Sermon Discussion Guide 10-12-25

Sermon Discussion Guide
The Book of John | John 10:1-10

Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Read John 10:1-10

I am the Gate

• Reflect on Martin Luther’s 5 Solas: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone), Solus Christus (Christ Alone). How is “Christ alone” good news?

Life

• Jesus describes life in him as “abundant” or “full.” How is this different from how our culture defines “the good life”?
• When have you felt most alive in your faith — not just busy, but deeply connected to God?
• If “abundant life” is more about depth than comfort, how have hard seasons deepened your experience of life with Christ?
• Where do you sense God inviting you to slow down, simplify, or trust him more so that his life can grow in you?

Christ is the Low-Gateway

• Augustine writes, “Christ the Lord is a low gateway: he who enters by this gate must humble himself, that he may be able to enter with head unharmed. But he that humbles not, but exalts himself, wishes to climb over the wall; and he that climbs over the wall, is exalted only to fall.” (Tractates on John: Tractate 45)
• Connect the “low gateway” to the incarnation: God stooping low for us.  How does that help us understand why the gate must be low?
• What does it mean, practically, to “stoop low” in order to enter through Christ?
• Can you think of a time when humility opened a spiritual door for you — or pride kept one closed?
• How might surrendering or confessing something specific make more room for God’s life in you?
• The “low gate” means everyone can enter — but no one can enter standing tall. What does that say about equality and grace in the Kingdom of God?
• Where might God be inviting you to kneel — to lower yourself in attitude, expectations, or control — in order to follow Jesus more fully?

Closing Prayer