May 24 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:
Which local ice cream parlor is your favorite? And why?
The unlikely pt. 4
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
John 15:1-15; John 1:1-4; John 10:10
Key Takeaways—
The Unlikely (John) – Abiding in Jesus
Defining Life: Pastor Wes asked, "Is it possible to be alive, yet not experience life?". He suggested that there is a profound difference between simply existing and experiencing the "abundant life" Jesus promises in John 10:10.
Identifying Life Support: We often rely on things like our careers, relationships, or even ministry to sustain our sense of identity. We often are tempted to use these as "life support" instead of drawing your identity directly from a life-giving relationship with Jesus.
ABCs of Abide: Pastor Wes introduced the a framework to help us understand what it means to remain in Jesus. He defined these as:
A - Abide (Remain): Remaining is an intentional, daily practice of staying connected to Jesus, rather than just a Sunday visit or a response to difficult times.
B - Bear Fruit: Fruit is not something you force through effort, but proof of your connection to the Vine. When you abide, the life of Jesus naturally flows through you, manifesting in qualities like love, grace, and self-control.
C - Change: Abiding changes you. While fruit is what Jesus produces through your life, change is what Jesus produces within your life. It shifts your responses, desires, thinking, and identity as you stay connected to the Source.
Discussion Questions—
The Call to Abide (John 15:4): Jesus commands us to "remain" (abide) in Him. What’s the difference between a Sunday-only connection with God and a daily, intentional relationship. What practical steps can you take to stay connected to the "source of life" during a busy work week?
Fruit as Evidence: Pastor Wes mentions that fruit is not a product of our own effort, but proof of our connection to the Vine. If your life is a tree, what kind of "fruit" (love, patience, self-control, generosity) are people seeing in your current season?
The Pruning Process: We often view difficulties as punishment, but they are often God’s way of pruning us for greater fruitfulness. Can you share a time when a difficult season actually led to growth or a deeper connection with God?
Letting Go (The DNR Concept): Wes uses the medical analogy of a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) to describe letting our "old self" die. Is there an old version of yourself—a past habit, a way of thinking, or an idol—that you are still trying to keep on "life support"? What would it look like to finally "pull the plug" and allow God to give you a new identity?
Practical application—
Consider implementing the following this week:
Step 1: Pray for one another
Identify a prayer partner from the group and pray for one another to have the courage to trust God with the "pruning" process and move toward the ABC’s of abiding.
Step 2: Understand Your identity
Reflect on what other than your relationship with Jesus you’re using to create your identity and value. Ask the Father for grace and wisdom to begin to shift your identity from what you do to who you are in Christ.
Step 3: Adopt DNR +ABC’s
Ask someone who knows you well to identify something in your life that you are using for life support in lieu of abiding in Jesus. Then identify one step you can take to begin to “pull the plug” and follow the ABC’s of abiding.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the truth that true life is only found by abiding in You. We repent for trying to sustain our old identities on 'life support' and ask for the courage to let our old selves die, trusting Your promise of a new identity in Christ.
Lord, help us move beyond a Sunday-only faith to an intentional, daily connection to the Vine. May we trust You in every pruning season, knowing You are working to make us fruitful. Let Your grace, love, and self-control flow through us as a witness to others.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.