Table Talk | May 30 & 31
Growth Group Guide: Make It Stick - Engaging Scripture
OPENING PRAYER
Begin by thanking God for His Word and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and help each person grow in their understanding of Scripture.
ICEBREAKER
Question: Share about a time when you tried to start a new habit or routine. What helped you succeed or what made it difficult to stick with it?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- There is value in developing the rhythm of engaging Scripture - God's Word helps us know Him personally and transforms our lives (Psalm 1:1-3)
- There is a method to developing the rhythm of engaging Scripture - Successful habits require intentionality, planning, and the right environment
- There are first steps towards developing the rhythm of engaging Scripture - Small, consistent actions become behaviors that become lifelong rhythms
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Understanding the Value
- Psalm 1:2-3 describes someone who meditates on God's law as "a tree planted by streams of water." What does this imagery communicate about the effects of regularly engaging Scripture?
- Pastor Todd mentioned that the Protestant Reformation fought to get God's Word into people's own hands. Why is it significant that we can read the Bible for ourselves rather than only hearing it taught by others?
- Review the list of "whys" for engaging Scripture (living productively, knowing God, understanding truth, helping others, etc.). Which of these resonates most with you personally? Why?
- Pastor Todd contrasted "general revelation" (what we can know about God from creation) with "special revelation" (what God reveals in Scripture). What can we know about God from Scripture that we can't know from nature alone?
Examining Our Current Reality
Be honest: On a scale of 1-10, how consistent is your personal time in God's Word right now? What factors contribute to your current level of engagement?
Pastor Todd mentioned that many of us treat church services as a "supplement" rather than a "complement" to our personal Bible reading. What's the difference, and why does it matter?
James Clear's four laws of behavior change were mentioned:
Which of these four do you think would be most helpful for you in establishing a Bible reading rhythm? Why?
- Make it obvious
- Make it attractive
- Make it easy
- Make it satisfying
Pastor Todd shared the story of his failed family devotion experience. Have you ever had a discouraging experience with Bible reading that made you want to quit? What happened?
Moving Forward Together
Pastor Todd emphasized that "something is always better than nothing" and that we shouldn't aim for perfection (30 days in a row) but consistency (30 days total). How does this perspective change the pressure you might feel about Bible reading?
Community Connection: One of the best ways to develop this rhythm is to do it with others. How could this group help support each person's commitment to engage Scripture over the next 30 days?
Review the HEART grid from the YouVersion plan:
How might this simple framework help you move beyond just "reading" to actually engaging with Scripture?
- Highlight a section
- Explore with questions
- Ask what you learned about God
- Record key themes
- Think about what to pray, do, or say
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
individual Commitments
Challenge: Commit to the 30-day "30 Reasons Why Jesus Read the Bible" plan on YouVersion.
- Action Steps:
- Right now in group: Download the YouVersion app if you don't have it
- Search for "30 Reasons" under Plans
- Select "30 Reasons Why Jesus Read the Bible"
- Invite at least one person from this group to do the plan with you
- Decide on your specific time and place for daily reading
Share with the group:
- When will you read each day?
- Where will you read?
- What might be your biggest obstacle, and how will you overcome it?
Group Accountability
- Exchange contact information with your Bible reading partner(s)
- Decide how you'll check in with each other (text, call, etc.)
- Consider starting a group chat to share insights from the daily readings
- Plan to discuss your experience when you meet again
CLOSING PRAYER
Pray together:
Prayer Focus:
- Thank God for the gift of His Word
- Ask for consistency and discipline over the next 30 days
- Pray for hearts that hunger to know God more deeply
- Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to each person through Scripture
- Pray for those who don't yet know Jesus, that they would encounter Him through His Word