Summary

This sermon focuses on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4, emphasizing how one encounter with Jesus transformed her from someone hiding in shame to a bold witness who brought an entire community to faith. The message challenges believers to examine whether they are 'ghosting' God's call on their lives by keeping their faith hidden. Pastor Cody emphasizes that when God moves in our lives, it's never meant to stop with us - saved people are meant to become sent people. The woman's transformation from isolation to evangelism serves as a model for how believers should respond to Jesus' living water by sharing their story with others.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We ask that You would speak to each person here according to their need. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit and open to the ways You want to challenge and encourage us today. Lord, prepare our hearts to hear Your voice and give us the courage to respond to whatever You're calling us to. We pray that this time would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's something you discovered recently (a restaurant, song, movie, or experience) that you just couldn't help but tell others about?

Key Verses

1. John 4:7-15
2. John 4:39
3. 1 Peter 3:15
4. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Questions

1. The woman came to the well at noon to avoid people, yet Jesus met her there. How does it encourage you to know that Jesus meets us in our places of hiding and shame?
2. Jesus offered 'living water' that would permanently satisfy deep longing. What are some 'empty wells' that people today keep returning to, hoping to find satisfaction?
3. The woman immediately left her water jar and ran to tell others about Jesus. What does this detail reveal about what happens when we truly encounter Christ?
4. Pastor Cody said 'ghosting the call on your life is no different than ghosting what Jesus has done for you.' How do you respond to this challenging statement?
5. The woman's testimony was simple: 'Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.' Why is sharing our personal story often more powerful than giving theological arguments?
6. Think about the three-part testimony structure: Who were you before Jesus? How did you meet Him? Who are you now because of Him? Which part is easiest for you to share? Which is most difficult?
7. The early church called this woman 'Photini' meaning 'the light-bringer.' She went from hiding to becoming a missionary. What fears or obstacles keep believers today from being 'light-bringers'?
8. Pastor Cody asked, 'Is Jesus enough for you to share Him?' How would you honestly answer this question, and what would need to change in your heart for your answer to be a wholehearted yes?

Life Application

This week, write out your personal testimony using the three-part structure: Who were you before Jesus? How did you meet Him? Who are you now because of Him? Practice sharing this with someone - whether a fellow believer for encouragement or someone who doesn't know Jesus. Look for one opportunity this week to be a 'light-bringer' by sharing what Jesus has done in your life.

Key Takeaways

1. God's plan is for saved people to become sent people - when God moves in your life, it's never meant to stop with you
2. Jesus meets us in our places of hiding and shame, offering living water that permanently satisfies our deepest longings
3. Sharing our faith doesn't require theological expertise - it simply requires telling our story of who we were, how we met Jesus, and who we are now
4. Ghosting God's call on our lives is equivalent to ghosting what Jesus has done for us - we prove Jesus is enough by sharing Him with others
5. One encounter with Jesus can transform someone from hiding in shame to becoming a light that impacts an entire community

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the woman at the well who couldn't keep quiet about what You had done in her life. We confess the times we've chosen to be ghosts instead of lights in this world. Help us to remember that You have met us in our deepest places of need and shame, and You've offered us living water that never runs dry. Give us the courage to leave our 'water jars' behind - those things that represent our old way of hiding and surviving - and run to tell others about You. Make us light-bringers in our families, workplaces, and communities. Help us to refuse to ghost Your call on our lives, but instead to overflow with Your love and grace so that others may find the satisfaction that only You can provide. Use our stories to draw others to You. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.