LIFE GROUPS WEEK 4 – FALL 2024
LG VIDEO – WEEK 4 – 03:52 MINUTES
FULL SERMON – 37:17 MINUTES
ICE BREAKER:
- What’s the most ridiculous thing that’s ever triggered you? Like, have you ever been irrationally annoyed by something totally harmless—like loud chewing or other pet peeves?
SCRIPTURE
Acts 8:9-25 NIV
9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.”11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracleshe saw.
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
25 After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
James 3:16 “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
UNcomplicate it:
Observation Question
- When Simon saw that the Spirit was given, his reaction revealed more about his heart. What clues in the text show that Simon was motivated by selfish ambition rather than a desire for genuine spiritual transformation?
Understanding Questions
- Disappointment often arises when our expectations don’t align with reality. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us to let go of the past and embrace what God is doing now. Can you share an area in your life where disappointment has taken root? How can you shift your focus to hope in God’s new work?
- Envy keeps us focused on what others have, leading to frustration, while admiration encourages us to celebrate their blessings. Can you recall a time when envy steered you off course? What could have changed if you had chosen admiration instead?
Application Question
- Forgiveness is powerful—it may not change what happened, but it can transform your future. Reflecting on Matthew 6:14-15, is there any bitterness or anger you’re holding onto that is keeping you from moving forward? How might forgiveness bring healing to that situation?
Before Next Week
- Consider getting baptized this weekend! Sign up at freedom.church/baptism
- Pick someone to share next week from their Life Journal to kick off the group discussion
- Pray for one another in groups
Life Journal Reading Plan
- Day 1: Acts 22
- Day 2: Acts 23
- Day 3: Acts 24
- Day 4:Acts 25
- Day 5: Acts 26
- Day 6: Acts 27
- Day 7: Acts 28
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