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WEEK 5 - CHRIS PERSTROPE

THE OVERTIME

We're going into OVERTIME.

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The Overtime is a new podcast from Connect Church STL where we go beyond the Sunday message, have honest conversations, ask the questions that come up along the way, and hear stories from people who have seen God move in their lives.

GROUP CHAT

Want to go deeper in the message? We have just the study for you! Each week, we offer a video, along with discussion questions! You can do this study by yourself, with a friend, or even your family! You'll find those questions below!

OVERVIEW

BIG IDEA: God wants to send us with a peace that the world cannot comprehend.

Memory Verse

Isaiah 26:3 ESV “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM SUNDAY

  • God is a keeping God. He does not always keep us FROM trials, but He always keeps us THROUGH them. Both are expressions of His faithfulness.

  • Perfect peace is double peace. The Hebrew phrase in Isaiah 26:3 is "Shalom Shalom" -- a doubled word indicating a deep, layered, soul-level calm that is not dependent on circumstances.

  • A steadfast mind is our responsibility. God does the heavy lifting, but we are called to lean the full weight of our thoughts and imaginations toward Him rather than letting our minds run unchecked.

  • Prophecy fulfilled is a reason for confidence. From the reestablishment of Israel in 1948 to the judgments described in Revelation, what God says will happen, happens. That track record is a foundation for trust.

  • The trial produces the testimony. If God only ever kept us from difficulty, we would never fully know or appreciate His comfort, His power, or His presence in the fire.

ICE BREAKER

Think of a time when you were surrounded by chaos but felt an unexpected sense of calm, or when you watched someone else remain at peace in a situation that would have rattled most people. What stood out to you about that?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

God’s Judgment and Our Priorities

  • Question 1: The message said that God’s warnings are meant to wake us up. What is one thing in your life that God may be trying to get your attention about?

  • Question 2:  What are some things people often invest in that will not last? What does it look like to invest more in God and people?

God’s Kingdom and Control

  • Question 3:  Isaiah 25 describes a future where God removes sorrow, shame, and death. How does that future hope help you face life today?

  • Question 4:  What is one area of your life that feels out of control right now? How can you trust God with it?

God Keeps Us Through Trials

  • Question 5:  Pastor Chris mentioned, “Sometimes God keeps us FROM trials. Sometimes God keeps us THROUGH trials.” Which one have you experienced recently?

  • Question 6:  Which Bible story that includes intense trials connects with you most right now: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel, Jonah, Paul, David, or Joseph? Why?

Perfect Peace

  • Question 7:  Isaiah 26:3 says God gives perfect peace to the person whose mind is fixed on Him. What does your mind usually run to when you feel stressed, anxious, or frustrated?

  • What is one practical way you can “lean hard” on God this week?

Closing Question

  • Question 8:  What is one step you can take this week to live with more of God’s peace?

CLOSING PRAYER FOCUS

As you close in prayer, consider some of these concepts as you meet with God together.   

  1. Gratitude -- Thank God that He is a keeping God, both from and through.

  2. Surrender -- Ask Him to help each person in the group shift the full weight of their anxious thoughts onto Him this week.

  3. Confidence -- Declare together that what God has promised, He will fulfill, and that His peace is available right now, not just in a future season.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS

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