John 4:7-14
Life Group Questions:
1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas that you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?
2. What significance, if any, do you see in John’s use of the word give in this passage? How does this use of the word give relate to some of the other occurrences in John that we have seen thus far (e.g., 1:12, 17; 3:16, 34)?
3. John commonly uses “double-language” in his gospel account; he uses a natural element to depict something spiritual (e.g., John 3). Explain how water and thirst are used as double-language in this section of John (cf. John 1:33; 3:5; Psalm 42:1-2). Why do you think Jesus often spoke in this manner of double-language?
4. Describe your thoughts about the key statement; “Only Jesus gives true lasting satisfaction.” What does the Bible say about finding our joy and satisfaction in God alone (cf. Psalm 16:11; 107:9 John 6:35; etc.)? Do you think most people, or even most Christians, find their satisfaction in God alone? Explain your thoughts.
5. Describe your thoughts about John Piper’s statement, “The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.” Explain how this differs from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” What does it mean to enjoy God? Do you enjoy God?
6. What are some things that tend to diminish our satisfaction in life? Explain how Jesus continued to possess satisfaction in the midst of weariness, everyday circumstances, material deficiency, and even obscurity. Do you struggle with being satisfied in and with life? Take time to pray for God’s help in this area.
7. Describe the difference between what the Samaritan woman came to the well to find and what Jesus offered her? Do you ever feel like we forfeit true satisfaction for a counterfeit satisfaction? Explain.
8. Read the following passages: Isaiah 55:1-5; Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13; John 7:38; Revelation 7:17. What significance might these passages have in common with John 4? What connection do you see with these passages and theological topics such as the deity of Christ?
9. Describe some things about God that bring you great satisfaction in life. How has your satisfaction in God helped you deal with disappointments in life? Does your satisfaction in God fluctuate and if so why? How can it become more consistent?