Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message at Eastbrook Church this week titled “The Glory” on John 1:14. This message was the part of our series, “Looking for God.”
Discussion Questions:
1. When you hear the word ‘glory’ what do you think of? Why?
2. One of the most profound realities of our faith is that “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). We will look at a couple different aspects of this in the discussion questions.
3. A major idea throughout the Old Testament is that God chooses to dwell with human beings. Read through the following Scripture passages. As you do, consider how God chose to dwell with human beings or what He was trying to say to His people about His presence in their midst:
- Exodus 25:8-9
- Exodus 40:34-35
- Leviticus 26:11-12
- Numbers 9:15-23
- 2 Chronicles 5:13-6:2
- Ezekiel 10:3-5, 18-19; 11:22-25
- Joel 3:17
- Zechariah 2:10-13
4. In John 1:14, we find the same idea of God ‘dwelling among us’ in Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God. What do you think it means that Jesus is the new ‘dwelling’ of God, as opposed to the tabernacle or Temple in the Old Testament?
5. Another significant statement in John 1:14 is that God “became flesh” in Jesus Christ. Read 1 John 4:1-3 and Philippians 2:5-11. Reflect on what it means that God has actually entered our human existence in real flesh and blood.
6. Jesus redefines ‘glory’ for us by showing that the way to glory leads through the Cross (John 12:23, 28; 13:32) and by pointing out that we shouldn’t seek our own glory but God’s glory (John 7:18; 11:40; 12:43). How does that mess with your concept of ‘glory’ in this life?
7. What is one practical thing you can do this week to live for the glory of God in Jesus’ way and not in the world’s way? Write it down and reflect on it through the week. Or, if you are in a small group, discuss this with one another.
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Matthew Erickson 