This small group discussion guide draws directly from Jeremy Wood's sermon “United to follow, not just believe” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
"United to Follow, Not Just Believe" Discussion Guide
OVERVIEW
This sermon explores the difference between merely believing in Jesus and truly following Him as a disciple. Pastor Scott emphasizes that Jesus calls us to daily discipleship—denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him—which leads to transformation. The message connects our church's unity theme with the call to discipleship, highlighting that unity gets us in the same room, but discipleship gets us moving in the same direction.
ICEBREAKER (5-10 minutes)
Following vs. Believing: Share about someone you've followed in your life (a mentor, coach, parent, etc.). What made you want to follow them rather than just listen to their advice?
SCRIPTURE READING (5 minutes)
Matthew 4:19 "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'"
Luke 9:23 "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
John 17:20-23 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (30-45 minutes)
The Call to Follow (10-15 minutes)
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus doesn't say "believe in me" or "agree with me" but rather "follow me." What's the difference between believing in Jesus and following Him?
Pastor Scott said, "Believing is something that happens in your head, but following is something that happens with your feet." How have you experienced this distinction in your own faith journey?
What does it mean practically to "deny yourself" and "take up your cross daily" as Jesus commands in Luke 9:23? Share specific examples from your life.
[Leader Tip: Encourage concrete examples rather than vague spiritual language. If discussion stalls, share a personal example of when you had to choose God's way over your own preferences.]
Unity and Discipleship (10-15 minutes)
How does our church's focus on unity connect with the call to discipleship? Why can't we have one without the other?
Pastor Scott said, "Unity gets everyone on the same bus, but discipleship is the engine that moves that bus." What happens to a church that has unity without discipleship? What about discipleship without unity?
According to John 17:20-23, what is the ultimate purpose of our unity? How does this purpose connect to discipleship?
[Leader Tip: Help the group see that unity isn't just for our benefit but so "that the world may believe." Our unity has a missional purpose.]
Practical Discipleship (10-15 minutes)
The sermon highlighted seven marks of disciples: they prioritize God's word daily, pray constantly, serve others, share their faith, live generously, pursue holiness, and build community. Which of these areas feels most challenging for you right now? Which feels most natural?
Pastor Scott emphasized that discipleship isn't optional but is the expectation of the kingdom. Why do you think many Christians treat discipleship as an "optional advanced course"?
What specific steps did Pastor Scott outline for our church's discipleship emphasis this year? Which of these excites you most and why?
[Leader Tip: Remind the group of the four practical steps: joining small groups, churchwide Bible reading plan, clear next steps gatherings, and emphasis on service inside and outside the church.]
PERSONAL APPLICATION (10-15 minutes)
What is one area where you've been "believing" but not "following" Jesus? What might it look like to move from belief to obedience in that area?
Pastor Scott said, "Discipleship begins where agreement ends." What is God asking you to do that goes beyond merely agreeing with Him?
In Joshua 24:15, Joshua challenges the people to "choose this day whom you will serve." What choice is God asking you to make this week?
Of the four practical discipleship steps outlined for our church this year (small groups, Bible reading plan, next steps, service), which one will you commit to pursuing first?
[Leader Tip: Consider having people write down their commitment and share it with one person in the group who can follow up with them.]
PRAYER FOCUS (5-10 minutes)
- Pray for our church to grow in both unity and discipleship
- Pray for each person to have courage to follow Jesus, not just believe in Him
- Pray for transformation in specific areas where group members identified the need to move from belief to obedience
- Pray for the new discipleship initiatives at our church to bear fruit
OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
Read Galatians 2:20 together: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." How does this passage illuminate what it means to deny yourself and follow Jesus? What does it mean to be "crucified with Christ"?
Pastor Scott described discipleship as "an interior remaking" rather than just behavior modification. How is the Holy Spirit currently remaking you from the inside out? What evidence do you see of this transformation?
The sermon mentioned that "dead men don't need applause, protection, or reputation, but are free to love boldly." How might our concern for reputation, comfort, or approval be hindering our discipleship? What would it look like to be "dead" to these concerns?
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one specific action step this week that moves you from merely believing to actively following Jesus. Consider:
- Joining a small group if you're not already in one
- Establishing a daily Bible reading habit
- Finding a place to serve within the church or community
- Having a conversation about your faith with someone who doesn't know Jesus
- Addressing an area where God is calling you to obedience
Share your commitment with someone in the group who can pray for you and check in with you next week.