Sermon Based Group Homework

For the message on March 6, 2022
Passage: Acts 14:8-28

QUICK REVIEW

In part 4 of our Resilient series based in the book of Acts, Mike encouraged us to hurdle three big obstacles that can slow us down as we seek to live sent.

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

What big obstacles have you hurdled in your race for the Lord?

LET’S GO DEEPER

1. In the first part of the passage from the message, we find the people of Lystra calling Paul and Barnabas “gods” and wanting to offer sacrifices to them. Paul deflected their misdirected praise and shared the gospel of Jesus with them. He explained that they were “mere human beings” like them. In verse 19, we see the fickle nature of people as Jews from Antioch and Iconium came into town and convinced the crowds to stone Paul instead of praise Paul. In the message, Mike challenged us to follow Paul’s example and find our identity in God and not the applause of people. Praise and affirmation from others can be encouraging. But that was never meant to be the foundation or basis of our worth or identity.

• Why is living for the applause of people a bad idea? What insight does John 12:42-43 provide?

• What are some advantages of basing our identity and self-worth on what God says about us?

2. In the second part of the passage, Paul faces extreme adversity! The people hurl rocks at him, drag him out of the city, and leave him for dead. The path of following Jesus will always be filled with adversity. We are not promised otherwise. Some of it we bring on ourselves. Some of it is just part of living in a sinful and broken world. Some of it is because people don’t like the Jesus we talk about and follow. Paul could have thrown in the proverbial towel, but he didn’t. Instead, other believers gathered around him and tended to his needs. Then, Paul got up and walked back into the city!

• When has a friend helped you get through a time of adversity? What specifically did they do that encouraged you?

• According to Hebrews 3:13, how often should we encourage others? How do you seek to encourage people in your circle of influence?

3. At the end of chapter 14, Paul and his companions return to their sending church in Antioch. In verse 26, Luke writes that Paul successfully completed the work he was commissioned to do. What happens next reveals the character of Paul. In verse 27, Luke records what took place: “Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.”

• Who did Paul credit for their success? Who did Paul say opened the door of faith for the Gentiles? Why was it necessary that Paul didn’t take credit for what occurred?

• Notice that Paul said that God accomplished much “through them.” Paul knew that God supplied the power, but he had to provide the obedience. How does this apply to you in your current station in life? What do you need to give God credit for doing in your life?

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: