The Journey Continues

Acts Chapter 11

1) What are some rules that you have been given to live by?  What are some rules you have placed on yourself?

2) How good is your word?  Do people accept what you say without reservation?

3) What evidence is there that shows you are a Christ-follower?  When people look at your life, what do they see that points to your relationship with Christ?

Rules – we all have them.  They serve as guardrails to keep us on the right path.  But man-made rules were getting in the way of God’s big picture (11:2-3).  Peter had heard from God and seen evidence of His moving in the lives of the Gentiles (11:12-15).  Now, he rightly concluded that the man-made rules were in the way (11:17).

Peter’s words were clear and his testimony valid.  He had demonstrated a life of integrity and now those hearing him were able to fully believe him (11:18).  Honesty, integrity and truth are critical so our words will be accepted.

Barnabas was sent to Antioch to see what was happening there (11:20-22).  The Bible says he saw evidence of the grace of God (11:23).  What did he see?  We get an indication from 11:26.  It was here in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians – followers of Christ.

Acts Chapter 12



1) How do you reconcile apparent discrepancies in the way God deals with His people?  Where does our idea of “fairness” play into God’s plan?

2) What do you believe regarding the power of prayer?  What do you think can be accomplished by praying?

3) They say “pride comes before the fall.”  How are Christ-followers in danger of being prideful?  What aspects of our faith could become opportunities for us to boast in ourselves?

James is killed and Peter is miraculously set free (12:1-7).  Two very different endings to two very similar situations.  This doesn’t seem fair according to our perspective.  But we must keep in mind that God has a greater perspective.  We simply don’t know where each little aspect of life fits into His master plan.

The scene of Peter in jail is amazing.  The Bible says the church was praying and Peter was sleeping (12:5-6).  Was the church praying for God’s peace in Peter’s life?  Were his friends asking God for his release?  Did someone pray that he would have a good night’s rest?  Prayer indeed is powerful and its results incredible.  But perhaps, more than anything, prayer keeps us in close contact with our God; the One Who can make a difference.

Herod loved hearing the praise of the people (12:21-22).  An even though he may have done great things for his people, God was not willing to share the praise that He deserved.  As we grow and serve, we must be sure that all we do points to God.  He alone deserves all praise.

Acts Chapter 13

1) How aware are you of God’s work in the world today?  Are you available to be part of what He is doing?

2) God’s sovereignty: how do you explain it?  How does this reality show up in your world today?

3) When sharing your faith, what is your responsibility regarding people’s response to your message?  Can you influence their response?

Even though Jesus had returned to heaven, God was still clearly directing things on earth.  Through the Holy Spirit, God was calling and moving His people to accomplish His plan (13:1-5).  God is still working out the details of His plan and He is still calling His people to be a part of it.

As Paul spoke to the people in Pisidian Antioch, he reminded them that the life and even the death of Jesus took place according to God’s plan (13:26-31).  This reminder of God’s sovereignty helped them and helps us to remember that God always has been and always will be totally in control of everything.

One message – two responses.  It happened 2,000 years ago (13:44-48) – it still happens today.  While we want to and need to influence people’s response to the message of Jesus, ultimately each person must make their own decision.  Some will choose to follow; others will not.

 

Acts Chapter 14

1) True or false?  Real or phony?  What are people searching for?  What do they often settle for?

2) What does it take to derail you from completing a task?  What obstacles are you willing to overcome?

3) Is it God Who works or is it you?  Or is it both?

People tend to worship that which is false and miss that which is true (14:15).  This was evident in the people’s response to the miracle God performed at Paul’s hand (14:8-10).  Unfortunately we settle for a cheap imitation rather than enjoy the real thing.  God has made Himself available to us; we don’t need to stop short with anything else.

Paul had incredible determination.  His call was clear and his focus was set.  Nothing got in his way.  Consider what we find in 14:19-20.  Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 to hear Paul’s perspective on this.

There has always been a great partnership between God and His people.  14:27 speaks of the dependence God’s people had on His work in and through them.  See Colossians 1:29 to get a clear understanding of this relationship.

 

James Chapter 1

1) What’s a project you took on that had several steps to it?  Did you see this project through to the end or did you give up along the way?

2) What do you struggle with?  What things tempt you?  Why do you think this is the case?  Where does this temptation come from?

3) “God gave you two ears and one mouth so you should listen twice as much as you speak.”  Have you ever heard this saying?  What’s the point?

God’s work in our lives is long term in nature.  He uses the situations of everyday life to accomplish His purpose in us.  James speaks of the end goal God has for you (maturity), but indicates it is a result of a process (trials; perseverance; maturity – 1:2-4).  Be sure you allow Him to complete His work in you. 

James clearly helps us see the source of our struggles (1:13-15).  While we often look to blame everything around us, including God, our struggle comes from the evil within us.  We must be willing to properly identify the source of our battle and then intentionally fight against it.

James tells us what the relationship should be between our listening and our speaking (1:19).  There is much wisdom in holding your tongue (see Proverbs 17:28).  Practice listening today and see the difference it makes in your relationships.

