Acts - Week 31
Sunday, September 11, 2022
Who is a “famous” or “influential” Christian leader God has used to effectively minister to you? How have they impacted you?
As we dive back into the book of Acts, we find Paul and Barnabas engaged in some effective ministry in the town of Lystra. As we read, note how they minister and the response they receive. Read passage together – Acts 14:8-18.
What is remarkable about the healing of the crippled man in this passage (v. 8-10)? What does it say about God's care for us? (i.e. He sees us and our brokenness, sends leaders to care for us, etc.)
How does history help explain the crowds' response to the miracle? (v.11-13) (i.e. Roman poet, Ovid wrote famous work, Metamorphoses, which spoke about Zeus and Hermes coming down and going to Lystra where they saved a poor man and wife who took them in and killed the rest. The people of Lystra didn't want to repeat mistake of not providing for the “gods.”)
How do Paul and Barnabas choose to respond? What can we learn from their response about ministering to different kinds of people today? (v.14-17) (see Romans 1:19-23)
Even after ministering God's truth to the crowd, Paul and Barnabas could barely restrain the people from worshipping them (v.18). Do you sense the same thing is happening to Christian leaders today? Why or why not?
Which of the 7 Guiding Principles on Christian celebrity culture really struck a chord with you? How can you practically apply that moving forward?
1. God has always raised up influential leaders among his people
2. Having notoriety doesn’t automatically make someone bad
3. Recognize that God apportions gifts for his purposes
4. Honoring Christian leaders can actually be a good thing
5. Deifying and dividing is where we go wrong
6. Remember our human hearts will continually make idols
For all good things, God deserves all glory. Let’s spend some time praying in groups for each other and the application of this passage.