The Devoted Life
(for the week of October 18, 2020)
PDF at bottom
 
Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“New life in Christ will fill us with devotion to better know and love God so we can better love and serve others. God will bring the increase to his Kingdom.”
 
Discussing the Scripture 

1. The Book of Acts is often called, “the Acts of the Apostles.” Read the following verses and write down your suggestion for another title (Acts 1:4-5; 1:8; 2:4; 2:17; 2:33; 4:8; 4:31; 6:3; 6:10; 8:17; 9:17)?  
 
2. Read Acts 2:1-41. What happened to bring all these new followers of Jesus Christ together in Acts 2:42-47? 
 
3. Verse 42 says these new believers devoted themselves to four activities. Look up the word “devoted” in a dictionary. What does it mean? Why do you think they were so devoted? Why is such devotion important for a follower of Jesus? 
 
4. List the four activities that verse 42 says these new believers were devoted to.  
 
5. What would the “apostles’ teaching” have included? (Read Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:25-26, John 16:12-13, and Acts 1:3 for ideas.) What does the “apostles’ teaching” include today? 
 
6. The Greek word for “fellowship” is, koinonia. It means sharing and participating in a common goal. One commentator said it was an intentional and intimate experience, where the believers shared together “in material goods as well as spiritual wealth.” What does Acts 2:42-47 suggests that fellowship looked like? 
 
7. The reference to “breaking of bread” in verse 2, is twofold. It means both enjoying a common meal together as well as the Lord’s Supper. Why would both have been so important to the early Christians? Why are both so vital for Christians today? 
 
8. Verse 42 tells us these new believers also devoted themselves to prayer. The Greek word here actually means, “the prayers.” This tells us that not only did they pray individually but also together as a community. Why is that so significant in the life of a Christian community? 
 
9. Verse 43 points out that God strengthened this new community of believers with the presence of supernatural miracles performed by the apostles, which filled the people with awe. Why do you think God did this? 
 
10. What do verses 44-46 report as the result of the devoted life of this new Christian community? 
 
11. And what does verse 47 say was the result of verses 42-46? Who ultimately produced that fruit of the Kingdom of God? (Bonus Question: How would you write this out as a mathematical equation?) 
 
Applying the Scripture 

12. Can Christians today have the same level of devotion as these early believers did? Why or why not? Do you? Why or why not? 
 
13. How can you devote yourself to the apostles’ teaching?  
 
14. How can you devote yourself to Christian fellowship? 
 
15. How can you devote yourself to “the breaking of bread” (Lord’s Supper) (Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 for some insight)? 
 
16. How can you devote yourself to private and corporate prayer? 
 
17. Whose help will you need to be so devoted? (not a trick question) 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson) 

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about the Holy Spirit in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about the Spirit.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 

• Morning
  • Consider the people you will encounter today. How can you bring them encouragement, a word of grace, a needed kindness? Consider people with whom you have a strained relationship. How can you equip yourself to show love to these?

 
 

• Evening
  • How did I spend the time that was not occupied with prayer, reading, and meditation? Did I honor God and promote spiritual refreshment throughout the day’s activity?
  • How have I sought to use this day to grow in love for my neighbor?

 

Sharing Your Story
(for the week of October 11, 2020)
PDF at bottom
 
Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 4:1-20
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“Be ready to talk to others about what you see God doing in you and around you.”
 
Discussing the Scripture
 
1. According to verses 1-3, what got the apostles in trouble with the religious authorities? What happened to Peter and John because of this? 
 
2. What was the result of what Peter and John were doing (v. 4)? Do you think this result was worth getting in trouble for? Why or why not? 
 
3 What question was asked of Peter and John in verse 7? Why do you think they were asked this question? 
 
4. Who enabled Peter to answer the religious authorities in this high-pressure situation (v. 8)? What does this teach you about your need when sharing your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 
 
5. In verses 9-11, what was Peter’s answer to the religious authorities? 
 
6. What truth did Peter communicate in verse 12? (see also Matthew 1:21; John 14:6; Acts 10:43; 1 Timothy 2:5) 
 
7. What astonished the religious leaders, according to verse 13? How does that encourage you to share your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 
 
8. In verses 14-17, the religious leaders conferred with one another and decided to tell Peter and John they could no longer speak to anyone else in (about) the name of Jesus. Why? 
 
9. How did Peter and John reply in verses 18-19? (see also Acts 5:29) Could you reply the same way Peter and John did? Why or why not? 
 
10. What are some things you and these apostles have in common? (A hint for one answer is found in Romans 8:11) 
 
Applying the Scripture
 
11. What would you say are your top three obstacles in sharing your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 
 
12. Reflect on each obstacle you just listed. What is it about each one that makes it an obstacle for you? 
 
13. What are three things you could begin doing today to move past those obstacles? What truths did you learn in this lesson’s Scripture to help you make those changes? 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about the Holy Spirit in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about the Spirit.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination

• Morning
  • Think about the acts of prayer, worship, and study you will pursue this day, and prepare yourself to engage each act with your whole being, energy, and attention.

