a mediocre life now and abundance later. He conquered death so you could live in fullness today! If Jesus says that He offers us an abundant, fulfilling life, how important would it be to discover and understand His plan? How does embracing Jesus as all we need help us get there?
6. Read John 14:6. I have not come to just give you truth to know the way to life. I have come actually to be the way. What role does trust, commitment, and a deep emotional connection play in our relationship with Jesus?
Prioritize Jesus in all of your life.
7. Read Luke 9:59-60. "He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” This guy says, Jesus, you are important, and I know that I am to follow you, but let me first... Jesus says no, I must be first. How can we practically seek God first in everything we do? What does that look like in your day-to-day life?
Pursue Jesus in all you do.
8. Read Luke 9:61–62. "Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Jesus sees a heart issue, and he addresses it. You can’t just believe and intend to follow Jesus; you actually have to take steps to pursue him. Why is it hard for some people to trust their whole life to Jesus? What is holding you back from trusting Jesus with all your life?
9. What Jesus is highlighting here is not a condition for salvation but a principle for powerful living within His kingdom. He's saying, "Unless delighting in Me, serving Me, and knowing Me is your highest priority, the power of God will not flow through you, and you will not experience all that you want to do in your life." Why is looking back dangerous? Can you share something from your past that you will not be returning to?
10. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." This verse makes it clear that there is no physical effort required on our part to come to salvation in Jesus; what is this verse saying about salvation? How does it relate to living a life fully devoted to Jesus?
11. What are the five 40Day commitments? (see pages iv & v of the devotional if you get stuck) How can your group help you stick to these commitments for the next 40 Days?
- Who are you praying for and asking to come to one of our Easter services?
- Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend Consume! Consume is our Good Friday Worship Service. March 29 at 6:30 pm at the Orange City location.
- We want to let you know that childcare is not provided for Consume, so start making plans now.