The Jesus Oriented Life
Acts 18:18-28
Part of The Jesus Story
November 5, 2023

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Two contrasts that illustrate what a Jesus-oriented life looks like:

1. A Jesus-oriented life is grounded in

with God rather than doing for God.
Acts 18:18-23

Self-sufficiency and self-reliance are engines of the American dream. However, We are not sufficient; we need a caretaker. And this must affect our bodily routines, our worship, and our view of God. Our culture of restlessness and limitlessness has shaped our faith. As Americans and as evangelicals, the subtle idea that our relationship with God relies on our own efforts and energy is part of our DNA. The idea that our bodies don’t matter and that limits are simply obstacles to be overcome misshapes our understanding of worship and mission. —Tish Harrison Warren, Liturgy of the Ordinary


2. Living a Jesus-oriented life is about making a big deal of the of Jesus rather than religious hype.

Acts 18:24-28

Application and Discussion Questions:
1. What stood out to you the most in this week’s message? Did anything challenge you, confuse you, or encourage you?
2. Read Acts 18:23. It is estimated that Paul spent 6-9 months in Antioch resting and recharging for the important work God had ahead of him. What challenges or doubts keep you from prioritizing rest? Are there any practices or routines that you have found helpful with this?
3. Read the quote from Tish Harrison Warren in the Teaching Notes above. If Harrison Warren is correct in her assessment, what effect do you think failing to rest has on us? Is growing in this simply a matter of changing our routines or does something also need to change in our hearts?
4. Read Acts 18:24-28.
a. What stands out to you in this passage about the importance of making a big deal of the message of Jesus rather than the gifts of a person or the “wow factor” of a Christian event? What can happen when we prioritize the wrong things ?

b. What stands out to you in Priscilla and Aquila’s example about how Christians can best go about bringing clarity around right beliefs with one another when someone’s understanding is incomplete?
5. What is one thing from this week’s teaching or group conversation that you hope to remember or put into practice in your relationship with Christ?