Edgewood Bible Church

Main idea: Jesus confronts our misplaced expectations by revealing Himself as a very different kind of King 1. A Humble King We Didn’t Expect (vv. 1–11) 2. A Holy King Who Disrupts the Religious (vv. 12–13) 3. A Merciful King Who Welcomes the Lowly (vv. 14–17) Discussion Questions: 1. What is the disconnect between who Jesus is revealing Himself to be and what the crowd expects Him to do? 2. In what ways are we tempted to create a version of Jesus who fits our own expectations or desires? 3. When you first came to Christ, what did you expect Him to do in your life? How has that changed? 4. What would it look like for you this week to “crown Him” as King in a specific area of your life?

Main idea: The gospel may be distorted and debated, but the real danger is delaying your response to it. 1. Distorting the Threat (vv. 1–9) 2. Defining the Threat (vv. 10–21) 3. Delaying the Threat (vv. 22–27) Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think the Jewish leaders described Paul as a “plague” and a “ringleader”? What does that reveal about how people misidentify threats? 2. How does the principle of conscience vs. reputation apply to Christian living in the workplace, family, or society? 3. In what ways do we sometimes act like Felix—recognizing the truth but putting off repentance or obedience? 4. Are there areas in your life where you are carrying a “low-grade fever” of guilt, trying to prove yourself? How does Christ’s finished work free you from that burden?

Big Idea: Courage comes from Christ’s presence and promise. I. Courage through a clear conscience (22:30-23:10) II. Courage through Christ’s presence (v.11) III. Courage through Christ’s protection (v.12-22) IV. Courage through Christ’s promise (v.23-35) Discussion Questions: 1. How does a clear conscience give a Christian courage, and what tends to rob us of that courage? 2. What does Christ’s presence mean for believers when circumstances do not immediately improve? 3. Why is the resurrection such a central source of Christian courage and hope? 4. How have you seen God’s protection or provision come through ordinary people and everyday circumstances? 5. What does this teach us about trusting Christ’s promises when obedience leads to difficulty rather than relief?

Big Idea: Use every opportunity God provides to testify about Christ and follow where He sends you. 1. Take the opportunity to speak—not to remain silent (READ 21:37–40a) 2. Take the opportunity to testify—not to justify yourself (21:40b–22:21) 3. Take the opportunity to use God’s provision—even in the face of condemnation (22:22–29) 1. What provisions has God given you in your life (background, abilities, relationships, circumstances) that could be opportunities to point others to Christ? 2. Where might God be giving you opportunities to speak about Christ that you have been hesitant or silent about? 3. How would you briefly share your testimony—who you were before Christ, how you met Christ, and how He has changed your life? 4. Why did Paul’s statement that God sent him to the Gentiles caused such a strong reaction from the crowd? 5. What ordinary resources or privileges God has given you could be used more intentionally to serve Christ and advance the gospel?

Main idea: The road of resolve is the road of obedience to Christ—marked by warning, walked in humility, and often ending in suffering. The road marked by warning (1–14) The road walked in humility (15–26) The road ending in suffering (27–36) Discussion Questions: 1. What does Paul’s statement in Acts 21:13 reveal about his view of his own life? 2. How does Luke 22 help us understand Acts 21 more clearly? 3. What is the difference between gospel conviction and personal preference? 4. What does this passage teach us about the relationship between suffering and the will of God?

Main idea: Gospel shepherding looks like an example worth following, a charge worth submitting under, and a confidence rooted in God and His Word. 1. A shepherd’s example 2. A shepherd’s charge 3. A shepherd’s confidence Discussion Questions: 1. What does it look like to “train” pastors to shrink back (even unintentionally) through what we reward or punish as the congregation? 2. How does the “blood-bought” theme change the way you view (a) your sin, and (b) the person sitting next to you at church? 3. Why does Paul put “watch yourselves” before “watch the flock”? What happens when that order gets reversed? 4. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”—where is God calling you to give yourself away this week?

Main idea: The gospel advances through faithful encouragement, resurrection hope, and purposeful urgency. Faithful Encouragement: “How do we keep walking when the path ahead looks frightening?” Resurrection Hope: “What sustains us when death strikes?” Purposeful Urgency: “How will we spend the rest of our days He gives us?” Discussion Questions 1. Read Psalm 56:3–4. What does “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” look like practically this week? Which threats are you rehearsing more than God’s promises right now? 2. How would you explain to someone the difference between moral improvement and resurrection life in Christ? 3. What “good things” in your life may be quietly replacing the “best thing” of gospel priority? 4. What fear is most shaping your decisions right now?

Main idea: When the kingdom of Christ advances, the kingdoms of this world push back. The Threat (vv. 21-27) The Riot (vv. 28-34) The Result (vv. 35-41) Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think people are often quick to riot or get angry over trivial things? How does that reflect human nature? 2. How do we see modern parallels to the Ephesian mob in online culture, media, or social movements? 3. How can Christians protest faithfully without resorting to anger, outrage, or “mob” behavior? 4. When you examine your own life, what “Demetriuses” threaten you — areas where you might be angry, anxious, or desperate if something was taken away?

