Bible Study Discussion Guide: Divine Interruptions – Leaving Your Living (Part 4)
Bible ReadingLuke 5:1-11 (ESV) 1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”
6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.
7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,
10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Observation Questions- What were Simon and his partners doing when Jesus first approached them, and how did Jesus use their situation to begin his interaction?
- How did Simon respond to Jesus’ instruction to go out into deeper water and let down the nets, and what was the result?
- What was Simon Peter’s reaction after the miraculous catch of fish, and what did he say to Jesus?
- According to the sermon, what did Levi (Matthew) do after he left his job, and how did this impact his former colleagues? [[05:28]]
Interpretation Questions- Why do you think Jesus first asked Simon for a small act of obedience (using his boat) before calling him to something greater? What does this reveal about how God often works in our lives? [[21:46]]
- The sermon says that God’s present provision is a “glimpse” of future faithfulness. How might seeing God’s faithfulness in the past help someone trust Him with bigger steps of faith? [[15:07]]
- The phrase “Master, if you say so” is highlighted as a key attitude of a disciple. What does this phrase reveal about Simon’s view of Jesus, and why is it important for following God’s call? [[25:17]]
- The sermon mentions that feelings of fear and unworthiness are normal when God calls us. Why might God allow us to feel this way, and how does Jesus address these feelings? [[37:44]]
Application Questions- The sermon teaches that there’s an evangelistic side to leaving your living—your obedience can help others encounter Jesus. Who in your life might be impacted if you stepped out in faith, and what could that look like practically? [[05:28]]
- Think about a time when God provided for you in a way you didn’t expect. How did that experience affect your trust in Him for the future? Is there an area right now where you need to remember God’s past faithfulness? [[15:07]]
- Jesus asked Simon for small steps of obedience before calling him to leave everything. What is one “small” step of obedience God might be asking you to take right now? How can you respond? [[22:55]]
- The sermon says, “How you view Jesus determines your response to His call.” Is Jesus just one voice among many in your life, or is He truly your Master and Lord? How does your answer show up in your daily decisions? [[25:17]]
- Simon felt unworthy and afraid when Jesus called him. Have you ever felt unworthy or afraid when you sensed God leading you to something new? How did you respond, and what helped you move forward (or what held you back)? [[37:44]]
- The phrase “Master, if you say so” is described as a lifestyle, not just a one-time decision. What would it look like for you to live with a “yes” to Jesus in both small and big areas of your life this week? [[42:07]]
- The sermon challenges us to cultivate a habit of obedience in the little things, like apologizing or making amends. Is there a specific “small thing” you’ve been resisting that you sense God wants you to do? What’s stopping you, and how can you take action? [[22:55]]