Connect With one person this week: try sharing your story of encountering Jesus and how you now follow him.
Warm-Up
- What is one of your favourite adventure stories (could be a book or movie)? Why is it your favourite?
- Why is Paul going to Rome?
Read Acts 27:1-20 (What faithfulness looks like … in the midst of storm)
- Was Paul alone on this journey? Who else is included in the ‘we’?
- What conditions made sailing difficult? Identify all the points where the journey was re-routed. (It might be useful to find a Study Bible with a map of Paul’s journey.)
- What decisions also made sailing dangerous? How is the Day of Atonement significant?
- Have you ever experienced challenges from external conditions? What did that look like?
- Have you ever faced challenges from the decisions of others? How did that affect you (or currently affecting you)?
- Are Christians immune to danger? Why might it be dangerous to believe we are immune?
- How does Paul react in this situation?
- Is there a current situation where you are being called to be faithful in the midst of a storm?
Read Acts 27:21-26 (What faithfulness looks like … in holding onto God’s promises)
- Why have people given up all hope of being saved?
- What specific promise has God given to Paul? When did he first give this promise? Why is it a source of hope in this situation?
- Do we have the same specific promise from God? What general promises are given to all Christians?
- Which promises of God have given you strength in a period of challenge or uncertainty? Which promises do you often forget?
- What patterns and rhythms in your life help you to recall God’s promises?
Read Acts 27:27-44 (What faithfulness looks like … even in uncertainty)
- How long was the ship in the storm for? Why didn’t God immediately rescue Paul?
- Why can we trust God in uncertainty? What might that look like this week on your frontlines?
Apply Continue or begin a rhythm of recalling God’s promises each day.
