John's Transformation Story Group Guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

1. Jeff started off sharing that he is an Enneagram 3 – The Achiever. If you’ve ever taken a personality test (Enneagram, Big Five, DISC, Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, etc.), what stood out to you? Did anything specific make you say, “Yep, that’s me”?
   
   
2. We are focusing on Jesus’ disciple John, whose nickname was “Son of Thunder.” Read Luke 9:51-56. John wanted to call down fire on the Samaritans. What does this story reveal about his personality?
   
   
3. Read Mark 9:38-40. Why do you think John was so quick to cancel someone outside of “his group”? How does Jesus’ response challenge our own attitudes today?
   
   
4. Read John 13:23. Later, John is known as “the one Jesus loved.” What’s the difference between identifying as “the one who loves Jesus” vs. “the one Jesus loves”? How could things change if we are more aware of God’s unconditional love for us?
   
   
5. The big idea of the message was “God’s transformation makes you the best version of you, not someone else.” How does this idea free you from comparison with others?
   
   
6. Transformation doesn’t mean losing your personality but being refined by God’s love. In what ways have you seen God already grow or reshape you over time?
   
   
7. Think about your personality. What are the strengths God can use? What are some “rough edges” that may need rounding out?
   
   
8. John moved from being a “Son of Thunder” to being called the “Apostle of Love.” If people summed up your life in one phrase, what do you hope it would be?
   
   
9. Skim through the “Put It into Practice” section. Which one (or more) of those practices would you like to try this week?
   
   
10. Close by praying for each person in the group to grow into the best version of themselves, as God refines their unique personality. Share prayer requests and pray for one another.

VERSE TO MEDITATE AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)

1. Identity Practice – Each morning this week, say out loud (or in prayer): “I am the one Jesus loves.” Let that identity sink in before you start your day.
   
   
2. Reflection on Personality – Take 10-15 minutes to reflect or journal about your personality (strengths and weaknesses). Ask: “How has God uniquely wired me?” and “Where might God be rounding me out?”
   
   
3. Ask a Trusted Friend – This week, ask someone close to you the two questions from the message: How do you see God using my personality? What would growth look like for me right now?
   
   
4. Scripture Meditation – Read and reflect on 1 John 4:7-12 each day.
   
   
5. Small Act of Love – Look for one intentional way each day to show love to someone in action, not just in words, especially someone who might be hard to love.
   
   
6. Celebrate Growth – Notice even small ways God is growing you (e.g., a different response, a softer word, more patience). Thank him for shaping you into the best version of you.
   
   
7. Personality Test – Take one of the free personality tests on this website: www.truity.com