Discussion Guide: The Nations & the Kingdom (Acts 15)
- Understanding the Conflict and God’s Plan
The sermon describes a debate in Acts 15 where some Judean believers argued that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved, while Paul and Barnabas defended salvation by faith for Gentiles as Gentiles. What were the motivations of the Judean teachers, and how did Paul, Barnabas, and Peter counter this with their experiences and scriptures? How does this conflict highlight God’s inclusive plan for both Jews and Gentiles in His Kingdom?
Prayer Point: Pray for humility and wisdom to embrace God’s inclusive plan, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any personal biases or traditions that might hinder accepting others into the faith.
Discipleship Application: Reflect on your own community or church. Are there ways you can intentionally welcome and include people from different backgrounds, ensuring the gospel is accessible to all? Practice one act of inclusion this week, such as inviting someone new to a church event or small group. - Peter’s Testimony and the Role of the Holy Spirit
Peter recounts how God gave the Holy Spirit to Cornelius’ Gentile household (Acts 10), proving that salvation comes through faith, not ethnicity or adherence to Mosaic law. How does the Spirit’s presence in both Jews and Gentiles demonstrate God’s impartiality? What does this teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming salvation?
Prayer Point: Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit as the “downpayment” of eternal life. Ask for greater sensitivity to the Spirit’s guidance in your life and boldness to share the gospel with others.
Discipleship Application: Identify one way the Holy Spirit has worked in your life (e.g., conviction, guidance, or transformation). Share this story with a friend or small group member this week to encourage their faith and practice storytelling as a form of evangelism. - James’ Conclusion and the Prophetic Vision
James cites Amos 9 to affirm that God’s plan to restore David’s kingdom includes Gentiles seeking the Lord (Acts 15:15-17). How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 102, Isaiah 2, 11, 60) reinforce this vision of a restored Kingdom where all nations worship together? What does this prophetic hope tell us about the future and our role in it?
Prayer Point: Praise God for His promise to restore His Kingdom and include all nations. Pray for a heart aligned with this vision, seeking opportunities to share the hope of the Kingdom with others.
Discipleship Application: Read one of the prophetic passages mentioned (e.g., Isaiah 2 or Amos 9) this week. Journal about how the promise of God’s Kingdom shapes your hope and motivates you to live faithfully. Share one insight with a friend or mentor to discuss how it applies to your life. - Becoming an Eschatological Gentile
The sermon calls believers to “become an eschatological Gentile” by trusting the gospel, repenting, and receiving the Holy Spirit to prepare for the coming Kingdom. What does it mean to live with an eschatological (future-focused) perspective? How can this hope influence your daily decisions and priorities?
Prayer Point: Ask God to deepen your trust in the gospel and to help you live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing His Kingdom over temporary concerns. Pray for strength to repent of any sins that hinder your walk with Him.
Discipleship Application: Set a daily reminder (e.g., a phone alarm or note) to pause and reflect on the hope of the coming Kingdom. Use this moment to pray or make one decision that aligns with God’s eternal purposes, such as serving someone in need or spending time in scripture. - Making Eschatological Gentiles and Jews
The sermon urges believers to continue the apostolic mission by sharing stories of God’s work to make disciples of all nations. Why is storytelling an effective way to share the gospel? What are some practical ways you can share stories of God’s work in your life to encourage others?
Prayer Point: Pray for courage and opportunities to share the gospel through personal stories of God’s faithfulness, asking God to use your testimony to draw others to Him. Lift up those in your life who need to hear the hope of the Kingdom.
Discipleship Application: Write down one story of how God has worked in your life (e.g., answered prayer, forgiveness of sins, or a moment of transformation). Share it with at least one person this week, whether a believer to encourage them or a non-believer to point them to Jesus. Practice active listening to hear others’ stories and pray for them.
