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Week 2 Sermon Questions For Groups

November 1, 2015

Multiply: The Way Out

Introduction:

We all have been in situations where we have wondered if there is a way out of our problem. But no matter what predicament, problem or difficulty you are facing the Lord has a way when there seems to be absolutely no solution in sight. God’s desire is to help us find a way out of our dark place, and in order to get out, we have to figure out how we got there in the first place whether it is financially, morally, or otherwise related. Often, our dark place begins when we believe a lie and become convinced that our lives are about us. When we chase our own happiness through the world’s means, we set ourselves on a path for destruction. And finally we find ourselves in a dark place. But there is always a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”

Something To Talk About:

The bottom line for the message is: When God is in the equation there is a way out. Here are the steps to finding your way out. 

  1. Acknowledge the reality of where you are: We probably all have some bumps in the road of the spiritual road we have walked. Things we have done we wish we could undo. The first step is to acknowledge the mistakes we have made. The truth is that God never expected us to be perfect. He knows we are flawed and will make mistakes. He wants us to truthfully admit that we need Him in the good and bad of our lives. God desires truth as we see in  Psalm 51:5-6: “You’re the One I’ve violated, and you’ve see it all, seen the full extent of my evil. You have all the facts before you; whatever you decide about me is fair. I’ve been out of step with you for a long time, in the wrong since before I was born. What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.” (MSG)
  2. Develop a plan of attack: In other words do something. The prodigal son had a plan. It was a plan born out of desperation, but it was still a plan. When we need a way out we need a plan as well. It may start with a small step, but God can do large things if we take that small step. Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”
  3. Do it now: not only do you need a plan, but you need to do it today. We learn from Scripture that favor with God doesn’t depend on us and our wisdom, or goodness, or faithfulness. He is waiting for you to move in His direction. He will not turn you away, nor let you wander away. 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us, “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 
  4. Humbly, ask your Father for help: God gives grace to the humble. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5: 6 tells us, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” Ask God for His help.

Questions:

  1. How do you determine where you are? How can you learn from where you have been?
  2. What is involved in developing a plan of attack to find a way out? Should it be short-term or long-term or both? Share what steps you will take to begin developing your plan of attack.
  3. Self-destructive behavior is the product of our life getting out of order in any area – spiritually, emotionally,relationally or physically. What areas in our lives needs the most attention right now and what steps are necessary to get it back in order.
  4. God isn’t looking for perfection, He’s looking for honesty. Take a moment to evaluate your life right now – is there something you are struggling to acknowledge?
  5. Commit to a step, and live it out this week.

Take One Thing Home with You

Andy Stanley wrote a book entitled “The Principle of the Path.”  He explains that our direction, not our intentions always determines our final destination. Since this is true, then why do we spend so much time moving in the wrong direction, assuming we will end up where we want to go (intentions) without aiming in the right direction in the first place? In most cases, it is because we don’t stop and ask for directions.

People, mostly the guys, find it difficult to ask for directions. Asking for directions means we are incapable of finding our own way. This notion is contrary to what the Bible tells us about how we should live. Jesus constantly talks about leaning on each other, living as a community, and giving and seeking help from others. James writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

There is no better moral compass than Jesus if we want to find our way out and toward righteousness. When we follow Him we have a constant direction that never leads us astray. If we follow that compass we will spend more time on the right path and will not find ourselves wondering “how did I get here.”