I Will Live by My Convictions.

Review / Introduction:

What is Conviction?

Definition: A strong Personal belief, derived from God's Word, that determines a specific Conduct or Course.

Conviction Clarifications:

Five "Nots" About Convictions

1. Convictions are not always Instant
2. Convictions are not about Personal Preferences
3. It's not about Adopting someone else's convictions
4. It's not about Disregarding advise
5. Convictions are not Enforceable on others

Examples:

• Schooling
• Ministries

Impact:

• Conviction drives out fear

Living with Conviction is Living Without Fear:

1. I will not fear Disapproval? (Acts 21:1-6)


2. I will not fear Drama? (Acts 21:7-12)


3. I will not fear Death? (Acts 21:13-16)

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 21:1-16 

1. What personal convictions have you been criticized for? (While sharing, don’t criticize each other's' convictions.)

2. Was Paul being disobedient to the Holy Spirit (Acts 21:4, 11)? Why or why not?

3. How do you KNOW when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you through another person, and it’s not the other person just giving their personal opinion?

4. How do you know when a conviction is from the Lord, and a conviction is just "from yourself / just in your head"?

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another to seek (and keep) godly, biblical convictions.

I Will Not Fear.

Introduction:

Top 10 Fears in 2017:

1. Holes
2. Flying
3. Germs
4. Small Spaces
5. Thunder / Lightning
6. Dogs
7. Open / Crowded Spaces
8. Heights
9. Snakes
10. Spiders
Mayonnaise (Bonus)

What Are You Afraid Of?

Proverbs 28:1 - The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a Lion.

1. Should I be afraid of my Past? (Romans 8:33-34)


2. Should I be afraid of anything Today? (2 Timothy 1:7)


3. Should I be afraid for my Future? (Psalm 118:6, Hebrews 13:6)

Acts 23:11 - The following night the Lord stood by him (Paul) and said, "Take courage..."

Acts 28:15 - On seeing them (Paul's Christian brothers), Paul thanked God and took courage.

Psalm 56:4 - In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid...

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 28:1 

1. What were you afraid of as a child? How did you handle it?

2. What do you think the are biggest fears of people who don’t know the Lord? What do you think are the biggest fears "church people" have?

3. Do you fear God's judgment on your sin? Why or why not? What does Romans 8:33-34 say about this?

4. Proverbs 28:1 - Why are the wicked fearful? Why are the righteous "bold as a lion"? What accounts for the fear / boldness?

Breakout Questions:
What is your biggest fear (or temptation to fear) today?
How can the Lord help you overcome that fear?