Discussion Guide | September 13th, 2026

September 14th, 2026

Simply the Best | Dr. Bill Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Bill challenges the congregation to pursue God's best in every area of life, rather than settling for what is merely good or comfortable. Drawing from personal experience, including the passing of his brother, he reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of living with eternal purpose. He emphasizes that God has placed a calling on every person's life from birth, and that this season is a time to step up, lean in, and pursue that calling with full devotion rather than coasting or going through the motions. Using stories from Scripture, including King Saul's partial obedience with the Amalekites, King Amaziah's half-hearted faithfulness, and the contrast between gold and bronze shields in Rehoboam's time, the pastor illustrates the danger of settling for second best. He calls the church to wholehearted obedience, discernment in choosing God's best over merely good options, and intentional investment in relationships, community, and the advancement of God's kingdom. The message is anchored in 1 Corinthians 15:58, urging believers to give themselves fully to the work of the Lord.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and willing spirits. We ask that You quiet the noise of our busy lives and help each person in this group to hear exactly what You want them to receive today. Open our minds to Your truth, soften our hearts to Your leading, and give us the courage to respond to what You stir within us. May this time together draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one thing you are genuinely looking forward to this fall season, and why?

Main Study

Key Verses

1 Corinthians 15:58
Philippians 1:9-11
1 John 1:6-7
2 Chronicles 25:2
Matthew 22:37
1 Samuel 15:22

Questions

Pastor Bill described the difference between pursuing 'gold' and settling for 'bronze' in our walk with God. In what area of your life do you feel you might be settling for bronze right now?
1 Corinthians 15:58 calls us to give ourselves 'fully' to the work of the Lord. What does that look like practically in your daily routine, and what tends to pull you away from that kind of full commitment?
Pastor Bill talked about how King Saul obeyed God mostly, but not completely, and how that partial obedience had serious consequences. Have you ever experienced a situation where partial obedience cost you more than full obedience would have?
Philippians 1:9-11 speaks about discerning what is best, not just what is good. How do you personally go about discerning the difference between a good option and the God option when making decisions?
Pastor Bill mentioned that King Amaziah did what was right in God's eyes, but not wholeheartedly. What do you think causes people to do the right things half-heartedly, and how can we guard against that in our own lives?
The sermon emphasized that God has placed a calling on every person's life. Do you have a sense of what your calling is, and what is one step you could take this week to lean further into it?
Pastor Bill said that 'there are people on the other side of your obedience' who need you to pursue God wholeheartedly. Who in your life might be impacted by your faithfulness or lack of it, and how does that motivate you?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was quoted as saying we should do whatever we are called to do with excellence, as if all of heaven were watching. How does that perspective change the way you think about your everyday responsibilities at work, at home, or in your community?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area of your life where you have been giving God less than your best, whether in your devotional time, your relationships, your work, or your involvement in your church community. Write it down, pray over it, and take one concrete step toward wholehearted obedience in that area. Consider also reaching out to one person in your life who needs to hear that God loves them and has a purpose for them, and invite them to join you at church or in your small group.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God calls every believer to give their best, not just what is convenient or comfortable. Partial obedience, as seen in the lives of Saul and Amaziah, falls short of what God desires and can have lasting consequences.
Discernment is essential for choosing God's best over merely good options. Many doors and opportunities will present themselves, but time with God through prayer and His Word helps us identify the right path.
Settling for bronze when God has gold for you is a danger that creeps in gradually. Life's pressures and distractions can slowly reduce our appetite for the things of God if we are not intentional.
Your calling is real and was placed in you before you were born. God is actively tapping that calling in this season and wants you to step into it fully, because others are depending on your obedience.
Wholehearted love for God, as commanded in Matthew 22:37, is the foundation of the principle of the best. Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind shapes every decision, relationship, and priority in your life.

Ending Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the time we have shared together today and for the truth of Your Word that has challenged and encouraged us. We confess that we have not always given You our best, and we ask for Your grace and strength to change that starting now. Help us to pursue Your gold and not settle for bronze, to obey You fully and not just partially, and to love You with all our hearts, souls, and minds. May the calling You have placed on each of our lives burn brighter this week than it did last week. And may the people around us, our families, our neighbors, and our communities, be touched because we chose to be faithful. We trust You with every area of our lives, and we give You all the glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Posted in Life Groups, Sermon Blog