There are two types of people in this world: those who like change and those who fear change. Whether we embrace or run from it, change is inevitable, for better or worse. While some types of change can be difficult, others can be wonderful. For example, when Jesus came to earth, He announced that everything had changed. He, the long-awaited Messiah, had come and ushered in the Kingdom of God. Everything had changed, and this was the best news ever to be received.
BREAK THE ICE
What is the most significant change you have made so far in 2023?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. How do you usually respond to change? Why?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Mark 1:14-15. What was significant about this announcement from Jesus?
Mark 1:14-15
"Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
3. Read Mark 1:16-20. What was Jesus calling these first disciples to do? What sacrifice was involved with this command from Jesus?
Mark 1:16-20
"One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 18 And they left their nets at once and followed him. 19 A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. 20 He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men."
"One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 18 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
19 A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. 20 He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men."
4. What about the disciples’ response to Jesus’ command stands out to you?
Application
1. What does it look like to “fish for people” today?
2. What is at stake if we do not follow Jesus' call to follow Him and make disciples today?
3. Who is one person you are currently sharing your faith with? How is it going?
MOVING FORWARD
Our two-minute story is one tool that helps us share our faith with others. This is the story of our life before Christ, how we came to know Christ, and the difference Christ has made in our lives. Pair up in groups of two or three and practice sharing your stories. The more practice you have sharing your story, the more comfortable and prepared you will be when opportunities come to share your stories with those far from Christ.
GOING DEEPER
Following Jesus’ command to “fish for people” and make disciples can sometimes feel intimidating. We worry about what to say, how people will respond when we share our faith, and more. Yet, while we may feel nervous about taking bold steps to make Christ known around us, Scripture gives us all the reason to be confident as we share our faith.
We Have the Holy Spirit:
If we are followers of Christ, we are never alone. This includes moments where we share our faith. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit comes to live life alongside us and help us. The Spirit particularly helps us when we share our faith with others. Take a look at what Scripture teaches about how the Spirit helps us.
1. Read John 14:16-18. How did Jesus describe the Holy Spirit’s role? What does it mean to be an “advocate”?
John 14:16-18
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you."
2. Read John 14:26. According to this verse, how does the Holy Spirit help us?
John 14:26
" But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative-that is, the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."
3. Read Luke 12:11-12. How does the Holy Spirit help us as we are questioned about our faith?
Luke 12:11-12
11 "And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said."
4. How does this give you confidence when considering God’s call to make Christ known?
It Does Not Depend on Us:
If we are honest, sharing our faith can feel like a lot of pressure. We focus on saying the right words and having the proper delivery. We worry about saying the wrong thing. While we should be as prepared to share our faith at all times, we must trust God with the results.
1. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What does this verse teach about who is responsible for the salvation of souls?
Ephesians 2:8-9
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."
2. Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-7. Summarize Paul’s message in these verses.
1 Corinthians 3:5-7
"After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God's servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us."'
3. How do these verses encourage you as you consider your responsibility to share your faith with others?
We Know the End of the Story:
Many people may feel nervous about sharing their faith, uncertain of how they will respond. The truth is, we do not know how people will respond when we share our faith. We do, however, know how the story ends. Jesus told His disciples to hold on to hope, knowing the story’s end throughout life’s ups and downs.
1. Read John 16:31-33. Summarize Jesus’ message in these verses.
John 16:31-33
"Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
2. How does the story end, according to these verses?
3. How does understanding and knowing the end of the story give you hope when sharing your faith and concern about how people will respond?
Reflect:
After considering just a few reasons we can be confident when sharing our faith, take a few moments to reflect.
1. Which passages of Scripture particularly encourage you to share your faith?2. Who is someone you can share your faith with this week? Make a plan to reach out to them this week and share this with your group.
After reflecting, pray together. Pray for these people that you will be sharing your faith. Ask God to help you all as you seek to share your faith with those in need of the hope Jesus offers.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! Isaiah 64:4
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