Sermon Recap
From Mark 1, Pastor Justin challenged the narrative that we need to find our own life’s purpose and illustrated how joining God's mission brings deeper fulfillment. He explored how all of the Old Testament pointed to Jesus and how God’s kingdom operates in unexpected ways - inside out, upside down, and forward back. From the calling of the disciples, he showed how God’s mission must be greater than everything else in our lives. He concluded by encouraging listeners to follow God in His mission through his community of faith called the church.
Ice Breaker Option: What’s the most epic kitchen or dining disaster you’ve ever experienced?
HEAD: Read Mark 1:14-20
• What message did Jesus proclaim? How was God's purpose fulfilled through His coming?
• What do we learn from Jesus’ calling of the disciples and their responses?
• What do we learn about how God's Kingdom works from this passage? What is unusual or unexpected?
HEART
• What prevents many Christians from fully following God’s mission?
• How are you encouraged or challenged knowing that you are called to be an active participant in God's mission to reconcile the world to Himself?
• How does understanding the characteristics of the Kingdom give you hope?
HANDS — Go Deeper Together (Choose one or two practices below)
We follow the missionary God. That's who he is. Every one of us has a part to play and so if you allow your life to get lost in his bigger mission, here's what you'll discover. Every day has purpose.
1. Practice Kingdom Vision: Inside-Out, Upside-Down, Forward-Back - If you are to follow the missionary God, you must understand his kingdom as an inside out, upside down, forward, back kingdom.
- Pause and Consider: Which of these are you most challenged by in your faith walk currently?
Inside Out: Jesus Christ paid for your sins in full, that God might impute righteousness to you that you did not earn and deserve. Where is God inviting you to obey from gratitude and love rather than pressure or guilt?
Upside Down: The King of the universe came and lived the life of a servant and died for sinners. What does practicing humble, self-giving service following the Servant-King look like for you?
Forward Back: Christ has already won the victory, but we don't yet see the fullness of that victory in our world today. What situation in your life needs fresh hope from Jesus’ already-won victory?
- Action Step: Choose one characteristic and plan a practical response, such as an act of gratitude, a step of humble service, or a hope-filled prayer declaring Christ’s victory in an area of struggle.
- Share & Pray: If comfortable, share your response with the group and pray for one another to trust God in this journey.
2. Make God’s Mission Personal: Re-Center Your Calling - Jesus’ first words in Mark 1 are a proclamation of God’s mission breaking into the world. Following Him always begins with saying yes to His purpose over our own.
- Reflect Together: Spend a few minutes in silent prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit: “Where have I been pursuing my own mission instead of joining Yours?”
- Action Step: Write down one specific way you will align your week with God’s mission—an intentional conversation, an act of service, or a step of obedience that makes God’s purpose greater than your personal agenda.
- Group Option: Invite one or two volunteers to share an area where God is re-centering their priorities.
3. Follow Together: Practicing Immediate Obedience - The disciples “immediately left their nets” in Mark 1:18, 20. Their responsiveness embodied a heart ready to follow.
- Reflect Together: What is one “net” in your life—habit, distraction, fear, or comfort—that keeps you from fully engaging God’s mission?
- Group Activity: Have each person anonymously write down a “net” on a slip of paper. Place them in the center of the group as a symbol of surrender.
- Action Step / Prayer: Pray together: “Jesus, make us a community that responds quickly to Your call. Give courage to leave our nets and trust Your mission.”
Encourage each person to take one concrete step of obedience within the next 48 hours.
Prayer:
• Pray for wisdom to recognize and embrace the mission God has for you.
• Ask God for the courage to step out of comfort zones for His greater purpose.
• Express gratitude for the opportunities God provides to serve in His kingdom.