Courageous — Part 4

Warm-Up

1. Imagine your group was disbanded and scattered to live anywhere for one year…where would you go and why?

2. If you could instantly become bold in one area of your life, what would it be?

Know It

Read Acts 6-8. As you read through this passage, write down questions you have and themes that stand out to you.

1. Discuss with your group some of the questions you had and what themes stood out to you.

2. Why did Stephen’s message create such strong opposition from the religious leaders?

3. What stands out to you most about Stephen’s final moments?

4. Read 8:1-4. The believers were scattered yet they preached wherever they went. Thinking back through the first 8 chapters, what do you think gave them this ability?

5. What boundaries were broken through Philip’s experience (spiritual, cultural, status, etc.)?

How did the Holy Spirit intervene and pave the way?

Own It

1. What’s the difference between genuine faith and “comfortable religion”?

Which one have you witnessed the most during your walk with Jesus?

2. Why do you think persecution fuels the mission of the Gospel unlike anything else?

Why is scattering and suffering important to the mission of Jesus?

3. How have you seen the Gospel threaten comfortable religion, cross boundaries, and/or welcome the outsider?

Next Steps

1. Scotty talked through these eight points – you can refer to your sermon notes as well. Which of these have you personally experienced the most? Which was the most convicting to hear?

• The Gospel threatens comfortable religion.
• Faith costs. Sometimes it costs everything.
• What am I willing to stand for?
• Persecution fuels the mission.
• What if the thing you think is scattering you is actually planting you?
• The Gospel crosses boundaries.
• The Gospel welcomes the outsider.
• Nothing stands in the way.

2. How have you defended comfort and tradition over conviction and growth? What can you do to change your mindset and be open to anything the Lord has?

Challenge

This week, read Acts 6-8 on your own and spend some time in prayer. Pray about who you can invite to sit with you at church next week and extend the invitation.