Devoted
Acts 2:42-47

I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s plan to turn the world upside down is to do extraordinary things through the ordinary acts of His people in worship.
 
II. Awe
A. The church found itself in Christ’s commands. Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 1 John 4:19
B. Responding to Christ’s commands leads to awe of Him. John 4:23; Acts 2:43
 
III. Everything in Common
A. The early church treasured their interdependence. Acts 2:44
B. Giving to each other is giving to God. Acts 2:45
 
IV. Together
A. Genuine worship inspires worship. Acts 2:46a
B. Love is not learned alone. Acts 2:46b
 
V. Saved
A. It’s easy to communicate about something we love. Acts 2:47a   
B. God works through people consumed by His grace. John 15:5; Acts 2:47b

Things to Consider

• What’s something that lifts your mood? 
• What’s something that convicted or encouraged you in Acts 2:42=47? 
• How can seeking God’s glory together change us? 2 Corinthians 3:18 
• Why is it important that our gatherings be centered on the Bible? 
• How can giving be negative? How can it be good? 
• What’s a way unity leads to disciple making? 
• How can you respond to Acts 2:42-47 in a practical way?

End of the Beginning
Acts 28:1-31
 
I. Intro
Big Idea: We can live out the unhindered gospel because God is in control.
 
II. Hospitality
A. Jesus took Paul’s punishment upon Him at the cross. Acts 28:1-6
B. Paul was willing to receive hospitality and help. Acts 28:7-10
 
III. Intentional
A. Paul knew he had nothing to fear. Acts 28:11; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10
B. Paul wasn’t a flight risk. Acts 28:12-16
 
IV. Passion
A. People attempt to thwart the gospel as it stands in contrast to their values. Acts 28:17-22
B. God uses people who believe. Acts 28:23-28
 
V. Unhindered
A. Abide in grace. Acts 28:30
B. Nothing stops the gospel. Acts 1:8; 28:31

​Storms
Acts 27:1-44
 
I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus is greater than our storms.
 
II. Wisdom
A. The Christian life is hard. John 13:34-35; Acts 27:1-8
B. Paul used commonsense. Acts 27:9-12; 2 Corinthians 11:25
 
III. The Storm
A. The storm brought them in touch with reality. Acts 27:13-20
B. God erodes our self-confidence to remind us of His faithfulness. Acts 27:21-25
 
IV. Wrecked
A. They had to stay on board to be saved. Acts 27:27-32; 1 John 2:19
B. It wasnt just the religious who gained courage as they broke bread. Acts 27:33-38
 
V. Daylight
A. Faith means trusting God in every moment. Acts 27:39-41; 28:1; Philippians 1:6
B. Seeking Christ amid storms leads to others seeing Him. Mark 4:38-41; Acts 27:42-44

Story
Acts 26:1-32
 
I. Intro
Big Idea: God desires to change lives completely.
 
II. Death
A. Paul considered himself fortunate. Acts 26:1-8
B. We’re all stillborn. Acts 26:9-13; Ephesians 2:1-5
 
III. Rescue
A. We resist the One who loves us. Acts 26:12-15
B. God first loved us. Acts 26:16-18; 1 John 4:19
 
IV. Awake
A. Christ causes us to wake up. Acts 26:19-20
B. Salvation in Christ is for everyone! Acts 26:21-24; 1 Corinthians 1:18
 
V. Believe
A. Be a witness. Acts 26:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:6
B. Know the joy of being an ambassador of the gospel. Acts 26:28-32

Trials
Acts 25:1-27
 
I. Intro
A. Big Idea: Christ is our Judge. Acts 9:15-16; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4
 
II. New on the Job
A. Festus was decisive (at least at first). Acts 25:1-5
B. Jesus wins. Acts 25:6-7
 
III. Defense
A. The pressures of Festus’ job got to him. Acts 25:8-9
B. Paul wasn’t avoiding trouble. Acts 23:11; 25:10-12
 
IV. Resurrection
A. Paul’s fate was sealed. Exodus 20:13; John 8:44; Acts 25:13-15
B. The crucifixion and resurrection show God cares and has a plan to deliver us. Acts 25:16-22
 
V. Deserving Death
A. Experience Christ’s glory. Acts 25:23-24; Romans 5:8
B. We can persevere. Acts 25:25-27

Clear
Acts 23:11; 24:1-26
 
I. Intro.
Big Idea: A clear conscience leads to seeing God. Acts 23:11
 
II. Charges
A. Anyone can rationalize anything. Acts 24:1-3
B. Tertullus wasn’t interested in the truth. Acts 24:4-9
 
 
III. Resurrection
A. Paul’s opponents were also hoping for the resurrection? Acts 24:10-16
B. If the resurrection is true, that means we’re all accountable to God. Acts 24:17-21
 
IV. Acquainted
A. Felix knew all about Christianity, but he didn’t know Christ. Acts 24:22-23
B. They could’ve missed the cost of salvation, and what it means to be saved! Acts
24:24-25
 
V. Priorities
A. Don’t wait. Acts 24:25; 2 Corinthians 6:2
B. Be found in God’s favor. Acts 24:26-27

Overcome
Acts 22:1-30
 
I. Intro
Big Idea: In Christ we can exchange fear for hope.
 
II. Background
A. Paul already considered himself dead. Acts 20; 21:23-24; Romans 8:36
B. Paul was a peacemaker but ended up starting another riot. Acts 21:26-36
 
III. Fear and Hope
A. In fear we generally have three choices: fight, flight, or freeze. Acts 21:40; 22:1-2
B. We never talk ourselves out of fear, but Jesus’ calls us into hope. Acts 22:3- 21
 
IV. Citizenship
A. Why fear when your citizenship is secure? Acts 22:22-28; Ephesians 3:20
B. Paul’s citizenship in heaven drove him beyond his fears. Acts 22:29; Colossians 3:2; 1 John 4:18
 
V. Stand
A. Have fellowship with our Savior. Acts 22:33; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 3:18
B. Be prepared. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Commitment
Acts 20:13-37
 
I. Intro
Big Idea: True community comes through commitment and sacrifice.
 
II. Greatly Comforted
A. Christian unity is community on purpose. John 3:16; Acts 20:1-6
B. The gospel calls us to wake up! Acts 20:7-12
 
III. Compelled
A. Commitment within community starts with leadership. Acts 20:16-21; 1
Thessalonians 2:8
B. Paul’s commitment reflected the reality of the gospel. Ecclesiastes 1:2; Acts 20:22-24
 
IV. Sanctified
A Unless unity is grounded in truth no one will be set free. Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; Acts 20:25; Galatians 5:23
B. In Christ we can learn to trust. Acts 20:28-31
 
V. Accompanied
A Spending ourselves leads to relational riches. Acts 20:35
B. Take hold of that which first took hold of you in Christ. Acts 20:36-37; Philippians 3:12-14