Rule #1 – Don’t Fear the Wilderness

Small Group Discussion Guide


Sermon Series: Way of the Wilderness
Sermon Title:
Rule #1 – Don’t Fear the Wilderness


Break the Ice:
  • What comes to mind when you think of the wilderness?
  • Describe your favorite wilderness experience? (Helpful prompts: Do you prefer hiking, glamping, cabins, fresh grilled salmon, s’mores, white-water rafting, or extreme base jumping?)
Transition: 
  • In the message, Andy defined wilderness as “the uncharted places.” We all live through circumstances that are uncharted (places we’ve never been before). What’s a situation in your life currently that feels uncharted? Does the situation excite you or terrify you? Why?
Bring the Word: 
  • Read Matthew 14:22-32
    • According to verse 22, who sent the disciples across the sea in the boat? (Jesus did.)
    • Where they disciples obedient or disobedient to Jesus’ instruction? (Obedient.)
    • The disciples found themselves in uncharted territory (a heavy storm), yet they were walking in obedience to the Lord. Do the storms of life always mean we are being disciplined or corrected by God? Explain your answer.
    • What lesson do you think the disciples learned about Jesus having experienced this wilderness moment?
    • What lesson did Peter learn?
  • Read Deuteronomy 8:1-10
    • What was God’s purpose for leading the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years? (Humble you and test you.)
    • How is the promised land described in these verses? (See verses 7-9.)
    • What was at risk in their walk with God upon entering the place of comfort and rest? (They would be tempted to no longer rely on God, and do things their own way.)
Bring it Home: 

We all find ourselves in wilderness moments, and our natural prayer is for God to rescue us from the wilderness. However, we don’t need to fear the wilderness because God uses it in our spiritual formation.

  • Are you inclined to ask God to rescue you from the wilderness, or meet with you in the wilderness?
  • What encouragement or Scripture would you give to a close friend who is walking through the wilderness?
  • Ask if there’s anyone going through a specifically difficult wilderness moment, and spend some time praying over that person.

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