True Story: Power of God and Power from God – Acts 16In Acts 16 we read the true story of how Paul and Silas faced grueling times but stayed strong, joyful, and full of faith. Instead of relying on themselves, they leaned on God because true story…the Holy Spirit gives us power.
LIVE OAK CONNECTION POINT:
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- ICE BREAKER: HIGH, LOW, BUFFALO? Take turns & everyone shares each of the these:
A HIGH (something great from the past 2 weeks),
A LOW (something that was challenging from the past few weeks),
And a BUFFALO (something random from the past 2 weeks…it can be anything…the more random the better).
- READ: Acts 16:6-40
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.
OBSERVATIONS: What are the things that stand out to you about this passage?
How would you summarize this passage in one sentence?
What does this passage tell me about who God is?
What does this passage tell me about who I am?
- What all do you see here about how God made an impact? Who all were impacted by God in Acts 16?
- READ: Acts 16:25. Doug said that this is the hinge of the story where everything turns. “About midnight” Paul and Silas responded in a very significant way. They turned to the LORD. Where do you find yourself turning in the wrong ways in your “about midnight” difficult situations?
- Paul and Silas chose to worship in that difficult situation. Doug talked about how we can ZOOM IN on our circumstance, but we can also choose to ZOOM OUT on the big picture of who God is and what God has promised. Where are you today? What are you focusing on? What could you zoom in on and what should you zoom out on?
- Doug also pointed out that Paul and Silas were in this together. There is strength in numbers and power in finding your few. Christ and Community make a difference. What does it look like for you to lean into your community in tough times?
- Paul and Silas were faithful to go where God sent them, even if it cost them, and their faithfulness to God made a difference as “the other prisoners were listening to them” as they worshipped in the jail. Where has God placed you, or where is God sending you, where you could rely on His power and see to make an impact?
- God send us out to reach others and make a difference, but we can only do it with His presence and power. READ: Acts 1:4-8.
What stands out about this passage? What truths are there in this passage we should apply to our lives?
- Doug gave this bottom-line truth that is a promise we can count on: “God gives me strength so we can rely on Him”. Where is an area in your life right now where you need to rely on God and His strength?
- What else stood out from this week’s sermon?
APPLICATION: What is your big takeaway from this week’s sermon? Be specific.
NEXT STEPS:
Everyone has a next step to apply what we’ve learned. What’s your next step?Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE:*Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
Acts 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
PRAYER:Encourage your group to pray this prayer often in 2026 & use to close your group time.A 2026 Prayer for MORE: Ephesians 3:14-21
“Heavenly Father, Help me to engage with you MORE. Work in me to make me MORE like you. Use me to help MORE people know you. Make my story about your glory! Amen.”
Scripture References:
Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:1-12; Acts 16