THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Are you new to Ada Bible Church? Do you know someone who is looking to learn more about Ada Bible? Consider attending DISCOVER ADA BIBLE on September 21st. In this one-hour class, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our church, history and core values. You’ll receive a brief overview of our ministries and what it looks like to make Ada Bible Church home. For more info and to register, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This September, we’re focusing on the value of an invitation. One way to invest in others is to INVITE them into your small group. Assess whether your group has space to add new members this fall. Consider the question, “Who needs what we have?” This could be the season that God expands your capacity to invest in others as a group! Who will you invite to be a part of your group this year?
GROW AS A LEADER. As you return to regular small group rhythms this fall, it is important to review what resources are available to you. Take time to explore our LEADER RESOURCE PAGE. On this page, you’ll find recommended studies, access to RightNow Media and additional tips for leading. This is the perfect place to go when you need guidance on studies, navigating care situations and more. To view the page, click HERE.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the second week of our new sermon series, EPIC. This week, we dive into Jacob’s story and explore what it looks like to truly stop wrestling and start trusting God.
ICEBREAKER
What did you love to wrestle for or compete in as a kid? (Could be actual wrestling, sibling rivalry, board games, sports, etc.). What drove you to be so competitive at it?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Genesis 32:24-31 aloud.
What stands out to you about this unusual passage?
How does this encounter change Jacob?
What does it mean that Jacob says he has “seen God face to face”?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron Buer continued our EPIC sermon series by exploring Jacob’s life of wrestling and how we all wrestle with circumstances, relationships and God. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
Jacob wrestled everyone and everything throughout his life. What are some things people commonly wrestle with in our culture today?
When something we believe we deserve is withheld from us, we respond easily in a variety of unhealthy ways—anger, withdrawal, gossip or numbing the pain. Which of these responses do you most relate to and why?
How do we sometimes try to make deals with God or wrestle him for control in our lives?
Jacob’s dysfunction created a family train wreck of favoritism, deception and jealousy. How do you see pain and dysfunction repeating in families when they are left unaddressed?
God sees blesses Leah with a son she names Judah, which means praise, through whom Jesus eventually comes. What does her story teach you about God during our pain?
Jacob is not the hero of the story—God is. We don’t earn God’s grace; he simply gives it. How does remembering this change the way you approach God when you’ve sinned?
There is a simple but powerful alternative to wrestling with God: confess and trust. This means telling God what we want honestly and allowing him to control the outcomes, no matter the circumstances. What do you need to confess to God and entrust to him?
WRAP UP
Like Jacob, wrestling for control is a temptation we all face. Part of the solution is being open and honest with those around us about our wrestlings. As we head into the week, how can we be praying for one another with our wrestlings?