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Sermon Series: We’re continuing a sermon series through the book of Acts. Today we’ll learn all about discernment.

Acts 2:5-13

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. ⁷ And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? ⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, ¹¹ both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” ¹² And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Have you ever thought that God could be working through the events in your life, but you’re just not quite sure? In this part of God’s Word, we see some people who are wondering just that! By taking a look at their story, we too can learn what to do when you think God is working, but you’re not quite sure:

1. Realize it’s ok not to have all the answers

      Acts 2:6-8, 12, Is. 55:8-9, Rom. 8:28, Ps. 46:10, Matt. 6:25                                                                    

2. Keep observing the facts 

       Acts 2:7-11, Prov. 18:2, 13, John 9:1-3

3. Talk it through with other believers

       Acts 2:6-8, 12, Heb. 10:24-25, 1 Thess. 5:11, Gal. 6:2                                                  

4. Look for how God could be working 

        Acts 2:12, Jer. 29:13, Amos 5:4, Heb. 11:6

5. View it as an opportunity to grow your faith

        Acts 2:12-13, Eph. 4:13, Col. 2:6-7, 1 Pet. 2:2

Reflecting on God’s Word

Getting Started

• Take some time to read over Acts 2:5-13 and pray. 
• Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it? 
• What surprised you as we talked about it?
• As you reflect on this sermon series, what questions come to mind? 
• If you were the crowd in this story, how would you have reacted? Why do you think that is?

Diving In 

1. • When something peculiar is happening in your life, how easily do you write it off? Why is that? 
   • When there is something that is happening in your life, and you think it could be God working, what do you typically do? 
   • How often do you become cynical? Why is that? Do you think that that tendency has caused you to miss out on what God has wanted to do in your life?
   • How easily do you jump to conclusions? Why is that? How can you instead seek the Lord when you’re tempted to jump to conclusions? 
   • What is God doing in your life during this season? How can you view that as an opportunity to grow in your faith?

Applying the Scripture

What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word? 

• What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture? 
• How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? 
• Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

Open with prayer.

Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?

If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.

Prayer Time:

Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.

Staying Missional:

Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:

Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?

What’s next?

Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?