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Sermon Discussion Guide - 11/16/2025
Published November 15, 2025
God Can Use That:
What if You Stopped Playing Small?
Sermon Recap
Jeremiah’s calling shows that God knows us intimately, sets us apart, and sends us with His presence and words - even when we feel too young, unready, or afraid (Jer. 1:4–10). The message challenged us to move beyond “30-second” courage and say a full yes to God’s call in everyday places, trusting that obedience brings clarity. It closed with the hope of a new heart and total forgiveness under the new covenant (Jer. 31:33–34).
Ice Breakers
- Tell us about a time you said a small “yes” that led to a bigger adventure.
- What’s a simple midweek habit that makes the rest of your week better?
- When have you felt “too young” or “not ready,” but did it anyway?
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time you felt seen or “known” in a way that surprised you?
- Context: God tells Jeremiah, “Before I formed you… I knew you… I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” The call starts with God’s initiative, not our résumé (Jer. 1:5).
- Application: Where might you be living small because you’ve forgotten that God knows you and set you apart for purpose?
2. What fear pops up first when you think about stepping into something new?
- Context: Jeremiah protests, “I’m only a youth,” and God answers, “Do not be afraid… for I am with you to deliver you” (Jer. 1:6, 8). God doesn’t wait for fear to vanish; He meets us in it.
- Application: What’s one step you can take this week that treats God’s presence as bigger than your fear?
3. When have you sensed the right words at the right time?
- Context: God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and says, “I have put my words in your mouth,” giving him both message and authority (Jer. 1:9–10).
- Application: In your normal places (work, school, gym, errands), whose lie could you gently uproot and what truth could you plant with “faithful words” this week?
4. Have you ever “dabbled” in something you knew deserved a full yes? What happened?
- Context: The sermon contrasted “30-second” calling with a life of steady obedience, trusting that clarity often comes after we move.
- Application: What would a full-yes look like on Tuesday—one concrete, repeatable practice that aligns with God’s call?
5. When did faith first move from “out there” to “on my heart” for you?
- Context: God promises a new covenant written on our hearts and total forgiveness (Jer. 31:33–34). The sermon invited first-time and next-step “yeses” to Jesus.
- Application: What’s your next step - first yes, renewed yes, or public step (baptism, serving, sharing your story) - and who needs to know?
Prayer
- Make sure to spend time in prayer as a group when you meet.
- Have group members share prayer requests, and pray for them.
- You could have one person pray for all the requests, or each member pray for one person.
- Keep a record of those requests and ask about them on a weekly basis.
Leader Tip
Constantly encourage next steps. You and your group members should consistently think of ways to push each other towards next steps - big or small. Generally, group members will be more willing to take small steps. As they are successful in those smaller steps, they will be more comfortable taking more difficult next steps. Think in terms of crawl, walk, run. For example;
- Crawl: Begin with Prayer – Pray daily for one friend who doesn’t know Jesus.
- Walk: Listen & Eat – Invite one friend to coffee and ask about their life and story.
- Run: Serve & Share – Find a way to help one friend tangibly and share your faith.