KE Group Questions
Week of September 20, 2026

Soaring Over Fear

 "Take Flight" Series -- Acts 4:23-31
Overview
This week's message explored what it means to truly take flight in the Spirit rather than remain grounded by fear. Drawing from Acts 4, the sermon challenged us to examine what keeps us earthbound -- fear of man, fear of failure, fear of stepping out -- and to discover that the secret to staying lifted is continually lifting up the name of Jesus. Through personal stories, testimonies from Sri Lanka, and the example of Peter and John standing boldly before the religious authorities, we were reminded that God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power.

Key Takeaways
  • The secret to staying lifted in the Spirit is continually lifting up the name of Jesus. When He is lifted up, we are lifted up.
  • Fear is the primary weapon the enemy uses to ground us. Perfect love casts out fear.
  • Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit and that filling produced boldness, not silence.
  • We are called to be vessels that are emptied of self, purified, and set aside for the Master's use. Only then can God fill us and use us.
  • Christianity is not a religion of going through motions. It is a relationship that produces bold, active faith.
  • God is not finished with you. If you are alive, He still has a purpose for you to fulfill.

Opening Question
Take a few minutes before diving into the discussion. Ask each person to share one word that describes how they feel when they sense God calling them to step out in faith.

Discussion Questions
Section 1: What Grounds Us
  1. The sermon described several things that can "ground" us -- what people think of us, our past trauma, disappointments, even small inconveniences. What are the most common things in your own life that pull you down from a place of faith into a place of fear or discouragement?
  2. Pastor Josh described how some Christians have allowed their identity to become wrapped up in their trauma -- that trauma becomes what defines conversations and limits forward movement. Can you think of a time when you allowed a past hurt or difficulty to keep you from stepping into something God was calling you toward?
  3. In Acts 4, Peter and John faced arrest, intimidation, and direct orders to stop speaking about Jesus. What specific pressures or social consequences do you face when you try to live out or speak about your faith openly?

Section 2: The Filling of the Holy Spirit
  1. Pastor Anton asked a pointed question: Why did the disciples wait until they received the Holy Spirit before going out in ministry? What does that tell us about the importance of being filled before we try to pour out?
  2. He also described different kinds of vessels -- cracked, dirty, empty, or full of holes -- and said that unless a vessel is purified and set aside for the Master's use, it cannot be used effectively. Which of those descriptions resonates most with you in this season of your life, and why?
  3. Read Acts 4:29-31. In this passage, the early believers did not pray for the persecution to stop. They prayed for boldness to keep speaking. What does that tell us about how God wants us to respond to opposition rather than asking Him to simply remove it?

Section 3: Bold Faith in Action
  1. Pastor Josh shared that before preaching to a crowd of Buddhists and Hindus in Sri Lanka, fear could have easily taken hold of him. He prayed and asked God for a word, and the Lord directed him to preach about Jesus as the cure. Describe a moment in your own life when you had to push through fear to obey God. What happened?
  2. Pastor Anton challenged the group by saying that if we have Jesus in us, we have something to give. He recalled the story of Peter and John at the temple gate, who said they had no silver or gold but gave what they had. What do you have right now -- spiritually, practically, relationally -- that you could offer to someone around you who does not yet know Christ?
  3. The sermon made a distinction between casual, seat-warming Christianity and active, Spirit-empowered faith. What is one specific area of your life where you know God is calling you to move from the sideline to active participation?

Section 4: Staying Lifted
  1. The message offered a simple but powerful principle: if we keep lifting up His name in every circumstance -- a difficult boss, a financial setback, a relational conflict -- we stay lifted. How realistic does that feel to you in your daily life? What would it practically look like for you to respond to a hard moment this week with praise rather than panic?
  2. Pastor Anton closed by saying he always reminds people of two things: if you are alive, God is not finished with you, and He wants you working, not just sitting. How does that statement challenge or encourage you personally right now?

Practical Applications
Choose at least one of the following to put into practice before your group meets again.
For Personal Growth: Identify one area of your life where fear has kept you grounded. Write it down. Each morning this week, speak a declaration of faith over that specific area and intentionally lift up the name of Jesus in the middle of it rather than rehearsing the fear.
For Relational Courage: Think of one person in your life -- a neighbor, coworker, family member, or friend -- who does not know Jesus. Commit to one intentional conversation with that person this week. It does not have to be a full gospel presentation. It can be a simple act of kindness, a genuine question about their life, or sharing something God has done for you.
For the Body: If there is a broken relationship within your church community, your family, or your circle of friends, take a step toward reconciliation this week. As the sermon reminded us, we cannot take communion in an unworthy manner and expect to walk in God's fullness. Getting right with one another is part of staying lifted.
For Intercession: Spend time this week praying specifically for the nation of Sri Lanka and for believers who are preaching the gospel in places where they face real opposition. Consider whether God might be calling you to support that work financially or through consistent prayer.

Memory Verse for the Week
Joshua 1:9 -- God's command to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or dismayed, because He is with us wherever we go. Meditate on this verse daily and allow it to replace any voice of fear that rises up throughout the week.

Growing spiritually takes a daily personal walk with God and a gathering together in fellowship with other believers.

Our corporate gathering is for equipping the saints, but meeting in small groups allows regular individual
participation so that personal needs can be addressed.

Small groups also foster growth in ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit, accountability, and the support
necessary to be a healthy member of the family of God.

The leadership of Praise Tabernacle has encouraged group leaders to be missional and evangelistic
in their approach to leading these groups.

The ultimate goal is Kingdom Expansion.

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