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Come & See His Grace is Greater Sermon

Matt Stout [College Grove Campus Pastor]

Sermon Points & Scripture References: 

• Sermon Takeaway = Come & See His Grace is Greater

• Scripture Reference: John 21:1-19

• Sermon Point: Go Back to the Fire

• Scripture Reference: John 21:9-14

• Sermon Point: Follow the Savior

• Scripture Reference: John 21:15-19

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. Can you recall a time when you experienced unexpected grace or kindness from someone? How did it impact you?

2. Have you ever witnessed someone who extended grace to others in a remarkable way? How did it inspire you?

3. Can you think of ways in which the experience of receiving grace has empowered you to extend grace to others in your daily life?

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.

1. Read Ephesians 2:4-9. Paul emphasizes that salvation is not something we can achieve on our own. It's not the result of our efforts, merits, or good works. Instead, it's a gift from God. This underscores the idea that salvation is entirely initiated and accomplished by God's grace. We contribute nothing to it except faith, which itself is a gift enabled by God's grace. What does it mean for salvation to be "by grace through faith"? How does this understanding of salvation differ from other religions?

2. Read Romans 5:18-21. Paul contrasts the reign of sin, which leads to death, with the reign of grace through righteousness. Through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, grace reigns supreme. Grace does not overlook sin but provides a pathway to righteousness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. What does it mean for us as believers to live in the reality of God's abundant grace on a daily basis? How should this influence our attitudes and actions toward ourselves and others?

Application

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

1. Read John 21:1-8. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples at different times and in different ways. He appeared on the road to Emmaus. He walked through a wall, appearing to those gathered in Jerusalem. And, in the text here, Jesus shows up on the bank of the sea. The disciples are in a boat fishing with no luck. This was their occupation before Jesus had called them and apparently, they needed the career change. Their lines had slack and their nets were empty. And, in the middle of the boat is Peter, a few days removed from the events of Passover, convinced of the resurrection but still overcome with regret. In what ways does this passage show God’s intervention and provision amid our inadequacy and failure? How does it encourage us to trust in God's guidance and provision, even when our circumstances seem bleak?

2. Read John 21:9-14. Only two times in the scripture are the words “charcoal fire” used. Here and in John 18 where Peter denied Jesus while warming himself next to one. You can imagine the smell of fire would have flooded Peter’s mind with images from that night he wanted to forget - the conversation, the courtyard, the eyes of Christ locked on his own as the rooster crowed. The fire on the beach wasn’t a prop in the background of this scene - this was planned and prepared for Peter. Jesus wanted Peter to make the connection. He wanted Peter to go back to that place in his past and confront it. How does revisiting a past event, particularly one marked by shame or regret, enable us to grasp the profound depth of Christ's love and forgiveness? Can you recall a personal experience where reflecting on a past event, despite its difficulties, deepened your understanding of Christ's love and grace?

3. Read John 21:15-19.When we think about the thing we wish we could undo — we can do the same. Go to the fire, confront it, confess it, and then replace it with the promise of His forgiveness. Peter didn’t need to clean up his past — He just needed to follow the Savior. Jesus tells him to feed the lambs, tend the sheep, and carry the cross. Here’s what that means for us. If you love me, serve me. Love what I love. Go where I go. Follow me no matter what it costs. How does Peter's experience of receiving forgiveness and restoration from Jesus challenge our ideas about earning or deserving forgiveness? What does this reveal about the nature of God's grace and mercy?