Living Unstuck

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever felt stuck between your past and your purpose? In this message, we explore how Jesus calls us to unstick from our old ways and follow Him wholeheartedly. Discover how Peter’s journey from denial to devotion can inspire your own path of transformation.

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Living Unstuck

Message Summary
Have you ever felt stuck between your past and your purpose? In this message, we explore how Jesus calls us to unstick from our old ways and follow Him wholeheartedly. Discover how Peter’s journey from denial to devotion can inspire your own path of transformation.
Key Scripture
After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
John 21:15-17 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Call to Follow

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 NLT

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Devotional: The call to follow Jesus is both simple and profound. In this passage, we see Jesus calling Simon Peter to leave his old life behind and embrace a new purpose. Peter’s initial reluctance is overcome by the miraculous catch of fish, symbolizing the abundance that comes from obedience to Jesus. This story reminds us that Jesus often calls us out of our comfort zones to follow Him into the unknown, promising a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Response Questions:

  1. What is Jesus calling you to leave behind in order to follow Him more closely?
  2. How do you respond when Jesus asks you to step out of your comfort zone?
  3. What does “fishing for people” mean in your context?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the courage to leave behind anything that hinders your walk with Jesus.
  2. Ask God to reveal new opportunities to share His love with others.

Day 2

Day 2: Restoration and Redemption

Scripture: John 21:15-19 NLT

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Devotional: Peter’s denial of Jesus was a moment of deep failure, yet Jesus sought him out for restoration. In this passage, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, mirroring Peter’s three denials. Each affirmation of love is met with a commission to care for Jesus’ followers. This exchange highlights Jesus’ desire to restore us and use our past failures for His glory. Our love for Jesus is demonstrated through our actions and commitment to His mission.

Response Questions:

  1. How has Jesus restored you from past failures?
  2. What does it mean to “feed my sheep” in your life?
  3. How can you demonstrate your love for Jesus through your actions?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank God for His grace and restoration in your life.
  2. Pray for opportunities to serve and care for others as an expression of your love for Jesus.

Day 3

Day 3: Living Unstuck

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Devotional: Living a life that is “unstuck” from the world requires intentionality and sacrifice. Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, a call to daily surrender and transformation. By renewing our minds, we align ourselves with God’s will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. This transformation allows us to live out our faith authentically, free from the constraints of worldly expectations.

Response Questions:

  1. What worldly behaviors or customs do you need to unstick from?
  2. How can you offer your life as a living sacrifice to God?
  3. In what ways is God transforming your mind and heart?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the strength to resist conforming to the patterns of this world.
  2. Ask God to renew your mind and reveal His will for your life.

Day 4

Day 4: Embracing Trials

Scripture: James 1:2-4 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Devotional: Trials are an inevitable part of life, but James encourages us to view them as opportunities for growth. When our faith is tested, our endurance develops, leading us toward spiritual maturity. Embracing trials with joy is counterintuitive, yet it reflects a deep trust in God’s purpose and plan. Through perseverance, we become more like Christ, complete and lacking nothing.

Response Questions:

  1. How do you typically respond to trials in your life?
  2. What has God taught you through past challenges?
  3. How can you find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a perspective that sees trials as opportunities for growth.
  2. Ask God for the strength and endurance to persevere through challenges.

Day 5

Day 5: The Great Commission

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Devotional: The Great Commission is Jesus’ final instruction to His disciples, a call to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just for the original disciples but for all believers. Jesus assures us of His presence as we carry out this commission, empowering us to teach and baptize in His name. Our obedience to this call reflects our commitment to Jesus and His kingdom.

Response Questions:

  1. How are you participating in the Great Commission in your daily life?
  2. What challenges do you face in sharing the Gospel with others?
  3. How does Jesus’ promise of His presence encourage you in this mission?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for boldness and wisdom in sharing the Gospel with others.
  2. Ask God to open doors for you to make disciples and teach His commands.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to the message of transformation and following Jesus.

Icebreaker

  • Question: Share a time when you had to make a significant change in your life. What prompted that change?
  • Context: This question sets the stage for discussing transformation and the call to follow Jesus, as seen in Peter’s journey.

Discussion Questions

  1. What does it mean to “follow Jesus” in your daily life?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized the importance of following Jesus not just in words but in actions, attitudes, and pursuits. Reflect on how Peter was called to follow Jesus and how that call is extended to us today.
  2. How do you relate to Peter’s initial reluctance and eventual commitment to Jesus?
    • Context: Peter’s journey was marked by bold claims and subsequent failures, yet Jesus continually called him back. Discuss how this mirrors our own spiritual journeys and the grace Jesus offers us.
  3. What are some things you feel “stuck” to that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus?
    • Context: The sermon used the metaphor of being “stuck” to illustrate how we can be attached to worldly things. Consider what you might need to unstick from to fully follow Jesus.
  4. How can we support each other in our group to “unstick” from worldly attachments and grow closer to Jesus?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual growth. Discuss practical ways the group can encourage and support each other.
  5. What does it mean to you to “feed my sheep” as Jesus instructed Peter?
    • Context: Jesus’ command to Peter was a call to care for others and lead them spiritually. Reflect on how you can apply this in your own life and community.

Scripture Reflection

  • Read John 21:15-17 NLT together.
    • Discuss how this passage speaks to the themes of restoration and purpose in the sermon.

Application

  • Challenge: Identify one specific area in your life where you can “unstick” from worldly attachments this week. Share with the group and pray for each other.

Closing Prayer

Conclude with a prayer asking for strength and guidance to follow Jesus more closely and to live out His call in your daily lives. Thank God for the community and the opportunity to grow together.

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