Discussion Questions

Marvin argues that “to allow someone a choice…is to choose vulnerability over control”; how does that claim reshape the way you think about God’s power in creation (Adam and Eve) and in covenant (Abraham/Israel), and what parts of that feel “ludicrous” or threatening to your instincts? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Marvin says giving someone a real choice means giving up control and becoming vulnerable. How does that change how you think about God’s power with Adam and Eve and with Abraham/Israel, and what feels scary or “ridiculous” about it to you?

Marvin says, “There’s just a lot of messiness in the Bible. And if we’re not okay with that, maybe we’re not okay with the God of the Bible”; where do you most feel the urge to clean up the messiness—either in Scripture, your church, or your own story—and what does that reveal about what you want God to be like? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Marvin says the Bible is messy, and we have to be okay with that. Where do you most want to “clean up” the mess—in the Bible, your church, or your own story—and what does that show about the kind of God you want?

In Mark 10:35–45 Marvin highlights Jesus’ rejection of the disciples’ “vye for power…control” paradigm; if Jesus’ kingdom grows through self-sacrifice rather than authority, how should that change the way you pursue influence in church roles, leadership, parenting, or ministry? JumpstartAnother way to ask: In Mark 10:35–45, Jesus rejects the way people fight for power and control. If his kingdom grows through sacrifice instead of authority, how should that change how you try to have influence at church, at home, or in ministry?

Marvin uses the Muslim video mocking Luke 2:52 (“Jesus…grew…”) to argue these verses deserve “a lifetime of meditation”; what do you do with the idea that God chose to be someone who learns, grows, and needs help, and how might that confront the way you present Christianity as “obvious,” “strong,” or “winning”? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Luke 2:52 says Jesus grew and learned. What do you do with the idea that God chose to learn, grow, and need help, and how does that challenge the way you try to make Christianity look “obvious” or “winning”?

Marvin says compassion “is, in a way, an admittance of weakness” because it lets another person have emotional “power over us”; where do you protect yourself from compassion (especially toward “downcast” or socially costly people), and what might Jesus be asking you to risk relationally? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Marvin says compassion can feel like weakness because it lets someone affect you. Where do you block compassion, especially toward people who are hurting or might cost you socially, and what might Jesus be asking you to risk in relationships?

In the story of Marvin’s grieving Muslim friend, he contrasts “quick answers” (“Jesus can heal your pain”) with entering pain through listening; what would it look like in your life to prioritize presence over spiritual slogans, and what do you fear would happen if you did? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Marvin contrasts giving quick answers with simply listening to someone in pain. What would it look like for you to choose being present over using spiritual phrases, and what are you afraid might happen if you did?

From 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 Marvin emphasizes Paul refusing to lean on “apostolic authority,” instead laboring and giving “his own life”; what kinds of “spiritual leverage” do Christians today use to get compliance, and how does Paul’s example challenge common evangelical leadership styles? JumpstartAnother way to ask: In 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12, Paul doesn’t rely on his authority but works hard and gives his life. What kinds of “spiritual pressure” do Christians use today to make people comply, and how does Paul challenge common leadership habits?

Ignatius writes, “It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ than to reign over all the ends of the earth”; what desires for “reigning” (security, reputation, platform, control, comfort) compete with costly obedience in you, and how would you know if you’re choosing reign over Christ? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Ignatius says he would rather die for Jesus than rule the world. What desires for security, comfort, control, or recognition pull you away from costly obedience, and how can you tell when you’re choosing those things over Christ?

Origen claims Christians who pray are “more help to the emperors” than soldiers because prayers destroy demons that “stir up wars”; how would early Christians’ confidence in prayer-as-real-power critique the modern tendency to trust activism, politics, money, or force more than dependence on God? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Origen says prayer helps more than soldiers because it fights the forces behind war. How does that view challenge how we today trust politics, activism, money, or force more than depending on God?

Marvin repeatedly urges “ask for help,” giving examples like being “a child again” in language learning and even receiving financial help (the motorbike) from a Muslim friend; what would it cost you—socially, emotionally, and spiritually—to receive from people you’re trying to serve, and how might that reframe your definition of gospel “success”? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Marvin keeps saying, “Ask for help,” even receiving help from someone he was trying to serve. What would it cost you to receive help from others, and how might that change what you think gospel “success” looks like?