February 22 2026
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 are you most looking forward to doing this spring?
BACKBONE pt. 3
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
Ephesians 4:13-14; James 1:23-24; Jeremiah 18:1-4; II Corinthians 5:17
Key Takeaways—
The church is the body of believers, not just a building, and unity is essential for its strength and mobility
The greatest threat to church unity comes from believers who refuse to mature in their faith
Spiritual infants expect to be fed rather than feeding themselves through daily Bible study and prayer
Mature believers examine themselves through Scripture rather than focusing on others' flaws
God's mirror (His Word) reveals who we truly are as new creations, not our past failures, hurts and shame
Spiritual maturity requires three stages: being marred (broken), formation (renewal), and refinement (fire)
Many believers avoid the fire of refinement because it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary for maturity
The fire only burns off what shouldn't be there; God is present with us in the fire like He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel
Discussion Questions—
In what ways might we be relying on Sunday services to 'feed' us spiritually instead of actively engaging with Scripture throughout the week?
The sermon suggests that focusing on others' faults keeps us immature while examining ourselves leads to maturity. What makes self-examination so difficult, and how can we practice it more consistently?
When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself as God's fearfully and wonderfully made creation, or do you primarily see your past hurts, mistakes and shame? What would it take to shift that perspective?
How does living as a 'rear-facing' believer focused on your past differ from living as a 'forward-facing' believer focused on God's future for you?
The sermon mentions that mature believers are not 'tossed back and forth by every wind of teaching.' What false teachings or cultural influences are you most susceptible to, and how can you become more grounded in Scripture?
Why do you think people often avoid the 'fire' of refinement even though it is necessary for spiritual maturity and growth?
In what specific areas of your life is God calling you to step into uncomfortable 'fires' of refinement right now?How does the distinction between being 'formed' clay and 'fired' clay help you understand where you currently are in your spiritual journey?
Practical application—
Choose ONE of the following practices to implement this week:
Option 1: Examination
Daily Word Intake: Commit to reading Scripture for at least 15 minutes every day this week. Journal what God shows you about yourself (not others) in the mirror of His Word.
Option 2: action
Enter the Fire: Identify one "fire" you've been avoiding and take one step toward it this week. (Examples: Have that difficult conversation, volunteer in an uncomfortable setting, address a sin pattern, etc.)
Option 3: Evaluation
Influence Audit: Make a list of the top 5 voices you listen to (podcasts, social media, books, etc.). Evaluate: Are these voices pointing you to Scripture or away from it? Make one change this week.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father, show us where we are immature in our spiritual walk. Give us the courage to enter the refining fire so we can grow and become mature in our faith. Raise up in Rust City more mature believers who will foster unity and growth in themselves and others.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.