Sermon Study Guide | Series: Benefit of the Doubt | Sermon: Finding Steady Faith |
Scripture: Psalm 46:1–3; Matthew 7:24–27; Matthew 14:22–33; Hebrews 12:26–29; Acts 22:16 | Date: October 12, 2025

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

When life starts to shake—whether from a diagnosis, a job shift, a relationship breaking, or just the low hum of anxiety—where do you instinctively go for stability?

Share a moment in your life when you were shaken and how you tried to steady yourself.
Where did you see, or struggle to see, God as “...our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1–3)

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

• Read Psalm 46:1–3 together. What words or images steady you most in this psalm? Where do you still feel the tremors?
  
  
• In Matthew 7:24–27, both houses face the same storm. What are the “sand foundations” you’ve noticed that look impressive but won’t carry real weight? 
  
  • What does building on the rock practically look like for your life?
    
    
• Jesus says the wise person “hears…and does.” Where have you been a hearer but not yet a doer? 
  
  • What’s one command of Jesus you already understand but haven’t acted on?
    
    
• Read Matthew 14:22–33. Who do you relate to right now—still in the boat, stepping out but tired, or sinking and reaching? Why?
  
  
• Peter starts to sink when he “saw the wind.” What are the winds in your life that pulls your eyes off of Jesus—busyness, fear of failure, control, comparison? 
  
  • How do we re-fix our gaze on Him together?
    
    
• Jesus immediately reaches for Peter. How does that shape your understanding of doubt and discipleship? 
  
  • What is an area of your life where might mercy, rather than shame, can be your motivator?
    
    
• Read Hebrews 12:26–29. What shakable things might God be loosening in you? 
  
  • What does it mean to receive “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” amid cultural volatility?
    
    
• The earliest believers were called “followers of the Way” before “Christians” (cf. Acts 11:26). How might recovering that identity—as people who walk in a way—change how we approach habits, relationships, and work?
  
  
• Baptism in Acts 22:16 comes with a simple invitation: “What are you waiting for?” For someone exploring baptism, what questions feel most pressing? 
  
  • For someone already baptized, how does your public faith bring Heaven here for others?
    
    

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

• Identify one foundation fix: Choose a daily practice that anchors you (e.g., Scripture before screens; Psalm 46 breath prayer: “God, my refuge—very present help”). 
  
  • Commit to this practice for 7 days.
    
    
• Choose one act of obedience you already know Jesus is asking of you (forgive, reconcile, confess, serve, practice generosity, Sabbath, honesty at work). 
  
  • Put it on the calendar and tell your group for accountability.
    
    
• Name one “get out of the boat” step—a move that feels wobbly but faithful (join a team, invite a friend, start counseling, initiate a hard conversation). 
  
  • What’s your first small step in the next 7 days?
    
    
• When the wind gets loud, pray Peter’s three-word prayer this week: “Lord, save me.” Pair it with one tangible reach (text a friend, ask for prayer, schedule time with a pastor).
  
  
• If you’re sensing God’s nudge for yourself (or others) toward baptism, act today: contact your campus team with questions, and be ready. 
  
  • If you’ve already been baptized, identify one person you’ll encourage or accompany toward their next step.
    
    
• Practice public faith in a simple way: share a brief “God at work” story with one person (coworker, neighbor, classmate). Keep it honest and humble—what Jesus did and why it mattered to you, not what you’ve perfected.
  
  
• As a group, plan one storm-care action for someone outside the group this week (meal, childcare, prayer visit, gift card). Be the refuge you’ve received.

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

Jesus, our steady rock, thank you for being present when the ground gives way. Where we’re afraid, lift our eyes to you. Where we’re only hearing, move us to doing. Where we’re sinking, reach for us—again. Give us courage to step out before it feels stable and wisdom to build our lives on your words. For those saying yes to you—and to baptism—meet them with your strength and joy. Make us a people whose public faith brings Heaven here, for your glory and our neighbors’ good. Amen.

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