Jesus, He’s Worth Dying For
Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of October 19, 2025
Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.
# Summary
This sermon focuses on the courage and commitment required to follow Christ, drawing from the examples of early Christian martyrs like Stephen and Polycarp. Pastor Jim emphasizes that persecution is a promised reality for true followers of Jesus, but that Christ's love demonstrated through His sacrifice on the cross makes Him worth living and dying for. Pastor Jim challenges us to speak truth boldly, even when it's unpopular, and to embrace the cost of discipleship. The sermon culminates with a call to salvation and baptism, emphasizing that Jesus' perfect love and sacrifice provide eternal hope that transcends earthly suffering.
# Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You want to teach us today. We acknowledge that we need Your wisdom and guidance as we gather together as Your people. Help us to set aside our own agendas and preconceptions, and make us receptive to Your Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Lord, we pray that You would speak to each person here according to their specific needs and circumstances. Give us ears to hear, hearts to understand, and the courage to apply what You reveal to us. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
# Ice Breaker
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you want to ask them?
# Key Verses
Acts 4:20
Acts 5:20
Acts 5:29
John 15:18-19
Hebrews 11:35-38
Acts 7:54-60
# Questions
Pastor Jim mentioned that persecution is a promise for followers of Christ. How does this challenge or change your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
Stephen responded boldly to the Sanhedrin with harsh words. How do we balance speaking truth boldly while also showing Christ's love and grace?
Pastor Jim talked about how Jesus used both gentle and harsh tones depending on the situation. When might it be appropriate for Christians to use 'hard words' today?
What does it mean to you personally that 'the message and the messenger are inseparable' when it comes to following Christ?
The early apostles said 'We must obey God rather than any human authority.' What are some areas in our culture today where this principle might be tested?
How does understanding Christ's love for you personally give you courage to face opposition or persecution?
Pastor Jim asked, 'Is Jesus really worth dying for?' How would you answer this question and why?
What are some practical ways we can prepare ourselves spiritually for potential opposition to our faith in our daily lives?
# Life Application
This week, identify one area where you have been silent about your faith due to fear of opposition or judgment. Pray for courage and wisdom, then take one specific step to boldly but lovingly share the truth of the gospel in that situation. This could be through a conversation, social media post, or simply living out your faith more openly. Remember that speaking truth may bring opposition, but Christ is worth it.
# Key Takeaways
Persecution is a promised reality for true followers of Christ, but it serves to spread the gospel and strengthen the church
The blood of martyrs throughout history has been the seed that grows the church and advances God's kingdom
Jesus is worth living and dying for because of His perfect love demonstrated through His sacrifice on the cross
Speaking truth boldly, even when it's unpopular, is part of following Christ's example
We must be willing to obey God rather than human authorities when they conflict with biblical truth
# Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the powerful reminder of Your love and the example of those who have gone before us in faith. We are humbled by the courage of the martyrs and challenged by their commitment to You. Help us to live with that same boldness and conviction in our daily lives. Give us wisdom to know when to speak and how to speak, always motivated by love for You and others. Strengthen our faith so that we too can say that You are worth living and dying for. Help us to be faithful witnesses in our generation, regardless of the cost. We commit ourselves afresh to following You wholeheartedly. In Your precious name we pray, amen.