Small Group Study: Understanding Key Disputed Bible Verses

Session Overview

This study helps us see how context, genre, and original audience shape our reading of Scripture. We’ll explore several commonly disputed verses, learn their background, discuss why they’re often misunderstood today, and discover practical ways to honor both text and context.

1. Opening and Icebreaker

1. Welcome everyone and open in prayer, asking for insight and humility.
2. Icebreaker question (2–3 minutes each):
   • What’s a Bible verse you’ve heard out of context? How did it affect you?

2. Learning to Read Contextually

Take 5 minutes to review:

• Genre (law, narrative, poetry, epistle, gospel)
• Historical setting (who, when, where)
• Original audience and purpose

Why does each matter when we interpret a verse?

3. Verse Matching Activity (15 minutes)

Distribute slips of paper with these ten verses on half and their original contexts on the other half. In pairs, match each verse to its context, then return to share:

• Philippians 4:13
• Jeremiah 29:11
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Matthew 5:29
• 1 Timothy 2:12
• Leviticus 18:22
• Psalm 137:9
• John 14:6
• Exodus 21:20–21
• Luke 14:26

Then discuss: Which match surprised you most, and why?

4. Deep Dive Discussions (30 minutes)

Break into three small groups, each assigned a set of 3–4 verses. For each verse, answer:

1. What is the literary genre and setting?
2. What misunderstanding arises when we quote it alone?
3. How does knowing the context change its application today?

Group A

• Philippians 4:13
• Jeremiah 29:11
• 2 Chronicles 7:14

Group B

• Matthew 5:29
• Luke 14:26
• Psalm 137:9

Group C

• 1 Timothy 2:12
• Leviticus 18:22
• Exodus 21:20–21
• John 14:6

After 20 minutes, reconvene and let each group share one key insight.

5. Whole-Group Reflection (10 minutes)

Discuss together:

• How can we avoid proof-texting when sharing Scripture?
• What tools or questions will you use to stay faithful to context?

6. Application and Closing Prayer

1. Personal Challenge
   • This week, pick one verse you often quote and study its original context before using it.
2. Prayer Requests and Closing
   • Pray for grace to handle Scripture responsibly and for opportunities to guide others in contextual reading.