Oct 12/13 Breaking Point

Oct 12/13 Breaking Point

Oct 12/13 Breaking Point


THREE THINGS TO KNOW

DON’T MISS THIS

Join best-selling author and relationship speaker Gary Thomas for a night on how to bring hope, light and love to your marriage. October 25 from 7–9 pm. Please share this information with your group with the link to register for Cherish Your Marriage at adabible.org/signup.

GROUP VALUES

One of our Pursue God values is encouraging spiritual practices. Consider asking your group about what their Chair Time looks like. One great way to start is to share a highlight from one of yours this week.

GROW AS A LEADER

Our first small group leader huddle is a little over a month away. Huddles are November 24 at all campuses. When we huddle up as leaders, we get better together. Watch your email for more information. You won’t want to miss it.


DISCUSSION GUIDE

Welcome to the final week of our fall series, Strength for the Journey. This week’s discussion is about the encouragement Paul receives while he is in Corinth.

Paul spends 18 months in Corinth. If you could move anywhere in the world and live there for 18 months, where would it be and why?

Taking turns as a group, read Acts 18:1-22 aloud.  What are some things that you notice? Who are the important people? What happens?

What emotional state do you think Paul is in when he arrives in Corinth? How does 1 Corinthians 2:3 help us understand how Paul felt? Why do you think Paul felt that way?

 

ENCOURAGING PEOPLE

Who does Paul connect with in Corinth? Why are they there? What do they do together?

Have someone read Romans 16:3-4 aloud. How significant is the couple for Paul’s ministry in Corinth and beyond?

Did they go to Paul, or did he go to them? Do you feel like most people expect someone to connect with them, or do they go to find someone?

Brainstorm some things your group could do to develop deeper relationships with each other. What’s one thing you can commit to start?

 

ENCOURAGING NEWS

What happened to Paul in Thessalonica (Acts 17)? How does he end up leaving?

Paul hasn’t heard anything about the Jesus-community there. What do you think might be some of his fears about them and his ministry?

Have someone read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8 aloud. How does Paul hear about what is going on in Thessalonica? How do you think what Paul heard might relate to Acts 18:5?

Sometimes we just need someone to remind us that what we are doing makes a difference. Why do you think it is so easy to feel like what we do doesn’t matter or won’t make a difference?

How do you feel when someone tells you that they see what you are doing, and it is valuable? Is there someone you need to say that to more often?

 

ENCOURAGING PRESENCE

What is the initial response to Paul’s teaching in Acts 18:6? What might Paul expect to be coming next?

What happens instead? What does Jesus promise Paul?

How does God use things like reading the Bible, worship songs, nature, sermons or other people to meet us today?

When have you felt God was with you or meeting you through something?

In this sermon, we were reminded of four key phrases: Don’t be afraid. Keep moving. I’m at work here. I’m with you. Which of these to you need to hear from God the most? How does it impact your heart to imagine hearing this from God?

 

WRAP UP

This week we talked about the encouragement Paul received. What part stood out the most? As we wrap up the series, what is your most significant takeaway? What is one thing you intend to do this week to move toward God in that?


Download a printable PDF.