Sermon Big Idea:

Setbacks can appear to threaten the mission, but the Lord uses them to providentially propel his mission.

Sermon Study Guide:

Let's Check In!

1. Briefly share: over the last week, what’s one way you’ve noticed God working in your life? Or in the lives of others? In your community? In the world? Or share something that happened in the last week you are grateful for!

Lets' Dive In!

2. First, read together Acts 15:36-16:10. Think back to the message and the main idea: Setbacks can appear to threaten the mission, but the Lord uses them to providentially propel the mission.
   • 1^st: Setback: People
   • 2^nd: Setback: lack of flexibility and adaptability
   • 3^rd : Setback: closed doors

Was there an idea or aspect of the text spoke to you? Was there anything said that challenged, intrigued or confused you that you want to explore more? Listen to each other, but don’t feel the need to answer a person’s question.

3. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas’s difference of opinion, personalities, preferences, style or focus, turned into such a deep division? Can you relate? When should you give up your rights, your position, or your point of view for the sake of peace with another person? What can we emulate and what can we do differently?
4. Disagreements are inevitable, and conflict is a reality of life, even among Christians. In these situations, how can we keep our eyes on Christ and remain focused on the mission and not let secondary issues become primary issues?Colossians 4:10 and 2 Timothy 4:11 remind us that Paul and Mark maintained a mutual commitment to their partnership in the gospel. What are a few principles we can apply that helps us walk arm in arm with others, even when we don’t see eye to eye.

5. Through the disagreement, in God’s providence, he used the parting of ways to develop leaders. Barnabas further discipled John Mark. Eventually, John Mark came alongside Peter. Paul’s began mentoring Timothy. How are you encouraged when you see God connect the right people, at the right time, for the right ministry? Who do you feel God is providentially connecting you with to disciple, mentor, encourage, etc.?

6. Explain in your own words, why circumcising Timothy helped open the doors for ministry and evangelization among a Jewish audience. Why was it different than the reason for the controversy in Acts 15? What ways can remove hindrances to the gospel message by making adaptations or demonstrating flexibility, while not watering down the gospel message?

7. When it comes to adapting and being flexible for the purpose of mission, Paul directly shares his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22: “To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.” What does this mean and how can we apply it in our lives?

8. Closed doors can be unexpected and discouraging. Share a time when the Lord closed the door, but eventually, he redirected you. How did you discern the new direction? In what way do you receive guidance?

What's Your Next Step?

9. In light of this study, share and write down one next action step you feel God is leading you to take in the next week?

(Consider areas: a temptation to avoid? Promise to claim? Example to follow? Command to obey? Person to move toward? A new discipline to develop that will help you love God with your heart, soul, mind, strength and to love others?)