March 23 2025
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
HE Promises: Part 2
SPEAKER: PASTOR WES WASHINGTON
Scriptures—
John 10:4, 1 Samuel 3:1-10, Isaiah 55:11,
Key Takeaways—
Consistent communion with God creates clear communication
The enemy tries to distract us from hearing God's voice
How we live affects our ability to hear God
Knowing God's Word is crucial to recognizing His voice
Surrounding ourselves with the right people helps us discern God's voice
Recognizing God's voice without responding is rebellion
Discussion Questions—
We all have thoughts, feelings, and desires that can sometimes make it difficult to discern if something is truly from God. Can you think of a time when you wrestled with knowing if something was God’s leading or just your own thoughts? How can we better distinguish between God’s voice and our own desires in our daily lives?
Sometimes, our daily habits and choices can either draw us closer to God or create distractions that make it harder to hear Him. What are some ways our lifestyle choices might be hindering our ability to hear God’s voice clearly?
There’s a tension between actively seeking God through prayer and simply listening for His voice through Scripture. Have you ever struggled with finding that balance? What are some ways we can be intentional in both seeking and listening?
God often speaks through people around us, through encouragement, accountability, or wise counsel. Can you share a time when someone helped you recognize or confirm something you felt God was saying? How does community help us hear and respond to God's voice?
The idea that "consistent communion creates clear communication" suggests that the more we walk closely with God, the more we recognize His voice. How does this shift the way we approach our daily relationship with Him?
Have you ever felt like God was silent when you were seeking Him? How might God’s silence actually be a form of communication or direction in our spiritual lives?
Sometimes, God’s voice challenges us, calling us to do things that stretch our faith or go against our comfort zone. Can you think of a time when responding to God's voice required you to step out in faith? How can we cultivate a heart that is willing to obey, even when it’s hard?
We often say that we want to hear from God, but how much time are we spending in what He has already spoken, His Word? What are some practical steps we can take to immerse ourselves more deeply in Scripture on a daily basis?
In 1 Samuel 3, Eli helped young Samuel recognize that God was speaking to him. Have you ever had an ‘Eli’ in your life—someone who helped you discern God's voice? How can we be like Eli in helping others recognize and respond to God's voice?
Practical application—
Spend some time this week reflecting on your lifestyle. Are there areas that might be hindering your ability to hear God clearly? Identify one area you can work on improving.
Closing Prayer—
Lord, we desire to know You more and to recognize Your voice in our daily lives. Help us to quiet the distractions around us so we can hear You clearly. Show us any areas where our choices or fears are keeping us from drawing closer to You, and give us the courage to align our hearts with Your will. Teach us to balance seeking You in prayer and listening to You through Scripture, trusting that You are always speaking. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
