Real – Real Purpose
January 12, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. This week’s sermon dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever shared with someone? How did they react?
- Imagine you were at a well like the woman in the story. Who is one unexpected person you would love to bump into and why?
- What’s the most unique or memorable way someone has shared good news with you?
Scripture Passages
Matthew 28:19 (NLT):
- 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
John 4:19 (NLT):
- 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.”
Deuteronomy 18:15 (NLT):
- 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
John 15:8 (NLT):
- 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
Acts 11:26 (NIV):
- When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Discussion Questions
- In the story of the woman at the well, how did Jesus demonstrate intentionality in reaching someone often overlooked? What can we learn from his approach to evangelism?
- How does the concept of bearing fruit in John 15:8 connect to making disciples? What kind of “fruit” do you think Jesus expects from our lives?
- The woman at the well immediately told others about her encounter with Jesus. What does that teach us about the role of personal testimony when it comes to sharing the gospel?
- Jesus met the woman where she was, both physically and spiritually. How can we apply that principle to share Christ with others?
- How do you spell filling our purpose as disciple-makers bring glory to God, as described in John 15:8?
Action Steps
- What fears or obstacles have kept you from sharing your faith like the woman at the well? How can you overcome them?
- Who is someone in your life that you feel God is calling you to reach out to? What step can you take this week to engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith?
- How can your small group or Fork Christian Church better support one another in fulfilling our purpose as disciple-makers?
Prayer:
God, thank you for revealing to us the true purpose of our lives, to know you, and to make you known to others. We are humbled by the example of Jesus, who reached out with love and truth to those in need, just as he did with the woman at the well. Help us to follow his example, sharing the hope and joy of the gospel with those around us. We ask for courage to step out in faith, wisdom to speak your truth with love, and sensitivity to meet people where they are. May we bear fruit that glorifies you, as you have called us to be disciple-makers in every aspect of our lives.
Real – Real Truth
January 5, 2025
Description:
We are a real family who together pursue the real Jesus. We empower one another to lead right, live real, love deeply, and give completely to the purpose Jesus is calling us to live. We make disciples in our homes, in our hobbies, and in other habitats around the world. Every Sunday, we keep it real, keep it relevant, and keep it about Jesus so that every day, we keep it real, keep it relational, and keep it all about Jesus. In this sermon series, we go to the real truth in order to be real men, real women, and real families who are pursuing the real Jesus together!
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What conspiracy theory have you heard of that made you question its validity? Why?
- Share a time when you discovered something you believed was true turned out to be false.
- Who has been the most influential person in shaping your understanding of truth?
Scripture Passages
Jeremiah 17:5, 9 (NLT):
- “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.”
- “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT):
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT):
- “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT):
- “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
John 8:31-32 (NLT):
- “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Discussion Questions
- In Jeremiah 17:5 and 9, why is trusting in human strength and the heart warned against? How does this apply to discerning truth today?
- What does Proverbs 3:5-6 teach us about finding guidance and truth? Share a time you struggled to trust God’s direction.
- Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as alive and powerful. How have you experienced the Bible revealingthe truth in your life?
- Voddie Baucham describes the Bible as a reliable historical document. How does this understanding strengthen your faith in its truth?
- In John 8:31-32, Jesus speaks of remaining faithful to His teachings. What practical steps can we take to live out this truth daily?
Action Steps
- Evaluate Your Sources: Reflect on the primary sources of truth in your life (Google, social media, family, friends, Scripture). Are they reliable?
- Commit to Bible Study: This week, choose one of the passages above to study using the 3 Steps:
- Observation: What does the passage say?
- Interpretation: What does it mean?
- Application: What will you do about it?
- Memorize Scripture: Select one verse from this study to memorize and meditate on daily.
- Engage in Conversations: Share what you’ve learned about truth with a friend or coworker and ask for their thoughts.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of all truth. We confess that we often rely on our own understanding or the opinions of others. Help us to trust in You with all our hearts and seek Your will in everything we do. Guide us as we study Your Word and reveal Your truth to us through it. May we live as disciples of Christ, faithful to His teachings, and let Your truth set us free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.