Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Defining Moments
Scripture
2 A long time passed—it was twenty years—from the time the Ark came to reside in Kiriath-jearim, and all the house of Israel mourned because of the Lord. 3 Then Samuel told the whole house of Israel, “If you’re returning to the Lord with all your heart, then remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, direct your hearts back to the Lord, and serve him only. Then he will deliver you from the control of the Philistines.” 4 So the Israelis removed the Baals and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only.
5 Samuel said, “Bring all Israel together at Mizpah, and I’ll pray to the Lord on your behalf.” 6 So they came together at Mizpah, drew water, and poured it out in the Lord’s presence. On that day they fasted there and said, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Then Samuel judged the Israelis at Mizpah. 7 When the Philistines heard that the Israelis had gathered at Mizpah, the Philistine lords came up against Israel. When the Israelis heard this, they were afraid of the Philistines.
8 The Israelis told Samuel, “Don’t stop crying out to the Lord our God for us that he may deliver us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 Then Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. Samuel cried out to the Lord on behalf of Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines approached to attack Israel. But that day the Lord thundered against the Philistines and threw them into panic, and they were defeated before Israel. 11 The men of Israel went out from Mizpah, pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as a point below Beth-car. 12 Then Samuel took a stone, placed it between Mizpah and Shen and named it Ebenezer. He said, “The Lord has helped us this far.”
Main Idea
There are moments in life that define all of us. They shape our future, refine our character and clarify our purpose. But we don't have to leave these moments to chance occurrences. We can choose to give the right moments meaning in our life.
God doesn't fight our battles. He fights His.
Discussion Questions
- One way we begin to define our moments is to mark our miracles. What miracles has God performed in your life?
- God won't bless a battle he hasn't called us to fight. Have you ever fought a battle God hasn't called you to fight?
- Pastor Justin told us milestones are both boundary lines and benchmarks. Are there some places where you've stepped outside of God's "Grace-zone?"
- Minor victories can be monumental. What are some of the small wins in your life you've been overlooking? What is it about this small victories that is actually significant.
Summary
Defining moments are turning points in our lives. But we don't just have to wait for these events to happen, we can actually choose to define moments and make them meaningful. In order for us to define the moments that matter we must mark our miracles, map our milestones and realize that even our minor victories can be monumental. 1 Samuel 7:2-12 reminds us that God is not done with us. He has helped us up to this point and He has more for us to do in the future.
Take Action
- Make a list of all the prayers God has answered in your life. Keep this somewhere handy that you can look back to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.
- Start or continue a Bible reading plan. Plans can be accessed using the YouVersion app. Celebrate the progress that you make!
- If you have not yet attended Essentials, plan to attend in the next couple weeks. Feel free to attend with others in your group!
Announcements
- Superhero Sunday is on October 29th. Invite families to attend.
- November 19th is the end of the year offering.
- Thanksgiving outreach is on November 20th and 21st. If you are interested go to vel.city/thanksgiving
