August 22, 2021

Ridgeline Study Prompts

 Acts 10:44-11:18

Prayer and Preparation

Pause to remember that time in the Scriptures is sacred. It’s not ordinary. It has eternal implications as you learn, grow, mature, and become more like Christ. God’s Word does not return void. Read today expecting God to move the needle in your soul. Pray, read, learn, and apply the text. We can’t wait to hear about it.

Study

Our passage summarizes of what happened last chapter. Verse 1 says, Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. To appreciate the context, list what questions they might have had when they heard the reports of Peter’s experience in Caesarea?

The Holy Spirit plays a big role in this chain of events. In verse 15, Peter connects this story to what happened in Acts 2. In your own words, what are the significant implications of the Holy Spirit’s work in Acts 2 and 10?

When there is tension between God’s moving in what seems like new ways versus Peter’s old way of understanding, Peter recalls Jesus’ words. We are to filter ideas through Scripture and rehearse God’s clear words when we are faced with less clear circumstances. Ultimately, we submit to what God has spoken, versus how we feel. Can you recall times where Scripture challenged your thinking and you ended up yielding to the Word of God? Write one or two of these instances down to serve as a reminder of how God has grown you.

Application

Are there areas in your walk with Christ that you can sense that you aren’t willing to submit or be led? Maybe you refuse to let go of ideas you have about something, even though God is trying to grow you and lift your eyes. Or maybe you are trying to stretch your understanding, but it’s just scary or harder than you hoped. Write them down, and then prayerfully plan to humble yourself and invite someone else into your wrestling. We want to be a people that submits to God’s word, even when it goes against our preferences.