STUDY GUIDE – Go Fish

Icebreaker: When fishing for people, list strategies you have used for “bait?”

Sermon Title – The Jesus Platform – “Go Fish” – Matthew 4:19-22

Group Discussion

Read Matthew 28:19-20 – Go where the fish are swimming. How might this call to “Go” influence where and how we spend our time, resources, and energy in sharing the love of Jesus? What are practical ways we can go where the “fish are swimming?” Share examples from your own experiences. Were they fruitful?

Read Philippians 2:3-5 – Learn to think like a fish. How can we practically and intentionally connect with others where they are in life and share the love of Jesus? How are we doing with this approach at Mt. Gilead (e.g., ministering to people new to faith or questioning faith)? List ideas for how we can do better at thinking like someone new to faith and removing barriers for them (e.g., ask new believers in your group to speak into this).

Read 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 – Use a variety of strategies to lure the fish. What are some ideas for ways we can diversify or expand our outreach and approach to sharing the love of Jesus? Explore this from a personal approach and a collective (i.e., body of believers) approach.

Read I Peter 3:15 & Colossians 4:5-6 – Be patient and persistent. How can we stay encouraged and keep building and nurturing relationships with others while trusting God to work in their hearts, especially when we do not see immediate results? Share an example when you have seen patience and persistence prevail.

Read Acts 1:8 & 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 – Catching fish is not our call, but fishing is our call. How does understanding that “catching fish” is God’s responsibility and “fishing” is our responsibility impact the way we share the love of Jesus? What does it look like for you to faithfully fish while allowing the Holy Spirit to catch?

Spiritual Discipline: Take time in the coming weeks to study our additional sermon resources that support this message on discipleship located on our Church Center app at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: (1) Go where the fish are swimming: Consider places where you can connect with people who may not know Jesus. Engage with your community, seek volunteer opportunities, and engage socially where you can develop genuine relationships. (2) Think like a fish: Make an effort to understand others’ needs and perspectives. Practice active listening and empathy as you meet people where they are in life; share the love of Jesus in a way that resonates with them. (3) Diversify and be persistent: Use a variety of outreach strategies, such as social media testimonies, service opportunities, and one-on-one conversations; focus on developing authentic relationships while Jesus works in their hearts and minds.