God is Greater

Passage

1 John 3:16-24

Sermon Summary

This sermon encourages believers whose hearts are weighed down by sin, failure, and spiritual insecurity. Drawing from John’s pastoral theology, it emphasizes that when our hearts condemn us, God is greater—His knowledge, mercy, and redeeming work through Christ surpass our guilt. The message unfolds in two parts: first, anchoring assurance in the character of God rather than performance, and second, showing how this assurance empowers confident, bold prayer and communion with God.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. According to the teaching of 1 John 3, what does it mean that “God is greater than our heart”? How can this truth reshape the way we handle guilt and spiritual insecurity?
3. Have you ever struggled to pray or approach God because of a condemning heart? How does the gospel reorient us in these times?
4. How does the illustration of Peter’s denial and restoration (John 21) mirror the themes in 1 John 3:16–24?
5. Why is assurance foundational for a bold and vibrant prayer life? How do you cultivate gospel-centered assurance?
6. In what ways does remembering that “God knows everything”bring both conviction and comfort?
7. What’s one step you can take this week to receive this message of gospel comfort and press into prayer with greater confidence?