Message: Build the Future - Part 7 - It's Worth It
Speaker: Scotty Priest
Date: October 19, 2025
Warm-Up
- Coming out of last week’s discussion, how have you been able to combat the distractions in your life?
- What stood out to you from the message on Sunday?
- What is your biggest takeaway from the Build The Future series?
Know It
Read Nehemiah 6:15-16 and 1 Chronicles 29:13-20. What stands out to you?
1. How do these two verses in Nehemiah tie into our past six weeks of study and the greater context of chapter 6?
Nehemiah walked through a great deal of push back and challenge as he pursued God’s vision. He stayed true to what he had been called to do despite distractions and saw the work through to the end. The wall was finally rebuilt and the critics had been silenced! Nehemiah could have easily taken the credit for himself but he always brought the focus back to God.
Reread Nehemiah 6 if needed.
Read Philippians 1:3-6
How do these two Scriptures encourage you to pursue the vision that God has put on your heart?
Sharing a God-given vision can be terrifying but is also often the first step when it comes to making it a reality. Be bold in sharing your visions with your group so that you can be encouraged on the journey that God has you on!
2. Which of God’s characteristics does David highlight in his prayer?
We serve a great and mighty God, far beyond our full understanding. Scripture reveals His many attributes through different prayers and names, each reflecting His character. Rather than relying on cultural or personal ideas of God, we must turn to His Word to truly know Him.
Read John 17
How do the characteristics of God that Jesus speaks about in His prayer reflect those in David’s? How are they different?
Own It
1. Reflecting on Sunday’s message and vision God has given you, how has your focus shifted in one of these areas; from the vision to the author, the project to the community, rebuilding walls to building faith, or stacking stones to sharing the story of God?
It can be easy to focus on what is directly in front of us and demanding our attention. However, when we are building for ourselves, our families, our church, and the Kingdom of the Lord, we need to build with the future in mind. Our God is one of the big picture. He often has us working towards something greater than we can see and we need to keep our sights set on His heart.
Read Isaiah 55:8-13
How have you gotten to experience God’s thoughts and plans being greater than anything you could imagine through this message series?
2. How has God’s vision for you impacted your relationship with Him?
How we build and what we build on matters. We cannot just assume that because we’ve built something that it will last and honor the Lord. It takes intentionality and hard work to create something that will remain for generations to come.
Read Matthew 7:24-27
What does it look like to build on the foundation of Jesus? What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example?
Next Steps
1. What does it look like to fully obey right now even though you may be uncomfortable, not completely understand or never get to see the fruit directly?
Often, God calls us to play a small role in His bigger plan. We might share our faith, invest in someone’s life, or give to a mission we’ll never see firsthand. Though we may not witness the results, our part is still vital and meaningful.
Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Where in your life are you currently “planting” and “watering” seeds?
As a small group, we should be helping one another grow and be investing in each others’ lives. Take some time to share how your group can be “watering” the seeds in each others’ lives.
2. Over the past 7 weeks, we’ve sought God for vision in our lives, community, and church. How has Nehemiah’s story and this series impacted you, and how are you responding?
If Journey is your home church, you’re invited to help build this community. It’s a joy and honor to invest in others—serving the local church is one of the best ways to grow in faith and become more like Jesus.
Read Acts 2:42-47
What characteristics of the early church in Acts 2 stand out to you?
Before our BUILD the Future series, we studied Acts 2 as a church that we called “Devoted.” We talked about what it looks like to be devoted to the Word, fellowship, prayer and worship, and others. If most of your group walked through this sermon series with us, take some time to reflect on what they’ve been devoted to lately and how that devotion can help build Journey!
Prayer
As you close your time in prayer remember Nehemiah’s faithfulness to calling on God. Pray 1 Chronicles 29:13 over your group – “God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.”
Digging Deeper
This week take time to read through the book of Nehemiah or finish reading if you have not already done so.
- How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God’s Word today?
- Where might God be calling you to step out in faith today?
- How does Nehemiah’s prayer life challenge or inspire you?
- In what area of your life are you being called to lead or take responsibility?
- How are you contributing to the community God has placed you in?
- What helps you stay faithful when facing challenges?
- How did the people respond when God’s Word was read aloud?
- How can you be faithful with what God has entrusted to you?