Discovery Study 2 is for those ready to study or teach the Bible for in depth understanding. It is for students and teacher ready to move on from Discovery Study 1. 
Discovery Study 2 Consists of Three Steps
Step 1. Discover three timeless truths from the passage. 

  1. ​A timeless truth (TT) is a word, phrase, or verse that is as true today as when it was originally authored. They are fairly obvious. For instance, consider John 3:16. It's loaded with timeless truths. For God so loved the world (TT), that he gave his one and only Son (TT), that whoever believes in him (TT) shall not perish (TT), but have eternal life (TT). 

  2. If possible, try to discover one timeless truth about God, one about mankind, and another about the gospel. Don't force the passage to say what it doesn't say. 
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  3. The smaller the timeless truth the better. This is important. Often the timeless truths is just a word, phrase or sentence. Choosing an entire verse with more that one timeless truth can result in creating multiple sets of questions, which can lead to confusion when it comes time to discuss them. 
Step 2. Develop questions from the timeless truths from Step 1.

  1. Use the words, what, why, how, when, where and who to generate questions about each timeless truth. Don't feel obligated to create six questions for each truth. Just create a few good ones. Keep in mind, if you have two good questions for each of the three timeless truths that will six questions to answer. That is usually more than enough for the group. That doesn't count the follow up questions that may be asked as well. 
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  2. Don't take too long to develop the questions. Leave plenty to time to discuss them. Often, the group will need to leave some questions unanswered due to time constraints. 
Step 3. Discuss the questions from Step 2. 
  1. Talk about the questions in any order. Don't feel constrained to answer all the questions in the allotted time. It is easy to develop more questions than there is time to discuss them.

  2. Be ready to ask follow up questions on the fly. Asking short and simple secondary questions can really deepen and personalize the discussion. For instance, simply asking why, what, how, when, where or who can extend the conversation in a meaningful manner. 
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Helpful Information
Discovery Study 2 is different from Discovery Study 1. Discovery Study 1 uses scripted questions and Discovery Study 2 uses unscripted questions. Unscripted questions can result in deep conversations that produce spiritual maturity. 
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Discovery Study 2 is optimal for those ready to move on from Discovery Study 1. It's for those seeking a more in depth interaction with Scripture. It's tailored to the those familiar with the content of the Foundation Studies. 

Discovery Study 2 confidence comes with practice. Doing these studies on your own deepens faith, elevates confidence, and energizes the soul. The more you rehearse them, the more confidence you will gain.

Discovery Study 2 ownership is decided on a group by group basis. Sometimes it's prudent to gradually release ownership of the development process to the students over time. In other words, some groups function best just discussing questions, rather than developing them. However, sometimes it is wise to involve the group in the development process right away. You decide what is best.

Discovery Study 2 does not require the leader to study the passage before hand. However, if the leader does want to look over good resources, the following are recommended. 
Discovery Study 2 question tips. 

  • ​Ask What questions. They help with understanding. For instance, "What does this mean?" Often a paraphrased translation and commentary notes add clarity.

  • Ask Why questions. They deepen faith. For instance, "Why is this important?" Why questions prompt people to investigate Christianity at a deeper level. These are often the missing questions, yet are the very ones that develop maturity.

  • Ask How questions. They result in application. For instance, "How can we apply this truth to our lives?" Ask How questions that encourage people to know, feel, or do something. For instance, "How do we know this is true?" or "How should this make us feel?" or "How should we respond to this truth?" 

  • Ask When, Where and Who questions. They create ownership. For instance, "When did you first learn this truth?" or "Where do you rely on this truth?" or "Who can you share this truth with?"  

  • Ask simple questions. They deepen conversation. Easy questions can lead to profound discussion. Complicated questions generally result in shallow answers. The general rule is, if it takes more than 10 seconds to formulate a question, you might be over thinking it.

  • Ask obvious questions. Straightforward questions can yield surprising results. For instance, Colossians 3:15 says, "Be thankful." You might ask, "What or who are you thankful for?" 

  • Ask generic questions. If you find it hard to formulate good questions, consider using the following set of questions: "What does this mean?", "Why is this important?", "How can we apply this to our lives?", "When is this most relevant to you?", "Where do you rely on this most?", and "Who models this to you?" Note; it's often easier to use of the word "this" in place of restating the entire truth. These questions can result in great conversation. 

  • Ask good questions. They liven discussion. Field several questions and go with the one that seems best. You'll recognize a good question when you hear it. Don't feel obligated to use the first question offered. Pick the best and go with it. Be ready to say, "That's a good question, does anyone else have other questions?" or "That's a good question, let's build upon it." Don't try to create a question where it isn't natural and easy. 

  • Ask preferable questions. Customize the conversation. The six prompts are just suggestive. Use them if it helps generate good questions. However, feel free to ask questions that vary in style and form, and fit your situation. 

  • Ask observational questions. They encourage responders to look at the rest of the passage. This is especially relevant when the immediate context offers helpful information. For instance, "What do the surrounding verses say about what this means?" or "What does the rest of the passage say about why this is important?" Feel free to have them look at a cross reference as well. For instance, "What does John 3:16 say about this?" 

  • Ask multiple answer questions. They expand the conversation. For instance, "Give four reasons why this truth is important." If a question has an obvious answer, ask for several.

  • Ask for explanations. They extend the conversation. For instance, "Do you agree or disagree? Explain." If the question has a yes or no answer, ask for a reason for the answer. 

  • Ask follow-up questions. They further the conversation. For instance, you might say, "That's an interesting response. Why that might be so? " Secondary questions deepen understanding. They reveal insights that might not otherwise arise. 

  • Ask both impersonal and personal questions. Some questions are best asked impersonally. They include the words we and us in the question, and encourage the words we and us in the answer. For instance, "How can we do this?" Some questions are best asked in a personal manner. They can include the word you in the question and encourage the words me and I, in the answer. For instance, "How have you applied this in your life?" Double use of the word you, helps the responder personalize the answer. 

Don't be intimidated. This is meant to be a guide, not a checklist for every study. Asking a few simple questions will result in great conversation. You got this! 

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