James Chapter 2

1) What are some ways that favoritism is shown today?  How can you guard against showing favoritism?

2) Faith and works – they are related, but how?  Do our works lead to belief or does what we believe impact the things we do?

3) Why do we struggle with putting what we believe into action?  What are some ways that living out your faith is challenging?

Don’t show favoritism (2:1).  Any questions?  This is one of those great places in the Bible where God’s teaching is unmistakable.  When we truly live out the command to love God and love others, we will find ourselves treating others the way God intends.

Faith and works.  The order is really important.  We don’t work to be right with God; we work because we are right with God.  Works are the evidence of saving faith.  This whole thought is clearly seen in Ephesians 2:8-10.  Faith is based on God’s grace and not on works.  Yet we work in response to God’s activity in our lives.

“I will show you my faith by what I do.”  This is how James addresses those that see faith and works as separate issues.  Ours is a faith that is to be expressed.  We must strive to live out our faith in practical ways. 

 

James Chapter 3

1) Your tongue: evil or good?  Think about how you used your tongue over the past 24 hours.  How did you do?

2) What would it take for you to tame your tongue (3:7-8)?  What can you put into practice to begin this process?

3) What is wisdom?  How do you determine if someone is wise?  What would it take for you to live wisely?

Small item; big impact (3:3-5).  That’s the tongue.  Pound for pound the tongue is an insignificant part of our body.  But we all know the impact it can have for evil or for good (3:9-12).  Pay attention to the words you speak.

The untamable nature of the tongue is frustrating.  But there must be something we can do.  Count to 10 – walk away – keep quiet!  Work hard to bring this beast under control.  And then, don’t be satisfied with just stopping the bad.  Intentionally become a person who uses their tongue to bring life to others (see Ephesians 4:29).

Wisdom is knowledge put into action.  A wise person is someone who is skilled at living life.  Beyond that, God’s Word brings the qualities James speaks of into our understanding of wisdom (3:17-18).  Again, James brings us to a very practical place with our faith.  All we know must become all we do.

 

James Chapter 4

1) What causes fights and quarrels among you (4:1)?  Why do you conflict with those around you?

2) Knowing that selfishness is our problem, what can we do?  What is the solution to our default of only looking out for ourselves?

3) Here today, gone tomorrow (4:13-14).  How does this statement impact your life?  Will this cause you to live differently today?

James brings us to the root cause of the reason we struggle with others: selfish desires within us.  It upsets us when we don’t get what we want.  We think we deserve to have our own needs met.  Start the process of change by admitting the source of the problem.

There is a great passage in James that shows us the way out of the selfishness trap (4:7-10).  It culminates with one key phrase: “Humble yourselves before the Lord.”  Humility is critical in becoming free of living for self.  How can you start living humbly today?

We all tend to think we have been guaranteed a long life.  Yet, we have all been to funerals of people who died much too young.  And even if we live 80 or 90 years, we would still have to admit that our life is just a mist.  We must make the most of every day.

 

James Chapter 5

1) Do you see yourself as rich?  Who do you compare yourself to?  How do James’ words in 5:1-6 apply to you?

2) “But he said…”  Are there times when your words are inconsistent with your actions?  How do people around you respond?  How does this impact what people will think when you speak in the future?

3) How much does prayer factor into your life?  Is it a regular activity or only for special occasions?  How well have you positioned yourself to be heard by God (5:16)?

You probably don’t think of yourself as rich, but it depends on who you compare yourself to (go to www.globalrichlist.com for an accurate comparison).  You are rich!  Hear what James has to say!

James repeats a teaching of Jesus when he says “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no.” (5:12; Matthew 5:37).  Your words represent who you are and they must be full of integrity.  Don’t be complicated; don’t be ambiguous.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.

The Bible has much to say about prayer.  Prayer is something we all know about, but too few of us are really invested in.  We have the privilege of praying when things are going well and when they are not (5:13-14).  Prayer has the potential to accomplish great things (5:17-18).  More than anything, prayer keeps us closely connected to God.

Acts Chapter 15

1) What are some absolutes when it comes to what you believe?  What are some issues that you are clear and firm on?

2) Freedom in Christ.  What does it mean?  What does it allow us to do?

3) How do you handle disagreements?  Are there some issues that can not be resolved?

A controversy emerged in the early church (1-2).  The issue was no small matter; it had everything to do with salvation.  The question was whether a Gentile had to follow the Jewish rite of circumcision to be saved.  We must be absolutely clear on this: “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved.” (see verse 11)

The Gentiles didn’t need to become Jews through circumcision in order to be saved.  However, the church instructed them to follow some of the Jewish practices (19-21).  Why?  To honor those with Jewish backgrounds.  While we have freedom in Christ, we choose to honor others by the way we live.

“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”  This phrase, found in verse 39, seems out of place in the Bible.  We expect to read of harmony and reconciliation and certainly that must be our goal.  However, even in the midst of human difficulty, the work of God continued.  In fact, two groups set out on missionary journeys, not just one.

