TODAY:

Acts 15:36-16:10 | God’s Guidance

BIG IDEA:

God guides us through both conviction & humility

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 15:36-16:10, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Corinthians 9:19-22

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: How much do you think about seeking guidance from God? How have you done this?

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 15:36-16:10. In each of these, serious sacrifices were made. How is having a strong understanding of salvation by the grace of Jesus so important to being willing to make these sacrifices?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: The conflict between Paul & Barnabas/John Mark went on for several years. What can we learn about conflict within the Church & how to not let it derail the Church’s mission from their example?

Q: The Christians made a lot of decisions together as they sought after God’s guidance. Who are some solid Jesus followers that you can ask to help you make any important decisions you might be facing?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: Timothy demonstrated a radical willingness to get rid of anything that could hinder his ability to help people know Jesus. Are there any sacrifices that God is calling you to make to be able to help people know Jesus?

QUOTES:

”Christians ought to imitate the kindheartedness and forgiving spirit of Barnabas. Forgiveness flows from a heart which knows it has been forgiven by God. However, we must learn from Paul’s conviction and determination. While we must be apt to forgive, we must not let emotional attachments direct our Gospel vision. Paul knew the trials that he would face on this journey. He knew the suffering that would come. He needed, therefore, a team of people of proven conviction and determination, who would be ready to die for the Gospel.” (Acts For You)

“When doors close for us, don’t despair! Keep trusting & following Jesus!”

“(God’s guidance) is often like a mountainous road, on which you often labor hard, doubling back and seeming to get nowhere, until you come to some vantage point where you can see the ‘big’ picture and see how much progress you’ve made and where you are going.” (Tim Keller)

“When it comes to following God’s guidance, begin by obeying God’s revealed will in the Bible. Then remain sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting. Seek Godly counsel when you aren’t certain what to do, and think over a situation carefully before making a decision. Also, don’t grow discouraged along the way. Sometimes doors open; other times they shut. The Christian’s life goal is to be faithful wherever the Lord leads and to maintain a humble and open heart along the journey.” (Christ-Centered Exposition)

ACTION STEPS:

1) Identify 1 thing God is calling you to surrender to Him (closed door) – and give it to Him!

2) Identify 1 step that God is calling you to take right now (open door) – and take it!