Wrestle it Out

GOAL:

To understand that our success in life is determined by our willingness to relentlessly pursue God and His plans for you.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

  • Would you rather mow the grass or shovel snow?

  • What podcasts have you listened to/books have you read recently?

REVIEW:

Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.

DISCUSSION

Wrestle

Read: Genesis 32:22-32

  • Read Genesis 32:22-32. Why do you think Jacob was wrestling the man (before he knew that he was God)? What did Jacob do that ensured his blessing?

  • A common theme of Jacob’s life was that he was struggling against man (his father, brother, father-in-law) to be blessed. Why is it important to know that blessing comes from God? What happens when we try to seek blessings from man?

  • Jacob literally wrestled with God. What do you think it means for us to wrestle through different situations?

  • Why do you think that God changed Jacob’s name after Jacob wrestled with Him? Who else in the Bible received name changes, and how did it affect their lives and identities?

  • Compare and contrast Jacob’s encounters with God in Genesis 28 and in Genesis 32. How was Jacob’s wrestling match with God different than God’s promise to him in Genesis 28? What caused the change in Jacob?

It’s In Me!

Read: Ephesians 4:21-24

  • What do you think keeps people from wrestling with God? What is easier to do, wrestle with God like Jacob, or wrestle with man?

  • What are some things you have had to wrestle through in your life? How did God use the situation for His glory?

  • Why is it important to remember that God is not the cause of our struggles?

  • Read Ephesians 4:21-23. Based on this passage, what internal characteristics do you think God wants us to develop? Why do you think God wants to work on us from the inside before he takes us to a new level?

  • What changes have you seen God make on the inside of you recently?

  • Is there anything that you think causes people to resist allowing God to change them from the inside? Why?

ACT ON IT

Write down the areas you have wrestled through and how you grew through those situations. Take some time to thank God for bringing you through those situations stronger, wiser, and more in tune with His Will. Thank God that the next time you wrestle through something, He will continue to make you more like Him and that you will navigate every situation in perfect peace and confidence.

BEFORE YOU CLOSE:

Read: John 6:1-10

When Jesus received the five loaves and two fish, he did not choose to complain or talk about how the food was not plentiful enough to feed all the people. Instead, he took the time to be thankful, and God blessed the food and multiplied it. When we give, we know that God promises us a reward, but sometimes what comes back to us seems small. Instead of being discouraged, we need to approach God with an attitude of thankfulness. When we thank God, like Jesus did, God will be able to continue to bless us.

Take a moment, if you haven’t already and honor God with your tithe. Or, if you have already tithed, consider what God would ask for you to do going forward. With the end of the year coming up, consider what you could give to God as an offering that would show Him your thankfulness. You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.

PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES

Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need.