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October 20, 2024
How to get through rough waters
In week eight of First Things, Pastor Chip talks about navigating the rough waters of life.
Dive deeper into the message with these discussion questions!
General:
- What rough waters have you gone through in your life? How did it affect you? How did it shape you?
- How do you typically respond to rough waters when you go through them? (i.e. How do you react? What’s your attitude like? Does it affect your faith?)
- Pastor Chip spent some time teaching about the Roman Empire, Judaism, and the first-century Christians. How does this overview affect the way you read and understand the New Testament (particularly the book of Hebrews)?
• • Do you ever feel like “drifting” or going back to the old way of life (i.e. lifestyle of sin? Serve yourself? Etc.)
Take Home 1: No matter what we are going through, it will not remain exactly the way it is right now (2 Cor. 1:9)
- Think of how your life was 5 years ago. 10 years. Is everything exactly the same? What has changed?
- How can you remember or remind yourself that the difficulties you experience will eventually change?
- What are the practical implications for your life when you reflect on the resurrection?
- When in your life has it been easier to "give in" rather than to persevere?
Take Home 2: Remember that we are not defined, nor is our identity derived, from our circumstances (John 5:6)
- Pastor Chip stated “Circumstances and identity are not the same thing”. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
- How have your circumstances played into your identity?
- Read John 5:1-17. What does this passage show us about ourselves? What does this passage show us about Jesus?
Take Home 3: Dwelling on what we don't want works against us working on what we do want (John 5:7)
- What to you focus on? Do you tend to focus on the negative?
- How do you think others would describe your attitude or general disposition? (Positive? Negative? Fearful? Grateful? Worshipful? Pessimistic?)
- Where do you see fear present in your life?
- Read John 16:33. How does this encourage you?
Take Home 4: Know your tribe and get adequate rest
- What kind of people do you surround yourself with?
- What’s one way you can embrace relationships with your Christian brothers and sisters?
- Do you prioritize rest in your life? If so, what does Biblical rest look like?
Take Home 5: We need to embrace that us being in control is an illusion (Dan. 2:20-21)
- Why do we so easily fall into the deception that we have control of our lives or our circumstances?
- Reflect on the different aspects of your life. Where do you see chaos?
Take Home 6: Never underestimate the power of God
- In what ways do you ever limit or underestimate God?
Message Series
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Teacher
Dr. Chip Bennett
Senior Pastor/Teaching Elder
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