LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
In the book of Acts, we learn much about the growth of the early church. Most of Jesus’ ministry was done in the area known as Palestine. After His resurrection and ascension, the church began to expand to places outside of Palestine, throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. During His ministry here on Earth, Jesus chose 12 men to personally disciple and pour into. While His ministry was not limited to these 12, these men learned from Jesus by doing life with Him for the three years of His ministry. After His resurrection, they were finally able to understand everything He had been teaching them about the Kingdom of God. It was also during this time that He gave them the tools they would need to continue doing His ministry after His ascension to heaven, through the arrival and work of the Holy Spirit.

Acts also introduces us to Paul, who, like the disciples, experienced a life-changing, personal encounter with Christ. After he had been discipled by other believers and learned from God Himself, Paul began to spread the Gospel message to the entire Roman Empire to not just Jews, but to Gentiles as well! As he traveled, he witnessed to many, but he also built up and encouraged the believers, training them to be able to continue the work of the Great Commission. This week, we will look at Paul’s life to see the purpose, as well as the rewards, for being disciple makers.

Passages we’ll review:
Acts 14:19-23; Matthew 28:19-20; Numbers 27:15-23

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

Have you ever been influenced by people around you to do something you would not normally do? Why did you do it?

READ

Read Matthew 6:19-21

As Paul and Barnabas traveled throughout the Roman Empire, they encountered many who didn’t know the One True God. Lystra was in the province of Galatia, or modern day Turkey, and many who lived there worshiped the Roman gods. When they saw Paul and Barnabas perform miracles in the name of Jesus, they began to worship them as gods. Rather than use this misguided worship as a means to be respected by the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas sought only to glorify God! However, their obedience to God came with a price as those who opposed their message incited a riot. —Editor’s Note

What are some of the reasons people go out of their way to oppose someone or something? Are there any events in our world today that are similar to this situation in Acts? If so, what are they?

How did Paul respond to this persecution? What can we learn and apply from Paul’s example as we live in our world today?

How do you tend to respond to opposition or ridicule? Do you shy away and back off, or do you tend to persist and push forward? Explain.

Why were Paul and Barnabas so compelled to continue preaching the Gospel, even considering their journey a success, knowing the suffering and opposition they would inevitably face? How should this affect us as we live our lives daily?

Read Matthew 28:19-20

As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, He left them with these very important last words of instruction. How is being a Christian different from being a disciple?

Why is the local church, and specifically CrossPointe Church, so important when it comes to obeying the Great Commission?

Why should worship fuel our obedience to the Great Commission?

What are some of the practical barriers you face when it comes to making disciples? What is the next step you need to take?

The Great Commission can seem like a daunting task. With all that we have studied, why do we not need to be intimidated by this Great Commission Jesus gave us?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Numbers 27:15-23

We also see an example of discipleship in the Old Testament as we look at Moses and Joshua. —Editor’s Note

What was Moses’ concern when he learned his life was almost over? How did God respond?

Joshua was a strong leader. Moses had mentored him for many years, helping him to become a godly leader and preparing him for what God would use him to do. As he led the people of God, Joshua desired to glorify God in all that was done. He had a strong faith and was obedient to God’s leading. Just as Moses had mentored Joshua and equipped him for leadership, Joshua made sure to raise up others to follow in his steps as well. —Editor’s Notes

What makes discipleship relationships so special, and what makes them so difficult to find and cultivate?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. What will you leave behind when you pass from this world? Have you invested heavily in God’s kingdom? Has your life made a difference?
   

2. Paul paid an enormous price for his testimony in Christ. Is obeying the Great Commission an issue of Jesus’ worth or authority in your life? What risks are there for you in living for Christ as you disciple others?
   

3. Who has God brought to your life “on purpose”? Is it someone that can pour into your life? Is it someone you can pour into?