This small group discussion guide draws directly from Christian Fellowship Church🔹Pastor Scott Cheramie's sermon “Living from Victory - 2026-05-18” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Living From Victory
Small Group Discussion Guide
Based on the sermon "Living From Victory" | 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 & Psalm 20:6-7
A Note to Facilitators: Welcome! This guide is designed to help you lead a meaningful conversation — not deliver a lecture. Your job is to ask good questions, listen well, and create space for honest sharing. You don't need to have all the answers. Trust the Holy Spirit to work through the conversation. Most sections include [Leader Tips] to help you along the way. Aim for 60–90 minutes total.
OVERVIEW
In this sermon, the pastor challenged us to examine where we truly place our trust — in the things of this world (our resources, abilities, and systems) or in the name of the Lord. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 and Psalm 20:6-7, the message reminded us that God has already given us the victory through Jesus Christ, and that we are called to live from that victory every day. The five key practices for living from victory are: trusting God over circumstances, praying before panicking, speaking the name of Jesus in faith, stopping sole dependence on human ability, and remembering our past victories to build our faith for today.
ICEBREAKER
(5–10 minutes)
Before we dive in, let's start with something fun and easy.
Question: Think of a time when something you were counting on completely let you down — a plan fell apart, a person didn't come through, or something you were sure would work just didn't. What happened, and how did you respond?
[This doesn't need to be a spiritual story — keep it light to start. Allow 2–3 people to share briefly. This naturally sets up the sermon's theme of where we place our trust.]
SCRIPTURE READING
(5 minutes)
Have someone in the group read each passage aloud. You may want to ask two different people to read — one for each passage.
Passage 1 — 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV)
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Passage 2 — Psalm 20:6-7 (NIV)
"Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
A Quick Note on Context:
1 Corinthians 15 is the apostle Paul's great chapter on resurrection. He's reminding believers that even death itself is not the final word — God gives us victory through Jesus Christ. Because of that, we can stand firm no matter what we face.
Psalm 20 was written by David — a warrior king who understood real military threats. When he says "some trust in chariots and horses," he's talking about the most powerful weapons of his day. His point is striking: even surrounded by armies, his confidence was in God, not in weapons or strategy.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(30–45 minutes)
Work through as many questions as time allows. Questions are grouped by theme and build in depth. Feel free to skip questions that don't fit your group, or linger longer on ones that spark great conversation.
THEME 1: Recognizing Where We Place Our Trust
(Questions 1–3 | Approx. 10–12 minutes)
1. The sermon opened with a simple but powerful question: Where do you place your trust? Looking at the list below that the pastor mentioned — bank accounts, technology, government, social status, human intelligence, political connections — which of these do you think our culture most commonly turns to for security and hope? Why do you think that is?
[Leader Tip]: This question is intentionally about culture first, not personal confession. It's a safer on-ramp that lets people engage without feeling put on the spot. After a few responses, you can naturally transition by asking, "Do any of these show up in your own life too?"
2. In Psalm 20:7, David contrasts "some trust in chariots and horses" with "we trust in the name of the Lord." In your own words, what's the difference between trusting in things versus trusting in God? What does that actually look like in everyday life?
3. The pastor pointed out that God sometimes allows things to get out of our control precisely because we tend to rely on ourselves when we feel in control. Can you think of a season in your life when losing control of something actually drew you closer to God? What did you learn from that experience?
[Leader Tip]: This can be a vulnerable question. Model openness by sharing briefly yourself if the group is slow to respond. Affirm every answer — there are no wrong responses here.
THEME 2: Living from Victory, Not Toward It
(Questions 4–5 | Approx. 10–12 minutes)
4. The sermon made an important distinction: we don't fight for victory — we fight from victory that God has already given us through Jesus Christ. How does that shift in perspective change the way you think about the challenges you're currently facing?
[Leader Tip]: Some group members may find this concept new or even confusing. If needed, use this illustration from the sermon: Paul didn't say God might give us the victory or is thinking about giving us the victory. He said God gives us the victory — present tense, confident, certain. The battle is already won; we're living in the aftermath of the cross.
5. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you." The pastor pointed out that Paul says this because we have the victory — not as a way to earn it. What are some things in life that most commonly "move" or shake people's faith? How does knowing the victory is already secured help us stand firm in those moments?
THEME 3: Prayer as Our First Response
(Questions 6–7 | Approx. 8–10 minutes)
6. The pastor said, "Worry and panic are indicators that you need to pray more." That's a challenging statement. What do you think is the connection between worry and prayer? Why do you think prayer is often our last resort instead of our first response?
7. Read Philippians 4:6-7 together:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Notice the passage says "in every situation" — not just in the hard ones. What would it look like practically to bring both the good and the difficult moments to God in prayer? How might that change your daily rhythm?
[Leader Tip]: If your group is quiet here, try a follow-up: "What's one small habit that has helped you pray more consistently — or that you've heard of others doing?" This keeps the conversation practical and non-threatening.
THEME 4: The Name of Jesus and the Power We Carry
(Question 8 | Approx. 5–7 minutes)
8. The pastor shared several scriptures about the name of Jesus — that it carries authority, power, healing, and hope. Read Philippians 2:9-11 together:
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
What does it mean to you personally that the name you carry as a believer — the name of Jesus — is the name above every name? How does that truth change the way you approach fear, spiritual battles, or difficult conversations?
