Suddenly!
Key Bible Passages
1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 14:15
2 Kings 2
Luke 2
John 6
Acts 2
Acts 16
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 40:1
Psalm 91:14-16
Jeremiah 33:3
1 Corinthians 2:9
Overview
In a world where predictability often reigns, the notion of "suddenly" can be both unsettling and exhilarating. The sermon titled "Suddenly!" explores how God operates in the realm of the unexpected, bringing transformation and hope in moments when we least anticipate it.
God's Sudden Interventions
The sermon draws from various biblical stories to illustrate how God intervenes suddenly in human affairs:
1 Samuel 3: God calls the young Samuel, breaking a long period of silence.
1 Samuel 14:15: Jonathan and his armor bearer face the Philistine army, and suddenly panic breaks out among their enemies.
2 Kings 2: Elijah is taken to heaven by a chariot of fire, a sudden and miraculous event.
Luke 2: The shepherds are visited by an angel at the birth of Jesus, a sudden divine appearance.
John 6: Jesus walks on water to meet his disciples during a storm, transforming their fear into safety.
These stories underscore the theme that God is a God of suddenlies, often working through the Holy Spirit to bring about change.
Personal Testimonies
The sermon also shares personal testimonies that echo this theme:
April Fool's Day Miracle: The speaker recounts a personal story of selling a house unexpectedly on April Fool's Day, emphasizing God's surprising timing.
Lighthouse Church's New Beginning: The church itself is a product of a "suddenly," having moved into a new building within weeks, aligning with prophetic words spoken over the property.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is identified as the "person of the suddenly," actively working in believers' lives to bring about God's will. The sermon encourages listeners to be open to the Holy Spirit's leading, positioning themselves to receive sudden blessings.
Keys to Experiencing a Suddenly
To attract God's sudden interventions, the sermon outlines several key practices:
Obedience: Following God's commands, as the disciples did by waiting in Jerusalem (Acts 2).
Waiting: Cultivating patience and expectancy, trusting in God's perfect timing.
Praise: Embracing gratitude and worship, as Paul and Silas did in prison (Acts 16), which invites divine intervention.
Prayer: Engaging in deep, heartfelt communication with God, inviting His power into our circumstances.
Encouragement and Call to Action
The sermon concludes with a powerful call to action, encouraging believers to surrender their burdens to God and anticipate His sudden movements in their lives. By aligning with God's will through obedience, waiting, praise, and prayer, believers can position themselves to experience God's transformative power.
In essence, the message of "Suddenly!" is one of hope and expectation, reminding us that God delights in surprising His people with His goodness and power when they least expect it.
Discussion Questions for Small Groups
Icebreaker:
Share a time when something unexpected happened in your life that turned out to be a blessing. How did it impact you?
Pastor Ruth Mehring highlighted several biblical "suddenlies" where God intervened unexpectedly. Reflect on a "suddenly" moment in your life. How did it change your perspective on God's timing and presence?
The sermon emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit as the "person of the suddenly." How do you perceive the Holy Spirit working in unexpected ways in your life or community?
Discuss the importance of obedience, waiting, and praise in attracting God's "suddenlies" as mentioned in the sermon. How can you cultivate these practices in your daily life?
Reflect on the biblical story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. How does their response to adversity challenge you to incorporate prayer and praise into difficult situations?
Pastor Ruth shared personal and church stories of "suddenlies" that led to transformation. How can we, as a church community, be open to embracing unexpected opportunities for growth and change?
Consider the sermon's call to "steward the words" God has spoken over us. What steps can you take to actively pursue and nurture the prophetic words or promises you believe God has spoken into your life?
Study Guide: Suddenly!
Reading
- 1 Samuel 3
- 1 Samuel 14:15
- 2 Kings 2
- Luke 2
- John 6
- Acts 2
- Acts 16
- Psalms 27:14
- Psalms 40:1
- Psalms 91:14-16
- Jeremiah 33:3
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
Warm Up
- Can you recall a time when something unexpected and positive happened in your life? How did it make you feel?
- What is your current understanding of how God might work "suddenly" in your life?
Scripture Exploration
- Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10. What was Samuel's initial reaction when he heard God's voice? How does this relate to the idea of God acting suddenly?
- Reflect on Acts 2:1-4. What were the disciples doing when the Holy Spirit came upon them? Why is this significant?
- Examine Acts 16:25-26. How did Paul and Silas respond to their imprisonment, and what was the result?
Personal Reflection
- How does the theme of "suddenly" challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's nature?
- Cross-reference 1 Samuel 3 with Acts 2. What similarities do you find in how God initiates action in both passages?
- Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in the "suddenlies" discussed in the sermon. What does this reveal about the work of the Spirit in our lives today?
Personal Application
- In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for a "suddenly" from God? How can you prepare your heart in obedience and faith during this time?
- How can you cultivate a lifestyle of praise and prayer to position yourself for God's sudden intervention?
- Identify a specific action you can take this week to align with God's will and be open to His sudden movements.
- How can you encourage someone in your community who is waiting on God for a sudden breakthrough? What practical steps can you take to support them?
Reflect on these questions and consider discussing them with a friend or small group to deepen your understanding and application of the sermon's message.
