Diving Deeper: Exploring the Depths of Faith
Summary
God is unchanging—He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just as a loving father responds to his child’s call, our Heavenly Father is always ready to answer when we reach out to Him, no matter our age or circumstance. Whether we are facing challenges in our health, finances, relationships, or any other area, the invitation is to call on the Lord, trusting that He still heals, delivers, and provides today as He did in the past. Faith is not just a declaration but an active trust that God will move in our lives, and we are encouraged to stand on His faithfulness and promises.
There is a whole other world beneath the surface of the ocean, teeming with life and wonder, yet many never experience it because they only observe from a distance. In the same way, many believers remain at the surface of their relationship with God, content with salvation but missing out on the depths of intimacy, revelation, and transformation available to them. Hebrews 5 challenges us not to remain spiritual infants, but to mature, moving from milk to solid food, from surface-level faith to deeper understanding and experience.
To dive deeper, we must first know the Word of God—not just hear it on Sundays or in short clips, but internalize, memorize, and understand it in context. Knowing the Word is like having the right equipment to explore the depths. But having the equipment is not enough; we must also obey the Word. Obedience is the act of putting on the fins and mask and actually getting in the water. It is through doing what God says that we experience the fullness of His promises.
The Holy Spirit is our guide into deeper waters. He convicts, teaches, and reveals truth, helping us understand and apply God’s Word. Sometimes, past hurts or disappointments can keep us from diving in, but God desires to heal those wounds so we can experience all He has for us. As we go deeper, we may feel pressure—challenges, temptations, or discomfort—but just as divers learn to equalize, we must learn to respond to these pressures by drawing on what God has placed within us, rather than retreating to the surface.
No matter where we are in our walk, there is always more to explore in God. The call is to move beyond the surface, to know and obey His Word, to walk with the Holy Spirit, and to experience the profound depths of relationship with our Creator.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Faithfulness Is Unchanging
Just as a loving father responds to his child, God is always present and attentive to our cries, regardless of our age or situation. His faithfulness is not bound by time or circumstance; He is as near and responsive today as He was in the past and will be in the future. This truth invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing He hears and answers when we call. Our faith is anchored in His unchanging nature, not in our shifting circumstances. [39:34]
- Surface-Level Christianity Misses the Depths
Many believers settle for a surface-level relationship with God, content with salvation but missing out on the richness and adventure found in deeper intimacy with Him. Like the unexplored world beneath the ocean’s surface, there are spiritual depths—wisdom, revelation, and transformation—that remain hidden unless we intentionally pursue them. Hebrews 5 warns against spiritual stagnation and calls us to mature, moving from milk to solid food, from observation to participation. The invitation is to dive in, not just watch from the shore. [49:59]
- Knowing and Obeying the Word Are Both Essential
It is not enough to simply know about God’s Word; we must internalize it, understand it in context, and obey it. Knowledge without obedience is like having snorkeling gear but never entering the water. Obedience is the bridge between information and transformation, and it is through doing what God says that we experience the fullness of His promises. True depth in our walk with God comes from both knowing and living out His Word. [55:39]
- The Holy Spirit Guides Us Into Deeper Truth
The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but a personal guide who leads us into all truth. He convicts, teaches, and reveals the deeper things of God, helping us understand and apply Scripture in ways we could never achieve on our own. As we cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we gain insight, wisdom, and the courage to obey, even when it is difficult. The Spirit’s presence is essential for navigating the depths of God’s heart. [01:08:09]
- Pressure Is Part of Going Deeper—Don’t Retreat
As we pursue a deeper relationship with God, we will encounter pressures—challenges, temptations, and even spiritual resistance. Just as divers must learn to equalize to handle the increasing pressure underwater, we must learn to respond to spiritual pressures by relying on God’s strength and truth. Past hurts or disappointments may tempt us to stay at the surface, but God offers healing and invites us to keep pressing in, trusting that the depths hold treasures we cannot find anywhere else. [01:14:04]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[39:34] - Standing on God’s Faithfulness
[43:39] - Speaking Life Over Every Area
[45:13] - Under the Sea: VBS and the Water Theme
[46:41] - The Hidden World Beneath the Surface
[47:46] - Mountains and Depths: Mauna Kea and Challenger Deep
[49:06] - Many Never Explore the Depths
[49:59] - Surface-Level Christianity
[51:49] - Diving In: Beyond the Surface
[52:35] - The Right Equipment for the Deep
[55:39] - Knowing the Word Takes Us Deeper
[56:23] - The Danger of Out-of-Context Scripture
[57:52] - Obeying the Word: Moving from Knowledge to Action
[01:03:33] - The Importance of Being Taught and Teaching Others
[01:08:09] - The Holy Spirit: Our Guide Into All Truth
[01:10:52] - Overcoming Past Hurts and Disappointments
[01:12:56] - Handling Pressure as We Go Deeper
[01:14:04] - Equalizing: Responding to Spiritual Pressure
[01:16:16] - The Gift of Salvation and the Call to Go Deeper
[01:17:57] - Moving Beyond Contentment with the Surface
[01:18:36] - Committing to Dive In
[01:33:04] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Going Deeper with God
---
### Bible Reading
Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)
> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Psalm 119:11, 105 (ESV)
> I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
John 16:12-14 (ESV)
> “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 5, what does the writer say is the difference between spiritual “milk” and “solid food”? What does this reveal about spiritual maturity?
[[49:59]]
2. In Psalm 119, what does the psalmist say is the result of storing up God’s word in our hearts?
[[55:39]]
3. In John 16, what role does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will have in the lives of believers?
[[01:08:09]]
4. The sermon compared exploring the ocean’s depths to going deeper in our relationship with God. What are some of the “tools” or “equipment” mentioned that help us go deeper?
