June 13, 2021

Ridgeline Study Prompts

 Acts 5:12-42

Prayer and Preparation

Before reading Acts 5:12-42 spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask the Lord to search your heart and help you put aside any distractions that might take your mind away from the text you are about to study. Ask the Lord to bless your study and the Holy Spirit to help you change from who you are to who He wants you to be.

Study
In verse 13, “the rest” - those who were not believers or followers of the Way - didn’t “dare join them”, yet they “held them in high esteem.” What do you think it meant that lost people admired the believers but didn’t dare join them? Do you see that same attitude in our day and our culture? How?

While many didn’t “dare join them”, we also see in verse 14 that “more than ever believers were added to the Lord.” How does knowing this - that some people will not dare join while others will be compelled by the Holy Spirit and our witness to join - shape our approach to outreach and relationships with unbelievers?

What does the prophetic advice from Gamaliel (verses 34-39) say about the validity of Christianity?

Application
Acts chapter 5 is full of ups and downs. How is your relationship with the world reflected in this chapter? Do you experience ridicule, or favor, or both, or neither, as you live out your faith in this lost world? What are some things to pray about in this area (opportunity, boldness, steadfastness, gentleness, wisdom, etc.)? Write down what the Spirit puts on your heart. Tell a spiritual partner what the Lord is showing you.