Sermon Based Group Homework

For the message on September 19, 2021
Passage: Acts 4:36- 5:1-11

QUICK REVIEW

This Sunday, Mike continued our series Birth of a Movement by looking at the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, or challenged you?

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

When was the biggest lie you told as a kid? Did you get away with it?

LET’S GO DEEPER

1. In the passage Mike covered this past Sunday, we see the evidence of the Holy Spirit moving in powerful ways. In the previous chapter of Acts, it talks of 5,000 people being added to the count of believers in one day. Miracles are being performed and Christians are risking their lives by deciding to follow Christ. What do you think it was like to be in that first group of Christians?

2. What do you think motivated Ananias and Sapphira to act the way they did? Do you notice similar actions and motivations today in the church? In yourself?

3. How do their actions contrast with those you find in Acts 4:32-37?

4. Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira received such harsh punishment in these early days of the church? What message do you think God was sending?

5. What would your reaction be to the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira? What questions would you be asking?

6. What does the scripture say about the early church’s reaction to this event? Do you believe that there is a “fear” of God in the church today?

7. How are the following two passages helpful in our efforts to maintain an authentic life before the Lord and others? How might you implement one of the truths from these verses into your daily routine?

Galatians 6:3-10 (NIV)
3  If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4  Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5  for each one should carry his own load. 6  Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 7  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
23  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

8. What does authenticity look like to the Holy Spirit? What are some steps you can take to ensure that you don’t fake your spirituality before others?

TAKE IT HOME

1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?

2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?

Prayer Requests: