This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.

This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.

First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).

• How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
• What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
• How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?

Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.

The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).

Scripture References from Message: Matthew 4:18–20, John 10:24–30, Luke 9:23–25, James 2:19
Big Idea from Message: Jesus does not invite us to admire him, agree with him, or simply believe things about him. He calls us to follow him.

Read Matthew 4:18-20 together as a group. Jesus’ invitation to Peter and Andrew came in the middle of their ordinary workday. With two simple words, “Follow me,” Jesus interrupted their normal lives and invited them into a completely new identity and purpose. When you look at your own life, where might Jesus be intersecting your normal routines and inviting you to something deeper with Him? Be honest with the things that God may be trying to uproot in your life.

In John 10, Jesus explains that His sheep hear His voice, know Him, and follow Him. Many people respect Jesus, admire His teachings, or believe certain things about Him, but following Him requires something more. In your own words, what do you think the difference is between believing in Jesus and actually following Him?

Following Jesus required Peter and Andrew to leave their nets behind. For them, that meant leaving behind security, familiarity, and identity. Where might Jesus be asking you to let go of or leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?

James 2:19 says that even demons believe in God. Why do you think Scripture makes such a strong distinction between belief and following? What are some ways modern Christians can unintentionally settle for belief without real obedience?

The message asked a challenging self-reflecting question: “Who is more interested in Jesus today because I was part of their life yesterday?” As followers of Jesus, our identity is tied to helping others discover Him. Who are the people in your life that God may be inviting you to influence, encourage, or love in a way that points them toward Jesus?

The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.

This week, spend time honestly asking God the same question raised in the message: “Have I responded to Jesus’ call, or have I merely respected it?”

Then take one practical step of following Him more intentionally. This could mean letting go of something He has been convicting you about, stepping toward someone who needs encouragement, or choosing obedience in an area you have been resisting. Pay attention throughout the week to where Jesus may be inviting you to follow Him in the ordinary moments of your daily life.