Come With Me Series (How Much Does It Cost?)

This guide is a tool to help you facilitate discussion with your rGroup. Use it to lead your group in discovering, owning, and applying God’s Word. This is a flexible tool, not a rigid task list. Follow the Holy Spirit’s lead as you lead your group. You don’t need to ask every question.

Opening Question:  

How long have you been a follower of Jesus? (Keep in mind, some people in your group may not be followers of Jesus)

Understanding God’s Word: Know and Understand the Truth

READ Matthew 16:21-26

• Briefly summarize the message of this Scripture.
• What does this passage tell us about who God is?
• What does this passage reveal to us about ourselves? 

Living and Applying God’s Word: Give a Vision of Life with God

When you decided to follow Jesus, was the cost of doing so on your mind?

• Did you think it would cost you anything? If so, what came to mind?
• Did you have a sense of joy, or intimidation, when thinking about following Jesus?
• Did you understand that Jesus was asking you to do?

Why should Peter follow Jesus, knowing where Jesus was going (to die on the cross)?

• Discuss these 2 opposing perspectives: Human point of view VS God’s point of view
• Discuss these 2 opposing perspectives: Focus on what you give up VS Focus on what Jesus gives

Q: How can you ultimately deny yourself? – A: Remove yourself from the throne.
Q: How can you pick up your cross? – A: Abandon personal ambition in order to follow Jesus.
Q: How can you follow Jesus right now? – A: Give control and life choices to Jesus.

Assessing the Heart: Identify and Address Sin

Peter loved Jesus. He also loved the community he now had with the other disciples. He knew Jesus was awesome!...because of the miracles he’s seen Jesus perform. However, now Peter is at a critical point in his life where he understands what following Jesus will cost him. It’s at this point, where he decides to keep going on the journey.

• Are you at that critical point in your life where you’re weighing the cost?
• Is there anything in your life that needs to die in order for you to live?
• What’s keeping you from following where Jesus has called you to?

Keep in mind, following Jesus is a daily decision. Every day, you’ll need to deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus.

Turn to God: Confess and Renew Belief in God

Address and confess the problem/sin, before you can change.

• What’s keeping you from denying yourself? Who or what is on the throne in your life?
• Why won’t you pick up your cross? What personal ambition is keeping you from following Jesus?
• What’s your biggest problem with following Jesus? Why won’t you let Jesus lead you?