 

• Evening
  • Have I spent time today reflecting on God’s kindness and God’s character?
  • How have I sought to make this day holy to God through worship and resting in God’s love?

Know and Use Your Spiritual Gifts
(for the week of October 4, 2020)
PDF at bottom
 
Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: John 13:1-17
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“We get to exchange expressions of reconciliation and communicate love when we lower ourselves and serve others.”
 
Discussing the Scripture

1. What was about to happen to Jesus that would reveal his love for his disciples to the end (v. 1)? According to this verse, to whom was Jesus going to return?

 

1. How does knowing your ultimate purpose and destiny strengthen you to accomplish your goal? How does knowing this help you in your spiritual journey? (Do you know your ultimate purpose and destiny?)

 

1. Verse 3 reminds us that our heavenly Father “put all things under Jesus’ power.” This means among other things, that Jesus could have stopped Judas from betraying him, yet, not only did he allow Judas to betray him (which would cost Jesus his life), but Jesus also taught his beloved disciples the importance of becoming a servant by his example of washing their feet. What do you learn about Jesus in this verse? What is he teaching you about yourself in this verse?

 

1. Read verses 6-10 again. Describe Peter’s objection and the response of Jesus. What are some lessons you gain from this interaction? What lesson hits closest to home for you? Why?

 

1. In verse 12 Jesus asked the disciples if they understood what he had done for them. Do you? Explain what he did and why it is so important.

 

1. How does the act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet foreshadow what was about to happen to him on the Cross?

 
 
Applying the Scripture

1. What feelings do you experience when you serve another person?

 

1. What feelings do you experience when you serve someone who is not able to repay you or who does not show gratitude?

 

1. What do you find most difficult in serving another person or group of people? What do you enjoy most?

 

1. How does knowing your spiritual gift(s) come into play in serving others? Do you know yours? What spiritual gift(s) do you have? How can a person discover what their spiritual gift(s) is?

 

1. Who are some people in your spheres of influence (or not yet in those spheres) you can start serving this week? What are two or three ways you can be more intentional in serving them?

 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about Jesus in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about our Lord.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination

• Morning
  • What tasks and encounters will I face today, and how may I prepare myself to bring honor and pleasure to God in them?

 

• Evening
  • Have I sought God’s purposes in all my interactions with other people today?
  • How have I sought to use this day to grow in love for God?

Spending Time with Others
(for the week of September 27, 2020)
(PDF at the bottom of lesson)
 
Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 9:19b-31 and Mark 2:1-12
 
Pastor Phillip’s Key Idea
 
“Learning, Loving, and Living Jesus involves influencing others for the sake of Jesus. Be the kind of person who brings others to Jesus.”
 
Discussing the Scripture
 

1. Read Acts 9:19b-31. What had Saul (soon to be “Paul”) been doing in verses 19b-22 that had gotten him into trouble with the Jews in Damascus? What were they planning on doing to Saul (v. 23)?
2. What did Saul’s new fellow disciples do to help him out of this dangerous situation (v. 25)?
3. Two or three year later Paul traveled to Jerusalem (he refers to this visit in Galatians 1:18-20) to join the disciples there. But because of his past, the disciples were afraid of him. Who intervened on behalf of Saul and how did he do so (v. 27)?
4. What did this intervention allow Saul to do in the name of Jesus (v. 28-29)?
5. What did fellow believers in Jesus do to help Saul once it was learned that people wanted to kill him (vv. 29-30)?
6. Read Mark 2:1-12. Describe the scene in verses 1-2.
7. Who helped the paralyzed man in verses 3-4? What did they do on his behalf?
8. What were the results of the efforts of these friends (vv. 5-12)?

 
Applying the Scripture
 

1. Summarize what the people in both stories did. What were the risks? What did it cost them?
2. Who are the people in your life who need to be “brought to Jesus?” What risks are there for you to do so? What might it cost you?
3. In your group, discuss ways you can help other Christians for the sake of Jesus (like Saul’s story). Discuss ways you can help bring those who need Jesus to him (like Mark’s story).
4. What personal obstacles will you have to overcome to do those things?
5. Spend some personal time this week, as well as in your group, praying for God to reveal to you the people who make up your personal mission field. Pray for God to give you the grace, wisdom, courage, and opportunities you need to help introduce others to Jesus.

 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
 

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about Jesus in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about our Lord.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 

• Morning
  • Was God my last thought before sleeping and my first thought upon waking?

 

• Evening
  • Have I done anything today without considering how it might advance God’s purposes, whether in small or large ways?
  • Have I been quick and eager to do what good I could do this day?

Southside's own Sarabeth Soule put together this very helpful video to teach our church family how to Zoom. Thanks Sarabeth!!!