Discussion Guide | September 27th, 2026

September 29th, 2026

An Act of Worship | Dr. Bill Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon centers on the story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume just days before the crucifixion, as recorded in John 12:1-11. The pastor draws attention to Mary's extravagant act of worship, her willingness to hold nothing back, and her boldness in the face of Judas's objection. The message challenges believers to bring their best to God, to not be paralyzed by the opinions of others, and to recognize that genuine worship has the power to change the atmosphere around us.

A key theme throughout the sermon is the distinction between Chronos time (ordinary, human-measured time) and Kairos time (God's appointed moments of purpose). Mary alone recognized the Kairos moment and acted upon it, anointing Jesus as Messiah and preparing Him for burial. Pastor Bill urges the congregation to live with spiritual sensitivity, to seize God-appointed moments, and to move beyond merely admiring faith to actively practicing it through worship, service, and bold obedience.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts and willing spirits. Just as Mary brought her very best into your presence without holding anything back, we ask that you help us to do the same right now. Open our eyes to see what you want us to see, open our ears to hear what you want us to hear, and soften our hearts to receive what you have for each of us today. May this time together not simply be a discussion, but a true encounter with you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is a smell or fragrance that instantly brings back a strong memory for you, and what does it remind you of?

Main Study

Key Verses

John 12:1-3
John 12:7-8
Mark 14:8-9
Galatians 5:22-23

Questions

Mary brought something of great personal value as an act of worship. What does it look like in your own life to bring God something that truly costs you something?
King David said he would not give to God that which costs Him nothing. In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to give generously to God, whether that is time, money, or talent?
The sermon described how Mary's act of worship literally changed the atmosphere in the room. Have you ever been around someone whose faith or joy visibly changed the atmosphere around them? What was that like?
Judas objected to Mary's worship with an argument that sounded reasonable on the surface. Can you think of a time when a seemingly logical reason held you back from doing something you felt God was calling you to do?
Pastor Bill distinguished between Chronos time (ordinary time) and Kairos time (God's appointed moments). Can you think of a Kairos moment in your own life that you either seized or missed? What happened as a result?
The sermon points out that Mary was an unexpected person in an unexpected place being used by God. How does this challenge the way you think about who God chooses to use and where He chooses to work?
The Book of Acts mentions that many people esteemed the early church from a distance but dared not join them. In what ways might you be admiring the work of God from a distance rather than actively participating in it?
Pastor Bill said there is likely someone on the other side of your faithfulness, meaning your obedience could impact someone you may never even know about. How does that idea motivate or challenge you in your daily walk with God?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area of your life where you have been holding back from God, whether in worship, service, generosity, or a step of obedience you have been putting off. Take one concrete action to move from admiring God's work to actively participating in it. Ask the Holy Spirit each morning to make you sensitive to the Kairos moments He places in your day, and then act on them without waiting for perfect circumstances.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Genuine worship requires holding nothing back. Mary's extravagant act of pouring out expensive perfume on Jesus demonstrates that true devotion to God is not measured by what is convenient or comfortable, but by what is costly and wholehearted.
Worship changes the atmosphere. Just as the fragrance of Mary's perfume filled the entire room, a life lived in authentic praise and obedience has a tangible impact on the people and environments around us.
Recognizing Kairos moments is essential to a life of faith. While most people live only aware of ordinary time, those who walk closely with God will discern his appointed moments and act on them, as Mary did when she anointed Jesus before His burial.
God often works through unexpected people in unexpected places. Mary was not the obvious choice, and Simon the leper's home was not the obvious setting, yet that is exactly where God moved. We must remain open to how and where God chooses to work.
It is not enough to admire faith from a distance. The sermon calls believers to move beyond observing the work of God to actively joining it, because our faithfulness in small things carries eternal consequences for others.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank you for this time together and for the example of Mary, who held nothing back in her devotion to you. As we leave today, we ask that you make us people who are sensitive to your Kairos moments, bold enough to act on them, and willing to bring you our very best even when it costs us something. May the fragrance of our worship and our obedience change the atmosphere wherever we go. Help us to remember that there are people on the other side of our faithfulness, and give us the courage to be faithful. We trust you with every area of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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