Discussion Guide
Before we talk about marriages, kids, friendships, or dating, we have to start with something deeper—what it really means to know God. It’s easy to build our lives around relationships and still miss the most important one. We can even do things “for God” and yet never truly know Him. In this series, we’re going to look at all our relationships—but only after we get this right: God was never meant to be one part of our lives. He is meant to be at the center of it all. Because if we don’t know Him, every other relationship will eventually feel out of order.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Share something with group that people may not know about you. (For example: a job you had, something you did when you were young, a talent you have...)
2. Read Matthew 7:21-23. Jesus talks about people who did impressive things in His name—teaching, serving, even miracles. And yet they’re rejected. Why? In verses 22–23, list the specific things the people claim to have done. What do these actions reveal about what they believed qualified them? Based only on this passage, how would you distinguish between spiritual activity and true obedience/relationship?
3. Read John 4:9-14. What barriers are present in verse 9 (ethnic, social, religious)? Why is it significant that Jesus moves toward the woman anyway? In verse 10, Jesus speaks of “the gift of God” and “living water.” From the context, what clues help define what He means?
4. Read John 4:19-26. What does her statement in verse 19 (“I perceive you are a prophet”) show about her growing awareness of who Jesus is? In verse 25, what does the woman understand about the coming Messiah? What is she still missing? How does Jesus’ statement in verse 26 clarify everything? Why is this moment so significant?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1–3, Hosea 6:6. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, what is the danger of knowledge by itself? How does the passage contrast knowledge and love? In Hosea 6:6, what does God say He desires more than sacrifice? What might “sacrifice” represent in a religious lifestyle? Based on these scriptures, how would you define what it truly means to “know God”?
Action Step: This week don’t focus on doing more for God. Don’t make a checklist. Instead, make the effort to know Him. Slow down. Be intentional. Spend time with Him, not to get something done, but just to be with Him.
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Daniel 1. What decision shows that God was first in their lives?