May 17 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 this summer?
The unlikely pt. 3
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
I Peter 5:8-11; Romans 8:34, 12:2; II Cor. 5:17; Heb 13:5
Key Takeaways—
Alert and Sober: Avoiding the Life of a Drifting Disciple
True discipleship requires transformation, not just claiming the Christian title
Many believers are "spiritually impaired" with distorted or clouded vision of Jesus due to life's pressures and distractions
Sobriety means clarity and being alert—having complete focus on Jesus without distraction
Peter's testimony in I Peter 5:8-11 is powerful because he experienced the same struggles he warns against—falling asleep when he should pray, denying Christ under pressure, sinking when taking eyes off Jesus
Isolation intensifies spiritual impairment; believers need community, including small groups like this one
Everyone is fighting similar battles; we should fight the enemy together, not each other
Grace means understanding that the enemy is prowling in everybody's world, not just yours
Discussion Questions—
What does it mean to pursue transformation rather than just the label of Christian, and how can you tell the difference in your own life?
Peter warns us to be alert and sober-minded because our enemy prowls around seeking to devour. What things in your life might be spiritually impairing your vision of Jesus?
The sermon suggests that whatever you cannot surrender to God, you will eventually surrender to. Are there areas of your life that you are struggling to surrender, and what would it look like to truly hand it over to God?
How does understanding that all believers are undergoing similar sufferings change the way you view and interact with other Christians who frustrate or hurt you?
Peter's testimony comes from his own failures of falling asleep when he should have prayed and denying Jesus under pressure. How does learning from someone who has failed in the same ways you have impact your own transformation journey?
The lion's roar represents accusations from the enemy about your past, worthiness, and identity. Which accusations do you find yourself most frequently moving under instead of standing firm against?
The sermon emphasizes daily focus adjustment through Scripture, prayer and worship rather than weekly church attendance alone. What practical steps can you take to wash the filth of the world out with God's Word every single day?
Practical application—
Consider implementing the following this week:
Option 1: Resist the Roar
Write down the accusations the enemy speaks over you. Next to each one, write a truth from Scripture that counters it. Read these Scripture truths daily.
option 2: End isolation
Reach out to at least one person from this group during the week. Share what you're struggling with and ask them to pray for you and ask how you can pray for them.
Option 3: Surrender Something
Identify one thing you've been holding onto that you need to surrender to God. Ask God to show you a tangible step this week to release control of it. Then, take that step.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us from Satan and from ourselves. Please help us develop and maintain spiritual sobriety and clear vision of Jesus. Give us strength to resist the enemy's accusations and temptations. Open our eyes to see how others around us are also under attack by the enemy, and give us empathy and understanding toward them. Make Rust City a church characterized by unity and authentic community.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.