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Sermon Discussion Guide - 09/07/2025
Formed:
the Way We Become
Sermon Recap
Jesus forms disciples through a simple, powerful pattern: be with Him, become like Him, and then do what He does. From John 15, we learn that abiding precedes fruit; in John 13, Jesus models sacrificial service; and in Luke 9–10 and Matthew 28, He sends followers on mission. For Capital West, this means embracing six Christ-shaped values - Grace, Momentum, Dependability, Sacrifice, Connection, and Joy - and practicing a 15:5:1 rhythm to be formed together.
Ice Breakers
- What’s the weirdest or funniest “house rule” your family had growing up?
- If there were a “value” you accidentally live by (like “never waste leftover meatloaf”), what would it be?
- You get a free masterclass from any historical figure. Who is it, and what skill are they teaching you?
Discussion Questions
- Context: Jesus says we bear much fruit by abiding - remaining with Him - before we are sent (John 15:4–5). The order matters: be with Him → become like Him → do what He does.
- Application: What one change could you make this week to guard daily time with Jesus so that your “doing” flows from abiding rather than striving?
- Context: At the Last Supper, Jesus washed feet and then said, “I have given you an example” (John 13:12–15). He showed that sacrifice makes a way for others.
- Application: Where could you “pick up the basin” this week - doing something lowly or inconvenient - to open a door for someone else’s next step?
- Context: After the disciples watched Jesus calm storms, deliver the oppressed, and heal, He sent them (Luke 9:1–2; 10:1). Formation happens on the way - this is the value of Momentum.
- Application: What “go and do” opportunity is already in front of you (a conversation, invite, serve role), and what small first step will you take this week?
- Context: Capital West is adopting six values as a standard - how we hold one another to Christ-shaped practices: Grace, Momentum, Dependability, Sacrifice, Connection, Joy (see also Jesus’ honor for action over talk in Matthew 21). Your role is vital to the body.
- Application: Where can you move from “I’ll try” to “You can count on me” in church life? What concrete commitment will you make for this next season?
- Context: For the next 7 weeks, the church is practicing 15:5:1 together - 15 minutes with Jesus daily; 5 specific encouragements each week; 1 obedient step weekly. It’s a practical on-ramp to Grace, Connection, Momentum, Dependability, Sacrifice, and Joy.
- Application: Name your plan: When will you do your 15 each day, who are your 5 to encourage this week, and what is your 1 clear step of obedience?
Prayer
- Thank Jesus for inviting us to be with Him and form our hearts.
- Pray for God to grow the values of Grace, Momentum, Dependability, Sacrifice, Connection, and Joy in each of us.
- Ask for wisdom and courage for one clear, obedient next step this week..
- Lift up the needs of group members and the people God is calling you to reach.
Leader Tip
Keep next steps simple and specific. Before discussion ends, ask everyone to lay out their 15:5:1 plan (time/place for daily 15, their 5 people to encourage, and 1 obedient step). Then pair participants for light accountability - two-minute midweek check-ins (“How’s your 15? Who did you encourage? Any update on your step?”). Clear, bite-sized follow-through beats big intentions every time.