Acts 6:8-8:1
Delivered by Josh DeGuido
Delivered by Josh DeGuido
Today’s Question: How do we serve well, even through adversity?
Q1: Look at your qualifications & be humble
We are all called to different areas of ministry. Stephen is one who had many gifts, stood out as a Spirit-led person, amazing at public speaking/preaching & in Christ-like humility, he served where the need was greatest.
What needs in our church family can your gifts work to fill?
How/why do we downplay what God has for us to do? Why do we say “Well, I _only_ serve in this way.” Or “I’m _just_ a this at church.”?
Q2: Wisdom in serving, sensitivity to His call
Josh talked about the way God repeats His call on us to get our attention & draws us into His purpose for us.
How have you seen/heard God sending you repeat messages to get your attention?
Why do you think He operates this way?
Q3: Be faithful with little & in due time…
People view advancement in life different ways. Some people are always struggling for promotions, others want that next step of recognition. In the Kingdom of God, we find that God operates through people who are humble, who put others first & who are willing to simply listen and move in faith.
Talk for a few minutes about the upside down nature of the Kingdom of God. How do we rise by kneeling? How do we grow by serving others? How do we gain through sacrifice?
Why do you think God works in a way that is against what we see everyone else doing?
Q4: The hardened heart
Josh pointed out the fact that we often find attacks come when God is on the move in our life. For Stephen, we see the religious leaders and their hardened hearts fighting against the things of God.
How do our hearts get hardened over time?
What comes into our lives that keeps us from listening, from loving & from moving with God?
What do we trade out for the plan that God has for us?
Q5: Standing in the face of hardship
Josh reminded us to “look upward, not forward” when you’re being mistreated. Stephen was gazing at Christ as his accusers rushes him to kill him.
Have you ever seen anyone with a heart like this? Someone who maintains a God-focused gaze in the middle of hardship? What kind of influence do they have? How does their testimony & example encourage you?
————
Point of Prayer for our Small Group: Pray over the areas that the people within your small group serve within, let different people choose one area (not their own) to pray over.
