Discussion Guide | March 29th, 2026

March 30th, 2026

Set Like a Flint | Dr. Bill Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor Bill delivers a Palm Sunday message titled 'Set Like Flint,' drawing from Isaiah 50:7 and Jesus' resolute determination to go to Jerusalem for the crucifixion. He contrasts being merely 'involved' versus being truly 'committed' to Christ, using illustrations like Pokemon hunters and kamikaze pilots to emphasize the difference. The sermon explores the week of contrasts from Palm Sunday's celebration to Good Friday's crucifixion, highlighting how the crowds went from shouting 'Hosanna' to 'Crucify him.' Pastor Bill challenges the congregation to move beyond surface-level faith to deep commitment, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a moral teacher but the miracle-working Savior. He calls for believers to be 'set like flint' - resolute and determined in their faith, ready to be used by God for His purposes, especially in bringing others to Christ during the Easter season.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to be more than just hearers of Your Word, but doers as well. Lord, we pray that You would stir our hearts to move beyond surface-level faith to deep commitment. Show us what it means to be 'set like flint' in our devotion to You. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we grow in our understanding of Your love and purposes for our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

Share about a time when you had to show determination or commitment to accomplish something important - whether it was learning a new skill, completing a project, or helping someone. What kept you motivated to see it through?

Main Study

Key Verses

Isaiah 50:7
Luke 9:51
Luke 18:31-33
John 12:12-16
Matthew 16:13-18
Zechariah 9:9
Revelation 19:11-16

Questions

What does it mean to be 'set like flint' in your faith, and how can we develop this kind of resolute commitment to Christ?
Pastor Bill contrasts being 'involved' versus being 'committed' using the example of a chicken and pig in a ham and egg breakfast. How would you describe the difference between these two approaches to faith?
How do you think Jesus felt knowing what He would face during Holy Week, yet still choosing to go to Jerusalem? What can we learn from His determination?
The crowds went from shouting 'Hosanna' on Palm Sunday to 'Crucify him' by Friday. What does this teach us about the fickle nature of popular opinion and how should this affect our faith?
Jesus asked His disciples 'Who do you say that I am?' How would you personally answer this question, and why is this the most important question we can answer?
The sermon mentions that Jesus rode a donkey (symbolizing peace) when He came the first time, but will ride a horse (symbolizing war/conquest) when He returns. How should this truth impact how we live today?
Pastor Bill challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith to 'go deeper into the things of God.' What are some practical ways we can deepen our relationship with Christ?
The message emphasizes being used by God and having a heart that says 'use me, Lord.' What might be holding you back from fully surrendering to God's purposes for your life?

Life Application

This week, identify one area of your life where you've been merely 'involved' rather than truly 'committed' to following Christ. Make a specific commitment to go deeper in that area - whether it's prayer, Bible study, serving others, or sharing your faith. Ask God to help you be 'set like flint' in your determination to follow Him wholeheartedly, and look for opportunities to invite someone to church or share the gospel with them.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

There's a crucial difference between being 'involved' in faith versus being truly 'committed' - God calls us to deep commitment, not surface-level participation
Jesus was 'set like flint' - resolute and determined to fulfill His mission despite knowing the suffering He would face
The crowds' fickleness from 'Hosanna' to 'Crucify him' reminds us not to base our faith on popular opinion but on the truth of who Jesus is
Jesus is not merely a good moral teacher but the miracle-working Savior who deserves our complete surrender and worship
We are called to be used by God for His purposes, especially in bringing others to Christ and advancing His kingdom

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our example of unwavering commitment and determination. Help us to be 'set like flint' in our devotion to You, moving beyond surface-level faith to deep, life-changing commitment. Give us hearts that cry out 'use me, Lord' and the courage to step out in faith to serve Your purposes. As we go from this place, may we be Your hands and feet in this world, ready to share Your love with others and invite them into relationship with You. Strengthen our resolve to live for eternal things rather than temporary pleasures. We surrender our lives afresh to You and ask that You would work through us in mighty ways. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

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