CG Discussion Questions
ACTS SERIES PART 2: WHERE THE WORD GOES…THE CHURCH
GROWS…AT A PRICE!
DSP Alvin Tan
23 Aug 2015
Scripture Reading: Acts 6:8 – 8:4
Summary statement: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into
the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (see John
12:24).
Summary:
In Acts 1, we read that Jesus said to the disciples, “ But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).
We are called to be His witnesses, and there is a cost in doing so. Yet, as we
examine the life of Stephen, whose martyrdom was the spark for the spread of the
gospel to Judea, Samaria and eventually to us - we will see that laying down our
lives and taking up the cross as Jesus did, will bring not death, but eternal gain
(Luke 9:23-24).
Scripture Reading & Study:
Please turn to Acts 6:1 – 8:4. Note down verses and words that stand out for you.
Discussion Questions:
After reading, think and share about the following:
a. What do we know about Stephen from Acts 6:1 – 15? How was he a testimony to
God’s power?
b. Why was the synagogue of the Freedmen opposed to Stephen?
c. Notice what Stephen emphasized in his speech to defend what he said about
d. Why was the above so important to emphasize to the Jews then?
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CG Discussion Questions
e. Compare Jesus’ crucifixion and the stoning of Stephen with reference to the
following verses:
Jesus’ crucifixion
Luke 23:46
Stephen’s stoning
Acts 7:59
Luke 23:34
Acts 7:60
f. What happened on that day of Stephen’s death? Note key events regarding the
church and the word in Acts 8:
g. What does the above show you about Jesus’ words in Acts 1?
Application and Sharing:
1. Refer to the summary statement and to Luke 9:23-24 (And he said to all, “If
anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily
and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his
life for my sake will save it). What does it mean to you to take up your cross?
2. Like Stephen, have you ever faced or heard of someone who faced opposition
just for speaking the truth about Christ or being a Christian? How did that
situation turn out?
3. How do you feel about Stephen’s martyrdom and how he followed Jesus, even
unto death (refer to your responses in question [e] above)? Why do you think he
was able to do so?
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CG Discussion Questions
4. What makes it difficult for us to take up our cross? How then should we face
opposition, our suffering or even our fear of suffering as a Christian?
Refer to the following passages, which may be helpful:
I.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
II. 1 Peter 2:21-24:
III. 1 Peter 3:14-16:
IV. 1 Peter 3:12-19:
V. Hebrews 12:1-11:
5. Who do you know now who is suffering for the sake of the gospel? How can we
pray for them and the church? How can we encourage each other to bear our cross
daily and follow Him?
Prayer requests: (Write down prayer requests, with support for those who
shared about currently facing opposition in [2] / [5] above)
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