Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on February 20, 2022
Passage: Acts 13:15-52
QUICK REVIEW
In part 2 of our Resilient series based in the book of Acts, Cole gave us three powerful words of encouragement based on Paul’s reply to the rulers of the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch.
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
Who is the greatest encourager in your life? How do they encourage you in your walk with Jesus?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. In the message, Cole encouraged us by reminding us that God is faithful. In Paul’s speech to the Jewish rulers, he explained how God had been faithful throughout their history. And now, He was doing what He promised He would do by sending them a Messiah in Jesus. What do the following passages tells us about God’s faithfulness?
Numbers 23:19 (NLT2)
19 God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT2)
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT2)
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
What might cause a follower of Jesus to question whether or not God is faithful?
What evidence from your own life shows that God has been faithful to what He has promised?
2. The second word of encouragement we received from Paul’s speech was that Jesus saves. For the believer, we know this but sometimes we lose sight of all that Jesus has done for us. Jesus saves us from God’s wrath. Jesus saves us from being judged for our sins. Jesus saves us from a life without purpose or hope. Jesus saves us from the power of sin. Jesus saves us from our futile efforts to make ourselves presentable and acceptable before a holy God. What can you learn from the following passages about how we are saved?
Acts 4:12 (NLT2)
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT2)
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Titus 3:5 (NLT2)
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
How does the reminder that Jesus saves bring you encouragement today?
3. In Acts 13:38-39, Paul declared that, “through this man (Jesus) forgiveness is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed.” We can find great encouragement in the fact that Jesus has invited us into freedom and His family! Read the following parable and answer the questions below.
How does it make you feel that Jesus has invited you to receive forgiveness and join His family?
Does His invitation say more about His character or ours?
Spend a few minutes in prayer thanking Jesus for inviting you into His family.
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:
