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 happens when following Jesus brings together people with very different backgrounds, convictions, and expectations? Is faith in Jesus really enough, or are there additional requirements for belonging? In Acts 15, the early church faces a disagreement that threatens both the clarity of the gospel and the unity of the church. What they discover still matters for anyone trying to follow Jesus alongside imperfect, complicated people.
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Main Points:
The gospel is protected: Jesus alone is enough to save.
The call is clarified: following Jesus means leaving the old life behind.
The church is united: believers make room for one another in love.
The mission is advanced: strengthened churches carry the gospel forward.
On-Ramps:
Don’t run away from disagreements.
Don’t add your preferences to the gospel.
Don’t excuse your sin by calling it freedom.
Don’t choose yourself over unity and mission.
Discussion
Why do you think the apostles still called Gentile believers to leave behind certain practices
Can you think of another time in the New Testament where circumcision is discussed in context to Gentile believers? What is the passage saying?
Paul carries on this thinking about food sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8, what is his conclusion in this passage?
Where do you see people today adding extra requirements to following Jesus?
What are some examples of people using “freedom” as an excuse to justify sin?
What makes unity difficult in a world shaped by individualism and personal preference?
Are there any personal preferences or convictions you are tempted to elevate to gospel-level importance?
Who is someone different from you that God may be calling you to make room for in love?
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: Acts 16:16–34
