Where Is God in The Chaos?
Even in the midst of chaos, we should live with great expectation. God is here, and he's actively working for good.
Talking Points:
- God is here through his Spirit. Expect to see God’s power on display in a personal way. 1 Peter 1:2,5
- God is here through his people. Expect to BE the church even when you can’t go to church. 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10
- God is here through his Word. Expect the Good News to have the last word, no matter what the news brings tomorrow. 1 Peter 1:24-25
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are you expecting to happen in the coming months? How do you think this pandemic will end?
- How have you seen God’s power in a personal way? Share a recent example.
- Share a time your attitude impacted the way you experienced something in your life. Why does our perspective matter?
- Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. How can you show the goodness of God to people inside the church? How can you show it to people on the outside?
- Who shared the Good News with you? How did it impact your life?
- Read Romans 3:22. Is there someone in your life that needs to hear this verse right now? Make plans to share it.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
How God Uses Chaos
In times of chaos we can learn to give up control and surrender to God. Only then can we experience His clarity and peace.
Talking Points:
- God uses chaos to get our attention. He wants to reveal our need for him. Genesis 11:4-5, 7-8
- God uses chaos to expose our priorities. He wants us to focus on what really matters. Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 6:33
- God uses chaos to help us surrender control. He wants us to experience His complete peace. Proverbs 16:9, John 14:27
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe the last chaotic thing you experienced. How did you react?
- What feels chaotic about your life right now? What are you learning about yourself through it?
- Read Genesis 11:4-5, 7-8. What have you tried to build in your own strength? How is God getting your attention right now?
- Read Mark 12:30-31. Name an activity that once pushed God down a notch in your life. How has chaos helped you put things back in order?
- Read Proverbs 16:9 and John 14:27. What part of your life needs to be surrendered? What’s keeping you from doing it?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
How to Grieve in Chaos
In troubling times, we all suffer different kinds of loss. But Christians grieve differently than others around us because God is with us.
Talking Points:
- Take it straight to God. Talk to God about what you’re feeling, and try reading the Psalms. Psalm 119:28, Psalm 34:18
- Don’t stuff it. Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. 2 Samuel 18:33
- Engage with people. Let friends help you with practical needs, and talk it out with someone who cares. Romans 12:15
- Get some rest. Give yourself permission to slow down and experience Sabbath.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What losses have you suffered from the recent pandemic – great or small?
- What are some grieving strategies that you have found to be less helpful? More helpful?
- Read 2 Samuel 18:33 and Psalm 119:28. How did King David respond to his loss?
- Read Romans 12:15. Why is it important to connect with other people in times of grief?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13. How have you experienced hope in the midst of grief?
- Read Psalm 34:18. How does a person experience the promise of God’s presence when he doesn’t feel present?
- Read Revelation 21:4. What is the most important lesson you can share with someone else who is suffering grief and loss?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
How Chaos Drives Us to Faith
Chaos is a time to see God at work, commit to him, and trust in him as your hope.
Talking Points:
- God’s at work in a world of ruins. All suffering is a result of human sin. Lamentations 1:1,5
- A time of chaos is a time for self-assessment. Search for where you need to repent. Lamentations 3:38-40.
- In chaos, we need a robust view of God. God is our only source of hope. Lamentations 3:22-26.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share your overall feelings during this time of pandemic. What’s scared you most? Have you discovered some blessings through this time? Explain.
- Read Lamentations 1:1,5. Why do you think God has used suffering throughout history? What do you think Americans are learning through this time?
- Read Lamentations 3:38-40. How has your faith been impacted during the last few months? What have you found yourself relying on most?
- Read Psalm 139:23-24. What does this passage tell us to do? In what areas of your life is God challenging you to change?
- Read Lamentations 3:22-26. Share the new insights you’ve gained about God and his character through this time of suffering. What more will you do to cling to God in this time?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
A World Without Chaos
The story of the Bible is bookended by order - with chaos reigning everywhere in between.
Talking Points:
- God created all matter out of nothing and then arranged it into the well-ordered world we live in. He created humans to partner with him in establishing and maintaining order. Isaiah 45:18
- The first humans rebelled against God’s well-ordered plan. Chaos has ruled ever since. Genesis 3:6, Isaiah 45:9
- The Bible ends with a picture of a world without chaos, similar to the Garden of Eden. In heaven there will be no more disorder physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually. Revelation 21:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:6
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share an event you either attended or planned that was well-planned and executed. What were some benefits that came from it? How about an event that was totally disorganized? What were some of the consequences of that?
- Read Isaiah 45:18. Identify all the key elements that this verse speaks to about God and his creation. How do those insights impact your view of the current state of our world?
- Read Genesis 3:1-6. How did the serpent entice and deceive Eve? How have you been guilty of elevating your feelings over God’s wisdom?
- How has chaos entered your life when you’ve chased the things of this world rather than God?
- Read Revelation 21:1-4. Describe what you think heaven will be like. What do you look forward to most about heaven?
- Read 2 Corinthians 4:6. God started with creating light. Why do you think that was his first step? How has knowing Jesus shined new light in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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