PWC Podcast

The People Who Choose God" - Study Guide

I. Quiz

1. According to 1 Peter 2:10, what was the status of individuals before choosing God, and how does that status change after choosing Him?
2. How does the podcast differentiate between common misunderstandings of "holiness" and its true meaning?
3. Name three specific ways choosing God changes a person's life, as discussed in "Segment 3: How Choosing God Changes Everything."
4. Why is obedience described as not always easy, even for Jesus, and what biblical verse supports this point?
5. What are the three reflection questions the host suggests listeners consider in "Segment 5: Reflect, Respond, Recommit"?
6. What does the phrase "Once you were not a people" imply about an individual's prior state of being?
7. How is the concept of obedience illustrated through the example of a child and their parent?
8. What is the ultimate benefit that obedience, or choosing God's way, is said to bring?
9. What is the "challenge" presented to listeners at the end of the podcast episode?
10. What is the final encouraging message the host gives to listeners about choosing God?

II. Quiz Answer Key

1. Before choosing God, individuals were "not a people," spiritually disconnected, without purpose, belonging, or mercy. After choosing God, they become "the people of God," are adopted, belong, and receive mercy.
2. The podcast clarifies that holiness is not about being perfect or merely following rules with military precision. Instead, it is about reflecting God's character, living with love, patience, purity, humility, justice, and truth out of a desire to become like God.
3. Choosing God changes a person's life in terms of Identity (becoming God's child), Peace (freedom from guilt and fear, knowing who holds the future), and Purpose (understanding they are not here by accident and have something specific to do).
4. Obedience isn't always easy because people sometimes want to do things their own way. Hebrews 5:8 supports this by stating, "Though he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered."
5. The three reflection questions are: "Where do I need to choose God again?", "What area needs deeper obedience?", and "Who could be impacted by my obedience this week?"
6. The phrase "Once you were not a people" implies a state of spiritual wandering, disconnection, lack of purpose or direction, and a feeling of not belonging or not having received mercy before choosing God.
7. The concept of obedience is illustrated by comparing a child who obeys out of fear of punishment with a child who obeys because they trust and love their parent. This highlights that God desires obedience born from love and trust, not fear.
8. Obedience, or choosing God's way, is said to bring fruit, strength, and joy that individuals could never create on their own.
9. The challenge presented to listeners is to write down one thing God is asking them to do and then to do it without overthinking it—to just obey.
10. The final encouraging message is that listeners are chosen, seen, and loved, and that by choosing God, they don't lose themselves but rather find their "real self," the one they were created to be.

III. Essay Format Questions

1. Discuss the transformation of identity, peace, and purpose that occurs when someone chooses God, drawing on specific examples or explanations provided in the podcast.
2. Analyze the podcast's definition of "holiness." How does this understanding challenge common misconceptions, and what practical implications does it have for daily living?
3. Explore the concept of obedience as presented in the podcast. Why is it often difficult, and what are the promised benefits of choosing God's way, even through suffering?
4. The podcast emphasizes the ripple effect of an individual's choices and obedience. Discuss how one person's decision to "choose God" can impact their relationships and the lives of those around them.
5. Reflect on the three key questions posed at the end of the episode ("Where do I need to choose God again?", "What area needs deeper obedience?", "Who could be impacted by my obedience this week?"). How do these questions encourage introspection and practical application of the podcast's themes?

IV. Glossary of Key Terms

• Belonging: The state of feeling accepted and having a rightful place within a group or community, a spiritual benefit of choosing God.
• Chosen: A core identity given to those who choose God, implying they are specifically selected and valued by Him.
• Disciple: An implied role for "the people who choose God," indicating someone who follows and learns from Jesus.
• God's Character: The inherent attributes and nature of God (e.g., love, patience, purity, humility, justice, truth) that followers are encouraged to reflect through holiness.
• Holiness: Not just strict rule-following or perfection, but reflecting God's character in one's life, driven by love and trust rather than fear.
• Identity: A person's sense of self, which transforms from being "not a people" to "God's child" upon choosing God.
• Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is in one's power to punish or harm; received by those who choose God.
• Obedience: Choosing to follow God's way and will, even when it is difficult, leading to spiritual fruit, strength, and joy.
• Peace: A state of freedom from guilt and fear, and a sense of security derived from trusting God with one's future.
• Purpose: The specific reason for which God has created an individual, discovered upon choosing Him.
• Reflection Prompts: Questions offered throughout the podcast to encourage listeners to personally engage with the material and consider its implications for their own lives.
• Spiritual Disconnection: The state of being "wandering," without purpose, direction, belonging, or mercy before choosing God.