TODAY:

Acts 14:1-28 | Overcoming Distractions

BIG IDEA:

We are called to have a singular focus on the unstoppable Good News of Jesus

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 14:1-28, John 15:20, John 3:29-30

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: Are you typically a very focused person or do you tend to get distracted? Why &/or how?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Connect with God (UP)...

Q: Read Acts 14:1-28, especially v15. Why do you think Paul & Barnabas were so clear & convinced by their message & mission?

Q: In what ways have you ever been tempted to be a “glory thief” from God? What effect did that have on you, your life, those around you & if you’re a Christian, on your relationship with God?

Q: Why is a close relationship with Jesus & a clear understanding of His mission so important to handling distractions & hardships?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: How can we “gather around” each other as brothers & sisters in Christ?

Q: Why is it so important to celebrate everything that God is doing together with other followers of Jesus, both near & far?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: Paul & Barnabas could have easily gotten sucked into the flattery from the people. Why do you think they grieved & ran away from that so strongly?

Q: What are some ways that the world subtly tries to change Jesus, the Christian faith & Jesus followers to where it fits what it wants instead of what Jesus wants?

QUOTES:

“Don’t spend your time and energy wishing for miracles. Sow seeds of the Good News in any way you can and trust the Holy Spirit to do the convicting and convincing.” (Life Application Study Bible)

ACTION STEPS:

1) Ask God what HE wants the singular focus of our lives to be & how everything else flows from that

2) Root out anything that distracts us from that focus