The Mystery of Mortals and Miracles discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Adrian explores the tension between mortality and miracles through the story of Lazarus in John 11. He addresses how Christians should navigate the mystery of living in a world where we experience pain and death while still believing in God's miraculous power. Pastor Adrian emphasizes that God's purpose is greater than our pain, and that even when His plans are unclear, we should pursue Him anyway. The central message is that God's promise to us is not primarily about earthly outcomes but about the person of Jesus Christ Himself.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Lord, just as You revealed Yourself to Martha and Mary in their time of grief, reveal Yourself to us today. Help us to understand how to navigate the tension between our mortality and Your miraculous power. May we leave this discussion with a deeper trust in You, regardless of our circumstances. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
Share about a time when you were waiting for something important and it didn't happen according to your timeline. How did you feel during the waiting period?
Key Verses
John 11:1-44
Romans 8:28
Proverbs 3:5-6
Questions
In the sermon, Pastor Adrian mentions that 'God's purpose is greater than our pain.' How have you experienced this truth in your own life?
When Jesus heard Lazarus was sick, He intentionally waited two days before going to him. How do you respond when God seems to delay in answering your prayers?
Martha declared her faith in Jesus even while her brother was still in the grave. What helps you maintain faith during difficult circumstances?
The pastor emphasized that 'His promise is a person, not an event.' How does focusing on Jesus Himself rather than specific outcomes change our approach to faith?
Thomas said, 'Let's go too and die with Jesus.' What does this kind of commitment look like in your daily life?
How do you balance believing for miracles while accepting that God's ways and timing are different from ours?
Pastor Adrian mentioned both denial and disillusionment as unhealthy responses to suffering. Have you experienced either of these? How did you move beyond them?
The sermon states that 'if all your hope is in a miracle, you'll get disillusioned and hurt.' How can we keep our primary hope in Jesus while still praying expectantly for breakthroughs?
Life Application
This week, identify an area in your life where you've been waiting for God to move or answer prayer. Take time to journal about this situation, honestly expressing your feelings to God. Then, make a conscious decision to pursue Jesus regardless of the outcome. Each day, spend time worshiping Him not for what He can do, but for who He is. Practice saying, 'Even if my circumstances don't change, Jesus is still my hope and my promise.' Share with someone in the group next week how this practice affected your relationship with God.
Key Takeaways
God's purpose is greater than our pain, and sometimes His agenda differs from ours.
When God's plans are unclear, we should pursue Him anyway, choosing commitment over understanding.
The promise God gives us is not primarily about earthly outcomes but about the person of Jesus Christ.
God's power is still present today, and we should continue believing for miracles while holding onto Jesus as our ultimate hope.
Our faith cannot be dependent on all God's promises being fulfilled in this life, as our greatest promise is eternal life with Christ.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our resurrection and our life. We acknowledge that we don't always understand Your ways or Your timing, but we choose to trust You anyway. Help us to hold onto You as our greatest promise, even as we continue to pray expectantly for breakthroughs in our lives. When we face pain, disappointment, or loss, draw us closer to You rather than pulling away. Thank You that Your purpose is greater than our pain, and that Your power is still present today. Give us the courage of Thomas to follow You even when we don't understand. We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.