Acts 15:36-41
.
This is the sixth week in our series on Acts and the Early Church. This sermon is called "Transformed but Imperfect"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect Review how you are using your money to care for the least. How sacrificially generous would you like your giving to be?
Warm-Up
- As the Gospel went outward into the world, what sort of external resistance did the first Christians face?
- As the Gospel inwardly came to bear on Christians, what internal resistance do we witness in Christians?
Read Acts 15:36-41
- What has happened in the lead up to this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?
- What details do we know about the content of the disagreement? How does Luke describe the intensity?
- Why do you think people are surprised by the imperfection of Christians? Should we be surprised?
- What does ‘admitting imperfection’ look like to God and others in everyday life?
- How do you think being willing to admit that we are imperfect is distinctive in our world? Do you think it has the power to be distinctive on your various frontlines?
- Do you ever lament the harm our sin can cause? In what ways can our sin be destructive, dishonour God, and damage our witness? What then does a regular rhythm of confession look like?
- How is admission that we get things role actually a form of proclaiming the Gospel of grace?
Read Acts 9:31 and 20:32
- What is sanctification? How are there past, present, and future dimensions to our sanctification?
- How do these verses point to the ongoing work of sanctification? What role does the Holy Spirit play?
- Can you think of ways you’ve seen the Spirit’s work change someone over time (including yourself)?
- If our ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness is by God’s power, what part do we have to play?
- What practices help us cooperate with God’s transforming work? How can we encourage each other when growth feels slow, messy, or like “one step forward, two steps back”?
- Why is it important not to compare our spiritual growth to others? Who should be our point of reference?
Read 1 John 3:2-3
- According to John, what is the future of those who believe? Why can we be confident of that future?
- What most excites you about Jesus’ return? What is one way you live in light of that day?
- What happened to Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark? How is this a sign of God’s grace at work?
Apply In what area of your life do you most need to be reminded that God will finish the work he started?
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you that even amidst our weakness that you can use us for your glory. Please help us to live in the light of your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
Who else is praying for your frontline? You might want to share some prayer points with a friend. Pray for their frontline too.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “To Europe” by John Stott:
https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=212796&show_file=226040 - Listen (sermon): “Philippi” by Vaughan Roberts:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/philippi/#sermons - Read (blog post): “How a Skeptical Philosopher Becomes a Christian” by Larry Sanger:
https://larrysanger.org/2025/02/how-a-skeptical-philosopher-becomes-a-christian/ - Read (article): “When Christians disagree” by Darryl Dash:
https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/straight-paths/when-christians-disagree/ - Read (book): “Bullies and Saints” by John Dickson 📚
- Listen (song): “Light of your Grace” by Citizens:
https://open.spotify.com/track/34dSY60x8HFunVOont3v0H?si=addfe3e2fd23477a
Series Resources
- Read (book): “Strange Religion” by Nijay Gupta. 📚
- Read (commentary): “The Challenge of Acts” by Tom Wright. 📚
- Read (book): “Why the Gospel” by Matthew Bates.
- Read (advanced commentary): “Acts: Witnesses to Him” by Bruce Milne.
📚 Available to borrow in the Church library
