Discussion Guide | Sept. 28, 2025

September 29th, 2025

Introduction

"How to Reach Your Potential" - Sermon Summary

This week Pastor Bill delivered a powerful message about embracing new seasons and fulfilling God's potential in our lives. He emphasizes that God is doing a new thing and wants us to perceive it, comparing this to 'miracle fruit' that transforms bitter experiences into sweet ones. The sermon challenges believers to step out of comfort zones, leave behind hindrances, and respond to God's tapping on their hearts to fulfill dormant potential. Using biblical examples like Joshua crossing the Jordan and Elijah being directed to new provision, Pastor Bill illustrates how God often requires us to step out in faith before seeing the waters part.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your desire to do new things in our lives, we ask that You would open our hearts to hear Your voice. Help us recognize where You are tapping on areas of untapped potential within us. Give us the courage to step out in faith before seeing the waters part. May this discussion challenge us, inspire us, and ultimately transform us to be the people You've created us to be. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What's something you were afraid to try at first but ended up really enjoying once you took the risk?

Main Study

Key Verses

Hebrews 12:1
1 Corinthians 13:11
2 Timothy 1:6
Joshua 3:13-17
1 Kings 17:3-4

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned 'miracle fruit' as an analogy for potential. What areas of untapped potential do you sense God might be calling you to develop?
What does the statement 'we weren't created to live safe, we were created to live by faith' mean to you personally?
The sermon mentioned several reasons why potential remains dormant (fear of failure, fear of the unknown, desire to remain comfortable). Which of these do you struggle with most and why?
In the Jordan River story, the priests had to step into the water before it parted. Where might God be asking you to 'step out' before seeing His provision?
Pastor Bill said, 'If you like where you are, stay exactly with the model you have.' How satisfied are you with your current spiritual growth, and what might need to change?
How has God's grace equipped you for new seasons in the past? How might this encourage you for future transitions?
The sermon mentioned that some people have 'a lesser appetite for the things of God.' How can we recognize when this is happening in our lives and what can we do about it?
What 'brooks are drying up' in your life that might be God's way of directing you to something new?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where God might be tapping on your heart to step out in faith. It could be in your family relationships, workplace influence, ministry involvement, or personal spiritual disciplines. Write down what this potential looks like if fully developed, what fears or hindrances are holding you back, and one concrete step you can take this week to move forward. Then, take that step, trusting that God's grace and anointing will meet you there. Share your experience with at least one other person from the group for accountability and encouragement.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God is doing a new thing and wants us to perceive it and step into it with His grace and anointing.
Many believers have dormant potential that God wants to activate, but fear, comfort, or a diminished spiritual appetite keeps them from fulfilling it.
God often requires us to step out in faith before we see His provision - the priests had to step into the Jordan before the waters parted.
What satisfied you yesterday may not be what God uses to satisfy you today - sometimes brooks need to dry up to move us to new places of blessing.
Spiritual maturity comes through intentional relationships with others who are seeking to grow in Christ.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for challenging us to see the potential You've placed within us. We confess the times we've allowed fear, comfort, or apathy to keep us from stepping into all You have for us. Give us courage to step into the Jordan before seeing the waters part. Help us leave behind what hinders and embrace the new things You're doing. May we not settle for less than Your best, but instead fan into flame the gifts You've given us. Use us to influence others as we pursue You wholeheartedly. We step forward now, trusting in Your grace and anointing for this new season. In Your mighty name we pray, amen.

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