First Things First
Ben Graves
Sermon Summary
When life feels like it’s beating you up, it’s tempting to just slip away and hide. But God hasn’t called you to a cave; He’s called you to contend for a legacy.
Sermon Highlights
When a sphere of influence is vacated by an ambassador, it opens the door for an enemy to invade.
God is in the business of showing up in dark places.
You have been given a territory and a promise.
Even if you’ve been hiding, the hiding doesn’t define you, and it’s not where you were called to live.
Stop complaining about the cave and step into the anointing God has given you.
Stop being so focused on what’s ahead of you that you miss Who’s above you.
Turn down the voice of lies and turn up the voice of the Father speaking your identity.
There is no way you can operate in freedom if you see yourself as a slave.
God will always speak to who you’re becoming.
You + God is all you need.
What’s your legacy going to be? The one who contends with _____.
Scriptures
Read this week’s scriptures. Ask your group what stands out to them.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Choose the one that works best for your group!
Ben talked about his daughter’s first time on a plane. Are you a window-seat or an aisle-seat person?
Ben shared about his grandfather overcoming addiction and having a fruitful ministry late in life. It illustrates that it’s never too late for God to set you free. Do you have someone to celebrate in your life who has experienced freedom from addiction?
Discussion Questions
“God is in the business of showing up in dark places.” God found Gideon hiding out in a dark place. Was there a time in your life when you were hiding from something God called you to? How did God bring you out of that place?
“Turn down the voice of lies and turn up the voice of the Father speaking your identity.” God called Gideon a mighty warrior while he was still hiding (Judges 6:12). What identity is God speaking over you?
Not sure? Ben also said, “God will always speak to who you’re becoming.” Who do you think God is calling you to become?
“You + God is all you need.” Where do you need to remember that the Lord is on your side this week?
Gideon dealt with sin that had been passed down in his family, and his name was changed to Jerub-Baal (Judges 6:32), which means “The one who contends with Baal.” What’s your legacy going to be? Start by filling in the blank: The one who contends with _______.
Prayer Prompt
Ask your eGroup if they have any prayer requests or praise reports they’d like to share, and include them in your closing prayer.
Pray this prayer over your eGroup to close, and/or send it to them throughout the week to let them know you’re praying for them!
Dear Lord, we thank You that even when we’re tempted to run to a dark place and hide, You find us. You aren’t confused about our identity or our calling. We’re so grateful that You are on our side as we stand with courage in the spaces You’ve called us to contend for. We ask for Your strength as we walk with purpose this week. Amen.