 

Acts Chapter 16

1) Where are you going?  How are you getting there?  What confidence do you have in your direction?

2) You’ve committed your life to following Christ and it lands you in a difficult place (16:22-24).  What would you do next?

3) How bold are you when it comes to issues of faith?  Do you courageously speak truth and bravely stand for Christ?

As we journey through life we make decisions along the way.  Our relationship with God through Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to have a greater perspective when making these choices.  We rely upon knowing Him through the Word and through prayer.  Yet, there are times we long for God to clearly reveal His plan to us like He did for Paul (16:6-10).

Paul and Silas had given their lives to serving God and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.  Because of this, they ended up in jail.  What we find next is Paul and Silas praying and singing.  While they couldn’t choose their circumstances, they chose their response.  We can do the same.

We read throughout the New Testament of Paul’s incredible, even heroic stands for the gospel.  One such example is found in 16:37.  After being miraculously set free from jail (16:25-26) and then being released by the authorities (16:35-36), Paul confronts these authorities with what they had done.  He was fearless because he was clear on what God had called him to do.

 

Galatians Chapter 1

1) How do you describe the world around you?  Do you consider yourself as being in danger?  What do you need to be rescued from (1:4)?

2) Why would the churches in Galatia turn from the gospel of grace to a gospel of works (1:6)?  Do we struggle with fully accepting grace today?

3) Who is the most influential in your spiritual journey?  Who has the strongest voice into your life of faith?

The world is a difficult, dark and evil place, but God sent His Son to rescue us from it.  Because of the work of Christ on the cross, we can live free of the trappings of this world.

Grace has been simply defined as God giving us what we do not deserve.  This includes His favor, His love and salvation among other things.  In knowing that we do not deserve this from Him, we often have a sense of needing to work to pay God back for what He has done.  Pure grace truly is overwhelming, but it’s all that is needed.

Paul seems to go to great lengths to make sure we understand he was called directly by God and not through the influence of others (1:11-12).  Others certainly play a major role in our spiritual development.  However, we must continually be developing our relationship directly with God.

Galatians Chapter 2

1) When sharing truth, what does clarity provide?  What gets in the way of a message being focused?

2) What would be a reason that you would confront someone?  How would you go about doing so?

3) Why did Jesus die?  Was His death really necessary?  Can’t we get right with God some other way?

One message – two groups of people.  Both the Jews and the Gentiles needed to hear the same truth about Jesus.  God had equipped Peter to go to the Jews and Paul to go to the Gentiles.  The message was the same and was not open for different interpretations.  The church was united and her message was clear.

Confrontation is low on most people’s to-do lists.  We don’t enjoy confronting others and tend to avoid doing so at all costs.  However, there are times when setting the record straight is needed.  In this passage (2:11-14), Paul properly confronts Peter by doing so directly.  Peter was wrong and the matter at hand was of utmost importance.  This was no petty difference; the integrity of the gospel was at stake!

Paul brings his argument that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to its climax in 2:21.  If there is any other way to be made right before God then Jesus’ died for nothing.  While others were still trying to add following the law to the work of the cross, Paul stood boldly and clearly on this truth.

 

Galatians Chapter 3

1) What does God do and what do you do when it comes to salvation?  What about daily living?

2) What is the purpose of the law (the teachings of the Old Testament)?  What value does the law have today (3:24)?

3) What is the purpose of clothing?  What does it mean to be “clothed with Christ” (3:27)?

The early church firmly established that salvation was by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  But when it came to daily living, the Galatian churches fell back to following the law (3:1-5).  We have totally trusted God with our salvation; we must do the same with living day-to-day.

The Old Testament law reveals our shortcomings and points out our need to be saved.  Although the law is unable to provide this salvation, it points us to Christ.  Paul continues to establish the position of faith over the law (3:21-22).

Clothing protects us from the elements.  Clothing identifies us with a particular style or a sports team.  Clothing assists us with our daily tasks.  As we consider being “clothed with Christ” we have the opportunity to keep Him as a very real part of our lives.  As you get dressed for the day, remember to clothe yourself with Christ.

 

Galatians Chapter 4

1) What privileges does an heir have?  What responsibilities?

2) Who do you know?  Who knows you?  At what level of closeness are you known?

3) How do you define character?  Is there consistency between your public and private life?

Consider what God does in our lives: We start totally lost as children of the devil (1 John 3:10).  Next, He adopts us and brings us into His family (Ephesians 1:5).  Then He gives us full rights as heirs (Galatians 4:7).  How incredible!  I must live differently knowing I am an heir to the throne of heaven.

In a passing phrase found in 4:9, Paul indicates that we know and are known by God.  The word for “know” that Paul uses refers to a knowledge grounded on personal experience.  Think of it.  We have the opportunity and privilege to know God personally.  Even more, the Creator of the universe knows us.

Character has been defined as who you are when no one is looking.  In 4:18, Paul encourages being zealous for the faith, but challenges the notion of being inconsistent in this.  Apparently, the Galatian church was on track and excited about their faith only when Paul was around.  We must strive to have consistency between our public and private lives, especially when it comes to matters of faith.