WEEK
8
THE GREATEST VERSE IN THE BIBLE
JOHN 3:16
Small Group Discussion Questions
Ice Breaker: Begin by sharing with your Small Group what you consider to be your greatest earthly possession. Why is it important to
you? As special as it is to have that item, why does it fail it compare to the greatest possession of all-eternal life?
1. God-The Greatest Being. Why would Pastor James feel that the first word of John 3:16 – “God” – is the most important word of
this verse? Why is it critical for a person to believe that God is the greatest being as they start their journey with Christ? Discuss
why “the greatest missionary in the universe is the universe” (cf. Psalm 19:1). How is the universe further evidence that God is real
when people feel guilty after they’ve done wrong?
2. So Loved-The Greatest Reason. In what ways have we deteriorated the meaning of love? If God’s love is not fueled by emotion,
what is it driven by? Why is it important not to get too familiar with the words “so loved”? Since God is perfect, one might assume
his perfection would cause Him to be disappointed with mankind for their gross imperfection. Why is this not the case (cf. 1 John
4:16)? Pastor James defined God’s love as “unceasingly selfless action for you.” What past experiences might make it difficult for
you to comprehend such love?
3. The World-The Greatest Need. What physical and biblical evidence is there that the world is broken (cf. Gen. 3:17)? What are
some things people do that dull their sense of need for God? What might be the motives behind those kinds of choices? While the
world teeters on the edge of anarchy, what is God’s attitude toward mankind? Does God love only a select few or the qualified (cf.
Matthew 5:45)? To whom can you demonstrate that same kind of selfless love this week? What might make it difficult for a person
to grasp the reality that God loves them?
4. That He Gave-The Greatest Act. Review the 10 Commandments (cf. Exodus 20:1-17). How would you confirm that you are a
sinner-what proof would you use? What is the consequence of man’s sin? Why is it critical for a person to see the sin “in the
mirror”? We’re sinners by disease. Why might a person not fear the sin disease he has like he would a physical disease? Why is
God’s love alone not enough to solve the problem of sin? What is needed to resolve this problem? Even though you are a sinner,
God demonstrated His perfect love by doing what (cf. Romans 5:7-8)?
5. His Only Son-The Greatest Sacrifice. What did God pour onto His Son that was meant for mankind (cf. Matthew 27:47, Romans
5:9)? Why was this necessary (cf. Hebrews 9:12-14, 22)? What did Christ’s substitution do for mankind (cf. Colossians 2:13-15)?
While Christ’s death took the punishment meant for mankind, what is the significance of His resurrection (cf. Hebrews 12:2, 1
Corinthians 15:55-57)?
6. That Whoever-The Greatest Opportunity. What are the implications for you to be truly forgiven? For a person who has not yet
received God’s forgiveness, what often holds them back from receiving this free gift (cf. Romans 6:23)? If you have been forgiven,
what difference is that making in your life today (cf. Mark 5:19-20)? Why is it important to rest in the reality of God’s unconditional
forgiveness (cf. John 20:31)? How driven are you to share the news of God’s free gift of forgiveness? If your drive to share the good
news is low, why? What can you do this week to develop a passion for the unforgiven?
7. Believes-The Greatest Response. If you were to die today, why do you believe you would go to heaven (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9)?
Pastor James defined “belief” by using the illustration of the man carrying a his manager across Niagara Falls. What makes this a
great picture of biblical belief? How would you define belief to an unsaved person?
8. In Him-The Greatest Savior. What did Jesus Christ accomplish through His death on the cross (cf. 1 Peter 3:18)? Pastor James
referred to two kinds of people in the world. What are they (cf. 1 John 5:11-12)? Which one are you? How do you know?
9. Should Not Perish-The Greatest Promise. What’s so great about this promise (cf. Revelation 20:12, Hebrews 9:27)? Identify at
least one person in your life that you’re confident does not have this great promise. Share that name with your Small Group.
Commit to praying earnestly this week for that person and ask God to give you boldness to share the good news of this verse with
that person. Consider praying right away in Small Group for that person.
10. But-The Greatest Difference. What is the main difference between Christianity and world religions, like Islam or Buddhism (cf.
Romans 5:1-8)? What must be the outcome of such a gift in the life of a follower of Christ?
11. Have-The Greatest Certainty. Why is it not arrogant for a Christian to be confident of their salvation (cf. John 5:24)? Why is it
critical for a Christian to be assured of their salvation? What might be the consequence of a Christian questioning their salvation?
12. Eternal Life-The Greatest Possession. What makes eternal life the greatest possession a person could ever have? Why is it vital
to view eternal life as a gift (cf. Titus 3:5-6)? How does a person make eternal life personal (cf. Romans 10:9)? What does Jesus
promise to do to those who come to Him in faith (cf. John 1:12, 6:37)? Can you look at a time when you have embraced Jesus Christ
by faith for the forgiveness of your sins? When did you make that decision? If not, will you make that decision today?