When You Think You’re Not Worthy Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

Start Off

• If this is your group’s first time meeting this year, what is an area from this past year where you saw God work in your life? (E.g., a memorable moment, challenge, answered prayer, etc.)
  
  
• In the message, Jeff talked about sitting in a parking lot at 2 AM after a long road trip just to finish a mystery audiobook, because endings matter. What’s a book, movie, or show you had to finish because you needed to know how it ended?
  
  
• This series is built around the idea that we are writing our story one decision at a time. When you think about your life story so far, what “chapter” would you say you’re currently in?
  
  

Reflect on God's Word

• Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (you can take turns reading 1-2 verses each).
  
  
• In verses 6-7, Samuel thought Eliab was the one God would pick as the next king based on his outward appearance. Why do you think we are so naturally drawn to “outward appearance” when evaluating people, including ourselves?
  
  
• In verses 11-12, we find out that Jesse didn’t include David when Samuel asked for his sons. How do you think that kind of family-of-origin experience could shape someone’s view of themselves? And where have you ever felt overlooked, forgotten, or like an afterthought?
  
  
• After being anointed as future king, David simply went back to tending sheep until God told him otherwise, revealing a character of humility and faithfulness. Why do you think humility and faithfulness in our present situation matter so much to God?
  
  

Go Deeper

• Jeff asked everyone to fill in this blank: “I’m not worthy to be chosen because __________.” What kinds of things tend to fill that blank for people, and what tends to fill that blank for you?
  
  
• Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and 1 Timothy 1:15-16. How can pain, failure, or weakness become part of God’s redemptive story through us?
  
  
• David was faithful with what God put in front of him, before anything “big” happened. What is something God has clearly put in front of you right now (work, family, church, relationships), and what would faithfulness look like in that space this week?
  
  
• Look at the five days in the “Put It Into Practice” section together. As your group engages with these practices over the week ahead, consider texting one another to share what you’re learning.
  
  
• Take turns reading the practices in the “Put It Into Practice” section. What one or two things stand out to you to try this week?
  
  

Share and Pray

• Take time to cross out whatever you’ve written in the blank for the phrase “I’m not worthy to be chosen because ____________.” Then pray together, asking God for humility, courage, and faithfulness in the places he has already put you.

Verse to meditate on and memorize this week:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

Put It into Practice (Between Meetings)

• Day 1 – Identify the Lie. Read 1 Samuel 16:7. Reflect on the sentence, “I’m not worthy to be chosen by God because __________.” Write it down, then cross it out. Ask God to help you see yourself the way he sees you.
  
  
• Day 2 – See What God Sees. Read Psalm 139:1-2, 13-14. God knows you completely and still chooses you. Spend five minutes thanking God for how He made you and for the heart he is shaping in you, not the image you try to project.
  
  
• Day 3 – Be Faithful with What’s in Front of You. Read Luke 16:10. David went back to tending sheep after being anointed. Identify one responsibility God has already given you and intentionally do it today with excellence, humility, and gratitude.
  
  
• Day 4 – Let God Use Your Story. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Your pain and failures may be the very places God wants to work through you. Encourage or support someone today using comfort, wisdom, or empathy you gained through a difficult experience.
  
  
• Day 5 – Take the Next Step. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. God writes the story as we trust him step by step. Ask God, “What’s the next small step of obedience you want me to take?” Then take it, trusting him with the outcome.