Sermon-Based Group Homework
For the message on September 18, 2022
Passage: Acts 19:21-20:3
QUICK REVIEW
In Part 1 of our Influencers series, Mike continued our journey through the book of Acts by looking at what Paul did to be so influential in his ministry to a culture often hostile to his message.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
In the message, Mike talked about the great influence that Paul had on people in every place he visited. Who has had the most influence in your life in coming to know Jesus and growing in spiritual maturity? Why were they so influential?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. Read back through the passage – Acts 19:21-20:3 – and jot down some of the emotions that the people in Ephesus were having in response to the spread of Christianity. How do people respond today to your faith?
2. In verse 26, Demetrius said that “Paul has persuaded many people.” In the message, Mike looked at four keys from Paul’s life that point to his influence. First, in verse 21, we see that “Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. ‘And after that,’ he said, ‘I must go on to Rome!'” After all the trials that Paul had experienced, he remained sensitive to the Spirit rather than becoming cynical or hardened. Think about it, when was the last time you just had to do something because the Spirit wouldn’t let you go about it? What can we learn from the following passages about staying sensitive to the Spirit’s direction in our lives?
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT2)
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
Ephesians 4:30 (Message)
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 (NLT)
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
How do you know if the Spirit is leading you or if it’s just something you ate last night?
3. Paul was also persuasive because he didn’t sugar coat the truth but shared the truth of the gospel boldly knowing that some would react harshly. What is the difference between sharing the truth about God with others in a bold way versus a rude way? What can we learn from the following passages about “how” we can boldly share the truth about God with others?
Colossians 4:5-6 (MSG)
5 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. 6 Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)
15 Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.
Some well-meaning Christians try to pick fights and get into arguments about their beliefs with unbelievers. What should our approach be based on the verses above?
4. Paul didn’t do ministry alone and neither should we. Paul was constantly surrounded by wise friends who supported him and encouraged him. In this case, they kept him out of harm’s way by convincing him to avoid entering the amphitheater. Do you have a support system of strong and wise friends who help keep you walking with the Lord and being a good influence on others? Peer pressure never goes away as you become an adult. That’s good news because we need positive peer pressure each day from good friends. In what ways are you a good friend who helps other believers walk steady and strong for the Lord?
5. After the riot was over, we see Paul encouraging other believers nearby and in all the towns he passed through on his way to Macedonia. He wasn’t encouraging them to give up and run and hide. Rather, he was encouraging them to keep the faith and stand strong for the Lord, regardless of the opposition they might face. We all need encouragement daily. Think about it this way. When you walk into a room, do you add spiritual oxygen to others or do you drain it from others? What are some practical ways you can come alongside people and encourage them? Think of those in your family, at your workplace, in your school, in your neighborhood, on your team, in restaurants and stores you visit, at NorthStar… where ever you go. How might you encourage them this way and influence them to walk closer to Lord?
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:
