Observation questions
What does the text say? Who? What? When? Where? How? What is repeated?
Teach and lead
Lead a Group Study
A group leader does not replace the text. The leader helps the group see, understand, and obey the passage.
Course lesson
How to complete this study section
This lesson helps a leader ask questions that lead people back to the passage. The goal is not to display the leader's knowledge, but to help the group observe, interpret, and apply the text in order.
Do this
- Begin with observation questions that everyone can answer from the passage.
- Move to interpretation questions only after the group has seen the evidence.
- Ask application questions that flow from the main point, not from random interests.
- Keep questions in passage order so the group follows the author's flow.
- Use background, word study, or commentary notes only when they clarify the text.
Examples
- Observation: “What words are repeated in verses 6-9?” Interpretation: “Why does Paul repeat that contrast?” Application: “Where are we tempted to base standing with God on performance?”
- Weak question: “What does this verse mean to you?” Better: “What did the author say, why did he say it, and how should we respond?”
Quality check
A good group question is clear, text-grounded, and not answerable only by guessing what the leader is thinking.
Leader process
- Prepare from the passage before preparing discussion questions.
- Use observation questions first so the group sees the text.
- Ask interpretation questions that require reasons from context.
- Move to application after meaning has been established.
- Keep the discussion in the passage when opinions multiply.
- Summarize the main point and one practical response.
- Evaluate whether people understood the passage and not merely the leader’s opinion.
Question order
Interpretation questions
What does it mean in context? Why is it said here? How would the original audience understand it?
Application questions
What should we believe, confess, obey, change, practise, or pray?