Beyond Our Comfort
Leader Guide
Are you an adventure-seeker, ready for anything? A “control freak” who must manage every detail and have them go exactly to plan? Maybe you’re a bit of both: willing to “let go” in some areas, but desperately trying to hold on to control in other areas. As we look at this week’s study, be willing to be uncomfortable: in your group discussion and in your personal next steps.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Is there an area you are comfortable “going with the flow”? Is there another area that you are a bit compulsive about?
Leader Note: Some people are fanatically neat in their work environments, but a mess at home. Or they know where every penny goes but are willing to let someone else plan and control the whole vacation week. We can be both!
2. Read Matthew 14:22-26. Why are the disciples in the situation they are in? What was Jesus doing? Have you ever felt you did exactly what God asked you to do, but ended up in a storm?
Leader Note: Jesus made them get into the boat. He sent them on a head without Him, into a storm alone. He stayed behind to pray. Then, He joined them, in the most supernatural, terrifying manner possible! It was a miracle, but it also could not have been a more eerie occurrence.
3. Read Matthew 14:27-29. When we are afraid, what does Jesus do? What was Peter’s response? What parts of it trouble you? What parts inspire you?
Leader Note: When Jesus saw their fear, He immediately called out to comfort and reassure them. He did not delay. Peter responded boldly, asked to join Jesus, and actually got out of the boat and walked on water! You may find it odd that Peter also said, “if it is you.” He trusted without being completely sure it was Jesus!
4. Read Matthew 14:20-33. When you step out of your comfort zone, what may be the result? What is always true? What is Jesus’ attitude toward Peter? What will be the result of your faith?
Leader Note: You may not always be completely successful. Peter got out and walked, but then he sank. Jesus was there and will always be there in our darkest trials. He grabbed Peter and lifted him up. Although Jesus seemed to rebuke Peter for his lack of faith, He also assisted him into the boat and the storm calmed. God got the glory: “You are the Son of God!” Anytime we go through something extraordinary, whether we fail or we flourish, Jesus comes through for us and God gets the glory!
5. Read Matthew 19:16-22. Why do you think the young man came to Jesus? Is Jesus’ answer what you believe about salvation? Then why did He ask this particular thing of the man?
Leader Note: The young man knew, no matter his possessions or position, that he was still missing something. He KNEW Jesus has the answer and he wanted to let Jesus control his spirituality and eternal life. Yet he was NOT willing to give Jesus control over his wealth, power, and earthly situation. Jesus was not saying that giving all you have to the poor is the way to eternal life. He was saying that following Him, obeying anything He asks of us, is how to prove we have truly made Him Lord of our lives.
6. Ask God to call you beyond your comfort, ability, and understanding. In what area is God calling you to go beyond anything you can do, believe, or forgive? Consider things like remaining in a struggling marriage, resolving a conflict, or resisting a habit like gossiping or addiction. Pray for one another.
Leader Note: It’s even harder to trust when you do not understand than when it is merely beyond our comfort or ability. For those things, we can often depend on God. But when we are grieving or lost or hurt, we must trust God is for us and will work it to our good.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
7. For this holiday week, do a personal study of some Bible heroes and regular people. Use your Bible commentary or a search engine to learn more about these individuals, their call, and how they responded. Consider your own heart and personality. Who do you most take after?
Gideon: Judges 6:11-7:23
Moses: Exodus 3:1-4:16
Saul/Paul: Acts 9:1-19
Isaiah: Isaiah 6:1-8
Jonah: Jonah 1:1-4; 3:1-5, 10; 4:1-3