Message Notes for April 19, 2020

Series: Finding Strength

Title: Finding Strength to Persevere in Adversity

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

What patterns block us from receiving God’s strength?

• Pride!

1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 12:9

• Control!

Romans 8:28, Job 12:10

• Impatience!

Isaiah 40:31

• Unawareness!

What patterns allow for God’s strength to fill us?

• Humbling ourselves before Him.

1 Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 4:6

• Consistent awareness of His promises.

Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 40: 1-3

• Preaching to yourself.

Romans 8:32

• Having a network of Christian friends.

• Prayer and quietness.

Isaiah 30:15

• Proceeding in faithful confidence.

Deuteronomy 20:3-4, Exodus 6:10, Ephesians 6:10

Family/Group Study Notes for the Week of April 19, 2020

Series: Finding Strength

Title:  Finding Strength to Persevere in Adversity

• What is your natural response or first action when things become difficult or out of control? 

• Have you ever asked God to give you strength through something?  What was it? Did you feel strengthened? How did the strength come? For example: through reading the Bible, prayer, a friend, a sermon?

• Read Philippians 4:10-20.  How is Paul being strengthened in this passage?  What things has he come to understand about himself and about God?  Why is Paul grateful for the Philippian Church?

• Read 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.  What does this passage say to you about pride?  What does this passage say to you about temptation?  What does this passage say to you about God’s strength?

• Read 1 Peter 5:6-7.  Being humble before God is the opposite of being prideful before God.  How does a pattern of humility before God actually make us stronger in times of great difficulty?

• Read Psalm 40:1-3.  What was David’s mental state when going through difficult times?   What is the promise we receive from God in this passage?  How does this promise help us in depression, despair, confusion and hopelessness?

• When things are difficult are you more likely to charge ahead or shrink back; to look to God or to find other ways out?  Read Isaiah 30:12-16.  This passage compares the strength that comes from the Lord and the ultimate demise when strength is fabricated by other means.  What could be the outcome for you if in times of trouble you stopped and rested quietly with God before any decisions and directions were made?

• Listen to each other’s needs and pray.