Let It Spring Forth Walking in Wisdom and Power – Week 5 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19 Study by: Carol and Des Joyce Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes Praise, Thanks and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. This can be done as a whole group or in subgroups, and can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Pray In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Look Up Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes Setting the Scene Theme: Like Stephen, we’re called to live with spiritual wisdom and power—even when it’s costly. Memorise a Scripture that calls you to have courage. Ask the Spirit to help you live it boldly — for example, Joshua 1:9. Sharing Question Has anyone ever told a lie about you? If so, share it and say why you thought that person lied about you. How has it affected your relationship with that person? Read Isaiah 43:19, Acts 6:8, Psalm 119:105 Now read Isaiah 42:1–9 and Isaiah 43:19. Discuss Describe a new thing that you have seen God cause to happen in your recent life (perhaps in the last decade) as a Christian. Read Acts 6:8–15. In view of verses 8 and 10, what do you think Stephen must have been like? What would you expect in a person like Stephen? This group of “freedmen” had been freed from slavery in various regions. Compare the opposition to Stephen with that opposing Christ (see John 2:13–21 and 5:21–24) and the apostles before the Sanhedrin (see Acts 5:27–28). What are some similarities and differences? Stephen performed “great wonders and miraculous signs.” Do we see these things in the life of Hope Valley Church? If not, where do we start? Stephen was a man “full of God’s grace and power.” What adjectives would you like to use to describe your spiritual life? Re-read Acts 6:8 & 15 from The Message. Describe some things that you would definitely describe as “unmistakable signs that God was among them.” What do you think that “the face of an angel” would look like? (Hint: There may not be just one correct answer!) 3. Look Forward Living Out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes Commentary (Enduring Word Bible): Popular opinion can be easily shaped. The same crowds that praised Jesus (Luke 19:35–40) soon called for His crucifixion (Luke 23:18–23). The crowds that loved the apostles (Acts 2:47, 5:26) cry out against Stephen. This is why we should never let popular opinion shape the vision or focus of the church, but let it rest on God’s eternal Word. How can we discern that the vision of the church at Hope Valley rests on God’s eternal Word? (Hint: see Acts 6:10) If you sense that God has a word for His church at Hope Valley, be bold and share it with your group. Memorise Psalm 119:105 if you have not already done so. Say it aloud as a group: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Video 🎵 Amy Grant – “Thy Word” Pray Stephen is a great example of the “complete package”: Servant-hearted, humble, using his gifts for the sake of others. Loving people in practical ways but always drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit. Begin your prayer time in quiet reflection and ask Jesus to show you who and how you can serve, share the good news with, pray for, or invite. Now would be a good time to ask others for the laying on of hands for the Holy Spirit to enliven you for God’s service. Pray for those on your Relational Map. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au