I Will Not Fear, I Will Be Strong.

Review / Introduction:

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 12:1-6

The Path to Living in God's Strength in 3 Easy Steps! (2 Cor 12:7-10)

1. Step 1: Acknowledge God's Sovereignty. (2 Cor 12:7)
2. Step 2: Get Real with God. (2 Cor 12:7)

Isaiah 40:31 - they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength

3. Step 3: Be Weak, so that grace is your strength. (2 Cor 12:9)
4. Last Step: How Do I Know I Am Living In God's Strength? When I am Content. (2 Cor 12:10)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

1. What was the worse piece of advice / lamest attempt at being comforted that you have ever experienced / heard?

2. "Satan wants to tear you down and God wants to build you up - and they are both using the same thing to do it." React to this statement in light of Biblical and personal testimony.

3. What's the difference between "saying your prayers" and "praying"?

4. How do you know, truly know, that you are living in God’s strength? (See 2 Cor 12:10)

5. What was your one big "take-away" from this passage / message? 
    

Breakout Questions:

When was the last time you truly prayed, on your face, crying out before the Lord? How can you be more consistent in doing so? Challenge one another on this and pray for one another. 

God is With Me, So I Will Not Fear.

Review / Introduction:

1. Final word for Christ-Followers: Work as hard as you can, and Trust as hard as you can. (Acts 28:23-24)

Review: Isaiah 6:9-10

2. Final word for Christ-Rejecters: Count the cost of Following Christ, then count the cost of Not Following Christ. (Acts 28:25-28)

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Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 28:17-31

1. Why do you think Acts ends abruptly as it does?

2. Why do you think Paul went after the Jews in Rome first, if he knew "the Gentiles will listen" (Acts 28:28)?

3. As a group, determine: in sharing the Gospel, what are the "main points" you must include?

4. What was your big "take-away" from this passage / message?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another.

God is At Work, So I Will Not Fear.

Review / Introduction:

3 People You Have to Deal With:

1. The Critic: Don't get Distracted by Him. (Acts 28:1-6)

How to Handle Criticism:

• Consider the source
• Don't take it personally
• Ask, "Is it true?"
• Say, "Thank you for the feedback."
2. The Hurting: Don't be too Busy for Him. (Acts 28:7-10)
3. The Brother: Don't rob Him of a Blessing. (Acts 28:11-16)

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Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 28:1-16

1. Honestly - How do people's opinion of you affect you? How do you typically handle criticism (Acts:1-6)?

2. How are you encouraging others right now? How are you letting others encourage you? (Acts 21:15)

3. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another. Who do you know that needs encouragement this week? How are you going to reach out to him/her/them?

I Will Not Fear the Storm. Part 2

Review / Introduction:

I Can Be Fearless Knowing God is In Control:

1. You will find there is no Plan B. (Acts 27:27-32)
2. You will find things to be Thankful for. (Acts 27:33-38)

Romans 1:21 - For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they obecame futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

3. You will find Favor even from non-Christians. (Acts 27:39-44)

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Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 27:27-44

1. Why is praying and trusting God often the "last resort" - even for many Christians? Why do we find it so hard to wait and trust, when things are out of control?

2. If you are going through a trial right now, what is one thing you can be thankful for (be specific)?

3. What was your big "take-away" from the passage this week?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another.

I Will Not Fear the Storm. Part 1

Review / Introduction:

How Can I Be Fearless When I Have No Control?

1. Surround yourself with other Believers. (Acts 27:1-8)
2. Accept that you can't make all the Decisions. (Acts 27:9-12)
3. Recite God's Promises. (Acts 27:13-26)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 27:1-26

1. Why do you think many (not all!) Christians run FROM the church instead of TO the church during difficult times (Acts 27:3)?

2. Tell of a time that someone else’s bad decisions directly caused YOU problems / pain. How did you handle it?

3. What promises of God do you cling to for comfort during difficult times (which specific verses in the Bible)?

4. Do you think Paul ever doubted / was afraid for his life on this trip (Acts 27:21-25)? Why or why not?
    

Breakout Questions:

What is it in your life RIGHT NOW that troubles you, that you have no control over? Pray for each other SPECIFICALLY for that thing.