Stuck week 2
Stuck With You
Review this week's message.
Key Thought: Sometimes God puts people you may not like in your path so you can save them
Key Quote
“God doesn’t call us to argue with people, He calls us to love people. I’ve never argued anyone into Heaven.” - Pastor Bil Cornelius
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
- Where’s the worst place you’ve been stuck? Best?
- If you could be stuck anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- If you could be stuck in an elevator with any celebrity, who would it be?
- What’s the first thing that comes to mind when asked, “what am I thankful for?”
Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
- Why do you think we tend to get stuck in life’s ruts?
- Are you stuck in a situation now? If so, how can you share God’s love with those you’re stuck with?
- God frees us completely, but why do you think we often go back to the very thing He freed us from?
- How does God empower us to do His will, even in less than great circumstances?
Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
- Have you ever been accused of something that you didn’t do? How did you respond? Could you have responded better looking back?
- How does it make you feel when you think about blessing the person you like least?
- Is there a situation that you have been freed from, but it still has a hold on you? If not, what safeguards did you set in place so that you do not go back to old habits?
- How has God used your past to prepare you for where you are now?
Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
Dear Jesus, thank you that you never waste any relationship or circumstance. Help us to influence we encounter, whether we like them or not, positively for you. In your name we pray, Amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- There is always someone to minister to, no matter the situation or circumstance. Ask God to reveal to you who it is you can minister to and what He is trying to teach you through them. There is a reason that God has placed them in your life. Now, go reach out to them!
- There is no doubt that life can be difficult. We never know what a day, week, or year holds, but we do know the one who holds it. Take time to pray each morning and ask God to give you a heart of praise throughout the day. Let go of whatever may be causing anxiety or fear and let Him know that you trust His plan.
- Take each morning and write out three things you’re thankful for that day. Take time to praise God for those things every morning and throughout the day.
- Ask God to give you an opening to share the gospel with the one person you least want to talk to about your faith, then do it.
Scriptures
A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Acts 16:22-25 NLT
Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:26 NLT
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 NIV
The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. Acts: 16:27-34 NLT
The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let those men go!” So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.” Acts 16:35-36 NLT
