40 Days Discussion Questions | Week 6
The Hustle to Fix Yourself
No matter how hard we try, we can’t fix ourselves—striving to erase guilt and shame only leaves us exhausted. This week, we’ll see that real healing comes not from self-improvement but from surrender. Jesus offers grace, forgiveness, and true freedom. The question isn’t if you’ll fail—the real question is, what will you do when you do?
Memory Verse for Week 6: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV
Try using this Bible verse memorization tool. The first letter of each line is the memory verse's first letter.
FIIBGYHBS, TF - ATINFY, IITGOF – NBW, STNOCB. E 2:8-9
Dig a little deeper into the memory verse. Ask yourself the following three questions. Discuss your answers with your group:
What? (What is this verse saying?)
So What? (What does it mean to me?)
Now What? (To apply this verse, I must.)
1. When was the last time you tried to fix something yourself but ended up making it worse? What happened?
2. Read Luke 22:31-32. Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked to sift him. How does Jesus respond to this, and why do you think He responds this way?
3. Jesus is not trying to protect Peter from failure—He’s trying to pull Peter’s faith off of himself and place it fully in Him. How does Peter’s story reflect the struggle of relying on our own strength?
4. Pastor James said, “Jesus will allow you to get sifted so your faith can get shifted.” What do you think this means in the context of Peter's story? How have you seen this play out in your life?
5. Read Luke 22:33 & Mark 14:29, 31. Peter passionately declares that he will never abandon Jesus, even if everyone else does. Though sincere, Peter’s confidence is rooted more in self-reliance than in surrender. You can love Jesus deeply and still dangerously trust in your own strength. How do passion, loyalty, and willpower fall short without dependence upon God?
6. Read Luke 22:61. At your worst moment, Jesus doesn't turn away—He turns toward you. How does this truth impact your view of God and your relationship with Him?
7. Read Ephesians 2:8–9. You don’t have to earn God’s love. You don’t have to impress Him. You don’t have to clean yourself up before you come to Him. Jesus already finished the work. Can you share a time when you experienced God's grace in a moment of failure? How can you extend that same grace to others this week?
8. Read 1 Peter 3:18. Jesus, although perfectly righteous, willingly suffered and died for our sins. His sacrifice was, once and for all, to bring us into a relationship with God. How does grace free us from the pressure to “fix ourselves” or be perfect before coming to God?
9. In light of God’s grace shown through Jesus’ sacrifice, how can we live differently—in our relationship with God and others?
Last Thoughts and Reminders
You keep trying to fix what only trusting Jesus can heal. But if you trust Him—if you let go and believe He’s enough—He will meet you right in the middle of your mess with grace, power, and peace. He’ll do in you what you could never achieve on your own.
People are searching for hope, and we know where to find it! A personal invitation can make all the difference! Pray for your “Five” and ask God who else needs to be at church this Easter, then reach out and invite them!
Would you consider serving at one of our Easter services? We will have many first-time visitors on campus, and we want everyone to feel at home. If you would like to help, please scan the QR code and complete the Volunteer Interest Form. You would not be committing to a team (although you might fall in love with it!); we simply want to discuss where you could help out. Guest Experience and Journey Kids are where we will have the greatest need on Easter Weekend.
Consume is this Friday! April 18, at 6:30 pm, at our Orange City location. We hope to see you there! Just a reminder that childcare is not provided, so please start planning now.
Serve Day will take place on May 10, this year. Serve Day is our way of sharing God’s love in practical ways—no strings attached. As the Church, we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Serve Day reflects who we are; our goal is to maintain an ongoing partnership with our neighbors and love like Jesus. Come be a part of something bigger! For more information, go to: www.journeyconnect.org/serveday