June 6, 2021

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1
Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passages: Acts 17:16-34

● What did you notice about Paul’s reaction as he entered Athens?
● People build idols to represent the things they desperately want in their lives.
Paul was surprised by the many idols located around Athens (over 30,000). If
Paul walked into your town, your job, in your neighborhood, what idols would be
there?
● Are our Spirits provoked and grieved living in a culture that is searching but
doesn't know or even want God? How can we practically proclaim the truth of
who God is to our community? Take time to stop and pray. Ask someone in the
group to pray over the communities of idols and for the souls of people in this
idolatrous culture.
● Summed up, idolatry comes down to reliance. The problem is that we try to find
satisfaction in life and salvation from troubles from something other than God just
like those in Athens were doing. This idolatry we do every day. We all have
something we worship. Often, our idols are things that don’t seem like they could
be idols. Podcasts, books, hobbies... even things like wanting our children to
behave a certain way can be an idol.
○ What are idols in your personal life?

○ Although the options for idols are limitless, the test of an idol comes down
to two simple questions. Let’s ask ourselves these questions in regards to
our idols to become more self aware and spend time throughout the week
to reflect on this.
■ Am I willing to sin to get this thing?
■ Am I willing to sin if I can’t have it?
● Paul mentions three things about who God is.

1. God is knowable (vs. 23)- He is incomprehensible yet knowable.
2. God is the eternal Spirit (vs.25)- God has no limits.
3. God has spoken(vs.30)- He declares that all men should repent.
- Which one of these sticks out to you the most? Do any of these bring a
fresh perspective into God’s character?

● What are some of the responses Paul received to his teaching? We all are
imperfect so at one point in time have felt, feel, or will feel a response like this.
Which one of these responses can you most relate to?
● Read Exodus 20:4, 1 Corinthians 10:14, Mathew 5:21-22, James 4:2-3, Hebrews
13:5. How does our relationship with Jesus free us from the tyranny of idolatry?
● **(This next question may take some time but could be a great practice to help
us see how we can proclaim the truth to those around us. Feel free to send this
to those in your LifeGroup to complete before the next LifeGroup and then
discuss it!)
● In Acts 17:22-31, Paul gives a sermon to the Athenians much like he did in
Antioch in Acts 13: 16-47. This is a new audience for Paul. The Athenians do not
know scripture and they enjoy seeking truth more than following it. Read both
passages and identify how Paul uses different techniques to speak to each
specific audience in meaningful ways.
○ Look how different cities responded to the Gospel. How does the
response from the Athens people compare with the response in Berea and
Thessalonica? What can we learn about God’s plan for us from these
situations?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.