We Did Not See That Coming!

The plan is about to kick in.

Acts 1:8, 2:47, 4:33, 6:7.

Your matters.

• Those who had been scattered the word.

Acts 5:42.

Your matters.

• and are part of God’s plan.

Acts 11:19.

Your matter.

Romans 1:16; Acts 5:12, 8:21, 8:30.

Small Group Questions

What do you think?

What struck a chord with you from this past Sunday’s service?

The story of your life.

1. This past weekend, Pastor Willie discussed an unforeseen wave of persecution in the book of Acts that led to the spread of the Church. Though it was unquestionably challenging for those who lived through it, the plan of God was equally apparent. Tell about a time when you saw God use a hardship in your life to further the Gospel.
2. Another thing Pastor Willie discussed is that every person’s message matters to God. If you had to sum up your core life “message/motto” into 5-10 words, what would they be?

Digging deeper.

1. No human being ever wants to go through something really tough, but the fact is our trials can always advance the Gospel. The key is: we must be willing to allow God to use our pain. The Apostle Paul discusses this reality in Philippians 1. Read the following sections together and answer the questions.
   1. Philippians 1:12-14. What does Paul suggest has happened to him and what effects has his situation had upon others?
   2. Philippians 1:15-18. In these verses, Paul suggests some have questionable motives when they preach the Gospel. Having read this, how ought we to think/feel when we might also be tempted to question the motives of someone in ministry?
   3. Philippians 1:19-26. How does Paul balance his personal hopes and expectations with God’s plan in these verses? In light of this, how should we keep our personal hopes and expectations in line with God’s?
   4. Philippians 1:27-30. What does Paul pray for the Philippian church in these verses? Additionally, how does Paul encourage the Philippian church to act toward those who do not share our belief system or have our best interest at heart? In what ways do you feel this is relevant to something you are going through today?
   5. In verses 29-30, Paul says “it has been granted” to us to suffer for Christ’s sake. Every part of our nature is to pray for blessing rather than hardship. How do these verses “sit” in your soul as you read them?
2. 2 Timothy 2:8-13 is another passage where Paul puts his own suffering in the broader picture of God’s plan to advance the Gospel. Read it together and answer the following questions.
   1. Have a few group members summarize the contents and key points using their own words.
   2. What does this passage tell us about God/people/you?
   3. Your message matters to God. Your story matters to God. Is there anyone you sense the Lord asking you to reach out to for the sake of the Gospel?

Personal reflection and application.

1. Have everyone in the group share one thing (that someone else said) that resonated with them from this discussion.
2. Take some time to pray for one another before closing the group.