Puyallup Nazarene Church
We are often engaged in battles of one sort or another. In our divisive political and social environment, it is easy for the church to mirror the same disunity, hostility and lovelessness. When self-interests replace the centrality of Jesus, something goes terribly wrong. Satan loves to stir up disunity, selfishness and pretense. But the Holy Spirit insists on a better normal for the followers of Jesus.
Whether the old normal or a new normal, the Holy Spirit creates for the followers of Jesus a better normal; a way of being and living that is miraculous, gracious and powerful.
Acts 4:32-37 NIV
The powerful impact of Spirit-filled community: The church.
When the resurrected and resurrecting Jesus become central and empowered in your life and in our life together, things cannot remain the same.
Acts 5:1-11 NIV
But then, someone lied to the Holy Spirit! A significant spiritual battle.
What is the Spirit saying to the Church? To you...to us?
Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities
We invite you to use the following questions as you prepare for your Group Life community meetings this week. If you would like to participate in a group life meeting contact us at info@pnconline.org.
INTRO QUESTION PRIOR TO THE PASSAGE
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a power struggle at work? In your spiritual life, have you ever felt pulled between the Holy Spirit and Satan?
Read Acts 4:32-27 and Acts 5:1-11
Observation: (be curious, imagine yourself in the story)
How would you describe the activities of the church in this passage?
Who were the key people in this story?
How did the mood of the community change throughout this story?
What was Peter’s role in the story?
Interpretation: (uncover the 'why' behind the story, why are certain details included, etc.)
What does it mean to be of 'one heart and mind?' What factors are needed for a group to function in this way?
What continued to be the core teaching of the apostles? Why do you think they focused on this? (Acts 4:33)
Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive the church? What was Satan’s role?
What type of discipline was provided for the first believers? Why do you think it was so harsh?
Application: (connect the message to your personal life)
How do you experience the spiritual battle between the Holy Spirit and Satan? How can it impact a small group or church as a whole?
What is God trying to say to me through this passage?
Where do I need God’s comfort, confidence or challenge?
What truths do I need to put into action?
Next Week's Study: "A Better Normal- Witness, Revelation and Impact" - Acts 9
