Deeper Still [Find God] Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon explores how God actively pursues us and moves toward us in relationship, rather than waiting for us to come to Him. Using the story of Jesus calling Simon Peter from Luke 5:1-3, Jonathan emphasizes that God meets us in our ordinary moments and everyday routines. Through the parable of the lost sheep and the image of Jesus knocking at the door, the message reveals that God's love is relentless and He celebrates when we return to Him. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond surface-level Christianity into deeper, more intimate relationship with God by recognizing His pursuit and responding by opening the door of our hearts to Him.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You are the one who pursues us and moves toward us in love. As we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be receptive to Your voice and sensitive to Your Spirit's leading. Remove any distractions or barriers that might prevent us from hearing what You have for us. We invite You into this time together and ask that You would deepen our understanding of Your relentless love and our relationship with You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one skill or activity that you thought you understood from reading about it, but realized you didn't truly 'get it' until you actually experienced it firsthand?

Key Verses

- Luke 5:1-3
- Luke 19:10
- Luke 15:4-7
- Romans 5:6
- Romans 5:8
- Revelation 3:20

Questions

- How does it change your perspective to know that God actively pursues you rather than waiting for you to come to Him?
- In what ways have you experienced God meeting you in your 'ordinary moments' or daily routines?
- What does the parable of the lost sheep teach us about God's heart toward those who have wandered away?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to use Simon's boat rather than just teaching from the shore? What does this tell us about how God works in our lives?
- What are some 'barriers' or 'closed doors' that might prevent people from fully opening their hearts to God?
- How does understanding that God celebrates our return (rather than shaming us) impact the way you view repentance and coming back to God?
- What's the difference between knowing about God and actually experiencing Him in relationship? Can you share an example from your own life?
- How can we cultivate greater sensitivity to God's 'knocking' at the door of our hearts in our daily lives?

Life Application

This week, identify one 'messy area' of your life that you've been trying to clean up on your own. Instead of continuing to struggle alone, practice opening that door to God through prayer and invite Him to help you with that specific area. Spend time each day this week listening for His gentle knock and responding with vulnerability and trust.

Key Takeaways

- God actively pursues us and moves toward us; He doesn't wait for us to get our act together first
- God meets us in our ordinary moments and everyday routines, not just in perfect spiritual settings
- Like the good shepherd, God celebrates our return rather than shaming us for wandering away
- God stands at the door knocking, but He respects our free will and waits for us to open the door
- True intimacy with God requires vulnerability… allowing Him into the messy places of our hearts that we can't clean up on our own

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Good Shepherd who pursues us with relentless love. Thank You for not waiting for us to be perfect before You move toward us, but for meeting us right where we are in our mess and our brokenness. Help us to recognize Your gentle knocking at the doors of our hearts and give us the courage to open those doors wide… even to the rooms we've kept locked and hidden. We acknowledge that we cannot clean up the messy places of our lives on our own; we need Your help, Your grace, and Your transforming power. Thank You for celebrating our return and for desiring deep, intimate relationship with each of us. Help us to respond to Your pursuit with open hearts and lives surrendered to You. In Your precious and holy name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.