With God: Following Jesus
- Ps David Jones
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Pastor David Jones
Sunday Morning Message – 22nd March 2026Citywest Church YouTube:
Objective:
To help us understand what it means to walk with God by responding to Jesus’ invitation, surrendering to His purpose, embracing our new identity in Him, and committing to follow Him daily
Leader:
Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Create your own questions that fit your group. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun, Jesus people!
Discussion Time
What do you think it really means to walk “with God” in everyday life — not just on Sundays, but in the ordinary moments? (Leader: Encourage honest sharing)
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
After coming out of the wilderness, Jesus begins His ministry with a powerful and simple message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As Jesus walks beside the Sea of Galilee, He sees Simon (Peter) and Andrew. They are fishermen — working hard, living their normal routine, doing what they have always done. It seems like just another day, but it becomes the day that changes everything.
(We also know from John 1:35 that they had encountered Jesus before — so this moment is not random, but a decisive call.)
1. With God – The Invitation
Read together Matthew 4:19–20
Key Thought: Jesus Invites Us into Relationship
Jesus didn’t shout instructions from a distance. He didn’t hand them a list of rules. He simply said, “Come, follow Me.”
This is deeply personal to them and is an invitation to: walk with Him, learn from Him, trust Him, obey Him, and build a relationship with Him.
What is a Disciple?
The word disciple comes from the Greek mathētēs, meaning:“Learner,” “Student,” “Apprentice.”
A disciple is not just someone who believes — it is someone who follows closely.
A disciple:
Follows Jesus intentionally
Learns His teachings deeply
Obeys His commands consistently
Seeks to become like Him in character and action
Application
Following Jesus is not always easy, and it can challenge us, as it requires us to let go of control, change old habits, lay down pride, and trust God even when we don’t understand. It is not just believing in Jesus — it is building your life around Him.
Discussion Question
What might Jesus be asking you to leave behind right now to follow Him more fully?
2. With God – With Purpose
Jesus never calls us without also giving us purpose.
Matthew 4:19“…I will send you out to fish for people.”
Luke’s Account – A Deeper Look
Read - Luke 5:9–11
After the miraculous catch of fish, Peter is overwhelmed. He sees Jesus’ power and holiness, and he becomes aware of his own sin. He falls at Jesus’ knees and says, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
But instead of rejecting him, Jesus responds with grace:“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
They left everything and followed Him.
Key Thought: Purpose Begins with Surrender
Peter didn’t first clean himself up, and he didn’t become perfect before following. He simply responded. Surrender!
Read – Ephesians 2:10We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
Read – Philippians 1:6God will complete the work He started in you.
Application
God has a purpose for your life, even if you don’t fully see it yet and even if you feel unqualified. Remember, following Jesus means trusting His direction, taking steps of faith, and saying yes before you have all the answers.
Discussion Question
Where do you sense God is calling you to step out in faith or grow in purpose?
3. With God – With a Promise
Jesus doesn’t just give us a purpose; He gives us identity, and our journey with Him comes with promises. Jesus gave Peter a promise, and with that, He changed Simon’s name to reflect this. Jesus gave him a new name — pointing to a new future.
From Simon to Peter
Simon – “to hear” or “God has heard”Peter – “rock” or “stone”
Matthew 16:18“…you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…”
Key Thought: Jesus Changes Who We Are
When we follow Jesus, our identity shifts, our past no longer defines us, and our future is shaped by Him.
Discussion Question
How has your identity begun to change since following Jesus?
God Knows You Personally
Isaiah 43:1“I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
John 10:3“He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.”
Holding on to God – Never stop following Jesus
Jacob Wrestles with God
Read Genesis 32:22–32
Jacob wrestles through the night and refuses to let go of God. God then changed his name:
Jacob – “supplanter”Israel – “one who struggles with God”
Key Lesson
Walking with God is not always easy, and sometimes it is a struggle. But transformation happens when we hold on and never give up or let go.
Hold on to Jesus and do not let distractions, fear, pressure, or the past pull you away. Stay with Him.
Following Jesus is not a one-time decision — it is a lifelong journey. We must continue learning, growing, obeying, and becoming like Him, step by step, day by day.
Final Discussion Question
What is one practical, specific step you can take this week to follow Jesus more closely and walk “with God”?
Finish in Prayer
