Your Label Is Lying
Pastor Steven Furtick
Sermon Highlights
Don’t label it until later. When I label my situation while I'm still in it, I limit my situation to how I see it.
Some of the hardest seasons you’ll go through will be the ones you look back and say God taught you the most.
Is it ever a bad time to do a good thing?
The devil will try to convince you that your issue is you. Your label is lying.
God has a way of putting the best gifts in the worst boxes. Trust God, not the box.
It’s more impactful to hear about the process, not the product. Freedom involves a journey.
Sometimes God will give you a command that makes no sense in the midst of your condition.
Sometimes God does it now, but you praise Him later. God says, “Praise me now and I’ll explain it later.”
I am not what I did, I am not who I was, I am what God says.
The law says you can’t. The Word says otherwise.
I might be in it, but it is not in me.
Scriptures
John 5:1-11 – Jesus heals the lame man at Bethesda
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Pastor Steven’s message this week was all about labels. If you had to wear a label that described your mood or personality today, what would it say? (ex, need more coffee, let’s talk, low on battery)
Discussion Questions
“Don’t label it until later. When I label my situation while I'm still in it, I limit my situation to how I see it.” What area of your life have you been wanting to label too soon?
“Some of the hardest seasons you’ll go through will be the ones you look back and say God taught you the most.” Share something God has shown you through a challenging season.
Additional Questions
“The devil will try to convince you that your issue is you. Your label is lying.” What label have you been carrying that doesn't match what God says about you?
“Sometimes God does it now, but you praise Him later. God says, ‘Praise me now and I’ll explain it later.’” What can you choose to praise God for right now, even though you haven’t seen it happen yet?
Prayer Prompt
Ask this question to your eGroup and include it as part of your closing prayer:
Pastor Steven taught us that, “God has a way of putting the best gifts in the worst boxes. Trust God, not the box.”
Ask your eGroup: Where are you facing something this week that you need to remember to “trust God, not the box”?
Thank God for this week’s message and the time spent in your group. Thank Him for the reminder that even when we face things that come in ugly packaging, that doesn’t mean He’s not working through them. Pray that as the group leaves here today, they are encouraged that God works through the most challenging situations. Ask God to give each person the comfort of knowing that when they face challenges, there will be a positive label to put on the other side of those challenges.