Sermon Overview & Discussion Questions: "A Dangerous Gospel"

Sermon Overview:

Suffering for the gospel is a key theme in this passage. Paul and Barnabas bravely revisit Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen the young believers there. They warn the young Christians that suffering for the gospel is the norm for all believers. Then, Paul and Barnabas return home to report all that God had done among the Gentiles. The “door of faith” opened to the Gentiles unleashed a rushing river of salvation that would one day reach our lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. Review verse 22 again. How does this verse challenge your expectations of how the Christian life should go?
2. CJ mentioned that we must proclaim the gospel without self-righteousness or the desire to be cool in the world’s eyes. How should this perspective shape your thoughts, words, actions as you interact with nonbelievers?
3. How have you experienced the divisive effect of the gospel in your relational circle, even when it was proclaimed clearly and humbly?
4. What providential circumstances had to occur in both recent and ancient history in order for you to hear the gospel? How do you see God at work in your salvation story?
5. The same gospel that saved us is able to save others. Who is one unsaved person you can pray for who is currently opposing the gospel?