[[53:50]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think many Christians, according to Hebrews 5 and the sermon, remain at a “surface level” in their faith instead of moving on to maturity?
[[49:59]]
2. The pastor said that knowing the Word is like having snorkeling gear, but obedience is actually getting in the water. Why is obedience necessary for experiencing the fullness of God’s promises?
[[57:52]]
3. How does the Holy Spirit help believers move from just knowing about God to truly experiencing Him?
[[01:08:09]]
4. The sermon mentioned that past hurts or disappointments can keep us from “diving in.” Why might these experiences hold someone back from going deeper with God?
[[01:12:18]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared how his earthly father always responded when he called, and compared this to how God responds to us. Is there an area in your life right now where you need to “call out” to God and trust His faithfulness? What’s holding you back from doing so?
[[39:34]]
2. Have you ever found yourself content with “surface-level” Christianity—just attending church or knowing about God, but not really pursuing a deeper relationship? What would it look like for you to “dive in” this season?
[[49:59]]
3. The sermon challenged us to not just hear the Word, but to internalize and obey it. Is there a specific command or teaching from Scripture that you know, but have struggled to obey? What step could you take this week to put it into practice?
[[57:52]]
4. The Holy Spirit is described as our guide into all truth. How often do you invite the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply God’s Word? What could you do differently in your Bible reading or prayer time to rely more on the Spirit’s guidance?
[[01:08:09]]
5. The pastor talked about “equalizing” when facing pressure as we go deeper with God. What kinds of pressures or challenges have you faced when trying to grow spiritually? How did you respond—did you “equalize” or retreat to the surface?
[[01:14:04]]
6. Are there any past hurts, disappointments, or unanswered prayers that have made you hesitant to pursue a deeper relationship with God? What would it look like to bring those to God for healing?
[[01:12:18]]
7. Think about someone in your life who might be “watching from the shore” spiritually. How could you encourage them to take a step deeper in their faith journey?
[[01:17:57]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to “dive deeper” with God, for healing from past hurts, and for a fresh hunger to know and obey His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide each person into the deeper things God has for them.
Devotional
Day 1: God Is Faithful Yesterday, Today, and Forever
No matter what season of life you are in, God’s faithfulness remains unchanging. Just as a loving father responds to his child’s call, your Heavenly Father is always present and ready to answer when you reach out to Him. Whether you are facing challenges in health, finances, relationships, or any other area, you can trust that the same God who worked miracles in the past is still working today. He hears your prayers, knows your needs, and invites you to call on His name with confidence, believing that He will respond and provide. Let your faith be stirred as you remember that God’s promises are steadfast, and He is actively involved in your life right now, just as He always has been. [39:34]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s unchanging faithfulness today, and how can you intentionally call on Him in that area right now?
Day 2: Knowing the Word Takes Us Deeper
There is a vast depth to your relationship with God that can only be explored by truly knowing His Word. Many believers remain at the surface, content with salvation but missing out on the richness and guidance found in Scripture. When you hide God’s Word in your heart and let it illuminate your path, you are equipped to resist sin and discern truth from error. Memorizing and internalizing Scripture, rather than relying on out-of-context verses or secondhand knowledge, allows you to experience the fullness of God’s wisdom and direction. Dive deeper by making the study and meditation of God’s Word a daily priority, and watch as your relationship with Him grows more profound. [55:39]
Psalm 119:11, 105 (ESV)
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Reflection: What is one specific verse you can memorize and meditate on this week to help you go deeper in your walk with God?
Day 3: Obeying the Word Unlocks Greater Depth
It is not enough to simply know what God says; true depth in your relationship with Him comes when you put His Word into practice. Like a diver who must put on fins and a mask to explore beneath the surface, you must move from knowledge to obedience to experience all that God has for you. Obedience often requires trust, especially when God’s instructions challenge your experience or understanding, as seen when Peter cast his nets at Jesus’ word. Each act of obedience opens new dimensions of God’s blessing and purpose in your life. Don’t settle for surface-level Christianity—step out in faith and do what God is calling you to do, even when it stretches you. [01:03:33]
Luke 5:4-6 (ESV)
And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.
Reflection: What is one area where you know God is calling you to obey, but you have hesitated—how can you take a step of obedience today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit Guides Us Into Deeper Truth
After salvation, the Holy Spirit becomes your guide, teacher, and revealer of God’s deeper truths. He is not distant or impersonal, but actively speaks, convicts, and leads you into all truth as you seek Him. When you read Scripture, invite the Holy Spirit to open your understanding and show you how to apply God’s Word to your life. He brings revelation, comfort, and direction, helping you to grasp the profound things of God that cannot be understood by human wisdom alone. Cultivate a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit, asking Him to reveal, teach, and empower you to live out God’s purposes. [01:09:45]
John 16:12-15 (ESV)
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
Reflection: Before you read the Bible today, will you pause and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal something new and specific to you—and then write down what He shows you?
Day 5: Don’t Let Past Hurts or Pressure Keep You at the Surface
Going deeper with God often brings new pressures—challenges, doubts, or memories of past hurts that tempt you to retreat to the safety of the surface. Just as a diver must learn to equalize and adjust to the increasing pressure, you are called to bring your pain, disappointments, and fears to God, allowing Him to heal and strengthen you. Don’t let a bad experience, unanswered prayer, or the actions of others keep you from diving into the fullness of what God has for you. God desires to heal your wounds and empower you to move forward, exploring the depths of His love and purpose for your life. [01:14:04]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Is there a past hurt or disappointment that is keeping you from going deeper with God? What step can you take today to bring it to Him for healing and move forward?
Quotes
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