october 12 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:
What’s your favorite autumn activity?
Back to the basics Pt. 4
SPEAKER: PASTOR Wes Washington
Scriptures—
Genesis 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hosea 10:12; Matthew 13:1-23
Key Takeaways—
Our identity in Christ is crucial and shapes everything we do
Many Christians struggle with an identity crisis, holding onto past identities
What happened to us or what we did in the past does not define us in Christ
We cannot believe a truth and a lie about our identity at the same time
Our true identity is found in the Word of God, not in our circumstances or our past
Different soil types in the parable represent different heart conditions in receiving God's word
We need to actively work on the soil of our hearts to allow God's word to take root
Discussion Questions—
Pastor Wes mentioned wearing his high school letterman jacket as an analogy for hanging onto a past identity. Are there "old identities" that you may still be holding onto?
How has your past shaped your current view of yourself? In what ways does this align or conflict with how God sees you?
The sermon discussed four types of soil (heart conditions). These are the hard unteachable soil, the rocky shallow soil, the thorny distracted soil and the good, deep soil. Which one do you relate to most right now, and why?
Pastor Wes said, "Identity shapes everything you do." How has your understanding of your identity in Christ influenced your decisions and relationships?
Are there lies about your identity that you find yourself believing? What truths from Scripture can counteract these lies?
Practical application—
When you feel anxious this week, commit to praying instead of worrying. Keep a log of how this impacts your perspective and peace of mind.
Create a list of 5-10 statements about who you are in Christ based on Scripture. Practice saying these out loud daily.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Help us to see ourselves as You see us. Give us the courage to let go of false identities and fully embrace who we are in Christ. Transform the soil of our hearts so that Your Word can take deep root and produce abundant fruit in our lives. Guide us in living out our true identity as Your beloved children. In Jesus name,
Amen.