Life Group Questions 1/12/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
Acts 17:1–12
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica
[1] Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. [2] And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” [4] And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. [5] But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. [6] And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, [7] and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” [8] And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. [9] And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Paul and Silas in Berea [10] The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. [11] Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. [12] Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. (ESV)
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Greeting
[1] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. (ESV)
Summary: Four friends journey to Thessalonica, proclaim the gospel, experience subsequent persecution, and the church grows as a result. May we turn the world upside down and right side up as we do the same.
Observing the Text: Read Acts 17:1-12 and 1 Thessalonians 1:1
Based on V.1-3, What is Paul’s “custom” when visiting a city? What scriptures did he reason from? [Old Testament, or as the Jews would call it, the Hebrew scriptures]
How would you compare and contrast the responses of the Jews in Thessalonica vs. Berea?
Interpreting the Text:
Justin said “the gospel moves” and often brings radical disruption. Explain what this means in the context of Acts 17:1-12. What might that mean in your context?
What’s your missional strategy for moving the gospel?
How would you, in line with Paul’s “custom”, proclaim Jesus from the Old Testament?
Based on the Acts passage, why is proclaiming the gospel always costly and have unexpected results?
In reference to 1 Thessalonians 1:1, what does this verse indicate about the logistics of a local church? [they are associated with a city, meeting in a particular locale, with a relationship]
What’s an upcoming church occurrence you’re excited/scared about - discipleship culture, new location, or church plant?
Applying the Text:
How can you depend on God to be the church today?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
College Ministry Chinese New Year Dumpling Party - On Saturday, January 25 from 5:00-8:30pm, we're having a dumpling party to celebrate Chinese New Year! Click here for more info. Contact Fred Mok at fred@gardencitysv.com for more info!
Super Bowl Sunday Morning Service - On February 2, we’ll be combining services with Crossroads Bible Church! Join us at 11 am that Sunday morning for service! Kids’ Ministry will be available.