ABC--Assertiveness, Boldness and Courage (Acts 4)

• Explain "Man was made by God and sinners was made by man. So when you destroy what you made [repent], God will save what he made" [Catholic Catechism].
• What should believing "that your sins may be wiped out" (Ac 3:19) do for you? Can it deceive or cause complacency? Do you feel proud about yourself when you repent? Are you upset with those who don't repent or change?

1. Who were the "3" authorities, leaders and religious elite who stopped Peter and John from speaking (Ac 4:1)?
• What did the Sadducees believe (Mk 12:18; Lk 20:27; Mt 22:23)? Why is the gospel upsetting (Ac 4:2-3)?
• Why are the elite and those in positions of power angered and threatened by anyone who does not submit to their authority (Mk 10:42-44; Ac 1:8; 2 Tim 1:7)?Do they think they are better/holier/superior?
• Have you been silenced by those in power? What courage from God do you need to face it?
• What did those who heard the message believe (Ac 4:4; 3:13-16, 17-26)?
2. Why did the religious authorities question Peter and John about the power, name or authority by which they healed the lame man (Ac 4:5-7; Mt 21:23; Mk 11:28; Lk 20:2)?
• How could Peter respond so boldly [and bluntly] without any fear before the very "powerful" men who had just previously condemned Jesus to death (Ac 1:8; 4:8-12; Mt 10:17-20; 2 Tim 1:7)?
• What is the purpose of being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ac 4:8a)?
• How did he connect Jesus with OT prophecy (Ac 4:11; Ps 118:22)? What does it mean that Jesus is "the cornerstone" (Isa 28:16)?
• Why is "salvation ... found in no one else" (Ac 4:12)? Why is this claim controversial, even offensive [for unbelievers, skeptics, "Christians"?]? Why do people "hate" exclusive claims (Jn 14:6)? Have you been persecuted and accused of being narrow minded for believing in Jesus (2 Tim 3:12)? Is it crucial for the church to hold on to this claim?
3. Why were the religious leaders astonished [alarmed, angry, agitated, aroused, annoyed] by the courage of Peter and John (Ac 4:13)?
• How might they regard fishermen? Why would God choose and use the "lowly" (Mt 11:25; 1 Cor 1:26-31)? What gave them their remarkable courage (Ac 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 4:8; Lk 12:11-12)?
• Courage can be translated as “frankness.” To whom in your life do you need to be speaking with “steely frankness”?
• Have you/will you speak boldly about Jesus? How can you grow in boldness and courage (Ac 1:8; 2 Tim 1:7; Jn 6:63; Mk 3:13-15)?
4. 
   Why would they deny an obvious miracle (Ac 4:14-16)? How did they misuse their God given authority (Ac 4:17, 21-22)?
• Why could Peter and John not obey their command to stop speaking and teaching in Jesus' name (Ac 4:17-20)?
• When is civil disobedience warranted? When should man's law and/or Jesus' word be obeyed (Rom 13:1-2; Mt 28:18-20; Jn 14:15; Ac 4:29)?
5. What did the Apostles do on being released (Ac 4:23-24)? Protest their unjust arrest and mistreatment?
• Why should we pray 'after an incident' as before it?
• What were the main points in their prayer from the Psalm (Ac 4:25-26, 27-30; Ps 2:1-2)?
• Do you use the Bible in your prayer? To aid your prayer life?
• What was the immediate result of their prayers (Ac 4:31)? Should Christians expect a trouble free and danger free life (Jn 15:18-19; 16:33)?
• What have you learnt that could help your prayer life?
6. What are your initial reactions to reading Ac 4:32-37?
• What attitude did the believers have toward one another (4:32a)?
• How effective was the apostles’ witness (4:33)?
• How did the "wealthy better-off Christians" exemplify the early church (Ac 4:34-35; Dt 154)? Who dealt with the common fund of the church? 
• What possessions are you willing to part with to help those in need (Ac 4:32b)?
• What is the dominant mindset of our culture regarding money, possessions and stuff? Where and how do you see it play out?
• Why was Barnabas such an encouragement (Ac 4:36-37)?
• How can we/should we "copy" his example?
• What are things that prevent you from being generous?
• How has your relationship with Jesus impacted or changed the way you view your money, possessions and stuff?
• Is there a specific way you can practice giving or sharing your money or stuff? Take a few minutes of silence to reflect, and then if comfortable, share with the group in what ways God might be leading you?

http://westloop-church.org/index.php/messages/new-testament/43-acts-messages/690-acts-4