The Gospel advances through adversity
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Acts 4:23-31
23When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,
‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
And the peoples devise futile things?
26The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. 29And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” 31And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
OUTLINE
- Community (v. 4:23)
- Communication (v. 4:24)
- Control (v. 4:24)
- Clarity (v. 25-28)
- Confidence (v. 29-31)
“The Gospel has always advanced through adversity, not in spite of adversity.”
QUESTIONS
- How is community one of God’s great gifts for the advancement of the Gospel? Do you see community as a neat idea or a necessity? Where have you tried to do Christianity alone? (v. 4:23)
- How is prayer one of God’s great gifts for the advancement of the Gospel? Where do you take your anxiety? Fear and worry? What you don’t transfer to God, you will transmit to others. Do you agree or disagree? (v. 4:24)
- Where do you struggle most to rest in Jesus during times of crisis? What are you trying to control? What would it look like to repent and surrender? (v. 4:24)
- What looks bad is actually God doing something big. How does the cross help us understand bad circumstances and look for big opportunities? (v. 4:25-28)