Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
August 16, 2026
Next Steps: The Journey
What is the most strenuous physical challenge you have ever completed? (A long hike, marathon, training, etc.)
In last week’s sermon we compared the Christian life to a long and strenuous journey. (Think: Pilgrim’s Progress). Why is this a good illustration?
Salvation is trusting Christ to be your Lord and Savior. This is something you receive, not achieve.
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus over time.
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Four Aspects of Sanctification
1. Purpose: to glorify God by becoming like Christ
Romans 8:29
[29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
The Bible talks a lot about the word “image.” This is because we were created in the image of God. What does our sin do to the image of God in us?
So what does Romans 8:29 tell us needs to happen to the image of God in us?
Ephesians 4:22-24
[22] to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
If God is conforming us to the image of Christ, then that means our lives will change. We will become different people. Why is this sometimes hard to believe about ourselves and others? (Why do we believe we or others cannot really change?)
2. Power: the Holy Spirit through the Word of God
John 14:26
[26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit is our “Helper.” How does he help us?
2 Timothy 3:16-17
[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
We may believe what we just read is true, but why do we so often neglect to study and pray through the Bible?
If the Holy Spirit has the power to change our lives through the Bible then how can we learn to love this process more? How can we experience that change?
3. Progress: gradually over time
Philippians 2:12-13
[12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
We cannot work for our salvation. We must work out our salvation. What’s the difference?
Working out our salvation implies that it’s a process that is going to take time. This can be difficult for many of us because we are so accustomed to getting results and information so quickly. What are some ways that these fast-paced expectations may carry over into the way we view our spiritual lives?
Spiritual growth is less like microwaving a meal and more like tending a garden. It takes time and intentionality for fruit to grow. Why might it be challenging to see spiritual growth in your own life or in others?
How have you seen spiritual growth in your own life over time?
4. Place: your local church
Ephesians 4:11-16
[11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
How do these verses encourage you?
Everyone wants to feel like they really belong somewhere, like they have true friends they can rely on. What places do people usually look to fulfill this desire?
How can the church become that place for you?
Why should it be that primary place for us?
