Group Study Guide: Thinking Outside the Boat

Icebreaker Question: What's the biggest risk you've ever taken in your life? Looking back, was it worth it?

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Sermon Overview
This sermon explores Peter's journey from ordinary fisherman to extraordinary disciple through three key moments where he "thought outside the boat"—challenging us to move beyond comfortable, ordinary living to embrace the extraordinary life God offers.

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Key Scripture References
- Mark 1:16-18 (The Call to Follow)
- Luke 5:1-11 (The Miraculous Catch)
- Matthew 14:22-33 (Walking on Water)
- Luke 18:28-30 (Peter's Reflection on Sacrifice)

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Discussion Questions

Part 1: Following Jesus (Mark 1:16-18)
"From Making a Living to Making a Life"

1. What made Peter's decision to follow Jesus so significant? What was he leaving behind?

2. Read Luke 18:28-30. Peter needed reassurance that he made the right choice. Have you ever questioned a decision you made to follow God? What helped you find reassurance?

3. The sermon mentioned preachers, missionaries, and others who left much to serve God. Even if you're not in full-time ministry, what have you "left" to follow Jesus? What has been hard about that choice?

4. "Manifold more ... and life everlasting." How have you experienced God's "manifold more" blessings in your own life?

Part 2: The Miraculous Catch (Luke 5:1-11)
"Nevertheless, at Thy Word"

5. The sermon outlined three D's: Daytime, Deep, and Depressing. Jesus asked Peter to fish at the wrong time, in the wrong place, after a discouraging night. What Bible command have you ever thought of as God wanting you to do something that didn't make sense?

6. Peter said, "Nevertheless, at Thy word, I will." What's the difference between doing something because it makes sense and doing it "at Thy word"?

7. The catch was so great that Peter confessed his sins. Why do you think an encounter with Jesus's power led to confession? What does this teach us about true worship?

8. Acts 2:41 records 3,000 baptisms in one day. Do we still believe God can do "impossible" things today? What limits our expectations?

Part 3: Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
"Two Feet Out of the Boat"

9. "Two feet in the boat is unbelief. One foot in and one out is doubt. Two feet out is faith." Where are your feet right now in your spiritual life?

10. Peter asked for permission before stepping out. How do we balance bold faith with not being presumptuous? How do we know when a situation is an opportunity to step out for God?

11. We often criticize Peter for sinking, but he was the only one who got out of the boat. Why is it easier to criticize those who try and fail than to try ourselves?

12. Even when Peter started sinking, he called out, "Lord, save me." What does this teach us about handling our failures and doubts?

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Key Takeaways

Peter was ordinary, but following Jesus made him extraordinary. God specializes in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

"Nevertheless, at Thy word" is the attitude of faith—obeying even when it doesn't make sense.

God can do "exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20)—but we limit Him by our small thinking.

"We have not because we ask not" (James 4:2)—God is waiting for us to ask boldly.

Jesus came that we might have life abundantly (John 10:10)—ordinary living falls short of what He died to give us.

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Practical Applications

Personal Reflection
- This Week: Identify one area where you're "staying in the boat" because it's comfortable. What would "stepping out" look like?
- Prayer Challenge: Each day this week, pray specifically for something "impossible"—something only God could do.
- Faith Inventory: Are you living an ordinary life or the abundant life Jesus promised? What needs to change?

Group Challenge
Choose one of these to do together:

1. Share Your Story: Have each person share about a time they "stepped out of the boat" in faith. What happened? What did they learn?

2. Dream Big: As a group, identify one "impossible" thing you could attempt together for God's kingdom. Don't plan what you can do alone—plan what requires God's help.

3. Encouragement Ministry: Identify someone in your congregation or community who has "stepped out of the boat" (missionary, church planter, someone taking a faith risk). Write them an encouraging note or support them in a practical way.

Discussion Starters for Next Week
- How did your "step of faith" go this week?
- What "impossible" prayers did you pray?
- Did God show up in unexpected ways?

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Closing Reflection

Quote to Remember:
"If you are not willing to risk the usual, then you'll have to settle for the ordinary."

Final Question: What is one specific way you will "think outside the boat" this week?

