See For Yourself
Introduction
In this sermon from John 4:39–45, we are reminded not to settle for secondhand faith, but to come and see Jesus for ourselves. Through His presence, His Word, and His work in our lives, Jesus invites us into a real and personal relationship with Him. May we each open our hearts, listen closely, and recognize the goodness of God at work around us.
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. Come Meet Him Yourself. John 4:39-40
· Real faith begins with a personal encounter with Jesus.
II. Come Hear His Word. John 4:41-42
· Real faith takes root when people hear the words of Jesus for themselves.
III. Come See What He’s Doing. John 4:43-45
· Real faith becomes passionate when the power of Jesus moves in and around our lives.
Study Questions
1. Share about a time you were told something and were skeptical. You wanted to “see for yourself.” What was that process like? What did you learn?
2. Read John 4:39-40. The Samaritans came to see for themselves. Why is secondhand testimony not enough to sustain faith? What does it look like to intentionally be in the presence of Jesus?
3. In the sermon, Pastor Keven mentioned that there are people who believe in Jesus who have never met Jesus. What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually encountering him? What tests might we use to tell the difference in our own lives?
4. Read John 4:41-42 & Romans 10:17. How do these passages connect? How does the verse Romans help explain why faith deepens when people hear Jesus for themselves? How do we more intentionally hear for ourselves?
5. When Jesus speaks, our hearts either soften or harden. Why do people sometimes resist the truth even when they know it’s good and right? What daily ways do we allow our sin nature to harden our hearts to God’s guidance?
6. Read John 4:43-45 & Psalm 34:8. Why is it important not only to hear about Jesus but to also recognize his active work in and around our lives? Where do you see God at work or have seen God at work in your life?
7. Read and memorize Psalm 34:8. Talk with someone about something you’re still struggling with in faith that you want to “see for yourself.” Take a step this week to move from borrowed faith to firsthand faith by relearning or discovering something for yourself.