Share about a time when you witnessed or experienced an unexpected miracle or answered prayer. How did it impact your faith?

Discussion Questions / Understanding the Message

1. The Good Life vs. Eternal Life: Pastor stated, "The good life ain't gonna happen till you die." How does this perspective challenge our culture's definition of "the good life"? How should this truth shape our daily priorities?
2. The Tuning Fork Analogy: Jesus was described as our "tuning fork" - we all need to be tuned to Him even though we sound different. What does this mean for unity in the church? How can we maintain harmony while embracing our differences?
3. The Ball Valve Illustration: The sermon described how we often live with just a "trickle" of the Holy Spirit rather than the full flow. What might be blocking the full flow of God's presence in your life?

Personal Reflection

4. The Five Adjectives (like-minded, sympathetic, brotherly, tenderhearted, humble):
   • Which of these five characteristics comes most naturally to you?
   • Which one is the most challenging? Why?
   • Share a specific situation where you struggled or succeeded in demonstrating one of these qualities.
5. Blessing Your Enemies: Peter instructs us to bless those who mistreat us rather than returning evil for evil. Can you share about a time when someone wronged you? How did you respond? Looking back, how could you have responded with blessing?
6. Guarding Your Speech (v. 10): "Keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit."
   • What are the most common ways you struggle with your words (gossip, harsh tone, sarcasm, complaining, lying)?
   • What practical steps can you take this week to guard your tongue?

Going Deeper

7. Practicing God's Presence: Pastor shared his practice of waking at 2:30 AM to pray and the importance of "practicing His presence" throughout the day.
   • How aware are you of God's presence in your daily activities?
   • What would change in your life if you truly practiced awareness that Jesus is always with you?
8. Fear vs. Reverence: In verse 14, we're told "do not fear their fear." The sermon explained we shouldn't fear what others fear, but should fear (revere) God alone.
   • What fears from the world around you have you adopted?
   • How can reverencing God help you overcome these fears?
9. Being Ready to Give a Defense (v. 15):
   • When was the last time someone asked you about your faith or why you live differently?
   • How prepared do you feel to explain your hope in Christ "with gentleness and respect"?
   • What's stopping you from being more vocal about your faith?

Spend time praying for:

• Marriages and families in your group - for alignment, love, and Christ-centered relationships
• Hearts to be reworked by the Holy Spirit - to love better and do better
• Boldness and gentleness to share our faith when opportunities arise
• Full flow of the Holy Spirit - that whatever is blocking God's presence would be removed
• Those who are suffering - for physical healing, emotional healing, and spiritual strength
• Lost family members and friends - by name, believing God for their salvation