THEME 5: Remembering What God Has Already Done
(Questions 9–10 | Approx. 8–10 minutes)
9. The pastor used the story of David and Goliath to illustrate how remembering past victories builds present faith. David's confidence came not from his size or weapons but from remembering how God had already rescued him from the lion and the bear. What is a "lion or bear" moment in your own life — a time God came through for you — that you could point back to when facing a new challenge?
[Leader Tip]: This is often one of the richest questions in the guide. Give it time. Testimonies build faith — both for the person sharing and for everyone listening. If someone shares something deeply personal, acknowledge it with care before moving on.
10. Psalm 77:11 says:
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."
The act of remembering is a spiritual discipline throughout the Bible. As a group, what are some practical ways we can build a habit of remembering what God has done — individually and as a community? What gets in the way of us doing this?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
(10–15 minutes)
These questions are for personal reflection. You may share with the group or keep them private — whatever feels right. Take a moment of quiet before discussing.
Reflect quietly on these questions, then share what you feel comfortable sharing:
The "Chariot" Question: If you're honest with yourself, what is the one thing you tend to trust more than God when life gets hard? It might be a person, a plan, a financial safety net, your own abilities — what is your personal "chariot or horse"?
The Panic-to-Prayer Shift: Think about something you're currently anxious or worried about. Have you brought it fully to God in prayer, or have you been trying to handle it on your own? What would it look like to surrender that specific thing to him this week?
Your Victory List: When did God last come through for you in a way you didn't expect? Have you thanked him for it? Have you told anyone about it?
🗓 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one — or try all three:
Write it down: Take 10 minutes this week to write a list of 5–10 specific times God has come through for you. Keep it somewhere visible. When fear or doubt creeps in, read it.
Pray first: Choose one thing you typically worry about and commit to praying about it before you talk to anyone else or try to fix it yourself. Do this every day this week.
Speak the name: When you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or under spiritual pressure this week, intentionally speak or pray the name of Jesus out loud. Notice what happens.
PRAYER FOCUS
(5–10 minutes)
Close your time together in prayer. Use one of the following approaches based on your group's comfort level:
Option A — Open Group Prayer Invite anyone who wants to pray aloud to do so. Suggest focusing on one or more of these topics:
- Surrendering our "chariots and horses" — the things we've been trusting more than God
- Asking for the peace that "transcends all understanding" in specific situations
- Thanking God for past victories and declaring trust in his future faithfulness
- Praying for one another's specific needs shared during the discussion
Option B — Guided Prayer by the Facilitator If your group prefers one person to lead, use this prayer as a guide (read or adapt freely):
Father, we come to you today and lay down the things we've been trusting more than you. You know our circumstances, our fears, and our worries better than we do. We declare today that you are the same God who has brought us through before, and we trust you to bring us through again. Teach us to pray before we panic. Help us to stand firm — not because of our own strength, but because of the victory you've already won through Jesus Christ. We speak the name of Jesus over every fear, every doubt, and every battle in this room right now. May we leave here today living from victory, not toward it. In Jesus's mighty name, amen.
Option C — Prayer Partners Break into pairs. Each person shares one specific thing they want to trust God with this week, and their partner prays briefly over them. Reconvene and close with a short group prayer.
OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
For groups wanting to go further | Bonus questions if time allows or for personal study
Deep Dive 1 — The Resurrection Foundation Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-44:
"So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."
The pastor pointed out that Paul's entire argument about victory is built on the foundation of the resurrection. How does the promise of resurrection change the way you think about suffering, loss, or even physical death? What would be different about your faith if the resurrection weren't true?
Deep Dive 2 — Immeasurably More Read Ephesians 3:20-21:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
The pastor used the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to illustrate this verse — they asked Jesus to heal Lazarus, but Jesus did something they couldn't even imagine: he raised him from the dead. Think about a situation in your life right now that feels hopeless or overwhelming. What might "immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine" look like in that situation? What makes it hard to believe God could do that?
Deep Dive 3 — King Asa's Warning The pastor briefly mentioned King Asa from 2 Chronicles 16, who started well by trusting God but drifted when he became powerful and politically connected. Read 2 Chronicles 16:7-9:
"At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: 'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand... For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.'"
What warning does Asa's story carry for us today — personally, as a church, or as a nation? What does it look like to stay "fully committed" to God even when things are going well and we feel capable and resourced?
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES FOR FURTHER STUDY
For personal devotion or additional group exploration:
| Scripture | Theme |
|---|---|
| Joshua 1:9 | Courage rooted in God's presence |
| Romans 8:37 | More than conquerors through Christ |
| Isaiah 40:29-31 | Strength for the weary |
| James 4:2-3 | Why we don't have — because we don't ask |
| Hebrews 11:1 | The definition of faith |
| 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 | Hard pressed but not crushed |
| Revelation 19:16 | Jesus — King of Kings and Lord of Lords |
QUICK REFERENCE: THE FIVE KEYS TO LIVING FROM VICTORY
A summary of the sermon's main points — feel free to display or print separately:
- Trust God more than your circumstances — Circumstances always change; God never does.
- Pray before panicking — Prayer invites heaven into your earthly situation.
- Speak the name of Jesus in faith — His name carries authority, healing, and power.
- Stop depending solely on human ability — Ordinary people empowered by God do extraordinary things.
- Remember your past victories — If God brought you through it before, he will bring you through it again.
Thank you for leading your group this week. Your faithfulness in creating space for people to encounter God's word together matters more than you know. May God bless your time together and bring transformation to every life in your group.
Guide prepared for small group use | "Living From Victory" Sermon Series Based on 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 & Psalm 20:6-7 All Scripture quotations from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.