The Potter’s House – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: If you were a piece of clay on a potter’s wheel, what shape would you hope to become?

Sermon Title: Mold Me – “The Potter’s House” – Jeremiah 18:1-11

Group Discussion: The terms/processes “shaped” and “molded” are used interchangeably

Read Jeremiah 18:1-11 – Pressure must be added to the clay to make it moldable. Discuss various kinds of pressure or difficulties we might experience that can help shape our lives as disciples. How can we learn to embrace these pressures more efficiently rather than defying them?

Read 1 John 5:14 – The clay cannot be shaped until it is centered. Similarly, our hearts must be centered on Jesus so that we can be shaped. Share examples of how you have experienced prayer moving you from a self-centered focus to a Jesus-centered mentality. Discuss how we can encourage and instruct others to also pursue this type of prayer life.

Read Romans 8:26-27 – Ruined or excess clay is not wasted; it is reshaped. Likewise, the Lord does not discard our imperfect prayers or broken moments. Have you experienced the Lord reshaping your prayers or your life? Share examples… What can this teach us about His grace and patience?

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 – The process requires patience on the part of the potter. In the shaping process, we often think we are waiting on the Lord, but He may be waiting on us to fully surrender. Share a time when letting go of control and trusting the Lord resulted in growth or clarity in your life. How can we overcome obstacles that make it difficult for us to trust His timing and processes?

Read James 1:2-4 – Fire produces strength; it is because of the fire (i.e., trials) that we grow strong. How has a specific trial or “fire” in your life produced greater spiritual strength or endurance? Discuss healthy ways we can begin to view current or future challenges through this refining perspective.

Read 1 Peter 5:6-11 – The potter is intimately involved in the entire process, as we all experience brokenness; we all have scars. How can knowing the Lord is personally present in our suffering help us view our brokenness, imperfections, and refining processes with optimism and hope?

Spiritual Discipline: Review additional resources for this sermon series on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: Spend time in prayer this week asking the Lord to reveal one area in your life that He is using to mold you. Once identified, share the insight with someone you trust for encouragement through prayer and accountability as you surrender and allow the Lord to mold you.