The Perfect Storm STUDY GUIDE

For the week of November 12, 2023

Icebreaker: Have you ever been involved in a boat accident, a sinking, or have any harrowing boat stories?

Sermon Title: Better call Paul “The Perfect Storm” – Acts Chapters 27 & 28

Group Discussion:

Read Acts 27:4-8 – A ship sailing against the wind – How can this description of a ship going against the wind be interpreted in terms of broader themes and lessons related to faith, perseverance, and the Lord at work in our own lives? Share examples and strategies to stay on course.

Read Acts 27:9-12 – A ship that is going down – How can the dramatic moment when Paul’s ship was going down be symbolically related to our current world order with local, national, and global challenges? What lessons can we learn and apply from this story about our own resilience, solidarity, and hope in Jesus?

Read Acts 27:20 & 28:11 – A ship full of people who have given up hope and cling to false gods – How can this imagery be seen to our lives today, where false beliefs and deceit are so prominent? How can we improve our discernment to navigate the moral and spiritual misdirection that exists in our culture? Share examples…

Read Acts 28:1 – See Paul Stranded – How do you think this unexpected turn of events affected Paul’s mission? What lessons can we learn and apply based on Paul’s response to the unexpected challenges?

Read Acts 28:14-16 & 28:30-31 – See Paul Stand – How does Paul “standing in Rome” represent his triumph and fulfillment of the Lord’s promise? What lessons can we learn and apply from Paul’s perseverance and faith that may be relevant to our own journey and calling as followers of Jesus?

Read Psalm 23:2–3 – Trust the Lord to take you where He chooses – How can we cultivate a deeper trust in the Lord to direct our paths? Share some personal experiences or stories that highlight the power and lifechanging transformation that result from trusting the Lord’s guidance.

Spiritual Discipline: Prayer and Scripture Memorization

• Pray this week that you will persevere with the Lord’s guidance and truth.
• Study Psalm 23 – Memorize 1-verse per day for 6-days and then recite all six to someone on day-7.

Action Steps: Look for opportunities and beauty along the way

Consider how Paul’s story illustrates the ways in which God wants to intervene and guide events to fulfill His purposes in our lives. This week, allow the Lord to work through you as salt and light; share your story of hope in Jesus, and invite them to church. Be ready to share your experience with the group next week.