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Grow

Pat Hood [Lead Pastor]

Scripture References & Sermon Points

Sermon Takeaway = Grow

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:18–20

• Scripture Reference: Mark 1:16-18

• Sermon Point 1: Grow by Learning

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:29

• Sermon Point 2: Grow by Living

• Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:6

• Sermon Point 3: Grow by Leaving

• Scripture Reference: Luke 14:26

• Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 2:2

Sermon Discussion Questions

Get to know me: The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.

1. Think of a time when you recognized a specific area of your life that needed improvement. It might have been a skill you wanted to improve, a habit you aimed to change, or a personal quality you wished to enhance. What did you want to improve? How did you realize improvement was necessary? What obstacles did you encounter along the way? What was your outcome?

Note: This week's questions have a personal tone to them, confessional even. As followers of Jesus we wrestle at times with what He commended because we still have a sin-nature. But we are to do battle against sin, not alone but with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Take the opportunity to reflect deeply on these questions and share your answers.

Into the Bible: The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. What does the phrase "All Scripture is inspired by God" mean to you? How does this impact your view of the Bible's authority and reliability?

2. In what ways have you personally experienced the Bible's value for teaching? Can you recall instances where Scripture has provided guidance or wisdom in your life?

3. The purpose of Scripture is stated as making us "complete, equipped for every good work." Can you identify specific areas in your life where the Bible has equipped you for good works? How has it shaped your actions and decisions?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for correction or guidance in your life. How did you turn to Scripture for help, and what was the outcome of that experience?

5. How can you actively incorporate regular reading and studying of the Bible into your daily routine, based on the principles highlighted in these verses?

Application: The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.

1. Read Matthew 11:29. Sermon Point: Grow By Learning. Your spiritual growth is closely tied to your biblical literacy. By consistently investing time in reading and studying the Bible, both individually and within a group, you not only nourish your faith but also build a foundation for meaningful growth that withstands the challenges along the way. Being honest with yourself, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, how would you rank your Bible literacy? Why did you rank yourself in that way? If ranked high, who can you help grow? If ranked low, who can help you grow?

2. Read 1 John 2:6. Sermon Point: Grow By Living. When you emulate Jesus, you embrace gospel intentionality. Just as He lived His life with the commitment to doing the Father’s will on Earth, our imitation of Him leads us to live out the gospel and share the Gospel. By walking in His footsteps, our lives become a reflection of His mission. Being honest with yourself, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the world and 5 representing the Gospel, where would you say your focus of living is? Why did you rank yourself in that way? If ranked low, what and who would help you to get closer to living for the Gospel? If ranked medium, what is holding you back from living more for the Gospel?

3. Read Luke 14:26; 2 Timothy 2:2. Sermon Point: Grow By Leaving. Your life's value isn't determined by how many people served you, but by how many you served. The journey of discipleship is perpetual – both in being discipled and in discipling others. A dedicated disciple-maker is a constant need, just as your role as a disciple is unceasing. Being honest with yourself, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing your past self and 5 representing Jesus, where would you say are, looking like your past self or looking more like Jesus? Why did you rank yourself in that way? If ranked low, what sins continue to hold you back? If ranked high, are you helping others see Jesus in you?