GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Sometimes our plans are good, but God’s mission is bigger. In Acts 16, the gospel moves beyond Paul’s expectations and reaches people in completely different places: a seeking woman, a trapped servant girl, a shaken jailer, and a city that does not know what to do with the kingdom of God. God is still calling us to hold our plans loosely, watch for people he is reaching, press into worship when resistance comes, and love the people Jesus brings into his family.
Main Points:
The gospel moves us beyond our plans.
The gospel reaches people who are ready to hear.
The gospel frees people trapped in bondage.
The gospel disrupts the world as it is.
The gospel shakes people awake.
The gospel welcomes all kinds of people into one family.
On-Ramps:
Ask God to use your life and direct your plans for his mission.
Watch for open hearts, deep needs, and shaken worlds.
When resistance comes, press into worship and prayer.
Love the people Jesus brings into our church family.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Is there any place where your current plans (for your life, your future, or a specific situation) may not actually be that open to being shaped by God? What makes you feel that way and what do you feel God might be saying to you about that?
Jeremy asked the question, “Who around you might be more ready to hear the message of Jesus than you realized?” . As you ponder that question, does anyone come to mind?
Today’s passage speaks of a young woman trapped in bondage as a slave. While today’s context has changed, this reality of being ‘trapped’ or ‘stuck’ continues to be prevalent in our world today. When you encounter someone who seems "stuck," what is your first instinct: to fix them, avoid them, judge them, or pray for them? Why? How does today’s passage speak to you about this instinct?
Do any of the scenarios in today’s passage relate to your own faith experience recently: being ready to receive a fresh message from Jesus (like Lydia), being stuck and finding freedom (like the slave girl), or being shaken awake (like the jailer)?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Acts 17:16-34
