Sermon notes to come.

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.—Acts 4:23–37

Sermon Discussion Questions 

Main Point: God’s power produces a bold and generous people to withstand and endure opposition according to his plan. 

Outline

1. A Big God Produces Bold Believers (Acts 4:23–31)
   • Affirm God’s Lordship (Acts 4:24–25a)
   • Affirm God’s Sovereignty (Acts 4:25b–27)
   • Ask for God’s Power (Acts 4:28–30)
2. A Gracious God Produces Generous Believers (Acts 4:32–37)

Launching Question: After you experienced some form of opposition (e.g. criticism, attack, accusation), how did you respond? What did you do? Why did you do what you did?

Discussion Questions

• Upon their release, the apostles immediately turn to prayer. What are some of the things they pray for? What do they not ask for that would seem normal or reasonable?
• How should we understand the citation of Psalm 2:1–2 and their subsequent explanation of Psalm 2? (See Acts 4:25b–28.)
• What was the result of their prayer? Why do you think they received such a speedy reply?
• How would you summarize the description of the early church in Acts 4:32–37? What is most striking or unusual about this description?
• Why do you think the early church was so united (e.g. of one heart and soul) and so generous with their belongings? 

Application Questions

• How can we become more like the apostles and the early church in responding to opposition?
• What are some areas in which we need to pray for greater boldness and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit?
• In what ways can you grow or mature your prayer life? Are there ways you can be more intentional in praying with fellow believers?
• How can you more fully embody the unity, grace, and generosity like the early church? Are there areas of your life where you struggle to be generous? Why is that?
• How can you be generous toward fellow believers with your time, energy, gifts, skills, home, family, or money?

Prayer Focus
Praise God for being our Sovereign Lord who has made all things. Take a moment to list how God’s sovereign power is a comfort for us. Confess any sins of failing to trust God, being fearful of things other than God, or being miserly with your belongings. Thank God that we have forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus, can experience the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and have received the free gift of God in Christ Jesus. Ask God to help you grow in your prayer life and intimacy with him. Pray asking for God to help you be bold at work, school, with family, and in your neighborhood. Consider whom you can invite to Good Friday or Easter services. Ask God for the grace to be generous with your belongings as an overflow of the goodness you have tasted and received from God.