April 18, 2021

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1
Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passages:

● Phil started this week’s sermon stating that Paul was a Biblical personality that he
admired most for several reasons. Who is someone that you admire the most
from scripture? If so, why?
● Phil issued a challenge early in the sermon for our collective faith to be
awakened or stirred up. Does this apply to you today? What is your initial
reaction?
● Phil gave us perspective of what Paul was willing to go through for his faith, in 2
Corinthians 11: 24-28. Take a moment to read through Paul's account. How
would you describe Paul's faith with respect to this passage?
● What was the impetus or the major factor for Paul's motivation for his faith in 2
Corinthians 5: 13-14?
● Phil used a couple of big words to help describe Paul's transformation from
making martyrs' to being one... for "The Way". He used the word "purgation" and
"illumination" to describe Christ's amazingly personal encounter with Paul on his
way to Damascus. Phil's definition of purgation was a transforming of a false-self

to a new-self being the first step in Paul's life. Then, Christ issued a mission for
Paul by 'illuminating' who he was called to be for the second step.
○ Can you see this in your own life? Do we know our 'mission'?
● Finally, Paul was blinded by Christ's brilliance for 3 days in Acts 9:8. Phil
suggested that it might have been the first time in his life where he could do ...
nothing. Except to wait, listen and depend on God's complete provision and
'illumination' through the power of the Holy Spirit. Here's the question:
○ Can we accept Phil's challenge this week of following Paul's example by
the following:
1) Praying for faith awakening in areas that may be dormant
2) Praying for revelation of depending on a false identity or
identities
3) Praying for the Holy Spirit to illuminate our mission and identity
in Christ

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes

● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?

Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.