Discussion Guide
Last week, we focused on individually going all out and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to care for others. This week we will consider the way the Holy Spirit sends us and how to grow in our ability to share the gospel. God doesn’t leave us on our own, going “all out” means following His nudges even when we don’t understand every detail. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What is one skill you would like to learn but aren’t great at right now?
2. Read Acts 8:25-26. What was Phillip doing in verse 25? Does it seem logical to send Phillip from the villages to the desert when we read what he had been doing?
Notes: Phillip was preaching the gospel in the villages. While logic might dictate that Phillip was busy doing God’s work already, a nudge from the Holy Spirit means to listen and go wherever he sends us. Phillip did and although he didn’t know the purpose of the trip, it turned out to be wildly impactful (possibly resulting in the gospel being shared throughout Africa). Sometimes the best person to send is someone already doing good work who is listening, willing, and obedient.
3. Follow the Nudge. Read Acts 8:27-30. What nudges from the Holy Spirit did Phillip follow in this passage? Consider and share personal examples of the Holy Spirit’s nudges. What would it look like to follow those nudges; or why might we have avoided them?
Notes: The Holy Spirit told Phillip to go to the desert, then to go over and join the chariot. Only after Phillip obeyed twice did he hear the eunuch reading the prophet and finally see a reason for the Holy Spirit’s instructions. Sometimes we don’t hear God’s voice because we haven’t taken the time to be still or quiet. God’s voice may not be loud and booming. It is often found in the quiet whisper. We might miss it because His voice is drowned out by noise. God rarely provides us with the entire reason for our being asked to take the next step maybe even towards strange places – like the desert.
4. It’s not about Us. Read Matthew 10:17-19. Consider the treatment of the disciples Jesus described in verse 17-18. Why does Jesus remind them not to be anxious even though it seems natural that they would be? Does this message given to the disciples in verse 19 apply to us in similar sticky situations - why or why not? Do you worry about what people will think of you in spiritual conversations?
Notes: Jesus describes some frightening scenarios like being taken to court, arrested and flogged. Yet, Jesus redefines those difficult situations, ones that came to pass for the disciples, as opportunities for the Holy Spirit to take over and for them to share the gospel powerfully. Jesus promises that the words they are supposed to say will be given to them. When we are anxious in front of a crowd it’s often because we are overly worried about their opinions of us. The disciples, like us, were human and that made them afraid of what people might think. Yet, Jesus encouraged them to let their faith override their fear.
Action Step: We know learning a new skill is difficult especially if we never practice. “It gets easier when you do it.” This week make a point to follow any nudge you receive from the Holy Spirit even if it doesn’t make sense. Remember not to be anxious to speak about your faith or share the gospel when you serve. God will give you the words when you follow His leading.
If you have time, share ways you could take action to go “all out” either as a group or individually.