Sermon Recap
In this sermon, Justin Kendrick emphasizes the shift from control to trust, using the story of Peter walking on water to highlight the challenges of faith. He notes that many people prefer to cling to control due to fear and uncertainty in a volatile world, which can prevent them from experiencing spiritual growth. Through Peter's experience, he illustrates that faith begins with the possibility of trusting Jesus, requires action, and often leads to struggles before ultimately resulting in strength through God's faithfulness. Pastor Justin encourages the congregation to step out of their comfort zones, trust in God's plan, and actively engage in their faith, especially as the church embarks in the next steps of its vision and mission.
Ice Breaker Option: If you were a kitchen appliance, which one would you be and why?
GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
HEAD – Read Matthew 14:22-33
• Identify Jesus words and actions. What does this teach us about God?
• Describe Peter's words and actions in this account. If you were to draw a graph showing the highs and lows of Peter's trust in this encounter, including the end result, what would it look like?
• What happened at each of the turning points of Peter's faith? How does this help us understand how faith grows?
HEART
• What is your comfort zone? When was the last time you were made uncomfortable for God?
• When is it difficult to trust God? How does this principle of surrendering control provide hope?
• How can challenges or storms in your life serve as opportunities for growth? Can you identify a recent challenge that helped you grow in your trust in God?
HANDS
• Think of a current challenge you are facing. Can you identify where you are in the journey of possibility, action, struggle, or strength concerning that situation?
• Right now, in your life, where is God calling you to step out of the boat? What situation is God asking you to release control and trust him?
• What one specific thing will you do this week in response to this personal calling or conviction from God?
Prayer
• As a group take a few moments to Thank God for His past faithfulness.
• Then break up into pairs and Pray for the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Specifically pray for one another in an area where the Lord is inviting you to release control and trust Him.
Going Deeper:
“The final command Jesus gave us is really the center of the church across the globe, and that is called the great commission. This contains Jesus’ vision for the kingdom’s expansion.”
Jesus told parables to help us understand the certain future of His kingdom. Several of these are found in Matthew 13:1-33. Spend time reflecting on these passages in light of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.
• Draw a picture of one of these parables. What was Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom through these parables?
• Read Matthew 28:18-20. How does the Kingdom of God expand according to these verses?
• What specific ways are you taking part in the command of the Great Commission? What step of faith are you being challenged to take?