Pastor Lionel shared about the lessons from the storm (Mark 4:35-41)
1. The calm before the storm (vs 35-36)
Pastor Lionel shared that God had a divine assignment for Jesus. Jesus travelled through a storm across the sea to the country of the Gerasenes, only to deliver a man who was demon-possessed (Legion). Pastor Lionel asked whether this fierce storm was a natural phenomenon or a demonic attack.
Lesson 1: In life, storms come even when we are doing God’s will.
2. The calm during the storm (vs 37-38)
Pastor Lionel shared about the contrasting responses between Jesus and the disciples - Jesus slept in the storm while his disciples were worried.
Lesson 2: We can still find peace in a storm as we find rest in God (Isa 26:3-4)
3. The calm after the storm (vs 38-39)
The disciples called on Jesus to save them, and Jesus calmed the wind and the waves with a word.
Lesson 3: When in a storm, it is of utmost importance to seek God for help and wait patiently upon Him for deliverance. (Ps 55:22, Ps 91:14-16)
4. The inner storm in the calm (vs 40-41)
Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith after He stilled the storm. Jesus revealed His divinity to His disciples (Ps 65:7, Ps 89:9)
Lesson 4: God often uses the storms of life to draw us closer to Him! (Psalm 107:23-32 NLT)
Discussion Questions
1. Read Mark 4:35-41. Pastor Lionel shared about different lessons learnt from the storm. Share your thoughts about one of the lessons taught. [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: A recap question for members to look at the various lessons and think about which speaks to them. Leaders can also ask members to think about the following questions 1. What is your view about Christians experiencing hardships - does it mean that we have done something wrong and not honouring God? 2. Why were the responses of Jesus and the disciples so different - how do we respond and how can he learn to be still in the storms? 3. When facing a storm, is it easy or difficult for you to turn to God - what helps or hinders? 4. Why did Jesus rebuke the disciples in verse 40, for their unbelief or ‘have no faith’ - what did He hope they knew or could learn from the experience?
2. Share a time when you encountered a setback that got you questioning God’s goodness and character - how did you respond? Looking back, what lessons did you learn? [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: A relate and reflect question for members to share about their experiences. The goodness of God is one of the many attributes of God and it is in His character. Ps 34:8 tells us that the Lord is good and blessed is one who takes refuge in Him. This question serves to draw out challenging experiences in the past where members have doubted God’s goodness in their lives. Through the lessons learnt, leaders can encourage members to re-focus on God’s goodness and to be thankful. Leaders can choose to break into smaller groups to share.
Some promises found in the Scripture on God’s goodness (adapted from beliefnet) include:
a. Don’t be anxious – Phi 4:6
b. God created everything – 1 Tim 4:4
c. God is good to all – Ps 145:9
d. God is love – Ps 100:5
e. God give good gifts – Jam 1:17
f. God is true – 2 Sam 7:28
g. Fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:22
h. God is our Helper – Heb 13:6
i. God gave us His Son – John 6:69
j. We can trust God – Pro 3:5.
3. Jesus said to the storm “Peace! Be still!” and the storm was stilled (vs 39). What is an area of your life that you need Jesus to speak life and peace into? Share with your cell members and pray for each other. [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: Leaders can get members to respond by believing on the greatness of God and speaking life and peace into the situation. (leaders can ask members to read the verses mentioned (Ps 89:9; Ps 107:28-32) in the sermon synopsis) before breaking into groups to share and pray. Leaders can also ask members to share a verse that they are meditating on or holding on to in this process of trusting God.
