Weekly Reading Plan:
Monday, May 18 Acts 1:1-11
Tuesday, May 19 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Wednesday, May 20 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
Thursday, May 21 Matthew 3:1-17
Friday, May 22 Colossians 3:1-25
Saturday, May 23 Revelation 1:1-11
Sunday, May 24 Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Discussion Questions:
Awakened
A Work In Progress
- Do you ever doubt your faith in Christ? Have you ever wondered if this was all just a cosmic card trick? What was it that brought you back to the reality that Jesus is who he says He is? If you are still struggling, what is it that’s holding you back? What would it take for your doubt to be removed?
- Does Christ cause your doubt in Himself in order for your faith to be strengthened? Why or why not?
- If (Matt. 16:26) “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” is true; what is preventing us from sold-out discipleship and evangelism to see the world transformed for Christ? What role does unbelief play in our hesitation to act?
Sifted
- How has God used painful sifting in your life to bring you closer to Him? Why does it most often take the winds of great adversity and pain for us to pay attention and listen to God’s voice? Why doesn’t God just “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law (Ps. 119:18)” rather than allowing Satan to sift us with incredible evil to cause heart change?
- Read Romans 1:18-32. Notice the progression, “therefore” and “for this reason.” Compare and contrast to James 1:12-15. What is the difference-maker in whether trials make or break us? Use more than christianize “PRBGTC” (pray, read bible, go to church) here because many men and women including called ministers of the gospel PRBGTC and yet fall and fail to tragic consequences.
- How are you being sifted right now? How can you tell whether current painful consequences are the reaping of poor decisions we’ve made or a positive winnowing because God wants to draw you into a deeper level of trust and faithfulness? Can it be both? Explain your position.
- How can you relate to Peter’s own self-evaluation of being washed up, no longer useful? Why did Peter’s fight cause his flight? How do you usually respond when challenged beyond your own means of fixing or coping?
Strengthened
- Peter’s own criteria of usefulness and loyalty was shattered, on purpose, to prepare him to shake the entire world upside down for the Gospel. What was at the root of Peter’s sin and how can we all relate to the blindness this causes in our own life? What character quality is God currently purging in you to cause a greater trust of Him?
- It is so difficult to let go of dreams, especially the ones we felt we’ve received from God. Peter most definitely can relate. Matthew 16:22- 23. “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” How can we discern whether the dream we’re living is God’s plan for us or our plan for God?
- If the CEO of your company called you Satan within earshot of his most trusted advisors; it would be a safe bet to assume the final walk of shame out of the building would quickly follow. And yet, this necessary rebuke was part of Peter’s qualification to introduce grace and truth to the world! You’re not done yet, soldier. How has God used your grand failures for His great glory? How can and will He?
- (Your Name here, son of…), do you love Me? Feed my sheep. What does this call look like for you?
"... that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9b