Guest Speaker: Lee Grady
Main Scriptures: Acts 16, Acts 2:42, 2 Timothy 3:1–5
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Sermon Overview
In his message Bonds of Steel, guest speaker Lee Grady reminds us that revival is not just about miracles, power, or signs and wonders—it’s also about love and relationships. From the life of the Apostle Paul, we see how God builds strong relational bonds to advance His Kingdom. Paul’s partnerships with Timothy, Barnabas, and Luke show us that no one can fulfill their calling alone. Christianity is not “just me and Jesus”—it’s about fellowship, discipleship, and learning to love people the way God loves us.
Why This Study?
This study will help you discover why relationships are essential to a healthy Christian life. By opening your Bible each day, you’ll see how the Holy Spirit connects believers, heals brokenness, and calls us to invest in others. As you walk through these five days, you’ll learn how to:
- Value the relationships God has placed in your life.
- Listen to the Holy Spirit’s direction in community.
- Understand the biblical meaning of koinonia (fellowship).
- Allow Jesus to heal wounds that hinder love.
- Identify mentors, friends, and disciples in your own journey.
The benefit of this study: You will grow in both love and unity, developing “bonds of steel” that strengthen the Church and equip you to live out revival with others.
How to Use This Study Guide
This guide is designed to help you go deeper into God’s Word and put Sunday’s message into practice. Each day includes a focus, key Scriptures (with references for you to open and read in your own Bible), a quote from the sermon, discussion questions for Roads Groups, and a simple application step.
Set aside time each day to open your Bible, read the passage out loud, and let God’s Word shape your heart.
Day 1 – Relationships at the Heart of Revival
Focus:
When we think of revival, we often picture miracles, healings, and the power of the Holy Spirit. But true New Testament revival also requires New Testament love. Paul’s ministry shows us that relationships are not optional—they are the very fabric of revival.
Big Idea: You can’t have revival without love.
Key Scripture: Find and read Acts 16:1–3 in your Bible.
Quote from Lee Grady:
“If you’re going to have New Testament revival, you have to have New Testament love. You can’t have revival without love.”
Discussion Questions
- New Christians: What does this passage show you about Paul’s need for Timothy? Why do you think God designed revival to include relationships instead of just power?
- Mature Christians: How does Paul’s choice to bring Timothy with him reveal his heart for mentoring? How does this challenge you to disciple others?
- Jr. & Sr. High Students: Why do you think Paul wanted Timothy, a young man, on his team? What does this say about how God values young people?
- Families with Young Children: After reading Acts 16:1–3 together, talk about why Paul saw value in a younger believer. How can we show our kids that their faith matters now?
- Families with Teenagers: Read the passage together. How can teens in the family be like Timothy—ready to learn and serve in God’s mission?
Application Step:
Ask God to show you one relationship in your life that He wants you to strengthen this week. Write down a name and one practical step you can take.
- Families with Young Children: As a family, talk about one way you can encourage each other this week (draw a picture, pray together, or share kind words).
- Families with Teenagers: As a family, decide on one intentional way you will invest in each other this week (a family devotion, meal, or activity where everyone shares what God is teaching them).
Day 2 – Following the Spirit’s Lead
Focus:
Paul wanted to go to Asia and Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit said no. Instead, God gave Paul a vision to go to Macedonia. Revival requires more than zeal—it requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes His “no” is leading us to His best.
Big Idea: God’s mission is fulfilled when we obey His direction.
Key Scripture: Find and read Acts 16:6–10.
Quote from Lee Grady:
“We can’t just do our agenda in ministry. We have to obey the Holy Spirit’s agenda.”
Discussion Questions
- New Christians: What does this passage teach you about listening to the Holy Spirit? Why is His “no” just as important as His “yes”?
- Mature Christians: How can we guard against pushing ahead with our own plans rather than waiting for God’s direction?
- Jr. & Sr. High Students: What do you think it felt like for Paul when the Spirit kept saying “no”? How do you think God uses closed doors in our lives?
- Families with Young Children: Read Acts 16:9–10 together. Talk about how God gave Paul a dream to show him what to do. How might God guide us today?
- Families with Teenagers: After reading Acts 16:6–10, discuss as a family how you’ve seen God redirect your path in the past.
Application Step:
Pause today and ask the Holy Spirit, “Am I following my plan or Yours?” Write down one area where you need to wait or listen more closely.
- Families with Young Children: Pray together and ask God to guide your family this week. Talk about how you can listen for His voice in everyday choices.
