The Gospel Produces Courage
Mike Smith
September 24th, 2023
Acts 14
“Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” —Acts 14:19–22 (CSB)
When facing opposition for following Jesus, consider this:
It takes
It takes
Jesus entered into
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What is the greatest act of courage you have seen with your own eyes?
1. Sum up Sunday’s message: What was the significance of Paul and Barnabas returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, given the opposition and challenges they faced there?
2. Why do you think it takes great courage to follow Jesus away from certain people or situations? How does societal pressure or the desire to fit in sometimes hinder our spiritual journey?
3. Paul didn’t return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch for his own sake but for the sake of others. For the new believers living in those cities, how do you think they would have responded to seeing Paul’s return? How did this encourage they faith?
4. In Philippians 2:5-8 we read about how Jesus entered hostile territory for the sake of humanity. In what ways can we follow Jesus’ example here?
5. Application: In your own life, are there areas or relationships where you feel God might be calling you to return with the message of Jesus, even if it requires courage? What steps can you take to prepare yourself for this?