Stay The Course
Awaken Church New Zealand
Sunday Morning’s Message – 6th September 2026
Message on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/5FITKGvZXAA
Theme:
Life is full of potholes, roadblocks and unexpected detours—but God has given us promises for the journey. In this discussion, discover how grace, mercy, peace, truth and love help us navigate life well, keep our eyes on Jesus, and ultimately finish well and reach the prize of eternal life.
Leader Guide:
Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Create your own questions that fit your group.
Choose two or three areas to discuss.
Have fun, Jesus people!
Discussion
Read together Key Scripture: 2 John 3
Big Idea
Life is a journey and people often think that’s all the matters, but the destination matters also. God promises to walk with us with grace, mercy and peace as we follow Jesus in truth and love.
1. THE JOURNEY
Life can feel like a road full of potholes, roadblocks and detours. Sometimes we know where we are going; other times we are unsure what is around the next corner. The Christian life isn't always easy, but we have a destination: eternal life with Jesus.
Discuss (choose what fits your group)
What does it mean to you to “stay the course” as a Christian?
What are some things that can cause us to lose focus or get distracted on our journey with God?
How does knowing our ultimate destination—eternal life with Jesus—change the way we face difficulties today?
2. GOD'S PROMISE: GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE
Read 2 John 3 again.
John doesn't simply offer a polite greeting. He reminds believers of what will be with us:
Grace. Mercy. Peace.
Read together: Luke 15:11–32
Discover from the story of the Prodigal Son:
Grace (unmerited Favor): The father completely restores the son's status.
He gives him the best robe, a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet.
He also throws a massive celebratory feast—gifts the son did nothing to earn
Mercy (withholding punishment): When the son returns,
the father does not punish, lecture, or humiliate him for wasting the family fortune.
Instead, he runs to meet him, embraces him, and interrupts his confession with forgiveness
Peace (reconciliation): The son left in rebellion and lived in anxiety and hunger.
By returning to his father, his relationship is restored, bringing total peace to his heart and to the household
Discuss (choose what fits your group)
Which of these three—grace, mercy or peace—do you most need from God now? Why?
How have you experienced God's grace or mercy in your own life?
How can knowing that God's grace, mercy and peace are with us help us when the journey gets difficult?
3. WALK IN TRUTH AND LOVE
John says grace, mercy and peace “will be with us in truth and love.”
Truth and love need each other.
Love shapes how we speak the truth.
Truth shapes how we show love.
Read together: Mark 10:17–22
Mark tells us that Jesus looked at him and loved him, yet Jesus still told him the hard truth about what was holding him back.
Discuss: The story of the rich young ruler. What can we learn?
Why is it sometimes difficult to speak the truth to someone we love?
What can happen when we speak truth without love?
What can happen when we show love without truth?
How can we become people who are both truthful and loving?
4. STAY THE COURSE
Read together: Hebrews 12:1–2.
The journey will have difficulties. There will be potholes, detours and moments when we don't know what is coming next.
But Scripture tells us to persevere and fix our eyes on Jesus.
Read also: Philippians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 15:19
Jesus said:
“I am the way and the truth and the life.”— John 14:6
Final Discussion
What might God be asking you to persevere in right now?
What does it look like practically to fix your eyes on Jesus this week?
How can the Holy Spirit help us stay on course?
Who could you encourage this week to keep going and not give up?
PRAYER
Take a moment to pray for one another:
“Lord Jesus, thank You that You are with us on the journey. Thank You for Your grace, mercy and peace. Help us to walk in truth and love, keep our eyes fixed on You, persevere through every obstacle, and stay the course until we finish well. Holy Spirit, lead us each day. Amen.”
TAKEAWAY
The journey isn't always easy, but we don't journey alone. We have the Holy Spirit who works in us Grace. Mercy. Peace. Do not forget we are part of the family of God.
Stay the course. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Run to win.
