For Further Thought
A good book becomes a great book only when readers apply it. The following discussion questions, useful for group or individual study, are also included in the back of the book.
Chapter 1
What things did you chase after earlier in life that don’t seem nearly as important now?
At what point in your life did your passion for God begin to grow?
In what ways has God overwhelmed and motivated you by His grace? In other words, as you look at your life, can you see how God has blessed you far more than you deserved?
What are the contributing factors that distract and drain us, causing us to not chase what matters
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 2
Do you think most people today are more satisfied or less satisfied than previous generations?
What expressions of beauty have been particularly refreshing to you?
Is it natural or unnatural for you to verbally thank God for beauty? In other words, do you find yourself enjoying a beautiful event without expressing your delight to God? Or is it becoming more natural to verbally thank Him for that moment?
How do you think most people view heaven? Family and friend reunions? Fun activities? Boring singing? OR unending satisfaction because of God’s beauty?
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 3
What would be your response to someone who asks you to define the term “atonement”?
Thinking back on the chapter, what are some areas in which people place false hope for atonement?
Why does God regard the person and work of Jesus as the only valid means of atonement?
Why is it such a challenge for people to receive God’s forgiveness through faith?
Can you remember a time in your life when faith in God’s acceptance of you freed you from feelings of spiritual inadequacy?
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 4
When you think about the many needs in the world, what areas continually tug at your heart?
Why do you think that serving God is often not our top priority? Unresolved guilt? Doubt that our service matters? Unaware of opportunities to serve? Preoccupied with our own agenda? Or ________________?
Referencing a phrase from the book, how do you think the church contributes to producing “spiritual parasitism”?
Rick Warren uses the acronym SHAPE (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience) to describe how God has wired us to excel in certain ministry settings. Based on those components, what type of ministries do you think you are best shaped for?
What role do you think the Holy Spirit plays regarding how we serve the Lord? (This question is connected with Jesus’ promise in John 7:39 to pour out His Spirit upon thirsty people.)
Roland Bergeron said that nothing warms your heart like being an answer to someone’s prayer – when you are the one God uses to meet a significant need in a person’s life. Who has God used to help you experience Him more fully? (The purpose of this question is to remind us how vital it is that we reach out to others because of the impact that various people have had on us.)
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 5
Can you think of a personal example, or one that you witnessed elsewhere, where a great opportunity was missed because of a lack of discipline?
What do you think Dallas Willard meant when he said, “Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning.”
Do you think the church has made discipline to be an enemy of grace in an attempt to highlight God’s unconditional love?
Two of the means of grace are Bible study and prayer (there are others that were not mentioned such as journaling, fasting, etc. ) How have you disciplined yourself to experience God through those means? In other words, is there a time and place (a healthy routine) where you seem to best focus on God.
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 6
Why do you think it’s so easy for many in our culture to say that the Bible is not of divine origin – that it is has no more credibility and authority than any other book?
Have you developed a specific Bible reading plan that is meaningful to you? Some people like reading straight through the Bible (several chapters each day). Others like to read a chapter from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from the Psalms – and maybe even Proverbs. Can you share what works best for you?
Can you share a time when the Bible deeply encouraged, challenged, or directed you? (Maybe it was a verse of Scripture that you read or heard this past week.)
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 7
When facing an overwhelming situation, what is your first reaction? Panic (or at least worry significantly)? Talk to a friend? Work hard to solve it? Prayer?
What are some things in your life that you are presently devoted to – things that you would never fail to take care of? Does prayer receive an equal or lesser devotion in your life?
Since God is capable of running the world by Himself, why does it please Him to hear our prayers? (Your answer may or may not come from the chapter.)
Do you feel comfortable in bringing every need you have to God? Or do you feel apologetic about praying for things you feel are too small?
Do you approach God with confidence as you pray? Or do you have to battle things like doubt, distraction, comparison to others you’ve heard pray, etc.?
Do you often pray for large spiritual awakening to come to the world? Or do you primarily speak to God about issues that are more related to your personal circumstances?
Chapter 8
Can you think of a significant risk you have seen highlighted lately in the news? Did the risk benefit anyone other than risk taker?
Are there any blessings you forfeited because you chose to avoid a risk?
At what points in your life have you uniquely experienced God because you accepted a risk He had placed before you?
Why do uncertain outcomes bother us so much? In other words, why are we afraid to experience setbacks and “failures” when we consider a new project or direction?
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 9
How have you seen devotion to the Lord lead to suffering (maybe in your life or in the life of a Christian you admire)?
Explain how Christ’s suffering is complete and incomplete at the same time.
How have you seen God use sacrifice and suffering to open people’s hearts to Christ?
How has God strengthened you during those times in which He led you through trial?
Do you think it’s helpful to become more knowledgeable of suffering that is endured by Christians around the world?
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?
Chapter 10
Can you name a memorable mission statement used by an organization? What purpose do you think it actually serves?
Have you ever attempted to write a mission statement for your life? Consider spending some time over the next few days developing a personal mission statement.
A missions professor once told our class that most great men die ten years too late. That is, they didn’t finish well. How does a statement like that affect you?
As you reflect on the many adversities faced by the apostle Paul, what realities motivated him to endure?
Can you remember a “good fight” that you endured and are now grateful for?
Do you have a favorite story of “faithful endurance to the end” regarding someone you have known or read about?
What was the primary verse, statement, or concept that most spoke to you? How will that affect you in terms of life application?