Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on June 14, 2020
Passage: Galatians 5:22-23; Mark 4:35-41
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike continued our summer series on the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT by looking at the peace that Jesus brings into our lives, especially during the storms of life.
Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What is the worse storm you’ve ever been through?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. In the process of our spiritual maturation, God will often allow our peaceful circumstances to be disturbed. When our comfort is disrupted, our response reflects the condition of our faith and heart. The question is, what will the storms of life reveal about your faith and heart?
What did this storm reveal about the disciples’ faith in Jesus?
Read the following verses. What did the Apostle Paul learn about God and his faith from the storms of adversity he experienced?
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT2)
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT2)
11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT2)
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
What have you learned about God and yourself through your most recent times of adversity?
2. The disciples were fearful as they turned their focus to the waves and wind associated with the storm. They saw the storm as being more powerful than the presence of Jesus with them. How do the following verses encourage you to change your focus during the storms of adversity in life?
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT2)
3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Psalm 23:4 (NLT2)
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
John 14:27 (NLT2)
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
When has God brought you peace during a storm of adversity in your life?
Keeping our eyes on Jesus helps our hearts remain peaceful during the storms. Memorizing and meditating on the Word of God helps us do this. Will you commit to memorize one of these verses this week? If so, which one?
3. The disciples interpreted Jesus’ sleep during the worsening situation in their boat to a lack of concern on the part of Jesus. Others in the Bible have thought the same thing about God during difficult times (see Habakkuk passage below). How did Jesus seek to correct this false belief that God doesn’t care?
Habakkuk 1:1-4 (NLT2)
1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision. 2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.
Luke 12:6-7 (NLT2)
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Why doesn’t God always rescue us from the storms of adversity? What are some verses from the Bible that can help you answer this question?
Do you think God is more concerned about our comfort or our character? How is adversity helping to shape your character?
TAKE IT HOME
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
