Awakened by Adversity – Pt 8

Luke 22:24-34 (NLT)

24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” 34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

1. Sifting separates what is valuable from what is worthless.

2. Jesus prays for our faith to be strong, not for the sifting to stop.

Job 16:15-21 (NLT)

1 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)

5 For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:5b-11 (NLT)

5b And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.

3. How sifting changes us:

– It humbles us.

– It equips us to help others.

– It anchors our faith to God’s grace, not our performance.

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Strength to endure adversity doesn’t come from self-confidence but from God’s sustaining grace that is present in the sifting.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read 1 Timothy 2:5. How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for us, even in our weakest moments, change how you view trials in your life?

▶ What does it say about God’s character that He doesn’t always rescue us from the sifting but walks with us through it?

▶ Pastor Matt said, “You don’t strengthen others from a platform of perfection. You strengthen others from a place of restored faith through God’s grace.” Have you ever been strengthened by someone who has walked through suffering? How did their story affect you?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Read 1 Peter 5:5b-11. Share an area of your life that feels like it’s going through sifting right now. What might God be revealing in you or removing from you through this process?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Thank God for the sifting. Ask that He would use it to humble you, refine you, and help you to strengthen others through it.