It's Not Complicated, It's Just Difficult
Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of October 26, 2025
Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.
# Summary
Pastor Nick emphasizes that Christianity doesn't require leveling up but rather becoming proficient in the fundamentals. He challenges us to understand that being a Christian means being Christ-like in all circumstances - loving, kind, humble, giving, forgiving, faithful, obedient, and selfless. Using personal stories including his experience drilling wells, he illustrates how God often works in ways we don't expect, calling us back to the basics of faith.
# Intro Prayer
Father, as we gather together in this small group, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit and to one another. We pray that You would use this time to draw us closer to You and to help us grow in our understanding of what it means to live out the fundamentals of our faith. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions we may have, and help us to approach Your Word with humble and teachable hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.
# Ice Breaker
What's one skill or hobby that you've learned where you had to keep going back to practice the basics to improve?
# Key Verses
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Matthew 5:44
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Proverbs 3:5-6
# Questions
Pastor Nick said there's no 'leveling up' in Christianity, only becoming proficient in the basics. How does this challenge or encourage you in your current season of faith?
Pastor Nick emphasized that Christianity is 'not complicated, it's just difficult.' What are some basic Christian principles that you find simple to understand but hard to live out?
When Jesus told the man with the withered hand to 'stretch forth your hand,' the man obeyed despite his limitation. What is God asking you to do that seems impossible in your current circumstances?
Pastor Nick mentioned that sometimes Jesus becomes our 'last resort' instead of our first response. Why do you think we tend to exhaust other options before turning to God?
Pastor Nick talks about soul weariness that can't be fixed with sleep or caffeine. How have you experienced Jesus giving rest to your soul during difficult times?
In discussing love being patient and kind, Pastor Nick noted it's especially difficult with annoying people or even our spouses. How can we practically live out 1 Corinthians 13 in our closest relationships?
Paul and Silas chose to rejoice and sing praises while in prison. How can we cultivate an attitude of rejoicing 'always' even in our trials?
Pastor Nick shared about being in the middle of a miracle (the well) but still doubting and complaining. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation where God was clearly working but you struggled with faith?
# Life Application
This week, identify one basic Christian fundamental that you find difficult to live out consistently (such as rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, or loving difficult people). Commit to practicing this fundamental daily, asking God for His enablement to do what He asks of you, just as the man with the withered hand stretched forth his hand in obedience.
# Key Takeaways
There is no 'leveling up' in Christianity - spiritual maturity comes from becoming proficient in the fundamentals of faith
Christianity is not complicated, but it is difficult - the basics are simple to understand but challenging to live out consistently
When Jesus asks us to do something, His command is His enablement for us to accomplish it
Trials are designed to draw us closer to God, not push us away from Him
We must return to the fundamentals of faith: rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in everything
# Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection on Your Word. We acknowledge that while Your commands are not complicated, living them out faithfully is often difficult. Help us to embrace the fundamentals of our faith with renewed commitment this week. Give us the strength to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all circumstances. When we face trials, remind us that You are using them to draw us closer to You. Help us to be Christ-like in our love, patience, kindness, and forgiveness, especially in our most challenging relationships. We trust that when You ask us to do something, You will provide the enablement to accomplish it. Guide us as we seek to walk faithfully with You each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.