The following discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on August 18/19, “The Doctrine of Hell” (Mark 9:42–50, Part 2). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Outline
The suffering of hell is ...

1. Unending
2. Incomparable
3. Real

Main Point: Don’t exclude a fellow believer and cause him or her to stumble, because eternal punishment is at stake.

The sermon will summarize and re-examine each point from the July 28/29 sermon, and we will apply them and answer potential objections.

Discussion Questions

• How does modern America view the doctrine of hell? How is that view different from the view of Jesus?
• The sermon used three words to describe the suffering of hell. What were these words? How can they be seen in the text of Mark?
• What are the three most common objections to hell, which were addressed in the sermon? If a friend or family member stated these objections, how could we respond to each one?

Application Questions

• Has the doctrine of hell factored into your understanding of the character of God? How can this doctrine help strengthen your relationship with God and your adoration of his attributes?
• Has the doctrine of hell factored into your understanding of the just nature of God’s forgiveness? How can this doctrine reignite your thanksgiving for such a great salvation? How can this doctrine reignite a sense of urgency to reach the lost?
• What can you take from this message and share with others in your life?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to soar in gospel thanksgiving by seeing afresh what we are saved from, what we are saved by, and what we are saved for.