Small Group Discussion Guide
Sermon Series: Difference Maker
Sermon Title: Stay Calm
BREAK THE ICE:
How does waiting patiently sit with you? Is it easy to wait with patience? If it’s not, why not?
Transition: Today we start a new sermon series – Difference Maker . . . we are looking at “Stay Calm”. Last week we saw, “start with conviction”, now we look at “stay calm”
DIG IN:
Context reading:
Let’s read Jeremiah 29:4-11
What are some important directives given to the exiled Israelites?
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Transition: 70 years passed from when Babylon took captive Jerusalem in 609, and their defeat to the Persian King Cyrus, in 539.
Some 40,000 + returned to Jerusalem in 538, however, another 93 years passed until 445, when Nehemiah traveled to rebuild the walls. A total of 160+ years of trusting God, being faithful and Staying Calm.
In last week’s sermon we looked at Being a Difference maker motivated by conviction.
So how do we marry conviction with calmness? Today we will see this demonstrated by Nehemiah.
Three Things for Us to Consider Today
- We Must see the Truth – No Matter How Difficult It Is
Read Nehemiah 2:6-10
What does seeing the truth cost Nehemiah?
Sometimes “the truth” is surrounded by opposition. Who were they and what was their response in v 10
2. We Should Be Realistic About the Gap between What Is, and What Should Be.
Read Nehemiah 2:11-18
What did Nehemiah do in vv. 11-17 for reality to sit in?
In order for someone to experience reality, what must be engaged?
How does Nehemiah bridge the GAP of what He experienced through his senses and what he
felt in his heart God was calling him towards? Read v. 17
What was the response of the people to Nehemiah’s faith in v 18?
Summary:
- Difference maker’s see and experience the truth, no matter how difficult it is.
- Difference Maker’s are realistic about the GAP between what is and what should be.
Reality is – Only God can bridge the GAP !!
3. We Must Be Optimistic About what God can Do through Us!
Read Nehemiah 2:19-20
What did the opposition do in v. 19?
How did Nehemiah respond to their mockery and harassment in v. 20?
Was this another act or statement of faith on Nehemiah’s part?
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A Few Points of Application to Consider:
- This week remember that you and I were created to not be idle.
- We learned that God answers prayers for courage and success.
- We learned today that we must see the Truth, as painful as it is
- Faith bridges the GAP between was is and what (should or can) be
- Reflect on your present situation and assess if you are willing to move and act “in conviction, with a calm trust and faith” in God.
Transition: What was your one compelling take-a-way today?
Your homework assignment:
What is God’s spirit speaking to you today about? What convictions are you feeling?
What commitments of life and service are you being called to? Is it personal, relational, and/or spiritual?
Let’s Pray