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Growing-Deeper-_-He-Saw-Believed-John-20-51.pdf

Sermon study guide for next-level growth.

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Sermon Overview

The sermon explored John 20:1-10, walking through the progression of faith as experienced by Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John on that first Easter morning. Rather than rushing to celebration, we put ourselves in their shoes - experiencing their confusion, panic, and gradual realization that something supernatural had occurred. Through John's intentional use of three different Greek words for "seeing" (blepo, theoreo, and adon), we discovered that faith is a journey from simple observation to investigation to true belief and understanding. Pastor Josh challenged us to examine where we are on this spectrum and reminded us that lasting, enduring faith must be built not just on miracles we've witnessed, but on the solid foundation of God's Word and personal relationship with the miracle worker Himself.

Sermon Series: 
John: The Explicit Gospel
Key Passage:  John 20:1-10

Key Takeaways

  1. Faith is a progression - From observation (blepo) to investigation (theoreo) to revelation (adon) to growth through Scripture
  2. Confusion often precedes clarity - The disciples didn't immediately understand; they experienced panic, urgency, and gradual comprehension
  3. Evidence demands a verdict - You can't circle Jesus forever; at some point you must decide
  4. Belief is just the beginning - True faith must be rooted in God's Word to last and grow
  5. The resurrection changes everything - This isn't just history; it's an invitation to surrender to a reigning King

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage
  1. Read John 20:1-10 together. What details in this passage stand out to you that you might have missed before?
  2. Why do you think John was so intentional about describing the progression of understanding (the different Greek words for "seeing")? What does this teach us about how faith develops?
  3. The women came to the tomb expecting to finish a funeral, not witness a resurrection. How does understanding their perspective change how you read this familiar story?
  4. Verse 9 says "they did not understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead" even after John believed. What does this tell us about the relationship between experience and Scripture in our faith?

Going Deeper
  1. Where are you on the spectrum of sight?

    1. Blepo (awareness without change) - familiar with Jesus but unchanged
    2. Theoreo (curiosity without surrender) - investigating but not committing
    3. Adon (belief) - you've placed faith in Christ
    4. Growth (maturing through Scripture) - building your life on God's Word
      1. Be honest with yourself and the group about where you are.
  3. Pastor Josh said, "Lasting, enduring faith is not built on what you have seen God do. It's built on the truth of God's word." Have you ever experienced a time when your faith was tested, and you had to rely on Scripture rather than feelings or circumstances? Share that story.
  4. Think about your spiritual journey. Was there a specific moment when you moved from "investigating" Jesus to "believing" in Jesus? What prompted that shift?
  5. For those who have believed for a while: Are you still growing, or have you settled into "milk" when God has "meat" available? What would it look like for you to "level up" your faith?