Deeper Still [Trust God] Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon explores the concept of trusting God to go before us in life's challenges, using the metaphor of a football running back trusting blockers and the biblical account of Simon's miraculous catch in Luke 5. Jonathan emphasizes that just as Simon trusted Jesus despite his fishing experience telling him otherwise, we must learn to trust God with 'but if you say so' faith. God goes before us like blockers in football, clearing the path and protecting us from dangers we cannot see. The message highlights that God will never fail us or abandon us, and when we trust Him fully, we experience joy, peace, and overflowing hope through the Holy Spirit.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You are our source of hope, joy, and peace. As we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside our own understanding and preconceived notions so that we can truly hear Your voice speaking to us. Lord, we know that You go before us in every situation, but sometimes we struggle to trust You fully. Give us the faith to say 'but if You say so' even when circumstances don't make sense to us. Holy Spirit, move among us today and help us to be vulnerable and honest as we discuss what it means to trust You completely. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you've had to trust someone else to do for you that you couldn't see or control yourself (like trusting a pilot to fly a plane, a surgeon during surgery, or even trusting someone to surprise you)?

Key Verses

- Luke 5:1-7
- Isaiah 52:12
- Deuteronomy 31:8
- Joshua 1:9
- Isaiah 41:10
- Romans 15:13

Questions

- Simon had years of fishing experience, yet Jesus asked him to do something that didn't make sense. Can you think of a time when God asked you to do something that went against your experience or logic?
- Jonathan used the football metaphor of trusting blockers who go before you. How does this image help you understand God's role in your life?
- Simon responded with 'but if you say so' faith. What would it look like for you to have this kind of faith in a current situation you're facing?
- The sermon mentions that God goes before us to provide and protect, often in ways we can't see. Can you share an example of when you later realized God had been working behind the scenes in your life?
- Fear can paralyze us and keep us from stepping into what God has for us. What fears do you struggle with that might be preventing you from trusting God fully?
- Romans 15:13 connects trusting God with being filled with joy and peace. How have you experienced this connection in your own life?
- Jonathan mentioned that some Christians can have peace and joy even in difficult circumstances. What do you think enables this kind of response to trials?
- God promises He will never fail us or abandon us. How does this promise impact the way you approach challenges and uncertainties in your life?

Life Application

This week, identify one area of your life where you've been trying to control the outcome or solve the problem in your own strength. Practice 'but if you say so' faith by surrendering this situation to God in prayer each day. When you feel the urge to take control back, remind yourself that God goes before you and can be trusted to handle what you cannot see or control.

Key Takeaways

- God goes before us like blockers in football, clearing the path and protecting us from dangers we cannot see
- True faith sometimes requires us to trust God's word over our own experience and understanding, responding with 'but if you say so' faith
- God promises He will never fail us or abandon us, providing constant presence even when circumstances change
- When we trust God fully, He fills us with joy, peace, and overflowing hope through the Holy Spirit
- Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from stepping into God's plans, but trusting His presence gives us courage to move forward

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time together and for the reminder that You go before us in every situation. We confess that sometimes we try to handle things in our own strength instead of trusting You to lead the way. Help us to develop 'but if You say so' faith that chooses obedience over our default responses. When life feels like a blitz and everything seems to be coming at us at once, remind us that You are our blocker, going before us to clear the path. Thank You for Your promise that You will never fail us or abandon us. Fill us with Your joy, peace, and overflowing hope as we learn to trust You more deeply. Give us the courage to surrender the areas we've been trying to control and to rest in Your faithful provision and protection. May others see our unwavering hope and be drawn to You. In Your precious and holy name we pray, Amen.