The Main Thing
Acts 9:1-19
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, www.spiritsoulbody.org
Many people for whom the faith ‘isn’t working’ aren’t failed by genuine faith, but by human constructs that miss the main ingredients. By closely observing three facets of this story we discover which ingredients are secondary and which are primary:
There’s Paul’s prior life
There’s God’s intervention…and openness
There’s the ministry of hospitality and transformation
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
Have you ever left a key ingredient out of a dish?
How does a life tapped into Christ as the main reference point look different than a life focused on religion, study or zeal?
Read Galatians 5:22 aloud. Pair off or have each person pick another in your group and affirm which fruit of the spirit you see displayed in them.
What ways does a life reflecting the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ look like? Compare this to how a life aimed to “look right” may appear.
We see Saul for three days without sight, eating or drinking as Christ completely reorients his world.
What does this tell us about a link between sense depravation and openness to revelation?
Option: watch this short video by Pastor Prentice about “how to fast”, or first watch “what is fasting” and consider committing to a fast as a group this week.
Pastor Richard challenges that vision and an ability to “see” is there for anyone but that an openness is required to receive revelation. What aspects of daily life might be inhibiting an ability to be open or present to what God is revealing? (ie. technology, upward mobility, idols etc.)
This week we are reminded of the importance of having habits of turning things off. What spiritual discipline can you incorporate into your daily rhythm to support this habit forming?
Consider taking a 10 minute break from the group and have each person walk outside or sit by a window and simply observe. Have each person write down 2 things they noticed to share.
As Christ continues to peel away layers that allow us to grow, what are ways you can create space to be open to revelation?
When is the last time you changed your mind about something significant? Share what that process of change looked like.
In view of Jesus’ instructions of hospitality in Luke Chapter 14; Ananias is asked to Acts to practice this example of extending hospitality to a man who has been his enemy. Who would be your Saul to extend radical hospitality to?
How is your hospitality, sharing the gift that is your life, these days? Discuss challenges and ideas of how hospitality can look different in these times.
Discuss the following questions:
Do you see God’s divine revelation?
How can you respond?
If you respond in a way that changes you, how can you become a source of revelation to another? (exhibiting hope, healing, mercy, wisdom, joy, hospitality, etc.)