Unlikely Heroes, Part 2: Resilience
January 14, 2024
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Message Review
Ordinary people, like ourselves, possess the power to make an extraordinary impact on the people we love and the world around us. Elijah was a prophet of God who lived during the Old Testament period. He exhibited great resilience and tenacity in taking the Next Steps for Jesus throughout his life. Even when he was unsure, Elijah took the time to be honest with God and waited to hear what God had to say to continue taking the next steps.
Main Point: To follow God, resilience and a willingness to take the next step is essential.
Scripture References: 1 Kings 19:2-19 Psalms 46
Bible Study
The focus Bible passage from the sermon was 1 Kings 19:2-19. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:
Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)
Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?
Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?
Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?
Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?
Discussion Questions
What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?
What do you think were some of the reasons that Elijah went from the High of showing up the false gods to running for his life and hiding on Mt. Horeb?
Read 1 Kings 19:3-4 again as a group. When was a moment that God met you right in the place of exhaustion and doubt? What did God do to sustain you through that time?
Read 1 Kings 19:9-10 again as a group. Do you feel like you can go to God and be honest and say what is on your heart? Why or why not?
Ready 1 Kings 19:11-12 (MSG) again as a group. Out of everything that happened while Elijah was waiting for God to pass by why do you think God chose to speak in a gentle and quiet whisper?
To be prepared for when we feel God is calling us to take the next step, it can be helpful to reflect on past experiences when He intervened. Can you recall a specific moment or experience in your life when God showed up and made a difference? If yes, share with your group.
Read Hebrews 12:1 as a group. What are things we can throw off so we can be ready when God calls us to take next steps?
Taking Space to make the opportunity to hear from God is essential to know what next steps to take. Do you think it would be difficult for you to sit in the quiet and want to hear from God?
In what way will you answer Tim’s challenge and create space and solitude for yourself this week?
To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.