Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
A Failure To Follow Through
Scripture
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Main Idea
When God shows us a path to follow His will, it can be difficult to follow through. God's Guidance isn't always what we think it would or should be. His guidance forward doesn't necessarily look like an open door, but God's "NO" is just as important as His "GO." Even closed doors can be from God. If we follow through when he leads us, He will follow through with results.
His guidance doesn't always feel like we're being led by the hand down an easy, clear path. Sometimes it doesn't even feel good. We may not always be at peace. In fact, it makes it harder to hear His instruction if we're following our feelings emotions. Our hearts will lie to us, but He never will.
Discussion Questions
- Is there a time that you let your feelings lead you in a way God wasn't? What was the result of following emotion instead of God's guidance?
- How has a "failure" in your life resulted in fruit?
Summary
Paul wanted to travel further south in their journey, but the Spirit of Jesus kept them from continuing on this way. Though he was traveling with his purpose in mind, God wanted to lead him to a different path. And this direction came in the form of a "No." It would be easy for Paul to turn around and head home, but he knew he needed to follow through with the calling God placed on his life. And he continued on to fulfill that call by becoming one of the most influential preachers of the Gospel.
God's guidance is not about a feeling. We aren't always going to have peace about the path God is leading us down. God's guidance isn't a simple formula that's easy to plug in situations or abilities to get step-by-step directions for the path ahead.
Take Action
- Complete the 5-day Bible reading plan on YouVersion app called "The Essential Question (Part 8): Paul's Journey to Jerusalem."
- Memorize Jeremiah 29:11. When we are being led down a path we're unsure of, we can remind ourselves that if we're allowing God to guide us, He will not lead us into harm.
Announcements
- Father's Day celebration is next week! Invite the fathers and father figures in your life to join us for a great message, corn dogs, and car show on June 16.