- Families with Teenagers: As a family, share one time you felt God redirect your plans. Encourage each other to listen for His leading in school, work, and relationships.
Day 3 – Fellowship: A Bond of Steel
Focus:
When Luke joined Paul’s team, the language in Acts shifted from “they” to “we.” This was the beginning of deep spiritual fellowship—what the New Testament calls koinonia. True fellowship is not just hanging out; it’s the Spirit forging relationships that strengthen us for God’s mission.
Big Idea: Fellowship is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
Key Scripture: Find and read Acts 2:42.
Quote from Lee Grady:
“When God connects you with somebody, that is just as much a work of the Holy Ghost as when He heals or delivers.”
Discussion Questions
- New Christians: What four things did the early church devote themselves to in Acts 2:42? How can you begin practicing these in your own life?
- Mature Christians: How does koinonia go beyond casual friendship? How do you see the Spirit forging these kinds of bonds in the church?
- Jr. & Sr. High Students: Why do you think God wants us to share meals, prayer, and fellowship as part of being Christians?
- Families with Young Children: Read Acts 2:42. Talk about how we can “break bread” together at home and pray as a family.
- Families with Teenagers: Read the verse together. How can your family be more intentional about fellowship with others in your church or community?
Application Step:
Reach out to someone in your church family this week for fellowship—invite them to coffee, dinner, or simply pray together.
- Families with Young Children: Plan a simple meal or playdate with another family from church and talk together about Jesus.
- Families with Teenagers: Invite another family or some of your teen’s friends over. Share a meal and end with prayer together.
Day 4 – Healing Brokenness in Relationships
Focus:
Many believers avoid relationships because of past hurts. But God wants to heal those wounds so we can love again. Paul warned Timothy that in the last days people would be “unloving” and “irreconcilable.” The Church must be different—known by our forgiveness and love.
Big Idea: Jesus heals our hearts so we can love others.
Key Scripture: Find and read 2 Timothy 3:1–5.
Quote from Lee Grady:
“If you don’t love people, you don’t love God.”
Discussion Questions
- New Christians: What attitudes and behaviors does Paul warn about in 2 Timothy 3? Which of these do you see in the world today?
- Mature Christians: How do our own wounds or offenses make it difficult to love? How can surrendering them to Jesus free us to build stronger bonds?
- Jr. & Sr. High Students: Which warning in 2 Timothy 3:1–5 stands out to you most? How does Jesus help us live differently?
- Families with Young Children: Read part of this passage together. Ask your kids: What does it mean to love instead of being selfish?
- Families with Teenagers: Read the full passage. Talk honestly about how your family has experienced brokenness or hurt, and how Jesus calls you to forgiveness.
Application Step:
Ask God to show you one hurt or offense you need to release. Pray over it and commit to forgiving as Christ forgave you.
- Families with Young Children: Practice forgiveness together—role play saying “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” as a family.
- Families with Teenagers: Share honestly as a family about a time you needed forgiveness. Pray together and choose to let go of any offenses.
Day 5 – Investing in Others
Focus:
Every Christian needs a Paul (mentor), a Barnabas (friend), and a Timothy (disciple). God didn’t call us to live isolated lives but to invest in relationships that strengthen us and multiply His Kingdom. Healing leads to freedom, and freedom leads to investment.
Big Idea: Strong discipleship requires both receiving and giving.
Key Scripture: Find and read 2 Timothy 2:2.
Quote from Lee Grady:
“Every believer needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy.”
Discussion Questions
- New Christians: Who are the “Pauls” in your life that you can learn from? How can you take the next step in being discipled?
- Mature Christians: Who are the Timothys God is calling you to pour into? How can you be intentional in discipling them?
- Jr. & Sr. High Students: Do you have Christian friends who encourage you like Barnabas encouraged Paul? How can you be that kind of friend?
- Families with Young Children: Read 2 Timothy 2:2. Talk about how parents and children can learn from each other and share Jesus with others.
- Families with Teenagers: As a family, identify together who has been a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in your life. How can you each step into one of these roles now?
Application Step:
Identify one person you can encourage, mentor, or invest in this week. Pray for them by name and take one step toward building that relationship.
- Families with Young Children: As a family, think of one person (neighbor, teacher, or friend) you can encourage. Make a card, bake a treat, or pray for them together.
- Families with Teenagers: Identify a younger child, student, or family friend you can encourage or invest in. As a family, decide how you can reach out this week.