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SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE

Off The Record

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:8-10  (NIV), Psalm 139:23-24,  John 1:9

Discussion Guide Questions

  1. The sermon encouraged us to ask, “What am I hoping this thing will give me that God isn’t?” Take a moment to honestly consider a current struggle or a hidden area in your life. What specific longing (like control, recognition, or self-definition) might be driving it, and how might you be seeking it apart from God?
  2. Pastor emphasized that “shame produces overcompensation; overcompensation breeds isolation; isolation forms us into something not like Christ.” Can you identify a specific area in your life where you might be overcompensating due to shame, and how has that led to isolation or shaped you away from Christlikeness?
  3. The sermon invited us to pray Psalm 139:23-24 and ask three honest questions: “What’s the vice? What’s underneath it? What’s it costing me?” Choose one area you’ve been hiding or pretending is “fine.” What is one specific insight you gained by asking these questions, and what is the “cost” you’re now willing to acknowledge?
  4. A practical step from the sermon is to tell one trusted, Jesus-loving person, “I’m not asking you to fix this; I’m just done pretending.” Who is one specific person in your life you could take this step with this week, and what is one small, honest thing you could share with them?
  5. Pastor reminded us that “God doesn’t heal what we hide, He heals what we bring into the light.” What is one specific, tangible action you can take this week to bring a hidden area of your life into the light, trusting God for healing and cleansing as promised in 1 John 1:9?

Bible Reading: Galatians 6: 1-3 (NIV)

Discussion Guide Questions

  1. The sermon states that “sin often gains ground quietly” through secrecy and isolation. What is one “small encroachment” or hidden struggle in your life that you’ve been fighting alone, and what is one concrete step you can take this week to bring it into a “redemptive, loving circle”?
  2. “Restoration aims for wholeness, not shame.” Think of a time you or someone you know needed restoration. How might the approach have been different if the focus was purely on wholeness and future fruitfulness, rather than exposure or punishment?
  3. The pastor emphasized that “gentleness is strength under control” and refuses harshness or superiority. When you consider helping someone who is struggling, what specific thoughts or attitudes might you need to “watch out for” (Galatians 6:1) to ensure your approach is truly gentle and not prideful?
  4. “Shared burdens make weight survivable.” What specific burden are you currently carrying that feels heavy, and who is one “spiritual” person in your life (a small group member, friend, mentor) you could intentionally share this with this week?
  5. The sermon encouraged us to “stop carrying alone” and mentioned LifeGroups and Deep Dive gatherings as practical structures. If you are currently carrying a burden alone, what is one practical step you can take to engage with one of these community structures or a trusted individual for support?

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18: 1-4

Discussion Guide Questions

  1. The pastor shared how his brother was the first person he called when he relapsed, someone he could be truly honest with about shame. Who is that “first call” person in your life, someone you can be completely vulnerable and honest with about your struggles and shame? If you don’t have someone like that, what is one specific step you can take this week to cultivate such a relationship?
  2. The sermon encouraged us to “put ourselves where Christians gather” (like men’s outings, Life Groups, or Deep Dives). What is one specific church event, ministry, or small group you could commit to attending or investing in this month to intentionally seek out Christ-centered friendships?
  3. The sermon emphasized choosing friends who “sharpen your soul” through encouragement, confrontation, and confession. Think of a current friendship. In what specific ways do you actively seek to sharpen your friend’s soul, and in what ways do you allow them to sharpen yours? Is there an area where you need to be more open to receiving honest feedback or correction?
  4. The pastor stated, “You will fail spiritually if you try to do life alone.” What specific area of your spiritual life (e.g., prayer, Bible reading, resisting temptation, serving) feels most “dull” or stagnant right now because you’ve been trying to navigate it alone? What is one specific, honest conversation you could initiate with a trusted Christian friend this week about this area?
  5. Jesus is presented as the truest friend who laid down His life for us. How does understanding Jesus’ ultimate friendship empower you to be a more loyal, committed, and sharpening friend to others, even when it requires sacrifice, discomfort, or confronting difficult truths?
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