What has happened so far in 2025?
And what’s going to happen in the rest of this year? Only God knows!

But almost certainly:
There will be FIRE!

Why? Because you live in a fallen world surrounded by fallen people, an existence in which you sin, you are sinned against, and you suffer.

1. God Still Exercises Sovereign Control. (2:20-22, 44)
​Examples of God’s sovereignty in this narrative and in your life

2. Your Biblical Convictions Will Be Tested. (v. 16-17)
​This is a Focus of Worship issue

3. ​Sometimes You’re Safest in the Fire! (v. 19-23)
​What are some of God’s good purposes in ordaining trouble for you?

-Adversity shifts your attention from yourself to God. (Ps. 25:1-2)
-Adversity reminds you of your weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
-Adversity motivates you to be aware of God’s presence (the “fear of the Lord”, Prov. 9:10)
-Adversity calls you to self-examination; exposes pride (James 4:6)

So how should you respond to the trouble God ordains for you?

“No temptation (Gr. peirasmos; testing)
[Note: Not a solicitation to evil, James 1:13]
has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful,
and he will not let you be (tested) beyond your ability,
but with the (testing) he will also provide
the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it.”
- 1 Cor. 10:13

​What is the way of escape?
​“The way out is through.”
​You see, testing is (like) a tunnel. You know how you do it? You endure. – John MacArthur

4. ​God Uses Fire to Produce an Environment for Intimate Fellowship with Him. (v. 24-25)
​Who was it? A Christophany? An angel?

5. ​God Will Deliver You Unharmed. (v. 26-27)

What is the result of this testing? God was glorified!
“… there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” v. 29

The wrong question: What will your future fires look like?
The right question: How will you bring glory to God through the trials He ordains for you?

Discussion Questions
These adaptable questions are based on the four purposes of Scripture found in 2 Timothy 3:16—Teaching, Reproof, Correction, and Training in Righteousness—and can be used with any Bible passage in a small group setting.

Teaching (What is true?)
• What does this passage reveal about God’s character or His plan?
• What truths or principles are being taught here?
• How does this passage connect to the larger story of Scripture?
• What key words, images, or themes stand out as important?
• What do we learn here that we might not have realized before?

Reproof (Where am I wrong?)
• Does this passage expose any wrong thinking, attitudes, or habits in my life?
• Are there examples here that warn me against a particular path or choice?
• How does this challenge cultural or personal assumptions I’ve held?
• In light of this passage, what excuses do I need to stop making?• What truth here most clearly confronts my heart today?

Correction (How do I make it right?)
• What does this passage show as the right way to think, live, or respond?• Is there a specific change God is calling me to make?
• What attitudes or actions need to be replaced with something better?
• Who in this passage models the kind of life God desires for His people?
• What specific steps can I take this week to align with what I’ve learned?

Training in Righteousness (How do I keep doing what’s right?)
• What practices or habits from this passage can help me walk with God daily?
• How can I put this truth into practice in the coming days?
• What spiritual disciplines would help reinforce what we see here?
• How can this passage help me persevere when it’s hard to obey?
• How can I encourage others with the truths found in this passage?