Acts #16 – Study Questions
The Gospel Centers God
Acts 13:13-50
INTRODUCTION: It may seem surprising that Paul and his companions then made their way to the somewhat out-of-the-way towns in the center of Asia Minor. In fact, they lay on an important line of communication. The first center of activity was Antioch of Pisidia, the leading town in the area, where Paul followed his practice of seeking a point of contact for the gospel in the synagogue. A friendly welcome gave him the opportunity to speak on the sabbath. Paul would then go on to share the gospel, the good news of new life, through Jesus. The thing is, when we read 13:16-41; Paul traces for us an important theological truth, God has always been in charge of the rescue plan. Or in other words, man’s rescue has never hinged on man’s ability, works, or efforts. God is the exclusive hero of the story. The even better news? Paul reminds us that if we place our faith in Jesus, God will rescue us into a life of true freedom where our rebellion doesn’t have to define or control us anymore. In an out-of-the-way town, speaking to out-of-the-way people, Paul teaches us that the gospel always centers God. Why? Because he is the exclusive hero of the story.
GETTING STARTED – As a group, share your salvation stories. But, don’t simply focus on what you were saved from; talk about the people that God put in your life before you were saved and after, and talk about how God has changed you since you accepted Jesus. Make God the hero of your salvation story.
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?