June 10, 2017
This study is the third in “The Gospel” series of the book of Acts focusing on Acts Chapters 5-7.
In a fallen world there will inevitably be conflict. In the world God is working through His people to build His Kingdom and Satan is trying to destroy or hinder it in any way he can.
Even in the church amongst Christians there can be conflict because we allow our sinful nature to influence the way we live and treat others! We saw this recently in our studies of the church at Corinth. eg: 1 Corinthians 1:10-11, 3:3, 11:17-19.
Read Acts 5:12-42. Discuss the response to this conflict from
Read about the conflict between the Greek and Hebrew speaking believers. Acts 6:1. What was the Apostles response? Acts 6:2-6.
Although there was conflict in the church and from outside what did the apostles keep focused on? Acts 6:4, 5:42.
What was the result in the spreading of the Gospel? Acts 6:7.
Read what Paul said about God’s Word in 2 Timothy 4:2 and his instruction to young Timothy. 2 Timothy 2:9
How are we at church@paravista going? Is our focus the same? Are there things we are doing right or can we improve in some ways?
Consider and discuss the following…
It was important for Timothy to preach the Good News so that the Christian faith could be preached throughout the world. We believe in Christ today because people like Timothy were faithful to their mission. It is still vitally important for believers to spread the Good News. Half the people who have ever lived are alive today, and most of them do not know Christ. He is coming soon, and He wants His faithful believers to be ready for Him. It may be inconvenient to take a stand for Christ or to tell others about His love, but preaching the Word of God is the most important responsibility the Church and its members have been given. Be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to tell the Good News. #
Discuss Henry’s closing point from Sunday.
“Have great confidence, because the Gospel is Unstoppable!
Expect Great Conflict, Have Great Confidence, Be Prepared.
God doesn’t set us up to fail. It is clear from God’s Word that the Gospel brings great conflict – so we should expect it. It is also clear that we can have great confidence because, despite the conflict the Gospel is unstoppable. What response should we expect to the gospel message & how should we react? Expect Great Conflict, Have Great Confidence and Be Prepared!”
# Taken from ‘Life Application Study Bible’