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Pastor Robert Madu preaching "I’m Annoyed" at Elevation Church

I’m Annoyed

Pastor Robert Madu

July 19, 2023
• 95min. read
•
eGroups
Watch full sermon

Conversation Starters

Looking for a way to get the group talking? Try one of these conversation starters.

  • Have you ever been surprised by accommodations you’ve received on a trip? Did you get a beautiful room for a great price? Were your Airbnb pictures misleading? 

  • What are your biggest pet peeves?

Sermon Reflection

Help transition the group to the discussion with one of these questions. 

  • What stood out to you from this week’s message?

  • What from the message encouraged you/challenged you the most?

Sermon Discussion

Select 1-2 themes from the sermon to discuss with your eGroup.

  • In Acts 16:6-10 the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from sharing the Gospel in certain places. It can be hard to understand God’s “no” when we have right motives and are attempting to act on God’s purpose for us. 

    • When you feel like a door has closed in your life, do you tend to wonder why, or see it as an opportunity? 

    • Have you heard a “no” from God recently, or is there an area in your life that you feel like a door has closed? How have you responded so far?

    • When you get a “no” from the Holy Spirit, how can you make more space in your life to pause and hear from God? (examples: praying for wisdom, journaling what you’re feeling, etc)

  • Pastor Robert Madu said that when your reality is contradictory to the vision God gave, you should stick to the mission. In Acts 16:9-10, Paul saw a vision in the night of a man begging for help in Macedonia. But when Paul arrived, he didn’t find a man, but several women who were open to the Gospel. So Paul shared the Gospel with them. 

    • Share about a time when an obstacle or disappointment turned out to be a new opportunity.

    • How do you stay focused on your goal, or the mission God has for your life, when faced with disappointment, confusion, and annoyances?

    • Name one thing that has you feeling annoyed or confused in your life. What is one thing you can do this week to stay “on assignment” in the face of this challenge?

  • In Acts 16:19-34, Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten severely, and thrown into prison although they were faithful to what God had called them to do. Sometimes we equate dark seasons with disobedience, but you can be obedient to God and still find yourself in a dark season. Even though they were in a dark season, Paul and Silas kept worshiping God and found deliverance.

    • Have you ever done something you knew was right, but still had tough consequences? Share an example. 

    • What are you currently going through that God is asking you to endure for a season?

    • How can you honor God this week even in difficult situations? (examples: play your favorite worship song when you feel discouraged, pray to God for strength to do what He wants you to do, etc.)

  • In prison, Paul met a man who needed the Gospel — the prison guard. If all the prisoners escaped, the guard’s life would have been in danger. But when Paul shared the Gospel with him, his entire family was saved. It’s difficult in dark times to see how God might be at work, but He is working in ways we might not imagine.

    • Share about a time when God did something miraculous while you were in a dark place.

    • In dark times, how can you remain faithful so that God can continue His work in/through you?

    • Identify one or two people in your life who could be influenced by your witness in a dark place. How can you pray for and be an example to them this week?

Activating Faith

Challenge your group to keep activating their faith. Make this a part of your eGroup time or send this activity to them after you meet.Paul understood through the Holy Spirit that although the woman spoke truth, she had a spirit that needed to be cast out. As soon as he commanded the spirit to leave her, she was free. Have you been held back by a negative spirit in your life recently? (depression, anxiety, addiction, or something else) Take some time this week to pray that God reveals anything in your life that needs to be addressed. Share this with a trusted person that can help walk through this with you. 

Prayer

Close out your group with prayer using one of these options:

  • Have each person share one thing about God that they are thankful for. Use these to give glory and praise to God through a prayer of worship and adoration. 

  • Holy Spirit, thank you for speaking and moving in us constantly. Help us to understand our assignment and empower us to fulfill it. Give us guidance and direction as we navigate open and closed doors. Remind us of your goodness and glory in our dark moments so that we can give you the honor and worship you deserve every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Additional Resources

Want to help your group go deeper after you meet? Send them one of these resources that relates to the sermon topic.