SERMON QUESTIONS

It is our deep conviction that the Bible is not just to be listened to (Deut. 6:4), but studied (2 Tim. 2:15), meditated upon (Ps 1:2), memorized (Ps. 119:11), and, ultimately, applied to our lives (James 1:22). Because of this, our Bible studies revolve around the study, meditation, memorization, and application of God’s inspired Word to our lives. Below are sermon questions that correspond to our Sunday morning teaching, so that we slow down and really take in what God is trying to tell us as a church Ohana. These questions will be discussed at our weekly Bible Studies.

For all answers, use Scripture to support your answer as best as possible.

  1. Read 1 Peter 1:13-16.

  2. What convicts or encourages you in this passage?

  3. Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus’ disciples of breaking the Sabbath (v. 2)? What does their accusation reveal about their understanding of God’s law?

  4. Jesus points to David eating the bread of the Presence (vv. 3-4) and the priests working in the temple on the Sabbath (v. 5). Why does Jesus use these two Old Testament examples, and how do they support His argument?

  5. Jesus declares, “Something greater than the temple is here” (v. 6). What does this statement reveal about His identity and authority?

  6. Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (v. 7). What does this teach us about God’s priorities, and how had the Pharisees misunderstood true obedience?

  7. In what ways can Christians today fall into the same trap as the Pharisees by emphasizing external rule-keeping while neglecting mercy, love, and compassion?

  8. Jesus says, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (v. 8). What does this title communicate about Jesus’ divine authority, and what implications does it have for how we understand the Sabbath?

  9. How does this passage show that the Sabbath was intended to be a gift for God’s people rather than a burden? How does Christ ultimately fulfill the purpose of the Sabbath?

  10. How does understanding Jesus as the greater David, the greater Temple, and the Lord of the Sabbath deepen your worship and trust in Him?

Practice

Consider whether your obedience to God is motivated by love for Christ or merely by outward duty. Ask the Lord to cultivate a heart that delights in showing mercy, trusts Christ’s authority, and finds true rest in Him rather than in personal performance.

Meditation/Memory Verse(s)

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”

—Hebrews 4:9–10