This week will explore examples of believers who move from initial steps of faith to a life of growing and deepening discipleship. We will look at the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 4:32-37) and Berean (Acts 17:10-15) as examples of growing faith exemplified in learning, praying, sharing, and growing. Then we will examine the life of Barnabas (4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-23; 13:1-3) as an example of someone who centers their life in Christ, faithfully serving and investing in others.
Sermon Outline
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
A disciple is someone following Jesus, being transformed by the Holy Spirit and committed to the mission of God. (Matthew 4:19)
- The Right Motivation (Acts 4:18-20; John 6:68)
- The Right Message (Acts 4:12; 20; 31; 33)
- The Right Method (Acts 4:24-31)
- The Right Measure (Acts 4:32-36)
Live it Out
- “If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time” – Zig Ziglar
- Matthew 22:36-40
- Galatians 5:22-23
- Philippians 3:12-16
Discussion Questions
Open Up:
- • Have you have worked really hard on something only to discover it was no longer needed or you had followed the wrong directions? How did that make you feel?
- • Who is someone you admire for their maturity of faith? What is it about them that you most admire?
Dig In:
- Read Acts 4 together and pray for the Holy Spirit to provide insight and wisdom as you read.
- Boldness is a huge theme in this text, where do you see boldness for Christ throughout the chapter?
- As you read the disciples’ prayer in response to Peter and Johns detainment (Acts 4:24-30) what elements of their prayer stand out to you? Why?
- Re-read Acts 4:24. Why do you think they started with acknowledging God’s sovereignty? How does this help facilitate power in prayer?
- Re-read Acts 4:25. How does this quote from Psalm 2 apply to the threat they are under? How does this help facilitate power in prayer?
- Re-read Acts 4:17-28. How does acknowledging that God’s will was accomplished in Jesus despite the seeming victory of the officials over Jesus apply to their current situation? How does this help facilitate power in prayer?
- In general, how does making our prayers a response to our relationship with God and centered on the truth of His word help facilitate power in prayer? What might this look like in some situation you are currently facing?
- Re-Read Acts 4:32-37. What are your initial reactions to the passage?
- Compare Acts 2:42-47 with Acts 4:32-35. What is similar in these two passages and what is different? Do you believe the differences are significant? Why or why not?
Live it Out:
- What part of your character do you think people might notice and attribute to “being with Jesus”? (Acts 4:13)
- Considering this week’s text and the example of how the early church demonstrated their love for one another. Has God brought to mind a specific way that you can respond by engaging in the practice of generosity as a demonstration that He is transforming your life? How have you see Him change your perspective on people over possessions?
- What is one specific thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.