At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
This link is updated weekly, so we encourage you to select the “Email” button at the bottom to send your notes to yourself when you’re finished.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
PERFECT TIMING
Galatians 4:4-7 (NLT)
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Romans 5:6 (NLT)
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Acts 8:26-29 (NLT)
26 As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south[a] down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
When we pray for divine encounters, we’re inviting God to orchestrate moments where his love and truth intersect with the lives of those we encounter. —Francis Chan
RHYTHM AND PACE
Acts 8:30-31 (NLT)
30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
1) Pastor Josh talked about the importance of awareness. Why is awareness is so important to your spiritual and natural life?
Our purpose in life is to be loved by God. What happens when we lack awareness of God’s love for us?
2) The problem with stress is that the “bill comes later.” What is the cost of unchecked stress? What are some ways that we add to the stress our lives and how can we avoid it?
3) A sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit is essential in life-changing opportunities. What are some ways you can make yourself more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
What are some things that can hinder that sensitivity, and what can you do to identify and remove those things?
Personal Reflection
1) What causes you stress? While stress is a natural response, if left unchecked, stress can take your focus off of the things of God and dull your senstivity to the Holy Spirit.
Have you allowed stress to affect your spiritual walk? If so, how? What steps should you take to remove this stress and focus again on God?