BIG IDEA
It’s no surprise that we love good stories. We are inspired when the underdog defeats their opponents. We are moved by someone’s kindness that made a profound impact. We are amazed by the impact of someone’s generosity. But, you know that the best stories are not picture-perfect and predictable if you are a reader. The best stories are where the story is unpredictable; people face struggles and obstacles and find a reason to hope despite everything they face. While we know this to be true, many of us would say that these stories we love belong to other people, not us. We tend to think that God works in other people’s lives, but when it comes to our own lives, we are stuck. The truth is, Scripture teaches something completely different. Scripture teaches that God can change each one of our stories. The question is, will we live like this is true?
BREAK THE ICE
What is one of your favorite stories to tell? (Group leader, this could go long, maybe pick a few people to share.)
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some reasons why people feel stuck in their stories? What happens when we give in to this line of thinking?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Acts 3:1-3. How might have this man here feel stuck in his story? Describe the situation he was in and how his life circumstance impacted him?
Acts 3:1-3
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
3. Read Acts 3:4-8. What stands out to you about the way Peter and John responded to this man?
Acts 3:4-8
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
4. Compare and contrast what this man asked for versus what God gave him through Peter and John? Why was God’s gift better than what this man asked for?
Application
1. We heard in the weekend message about several different ways to embrace the stories God writes for us:
· Believe that change is possible.
· Surrender our old story.
· Commit to a new story.
· Have people around us who celebrate our new stories.
Which of these do you find most difficult? Why?
2. Do you personally find it difficult to believe the truth that God can change your story? Why or why not?
3. How has God previously worked in your life and changed your story? How does this give you hope for the future?
MOVING FORWARD
You talked earlier about 4 ways we can embrace the stories God writes: believe that change is possible, surrender our old story, commit to a new story, and have people around us who celebrate our stories. Specifically, we talked about which of those is the most difficult to embrace. Pick one of these categories to focus on next week. You may want to choose the area you find most difficult as an opportunity to grow. Next, tell your group which you want to focus on and how you plan to focus on that area this week. Finally, end your time together praying, thanking God that He changes our stories for the better. Ask Him for boldness to live out the new lives He has given all of us who have placed our faith in Him.
Going Deeper
When we think about our stories, we all have different ideas for what should happen throughout our stories, ways certain circumstances should work out, and so much more. The problem with this kind of thinking is that we are not the authors. No, there is only one Author, and that is God. While placing our stories in the hands of just anyone would be incredibly scary and difficult to do, Scripture teaches that God is, of course, the perfect Author of our stories. So let’s take the next few minutes to dive deep into what we learn about God, His purpose, and His plan for each of our stories.
God sees the big picture:
· Read Romans 3:23.
o What is the deepest need of humanity, according to this verse?
o How did Jesus step into our deepest needs and change our stories?
o How are we called to step into the new stories Christ offers us?
o How does this “bigger picture” that God sees our deepest need and how He has met it give you perspective when you think about your story?
God has revealed the ending for each one of our stories, which is just the beginning if we have placed our faith in Him:
· Read John 3:16-17
o For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, how has Jesus re-written our stories?
o What did Jesus say was the ending of our stories, which is really just the beginning?
o How does this perspective give you hope?
God works all things for the good of those who love Him
· Read Romans 8:28-30.
o What is the promise given to us when it comes to our stories?
o What is the “good” that Paul is talking about in this verse based on verse 30? How do some people take Romans 8:28 out of context and misunderstand it?
o How does this understanding of our stories help you as you think about your own story and how you have hoped God would change it?
Now that you have spent time looking at these Scripture passages let’s reflect.
o How has God already stepped into your life and changed your story?
o How does this reminder give you hope as you think about the areas where you wish God would change your story?
o What do these verses teach about your timing, understanding, and purpose versus God’s?
o How do these verses we have studied give you confidence in God’s timing and plan?
As you think about the truth that God writes your story, do you find yourself leaning into His authorship and trusting Him or trying to grab the pen? Share this with your group. What is one way you all can lean in and trust God’s authorship this week?
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
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