Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on May 1, 2022
Passage: Acts 18:1-11
QUICK REVIEW
In part 2 of our Upstream series, Mike shared how we can fight discouragement and stay faithful to Jesus in a tough world.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What is the hardest thing about living for Jesus in a culture that often goes in the opposite direction?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. In Acts 18, Paul arrives in Corinth. Paul had just experienced an exhausting and somewhat depressing time in Athens sharing the gospel with the Philosophers of the day. He didn’t have a great haul of converts and was likely needing refreshing! When he arrived in Corinth, God had a special couple, Priscilla and Aquila, waiting for him to encourage him and refresh his spirit. It’s hard to swim upstream by yourself! We need friends swimming with us in the same direction! How many different reasons for “finding your people” can you identify in following passage?
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT2)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Most believers agree that connecting regularly with other believers is important but why do you think so few establish meaningful relationships with other believers?
What personal barriers have you had to overcome to be in this small group?
2. In the message, Mike talked about the importance of hearing from the Lord in times of spiritual dryness. What benefits can you identity in the following passage that speaks of hearing the Word of God?
Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT2)
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT2)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
In the message, Mike said the main way we hear from the Lord is through reading His Word. What has God shown you recently from His Word? How has it refreshed you?
3. Paul stayed in Corinth for 18 months to teach and pour into the new believers there. Paul could have gone on vacation and tried to be refreshed but he didn’t. Instead, by pouring into others, God poured back into Him! In spite of the sacrifice involved, how is putting our focus on others and serving their needs beneficial to you according to the following passages?
Luke 6:38 (NLT2)
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-15 (NLT2)
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. 13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
When have you been refreshed by doing something kind for someone?
What can you do this week to be refreshed in your soul? Spend time with your people, Spent time hearing from His Word, or Pouring into Others for their benefit?
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:
