Discussion Guide - Standing on the Resurrection
Discussion Guide – “The Way—Standing on the Resurrection” Pastor Tony
Questions by Pastor Ric
July 2, 2017
If we want to understand the history of the church, Acts is our book. This study will continue to give us a picture of how the early church handled its beginnings, struggles and subsequent growth in a culture not unlike our own—somewhat hostile but open to spiritual things. We need this.
Feel free to use more or less of these questions. They are here to move us from knowledge to obedience as God’s Spirit speaks to our hearts. Share what God is doing in your heart as a result and have others you trust hold you to account for the life-change God is working in you.
Text: Acts 23:1-34
- Paul’s defense of his testimony divided the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Honesty clearly characterized his speech. Honesty in this case, revealed the flaws of both religious groups and divided them. However, it created more problems for Paul, in that both groups were even more antagonistic towards him. It was clear that this kind of honesty is what Christ desires from us as His followers. How have you been tempted to dishonesty recently? How does this story about Paul’s testimony impact your response to truthfulness today?
- Ephesians 1:18-20 speaks of the hope that the resurrection gives us, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” His power transforms us, justifies us, gives us hope as well as victory over death. Explain how this has happened in your life and give an example of how this kind of power, working in your life, has been an encouragement to you.
- The uniqueness of Jesus’ resurrection gives us the ability cope with the tragedies of life here on earth (hope). Christ’s power over death assures us that death is not final for us either (1 CO 15:51). It also gives us a perspective on eternity that enables us to live lives of selflessness here and now. Discuss the many ways today’s follower of Jesus is able to live a life of service to others because we serve the risen Christ.