Bible Questions: A Practical Guide for Adult Sunday School
- steveguidry
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
Quick Summary
Bible questions are one of the most effective tools for adult discipleship because they invite people to engage the text, think together, and apply truth-not just listen. This post shows how to craft Bible questions that spark real discussion, deepen understanding, and lead to Monday-through-Saturday obedience. You'll also get ready-to-use examples and a simple weekly framework.
At StevesBibleQuestions.com, we've seen the difference strong Bible questions make. When teachers move from lecture-only to Scripture-anchored discussion, classes wake up. People talk. Truth lands. Faith grows.
Why Bible Questions Matter
Adults don't just need more information; they need interaction with Scripture and application in community. Jesus often taught with questions, drawing out the heart and directing people back to God's Word (see Mark 8:27-29; Luke 10:25-37). In the same spirit, well-crafted Bible questions help your class:
Focus on the Bible's actual words, not just opinions
Share honestly and learn from each other
Translate doctrine into daily practice
Remember the lesson long after Sunday
The Four Qualities of Great Bible Questions
Text-Driven
Anchor each prompt in the passage you're studying. This keeps discussion under the Bible's authority.
Open-Ended
Avoid yes/no or trivia. Invite reflection: "What do you notice?" "Why does this matter?" "How would we live this?"
Application-Oriented
Aim for obedience: beliefs, habits, relationships, witness. "What will change first if we take this seriously?"
Pastorally Wise
Respect the room. Ask questions that welcome newcomers and stretch mature believers-without shaming anyone.
NASB example: "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4). A good question turns that command into concrete next steps for your class.
A Simple Weekly Framework (O-I-A)
Use Observation → Interpretation → Application to structure your time.
Observation (What do you see?)
"What words or ideas repeat in these verses?"
"What surprises you in the flow of the passage?"
Interpretation (What does it mean?)
"How would you summarize the author's main point in one sentence?"
"How does the context before/after clarify this paragraph?"
Application (How should we respond?)
"If we believed this, what would change first this week?"
"How should this shape our prayers or priorities?"
With O-I-A, you can lead a rich discussion with six great questions instead of fifteen thin ones.
20 Ready-to-Use Bible Questions
Observation (use 3-4)
What stands out or raises questions as you read?
Where do you see a promise, command, warning, or example?
What key words repeat, and how do they signal the author's emphasis?
How does the setting or audience affect the meaning?
Interpretation (use 3-4)
What problem is the text addressing, and how does the gospel answer it?
Which cross-references help clarify this theme?
What misconception might this correct in modern thinking?
How does the passage point to Christ's person or work?
Application (use 3-4)
What obedience is clear and immediate from this text?
Where is repentance required?
Which relationship would change first if we lived this out?
What would your prayers sound like if this truth gripped you?
Community & Mission (use 1-2)
How can we encourage one another with this passage this week?
Where does this call us to reconciliation, generosity, or witness?
Leader Helps (if time allows)
What objections might someone raise-and how does the text answer them?
Where could legalism creep in as we apply this, and how do we keep grace central?
What doctrine is clarified here (God, Scripture, salvation, church)?
What comfort does this text offer suffering believers?
What would faithfulness look like 48 hours from now?
What would it look like for our class to obey this together?
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Trivia traps. Memory checks stall conversation. Keep questions tied to meaning and response.
Three-part monsters. Ask one clear thing at a time.
Leading questions. Don't fish for a single "correct" answer; guide the room back to the text.
Abstract talk with no landing. Always end with a concrete next step and a brief prayer.
How to Lead the Room with Bible Questions
Prepare fewer, better prompts. Three rich questions can carry a 45-minute class.
Give silence a chance. After asking, count to ten slowly-adults need time to think.
Affirm and redirect. Thank contributions, then steer gently back to the passage.
Land the plane. Close with one action step and pray it in.
Quick Starter Sets by Genre (Use This Sunday)
Gospels: "What does Jesus reveal about His authority here, and what would a faithful disciple do in response this week?"
Epistles: "How does this command flow from the gospel truth in the previous verses, and where might we resist it?"
Wisdom: "What everyday habit does this proverb confront, and what's one small change we can make?"
Narrative (OT/Acts): "How does God's faithfulness in this story encourage obedience when outcomes aren't guaranteed?"
Ready-to-Use Weekly Bible Questions (Save Prep Time)
If writing strong Bible questions every week feels heavy, we can help. Our weekly discussion worksheets are:
Text-driven (rooted in the passage)
Open-ended (built for engagement)
Application-focused (aimed at change)
Teacher-ready (10 questions + life application)
If you liked this post, here are some other, related posts:
FAQ: Bible Questions (for learners, teachers & leaders)
What makes a good Bible question for adults?
It's text-driven, open-ended, and application-oriented-inviting the room to respond to Scripture, not just opinions.
How many questions should I prepare for a 45-minute class?
Start with 6-8 strong prompts arranged O-I-A. Depth beats volume.
Which Bible version should I use?
Use a faithful translation your church recognizes. When quoting in our resources, we use a variety of translations, but usually favor the NASB. (We love the KJV, but If you're militant about being KJV only, then our resource probably isn't for you.)
Can I get Bible questions with answers?
Nope. We purposely don't give answers - - you can lead your class how you want. But you probably should ask Google each of our questions so you can get an idea of how your class might answer.
Use this prompt: "_______Question_________" Please give me several possible answers. Include various theological positions. Highlight distinctions between various denominational stances, where significant.
This is basically the process we go through when we write each week's questions.
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