TODAY:

Acts 27:1-28:16 | Trust Me

BIG IDEA:

We can trust God because He always keeps His Word

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 27:1-28:16, John 16:33, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 10:22, Isaiah 43:1-3

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: Has anyone ever told you, or have you ever told someone else, “Don’t worry – I won’t let anything happen to you”? If so, how did that work out?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Connect with God (UP)...

Q: Read Acts 27:1-28:16. What are all the different ways that you see Paul’s incredibly strong connection with God through all of this?

Q: Why is a strong connection with & understanding of someone so important to truly trusting that person? How is the same true in our relationship with God?

Q: Are there areas where you’re not sure if you can really trust God? How can you process this with God & with others who can help you?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: Paul doesn’t let any 1) fame or prestige that he might have, or 2) fear of his circumstances keep him from loving & serving those around him (feeding on the ship, gathering firewood, healing people, etc.). How can we put this into practice, too?

Q: Aristarchus & Luke were willing to put their lives on the line with Paul (Luke had been with Paul in prison for 2 years already!). How can we care for our brothers & sisters in Christ?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: In the middle of impossible circumstances, Paul goes out of his way to encourage & strengthen everyone around him, even prisoners, traitors & prison guards! How can we demonstrate the promise, presence & power of God to the world around us?

NOTES & QUOTES:

“Paul doesn’t let circumstance dictate his theology – theology helps him navigate his circumstances.”

“Jesus can be trusted even when waves crash around us...Fight fear by remembering God’s faithful promises. Rest in His comforting presence.” (Christ-Centered Exposition)

“The hero of Acts is not Paul or Peter. It is God Himself, Who powerfully advanced the Gospel throughout the known world. The mission of the Gospel rises above any one individual. God did not need Paul. He doesn’t need you. Christians, by God’s grace, have the glorious opportunity to join God in His Kingdom work and be used by Him as His ambassadors.” (Acts For You)

ACTION STEPS:

1) Identify which you need to sense most right now: God’s promise, presence or power?

2) Pay attention to those around you: how can you reflect God’s promise, presence or power to those around you?