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Closing Prayer

Pray together:
- For courage to step out in faith
- For wisdom to know when God wants us to act
- For trust in God's power, not our own abilities
- For a congregation/group that attempts great things for God
- For specific "impossible" situations group members shared

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Additional Resources

For Further Study:
- Hebrews 11 (The Faith Chapter)
- Joshua 1:1-9 (Be Strong and Courageous)
- Numbers 13-14 (The 12 Spies—Faith vs. Fear)
- Philippians 4:6-7 (Making Requests Known to God)

Recommended Reading:
- Consider studying other times Peter "thought outside the boat" (his sermon at Pentecost, his vision in Acts 10, etc.)

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5-Day Devotional: Thinking Outside the Boat

Day 1: Leaving the Ordinary Behind
Reading: Mark 1:16-20; Luke 18:28-30

Devotional:
Peter was a successful fisherman with boats, nets, and employees. Yet when Jesus called, he left everything to follow Him. This wasn't recklessness—it was faith recognizing something greater. Peter traded making a living for making a life. The rich young ruler chose differently, clinging to his possessions and missing eternal treasure. Today, consider what "boats" you're holding onto—comfort, security, reputation, career advancement. Jesus doesn't expect all Christians to leave their professions, but He does require everyone to prioritize Him above all else. What would it look like for you to think outside your boat? Remember Jesus's promise: those who leave anything for His sake receive manifold more in this life and eternal life in the world to come.

Day 2: Trusting Against Logic
Reading: Luke 5:1-11; Psalm 147:1-5

Devotional:
Jesus told an experienced fisherman to fish at the wrong time, in the wrong place, using the wrong method. Everything about it defied Peter's expertise. Yet Peter said, "Nevertheless, at Your word, I will do it." That's the essence of faith—trusting God's wisdom over our experience. The result? Nets breaking and boats sinking from abundance. God often asks us to do things that don't make sense by worldly standards—forgive the unforgivable, give when we're struggling financially, serve when we're exhausted. These moments require us to say, "Nevertheless, at Your word." Where is God asking you to trust Him against your logic? Great is our Lord and of great power. His ways produce results our methods never could. Launch out into the deep today.

Day 3: Walking on Impossible Water
Reading: Matthew 14:22-33; Philippians 4:6-7

Devotional:
Peter did what no other human besides Jesus ever accomplished—he walked on water. Not because of his ability, but because of God's power and Peter's faith to ask. Notice Peter didn't presume; he requested permission: "Lord, if it's You, bid me come." Yes, Peter's faith wavered when he saw the waves, but before he doubted, he dared. Eleven disciples stayed safely in the boat and missed participating in a miracle. How often do we choose comfort over an opportunity to serve? We limit God not just by failing to ask, but by thinking too small. According to Ephesians 3:20, God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think. What "impossible" thing might God do in answer to your prayer? Make your requests known to God. Step out of the boat. Even little faith can accomplish extraordinary things.

Day 4: Making Plans Worthy of God
Reading: 2 Chronicles 2:1-6; Jeremiah 32:17-27

Devotional:
Solomon built a great house because he served a great God. His thinking matched the magnitude of God's character. Too often, we take the big part and give God the small part—we plan what we can accomplish with minimal divine help. This offends the One who created the universe. If you take God at His word, make your plans large. Consider how congregations often wait until they have 70% of building funds before starting construction, taking the larger portion themselves and leaving God the smaller. What if we reversed that ratio? What if we planned things requiring God's provision? Don't plan only what you can do yourself. Plan things that demand God's involvement. Nothing is too hard for Him.

Day 5: Living the Abundant Life
Reading: John 10:7-10; Nahum 1:3, 7

Devotional:
Jesus didn't leave heaven's glory so you could live an ordinary life. He came that you might have life abundantly—extraordinarily, not ordinarily. When we settle for mediocrity, we dishonor His sacrifice. God is looking for people through whom He can do amazing things. He put giants in the Promised Land to keep unbelievers out, but to give believers opportunities for victory. Are you a Joshua and Caleb, or one who perished in the wilderness? Are you Peter stepping out, or the eleven staying safely seated? Our God invites us to think outside the boat—beyond our power, knowledge, and ability. We serve a God with whom nothing is impossible. Risk the usual to gain the extraordinary. The Lord is slow to anger and of great power; He is good, a stronghold in trouble. Today, choose abundant living. Step into the life Christ died to give you.