Discussion Guide | Nov. 30, 2025

December 1st, 2025

Introduction

"But, God… The Words That Change Everything" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon focuses on living authentically in the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love, joy, and peace, rather than just admiring these qualities from a distance. Pastor Bill emphasizes the importance of finding God in both the highs and lows of life, using Joseph's story as a primary example of someone who experienced tremendous hardship but learned to see God's hand in every circumstance. The message challenges us as believers to move beyond surface-level faith to authentic spirituality that acknowledges real struggles while trusting in God's redemptive power. Pastor Bill encourages the us to look for 'but God' moments - times when God intervenes to turn what was meant for harm into good, just as He did with Joseph who was sold into slavery but eventually became a leader in Egypt.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. We ask that You would quiet our minds from the distractions of the week and help us to be fully present with You and with one another. Holy Spirit, we invite You to move among us and speak to each person exactly what they need to hear. Help us to be vulnerable and authentic as we discuss Your Word together. Open our hearts to receive Your truth and give us the courage to apply it to our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one family tradition from Thanksgiving or the holidays that always brings you joy, no matter how simple it might be?

Main Study

Key Verses

Galatians 5:22-23
Genesis 45:8
Genesis 45:7
Philippians 4:19
Lamentations 3:33

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned that emotions can 'move us away' from God's best. Can you think of a time when your emotions led you away from walking in the fruit of the Spirit? How did you find your way back?
Joseph said 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.' What's one difficult situation in your life where you can now see God's hand working for good?
The sermon discussed finding God in both our 'highs and lows.' Why do you think it's often easier to see God in the good times than in the difficult ones?
What does it mean to you personally to 'walk in love' in practical, everyday situations? Can you share an example?
Pastor Bill talked about the importance of authenticity in faith versus just 'looking good' at church. What are some barriers that keep people from being authentic in their spiritual communities?
How can understanding our needs (like the list from Charles Stanley) help us better understand how God wants to meet us where we are?
Joseph learned to 'forget' his troubles and become 'fruitful' in his suffering. What do you think this kind of forgetting looks like in practical terms?
The message emphasized that God doesn't bring sorrow upon us, but He redeems what the enemy meant for harm. How does this perspective change the way you view past hurts or current struggles?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you need to experience a 'but God' moment - perhaps a situation that feels hopeless, a relationship that needs healing, or a personal struggle you're facing. Each day, intentionally look for evidence of God's presence and activity in that situation. Write down what you observe and pray specifically for God to redeem and transform what the enemy meant for harm into something good for His glory and your growth.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace) should be lived out practically in daily life, not just admired as nice concepts
God can be found in both our highest highs and lowest lows - He is present in every circumstance of our lives
Like Joseph, we can learn to reframe our painful experiences by looking for the 'but God' moments where He turns harm into good
Authentic faith requires acknowledging our real struggles and needs rather than pretending everything is perfect
God's power to heal, redeem, and transform is available to us now - not just something we hope for in the future

Ending Prayer

Father God, thank You for this time together and for the truth of Your Word that reminds us You are present in every season of our lives. Help us to leave this place not just inspired, but transformed. Give us eyes to see the 'but God' moments in our own stories and the courage to trust You in the midst of our questions and struggles. May we walk in the fruit of Your Spirit this week, showing Your love in practical ways to those around us. Help us to be authentic in our faith and to find You in both our joys and our sorrows. We commit our needs, our families, and our futures into Your capable hands, knowing that You work all things together for good. In Jesus' powerful name, Amen.

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