The Scandal of Forgiveness | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon explores the story of Jesus calming the storm from Luke 8:22-25, emphasizing how God calls believers to step out of their comfort zones in obedience to His mission. The pastor highlights that the disciples’ journey to ‘the other side’ represented entering unfamiliar territory and culture, paralleling how Christians today are called to cross barriers to share the Gospel. The message demonstrates how storms in our lives often reveal what we truly trust in, and how God uses difficult circumstances to forge and strengthen our faith. The sermon concludes by connecting this physical storm to the greatest storm Jesus calmed – God’s wrath toward our sin through His sacrifice on the cross.
Intro Prayer
Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading and to see Jesus for who He truly is. Remove any distractions or preconceptions that might hinder us from receiving what You have for us today. Give us courage to apply what we learn and boldness to step out in faith wherever You may be calling us. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one thing you stockpiled or bought too much of during the pandemic—and how did it reveal what you were trusting in or afraid of at the time?
Key Verses
Luke 8:22-25
Romans 5:9
Questions
The disciples immediately said yes when Jesus told them to cross to the other side of the lake. What makes it difficult for us to respond with immediate obedience when God calls us to something?
The ‘other side’ represented unfamiliar territory and culture for the disciples. What might be your ‘other side’ – a place, person, or situation God is calling you to engage with?
These experienced fishermen were terrified by this particular storm, yet Jesus slept peacefully through it. What does this tell us about Jesus’ nature and authority?
The pastor mentioned that storms often reveal what’s really in our hearts. Can you think of a difficult situation that revealed something about your faith or what you truly trust in?
How do you distinguish between storms that come from disobedience versus storms that God uses to build faith? What are the characteristics of each?
At the end of the story, the disciples feared Jesus more than the storm. Why is ‘holy fear’ or reverence for God important in developing real faith?
The sermon mentioned believers around the world who risk their lives to share the Gospel. What storms or challenges do you face that might be preventing you from sharing your faith?
Jesus calmed the greatest storm – God’s wrath toward our sin. How does understanding this truth change your perspective on the smaller storms you face in daily life?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific ‘other side’ moment where God might be calling you to step out of your comfort zone. This could be reaching out to a neighbor, having a spiritual conversation with a coworker, volunteering in your community, or saying yes to a missions opportunity. Take one concrete step toward that calling, remembering that mission starts with simple obedience to Jesus.
Key Takeaways
Mission starts with obedience to Jesus – saying yes without knowing all the details
Faith is forged in life’s storms – God uses difficult circumstances to build and strengthen our trust in
HimHoly fear leads to real faith – proper reverence for Jesus’ power helps us understand who we should truly trust
Jesus has authority over all creation, including the storms in our lives
The greatest storm Jesus calmed was God’s wrath toward our sin through His sacrifice on the cross
Faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s confidence in who’s in the boat with you
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the one who has authority over every storm in our lives. Help us to remember that faith isn’t pretending we’re not afraid, but remembering who’s in our boat with us. Give us courage to say yes to Your calling, whether it’s across the street or around the world. Thank You for calming the greatest storm – Your wrath toward our sin – and for the salvation we have through Your sacrifice. May we live with holy reverence for who You are and trust You completely, knowing that You are greater than any circumstance we face. Use us to be part of Your mission to reach those who have never heard the Gospel. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.