LOOK BACK
Praise
- Read. Hebrews 4:14-16 and sing songs
- Use a Statement of Faith about Jesus like Philippians 2:11b + 1 Timothy 2:4-6a
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
- How have you experienced God in your life this week?
- How have you experienced God working through your life this week?
- Were you able to tell anyone this week about what God is doing in your life or pray with anyone?
Caring for each other
- Do you need any help from God in your life?
Motivation and Encouragement
One day Jesus sent out His followers to minister to people in the surrounding villages.
When they returned they were so excited about all that God had done through them, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” After Jesus celebrated with them, He gave them this perspective: “But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) Jesus reminds us that our joy is not found in results but that we know Him!
LOOK UP
Context
The early church was committed to one another. They were meeting together regularly, and many new people were coming to Christ. After a time of persecution, they prayed for boldness and the Lord helped them speak the gospel boldly. This story about the believers in Jerusalem shows their commitment to one another.
Read
Read or watch Acts 4:32-37 two times as everyone listens
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all
34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Read More
Discovery Discussion
- What stands out for you in this passage?
- What do you like and what bothers you in this passage?
- Why do you think this passage is important?
- What are some possible ways a person could apply this passage? Is there:
- A behaviour to change?
- A promise to claim?
- An example to follow?
- A command to obey?
- Ask God what He wants you to do in response to the passage.
- Share this with the group
Read, Tell and Correct
- Read the story again. Have someone tell the story and ask the group to correct if necessary.
Summary
Even from the beginning of the church, the believers cared for one another’s needs by giving. We learn from this story that we should give willingly, not under compulsion. This is clearly stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Read Acts 11:27-29. The early church also gave to believers in other churches. This shows us that our giving can be used for needs outside of our own church. Read Luke 8:1-3. This story shows us that giving is also used for taking the gospel to other places and spread God’s message. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul encourages people to practice giving each week to be used for these purposes.
LOOK FORWARD
Preparing for Mission
- Discuss how giving will be handled.
- Identify needs where your giving can be used.
- Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through communion
- Practice any skill or topic from previous lessons to help people live the MyFriends Lifestyle.
Going on the Mission
- What is God revealing as your next steps this week with him and others?
- Share this step with the group and ask someone to pray for you as you take this step in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to start a movement of people living the MyFriends Lifestyle.
