Wake Up Week 2 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: The chaos of our circumstances will either be a cancer or a catalyst for what comes next.
Discussion Starter: Discuss one event or situation in your life that led to lasting, godly change.
Introduction: This week, Pastor Zac encourages us to find peace and Kingdom-centered action despite the chaos of this world. This peace and action is focused through Jesus’ love and gift of the Holy Spirit to His followers.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Ephesians 5:13-16, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, Exodus 33:14, John 16:33, Acts 2:47, Acts 1:7-8, Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 5:10, Acts 9:17-19
Discussion Questions:
- Read John 16:33 Do you easily forget that Jesus did NOT say there would be no troubles? In general, how do you respond to suffering and troubles?
- Most of us in America organize our lives, jobs, homes, etc. to completely avoid or minimize trouble and suffering. Yet, those things always seem to find us or we find them. How would resting in God’s view of trouble and suffering in this world change you?
- What is one thing or area of your life that God has awakened during this season? If you can’t think of one, take time each day this week to read His Word, pray, and meditate on where He wants you to wake up.
- Read Habakkuk 3:17-19. Our joy and peace should not be contingent on our circumstances, but in who God is Himself. Consider our current state – global pandemic, economic collapse, social unrest – in light of this scripture. What more needs to happen for the people of God to wake up and start resting in Him as the ONLY source of our peace? How can you bring peace and light to those in your sphere of influence?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Peter 5:10 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Has your Embrace Group been limited during this season? If you meet around a shared interest or activity and that has been limited or halted by COVID, discuss what the foundation of your group should be and how you can find peace and shine the light right now.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: If you are meeting us back in-person, have you resumed serving? If your area of service is limited or stopped currently, ask someone for another area where you can serve. If you are still connecting remotely, are you engaging people in the comment feed or inviting others to join you at church online through our various platforms (Facebook, YouTube, or the FP website)?
Engaging in Community and the World: Many community and global organizations have adapted to provide volunteer or service opportunities despite COVID. Have you engaged with any local, regional, or global groups lately? Did your group do anything for Serve Day last week? If so, discuss the impact it had on each of you and those you served. If not, discuss a project or opportunity where your group can serve.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Now is a great time to find someone who may have started their discipleship journey pre-COVID, but have slowed or gone to sleep due to anxiety or uncertainty. If you already know of someone in that situation, reach out to them and find how you can be a part of waking them up again. If you don’t already know someone, as you have discussions or read social media postings, listen and look for phrases like, “I was was doing something, then all this happened” or “I was planning on starting something, but now I just don’t know…” and reach out to them.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
