God Reigns Over Our Thwarted Plans

How is God at work when our plans don't come to pass? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from Acts 15–16.

Sermon Discussion

1. Read Proverbs 16:9. Share a time when your plans to honor God didn’t line up with God’s plans for your life. Looking back, can you see how God was at work?
2. What is one takeaway you have from this passage? What will you do with that this week? What is a question you still have after studying this passage?
3. How did we define “providence” in our sermon? What is the purpose that God is aiming for in our lives (Rom. 8:28–29)? 
4. Read Acts 15:35–41; Genesis 50:20; 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13; Acts 16:37–39. How does God use the “painful parting” of Paul and Barnabas for good? Share a time when God has used brokenness in your life for good. What does this teach us about God today?
5. Read Acts 16:1–5; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15. Describe Timothy’s family background. How did God prepare him to respond to the gospel? How does this encourage us when for children and grandchildren who come from a similar home, spiritually?
6. Read Acts 16:6–10. How does each person of the Trinity guide Paul and his missionary team on their journey?
7. Read Acts 16:9–10. In our sermon, we saw that Paul received his vision while praying through the night. (cf. Acts 10:9–16, 30–31). What does this teach us about the importance of prayer?
8. This Time Tomorrow: How does this passage transform your thoughts, actions, or interactions at “this time tomorrow”?