Sermon Recap
In Part 3 of the Narrow Way series, you’re reminded that following Jesus means choosing the narrow road that leads to life. This week’s focus is on lighting up the world, and you’re called to reflect the light of Christ in a dark and confused world. Just like stepping into a dark cave requires a bright light to reveal what’s hidden, your life should shine the light of Jesus to help others see truth and hope clearly. Jesus declared in John 8:12 that He is the Light of the World—and when you follow Him, you carry that same light into every space you enter.
Looking at Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, you see two powerful principles He practiced that you’re invited to live out: Missional Awareness and Missional Friendship. Missional awareness means living each day alert to the Holy Spirit’s guidance—realizing that your purpose isn’t just checking off tasks, but recognizing the people God places in your path. Are you willing to be interrupted for the sake of the Gospel? Are you asking the Holy Spirit to partner with you in the ordinary moments of your day? Jesus didn’t just "happen" upon the woman at the well—He was there on mission. And so are you.
Missional friendship challenges you to be intentional in your relationships. Like Jesus, you’re called to build trust, cross cultural barriers, and share truth in love. This doesn’t always happen overnight—sometimes people need to belong before they believe. As you reflect the love of Christ, your friendships become a bridge to the Gospel. And to be clear: your life must look different. You can’t shine if you blend in with the darkness around you. Let the Holy Spirit shape you into someone who reflects Jesus in every relationship you build.
But you can’t live this way without prayer. Prayer is what keeps you in tune with the Father’s voice, just like it did for Jesus. He prayed in joy, in pain, and in every moment in between. If Jesus depended on prayer to know the Father’s will, how much more do you need it? Through prayer and God’s Word, you gain the power to walk in missional awareness and friendship. When you make space for God daily, He equips you to be a light in this world—pointing people to His truth, His love, and His life.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Missional Awareness:
How can you grow in your awareness of the Holy Spirit’s leading in your daily life? What are some practical ways you can stay sensitive to God's direction, even in the middle of your busy schedule?Missional Friendship:
Think about the relationships in your life—are there people God might be calling you to build deeper, intentional friendships with? How can you reflect the love and truth of Jesus to them in a way that helps them feel seen, valued, and welcomed?Prayer as a Foundation:
Jesus prioritized prayer as the foundation for His ministry. What role does prayer currently play in your life, and what changes can you make to ensure that prayer becomes your “first work” instead of your last resort?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to walk in the light of Your presence and reflect Your love to those around me. Make me sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit so I can live each day with purpose and compassion. Teach me to pray like Jesus—consistently, humbly, and with a heart fully surrendered to Your will. Amen.
Life Application
Start Each Day with Intentional Prayer and Listening:
Just as Jesus began His days in prayer to align with the Father’s will, commit to starting your day with intentional time in prayer and Scripture. Before jumping into your to-do list, pause and ask, “Holy Spirit, what are You doing today, and how can I join You?” Make space to listen and invite God to guide your steps, conversations, and decisions throughout the day.Pursue One Missional Friendship:
Identify one person in your life—at work, school, your neighborhood, or even your church—who may be far from God or struggling in their faith. Begin to intentionally invest in that relationship through consistent kindness, genuine listening, and shared time. Look for ways to reflect Christ’s love and truth in natural, non-pressuring ways, just like Jesus did with the woman at the well.
Don’t Forget
Baptism service May 4th @6:00pm
Starting Point class starts May 4th @10:00am
Additional Resources
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