Fall 2009, Week 8 – Small Group Questions

The sermon for this week from the series “Acts in 3 Acts: Act 1” is titled “Moses: God’s Man for the Hour of Need“.

As a child, who was the best storyteller you ever heard? What made that person so effective?
Where did your ancestors come from? Do you have any heroes or “black sheep” in the family?

Read Acts 6:8-8:1. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
What does Stephen’s storytelling (in effect a history lesson) reveal about his respect for the Mosaic Law?
Looking at vv. 17-37, what big emergency is Moses born into? How did God prepare Moses for his mission of rescuing the Israelites from the Egyptians? What parts of his story got him ready?
Moses was 40 years old when he killed the Egyptian and 80 when he saw the burning bush. Take a moment to reflect on that length of time. What does that tell us about God’s timing and our need to be patient?
What parallels does Stephen draw between Moses and Jesus? How does this relate to the charges against him in 6:13-14.
Read Exodus 32:9, 33:3 & 5, and Deuteronomy 10:16. In this context, what is Stephen really saying about the Sanhedrin’s regard for Moses and the Law? What is Stephen implying by his charge against the Sanhedrin in 7:51-53?

How has God been preparing you for the mission he has for your life? What parts of your story might be getting you ready?
Do you have a “prior record” (like Moses did) that you think disqualifies you from doing something significant for God? How might God use your “prior record” to bless others?
In what way might you be feeling “stiff-necked” this week? How will you begin to bow to God in that area?

Application: Share one way in which you believe God might be able to use you to bless others. Pray for the person on your right, asking God to help them fulfill their mission.
Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
Here at Northminster: Pray for Nate Landis and Urban Youth Collaborative.
Beyond Northminster: Pray for those in our neighborhood who are in need this Thanksgiving.