Cove Group Guide: “Living Beyond What We Can Imagine”

Based on Ephesians 3:20

Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to what He wants to do beyond what we can ask or imagine in each person’s life.

Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)

Question: Share a time when God surprised you by doing something you never expected or thought impossible. How did that experience change your perspective?

Key Scripture

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

• 1. Three Keys to Experiencing Beyond
• Surrender – Fully giving God every area of our lives
• Prayer – Drawing close to God and seeking His will
• Obey – Actually doing what God calls us to do
• 2. Three Realities About God’s Power
• God’s power is far beyond our imagination
• God works not just around us, but in us and through us
• God’s glory is the ultimate goal
• 3. The Beyond Vision
• Primary Goal: 100% engagement (everyone surrendered, praying, and obeying)
• Financial Goal: $15.5 million over two years for ministry, missions, and new worship center
• Ultimate Goal: Making more and better disciples of Jesus
• Discussion Questions
• Understanding the Message (15-20 minutes)

Pastor Jeremy shared three words that are key to experiencing beyond: Surrender, Prayer, and Obey. Which of these three is easiest for you? Which is most challenging? Why?

The sermon emphasized that “God’s power is far beyond our imagination.” What limits do we tend to put on God? What would change if we truly believed nothing is too difficult for Him?

Pastor Jeremy mentioned that sometimes God changes our situation, and sometimes God uses our situation to change us or others. Can you share an example from your life where God used a difficult situation for His glory even though He didn’t remove it?

Going Deeper (15-20 minutes)

The sermon stated: “God is not needing our strength, but He’s wanting our surrender.” What’s the difference between God needing something from us versus wanting something for us? How does this change how we approach our relationship with God?

Pastor Jeremy said, “Don’t be guilty of praying small prayers because we worship and serve a big God.” What would a “Big Daddy Dave’s banana split” prayer look like in your life right now? What’s holding you back from praying boldly?

The ultimate goal is that “Jesus gets all the glory.” In what ways do we sometimes seek recognition or credit instead of pointing people to Jesus? How can we cultivate a heart that genuinely wants Jesus to receive all the glory?

Personal Application (15-20 minutes)

Dylan’s story showed how one invitation changed everything. Who is one person God might be calling you to invite to church or share Jesus with? What’s your next step?

The sermon mentioned the Beyond Midpoint Commitment Card as a discipleship tool. Have you taken time to pray about what God might be calling you to give (time, talents, finances)? What fears or questions do you have about this?

Pastor Jeremy shared vulnerable stories about areas where he had to trust God (ministry calling, having more children). What area of your life requires you to step out in faith right now, even though you can’t see the outcome?

Practical Applications

• This Week’s Challenge:
• Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
• Option 1: Surrender
• Write down 3-5 areas of your life you’ve been holding back from God
• Spend time in prayer surrendering each one
• Share your commitment with one trusted person for accountability
• Option 2: Prayer
• Commit to praying one “big” prayer every day this week
• Keep a journal of how God answers or what He reveals
• Pray specifically for someone far from God
• Option 3: Obey
• Identify one thing you know God has been asking you to do but you’ve been putting off
• Take one concrete step toward obedience this week
• Report back to your small group next week
• Group Activity (10 minutes)
• Hands Out Prayer Exercise:
• Have everyone stand and extend their hands out, palms up (like in the sermon)

Go around the circle and have each person complete this sentence: “God, I surrender __________ to you.”

After everyone shares, have someone pray a closing prayer of surrender for the group

• Prayer Requests and Closing Prayer (10-15 minutes)
• Share prayer requests, especially focusing on areas where people need to see God do “beyond”
• Pray specifically for:
• Hearts fully surrendered to God
• Boldness to pray big prayers
• Courage to obey even when it’s costly
• The Beyond vision at Shelter Cove
• Lost people in our community to encounter Jesus
• Before Next Week
• Review pages 18-19 in your Beyond Midpoint Series Guide
• Pray daily about your Beyond commitment
• Complete the reflection questions on page 19
• Invite someone to church or share your faith with someone
• Celebrate what God has already done (review pages 5-6)
• Leader Tips

Create a safe environment where people can be honest about their struggles with surrender, prayer, and obedience

Don’t pressure anyone about financial giving—emphasize that this is between them and God

• Share your own story of where you’re trusting God to do beyond in your life
• Follow up during the week with group members who shared vulnerable prayer requests
• Celebrate stories of how God is already working in people’s lives

“God doesn’t need our strength, but He wants our surrender. God doesn’t need our power, but He’s inviting prayer. God is providing opportunities, and we get to respond with obedience.”