SERIES TITLE
Road Trip
SERIES OVERVIEW
Do you remember that EPIC road trip? It was the one with a great playlist, roadside diners, and unforgettable memories. When you’re on the road, you can expect twists and turns, flat tires, and empty gas tanks. If you’re going to make it to your final destination, you’re going to need a good GPS because life is full of unexpected turns and detours. We need someone reliable to guide us.
SERMON TITLE
Destination
WEEKEND IN REVIEW
We are not merely influenced by the voices we listen to, the ultimate destination of our lives will be determined by whose voices we allowed to influence the decisions we made along the journey of our lives. Jesus is ready to give us a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10 NLT), but if we are going to experience that, it will require following His voice.
WARM UP
Begin with some conversation, checking in on how people are doing. You can talk about whatever you’d like, but here are a few potential questions to get the conversation going.
- Share one of the earliest memories you have of going on a road trip. Was it with your parents or were you the parent with your kids loaded up in the back seat? Or was it a solo trip? Where did you go and what was your road trip like? What or who was your navigator?
- What is your idea of a great road trip destination? A favorite National Park, a beautiful beach, majestic mountains with forests and waterfalls, take in the adventure of a theme park, or a trip to visit some special family members?
DISCUSSion
Select 5-6 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Read John 10:1-5 NLT. In this metaphor, who are the sheep and who is the shepherd?
- Twice in this passage (verse 3 and verse 4) it is emphasized that sheep are able to recognize something. What is it? How did they develop this ability?
- What does the shepherd do for the sheep in verse 3? …and in verse 4?
- Read John 10:11-16 NLT What is the Good Shepherd willing to do for his sheep? (verses 11 & 15) Why would a shepherd be so extremely devoted to the well-being of his sheep?
- How does the Good Shepherd differ from the “hired hand?”
- Why would a hired hand abandon the sheep if they were attacked? (verse 13)
Application
- Why should a person listen to the voice of Jesus above all others?
- How can you develop your ability to recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice?
- In his message this weekend, Jake said, “The longer that you and I go listening to the same old voices: the voice of our family, friends, and ourselves, we’ll end up in the same old behaviors leading to the same old ditch. We need a new voice. Jesus, in His metaphor, is telling you, ‘I know you. I know all about your sheepness. I know you wander, I know you get lost, I know you’re scared, I know you’re struggling to admit your mistakes, I know you want to do this on your own. I know you all the way down to the bottom of who you are.’” In your life, who have been “the same old voices” that have competed with your ability to hear and follow the voice of Jesus?
- Why would it be wise for a person to follow the leadership of Jesus the Good Shepherd?
Action Item: Jesus said that His sheep follow him because they know his voice. Identify one specific thing you could do this week to be more tuned into the voice of Jesus.
wrap up | prayer
Share prayer requests and spend time praying for each other.