GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you hoped—even when you’re following God? Is real faith believing things will turn out well, or trusting God no matter what happens? In this passage, we see both incredible rescue and deep loss—and a kind of faith that holds steady through it all. This might challenge how you think about prayer, miracles, and what it really means to follow Jesus.
Main Points:
Scene 1. The church faces opposition and turns to prayer (1–5).
Scene 2. The church sees miracles and responds with surprise (6–17).
Scene 3. God stops his enemies and advances his mission (18–24).
Prayer: accessing power we cannot produce.
Passion: conviction deep enough to suffer for Jesus.
Perseverance: faithfulness to God whatever the outcome.
On-Ramps:
Study the Bible so you know who God is and what he promises.
Expect both deliverance and difficulty as you follow Jesus.
Lean into prayer to receive perspective, passion, and power.
Stay faithful with God’s strength, trusting what is true and eternal.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
The passage shows both tragedy (James’ death) and miracle (Peter’s release). What does this teach us about how God works in the world?
The early church responded to opposition with earnest prayer. What do you notice about their prayer, and how does it compare to how we typically respond to challenges today?
In the story, the believers were surprised when God answered their prayers. What does that reveal about their faith—and about ours?
The sermon describes two “ditches”: unbelief and unfounded belief. Where do you see these attitudes in our culture today, and which are you more prone to personally?
Where in your life are you facing something that feels like a “God problem”—something beyond your ability to fix? How might this passage shape your response?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Luke 24
