1: Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe (The Moral Law). Core Theme: The universal sense of "oughtness"—the Moral Law or Law of Human Nature—points to a moral Lawgiver.
Romans 2:14-15: What does this passage say about how God's law is known to everyone, even without special revelation? How does this correspond to Lewis's argument?
Matthew 5:43-48 & Luke 6:31: Jesus appeals to a standard beyond custom. What is He appealing to? How does the "Golden Rule" assume a universal moral law?
James 2:8-11: What does breaking one point of the law reveal about our relationship to the whole law? How does this illustrate Lewis's point that we all know the Law but fail to keep it?
Discussion: Can you think of a time you appealed to a standard of "fair play" that others recognized? What does that instinct reveal?
Book 2: What Christians Believe (Theistic Reality & Invasion). Core Theme: The universe is not neutral good and evil are real. Humanity's problem is rebellion, and the solution is Christ's redemptive invasion.
Genesis 1:26-27 & Genesis 3:1-19: How does the Creation and Fall narrative establish the Christian diagnosis of the human condition (made for good, but now "bent" or broken)?
John 1:1-5, 14: How does this passage describe the "invasion" of the Creator into His creation? What is the significance of the "Word becoming flesh"?
Colossians 1:15-20: What does this passage say about who Christ is and the scope of His work? How does it combat the idea of Jesus as just a "great moral teacher"?
Discussion: Lewis presents a "trilemma" (Lunatic, Liar, or Lord). How does Jesus's claim, paired with His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), shape your response to that argument?
Book 3: Christian Behavior (Practical Theology)
Core Theme: The "new man" in Christ lives by a new set of virtues, enabled by God's Spirit.
The Cardinal Virtues: How do Prudence (Proverbs 2:1-11), Temperance (Galatians 5:22-23), Justice (Micah 6:8), and Fortitude (Joshua 1:9) contrast with worldly values?
The Theological Virtues: How does 1 Corinthians 13:13 define Faith, Hope, and Love? How is Christian love (agape) different from feeling, as seen in Luke 6:27-36?
Matthew 6:1-18 (On Giving, Prayer, Fasting): How does Jesus redefine "goodness," shifting it from external show to internal, God-focused reality?
The Great Sin (Pride): Proverbs 16:5, 18-19 & James 4:6-10. Why is pride the central sin? How does humility, as seen in Philippians 2:3-8, provide the antidote?
Discussion: Lewis says, "Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you...into something a little different." How does Philippians 2:12-13 relate our effort to God's work in us?
Book 4: Beyond Personality (Theology & Transformation)
Core Theme: The goal is not just moral improvement but being drawn into the life of the Trinity—becoming "sons of God."
John 17:20-23: What is Jesus's ultimate prayer for His followers? What does it mean to be brought into the unity of the Godhead?
2 Peter 1:3-4: What are the "precious promises" and what is the staggering result for the believer? How does this connect to Lewis's idea of being turned from "creatures" into "sons"?
Galatians 2:20 & 4:4-7: How does Paul describe the exchanged life and the new status of believers? What does it mean to cry "Abba, Father"?
Romans 8:14-17, 29: What is the destiny of the Christian? How does the process of "glorification" relate to Lewis's analogy of being transformed from a statue into a real man?
Discussion: Lewis concludes that all of life is like a "good infection." How does the imagery of the Vine and branches in John 15:1-11 illustrate this same process of divine life flowing into us?
Overarching Themes for Final Discussion:
Time & Eternity: How does 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 encourage us to live in light of Lewis's "two windows" (the temporal and the eternal)?
The Process of Change: Sanctification is a process. How do Philippians 1:6 and Romans 12:1-2 offer both comfort and instruction for the journey?
The Centrality of Christ: After this study, how does Hebrews 1:1-3 summarize the core message of Mere Christianity?
These questions are designed to move from comprehension of Lewis's points to personal application, always grounded in the biblical text he sought to explain.
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