Table Talk | June 6 & 7

Published June 7, 2026
Table Talk | June 6 & 7

Growth Group Guide: Understanding God's Word

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14


OPENING PRAYER

Begin by praying together, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's Word and help your group understand and apply what you'll discuss tonight.

ICEBREAKER

Question: What was your experience like trying the five-step method during the sermon? What felt natural? What felt challenging?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Key Takeaways

    1. We need a plan when approaching Scripture - Without a methodology, we risk confusion, discouragement, or misinterpretation.

    2. Scripture cannot mean to us what it did not mean to them - We must first understand the original context and meaning before applying it to our lives.

    3. The Holy Spirit illuminates God's Word - Understanding Scripture is ultimately a work of the Spirit in those who believe in Jesus.

    4. Interpreting God's Word is a group activity, not a solo project- We need community to help us understand and apply Scripture.

    5. Reading God's Word is like a muscle - It gets stronger with consistent practice over time.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Section 1: Your Current Reality 

  1. On a scale of 1-10, how consistent has your personal Bible reading been over the past month? What are the biggest barriers you face?

  2. When you do read the Bible, do you typically have a plan or method? If so, what is it? If not, what usually happens?

  3. Have you ever felt confused or discouraged when reading Scripture? Share an example.

    1. Section 2: The Five-Step Method

        1. Review the five steps together:

          • Highlight - Notice what pops off the page
          • Question - Ask about meaning and context
          • Insight - Discover what the text means
          • Theme - Connect the dots and diagram the logic
          • Action - Choose one measurable step to apply

          1. Which of these five steps do you think will be most helpful for you personally? Why?

          2. Which step do you think will be most challenging? What support or resources might help?

          3. Jackson mentioned that we should focus on "what did this mean to them?" before "what does this mean to me?" Why is this order important? What happens when we skip straight to application?

      Section 3: Practicing Together

        1. Group Exercise: Choose one of these shorter passages and work through the five steps together as a group:

          • Philippians 4:4-9
          • James 1:2-8
          • 1 John 4:7-12

          Assign different people to lead each step:

          • Person 1: Lead the group in highlighting (2 minutes)
          • Person 2: Lead the group in asking questions (2 minutes)
          • Person 3: Lead the group in developing insights (3 minutes)
          • Person 4: Lead the group in identifying themes (3 minutes)
          • Person 5: Lead the group in choosing action steps (2 minutes)

          Debrief: What did you discover together that you might have missed alone?

          Section 4: Moving Forward

              1. What's one specific change you want to make to your Bible reading habits based on what you learned?

              2. Jackson mentioned helpful tools like:

                • The Bible Project videos
                • Cross-references in your Bible
                • The New Bible Commentary
                • Texting someone in your growth group

                Which of these resources are you already using? Which might you try?

              3. How can this group support you in developing a more consistent and meaningful time in God's Word?

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This Week:

  • Join the Bible Reading Plan: Text BIBLE to 64567 to receive the plan that uses this five-step methodology
  • Practice the Method: Commit to using these five steps at least 3 times this week
  • Set a Timer: Try the 30-minute format to prove to yourself it's doable
  • Share Your Experience: Text one person from your group about what you're learning

This Month:

  • Watch a Bible Project Video: Before starting a new book of the Bible, watch the overview video
  • Invest in Tools: Consider purchasing a study Bible or the New Bible Commentary
  • Find an Accountability Partner: Partner with someone from your group to check in weekly about your Bible reading
  • Consider Rooted: If you want more hands-on practice with spiritual disciplines, text ROOTED to 64567

Ongoing:

  • Make it a Habit: Choose a consistent time and place for daily Bible reading
  • Keep Your Notes: Use a journal or the YouVersion app to track your highlights, questions, insights, themes, and actions
  • Stay Humble: Remember that understanding grows over time—be patient with yourself
  • Invite Community: Don't hesitate to ask questions and invite others into your learning process

CLOSING PRAYER

Pray together:

  • Prayer Focus:

    • Thank God for His Word and the gift of the Holy Spirit who helps us understand it
    • Ask for consistency and discipline in daily Bible reading
    • Pray for wisdom and understanding as you study
    • Request that God would transform you through His Word

    Group Prayer: Have each person pray for the person on their right, specifically asking that God would help them develop a life-giving rhythm in His Word.