Big Idea: The word of the Lord will continue to increase and triumph. 1. The word completes the gospel for the confused (1–7) 2. The word spreads through persistent teaching (8–10) 3. The word shames counterfeits and honors Jesus (11–17) 4. The word reforms lives through costly repentance (18–19) Discussion Questions: 1. What does Paul’s first question (v.2) reveal about how we should approach “disciples” today? 2. How would you explain the difference between John’s baptism and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? 3. In vv.8–10, what stands out about Paul’s strategy? What does that suggest about how the Word normally “spreads”? 4. What’s the main warning from the sons of Sceva episode and what does it look like to rely on the Spirit rather than a “formula”? 5. In vv.18–20, what does “costly repentance” look like? Is there something costly that you are holding on to that you need to let go?

Big Idea: God strengthens His church through ready and receptive disciples Disciples that strengthen the church are: 1. Ready (v.18-23) 2. Humble (v.24-26) 3. Receptive (v.27-29) Discussion Questions: 1. What does Paul’s “strengthening” ministry show us about discipleship? 2. What stands out about how Priscilla and Aquila correct Apollos? How can we apply this in our life? 3. How can you stay teachable—even if you’re experienced, gifted or knowledgeable? 4. What do verses 27-28 teach us about churches helping and sending each other? How can we better partner with local gospel-preaching ministries?

Main idea: Christ preserves and advances His mission through ordinary faithfulness sustained by divine assurance. 1. Christ Advances His Mission through Ordinary Faithfulness (v.1–8) 2. Christ Strengthens His Servants through Divine Assurance (v. 9–11) 3. Christ Preserves His Mission through Quiet Providence (v. 12–17) Discussion Questions: 1. What are “ordinary means” God uses to grow Christians and build churches? Which one do you most neglect when you’re tired? 2. In vv.9–11, list the commands Jesus gives and the promises He attaches. Why do you think Jesus pairs them that way? 3. In Acts 18, Gallio isn’t a hero, and the government isn’t ultimate. What’s a healthy way to relate to civil authorities without putting your hope in them? 4. Alvin York “settled obedience before the crisis.” What does it look like for a Christian to settle obedience ahead of time? Where do you need to settle it right now?

Big Idea: With heartfelt concern, we persuade and teach people to turn from idols to the living God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1. The Resurrection of Jesus exposes the emptiness of idolatry (16-21) 2. The Resurrection of Jesus commands all people to repent (22-31) The Resurrection of Jesus demands a response (32-34) Discussion Questions: 1. Do you agree that there are no truly non-religious people, only different devotions? What are some “respectable” idols in our culture or church context? 2. The Epicureans sought pleasure; the Stoics sought control. When life gets hard, which do you tend to rely on more—and why? 3. The resurrection exposes idols because they cannot deal with death or judgment. What are common substitutes people trust instead of God, and where do they fall short? 4. Acts 17 ends with mocking, delaying, or believing. Which response do you most identify with right now, and what would real belief look like this week?

Main idea: Division comes when God’s Word reveals Jesus as King and calls us to pledge our allegiance to Him alone. 1. The Word persuades us that Jesus is the Christ (1-4) 2. The Word provokes hostility and distortion (5-9) 3. The Word produces discernment and faith (10-15) Discussion Questions: 1. Luke says Paul reasoned, explained, and proved from the Scriptures. What does this tell us about how God normally brings people to faith? 2. When you hear the word “allegiance,” what comes to mind? How is allegiance different from preference or opinion? 3. Why does Luke call the Bereans “noble”? What made their response different from the Thessalonians? 4. How does the Lord’s Supper function as a public declaration of allegiance to King Jesus?

Big Idea: Made new in Christ, we are all ambassadors of His reconciliation. Must I evangelize? 1. Yes, God has made you new (v.17) 2. Yes, God Gave you a ministry (v.18-19) 3. Yes, God appeals through you (v.20-21) Discussion Questions: 1. What stands out about what God does in reconciliation (who acts first, what He provides, what He doesn’t count), and why does that matter for your confidence? 2. What is “the message of reconciliation,” especially v.21 (the great exchange)? 3. Where are you tempted to be vague/quiet about Jesus (an “ambassador with no appeal”)? What would faithful clarity and love look like this week? 4. Who is one person God has put in your life to “implore…be reconciled to God”?

Main idea: God’s people should remember and celebrate God’s greatness. 1. Remember what the Lord has done 2. Rejoice in what the Lord has given 3. Rehearse the story of the Lord’s Greatness Discussion Questions 1. When you look back on your own life, why do you think gratitude tends to fade even after clear answers to prayer or seasons of deliverance? 2. Where in your own life are you most tempted to interpret present circumstances without reference to God’s past faithfulness? 3. What would it look like for your celebration of Christmas to be more intentionally God-centered? 4. What is one practical way you could “write it down” or mark God’s faithfulness this year?

Main idea: When God appears silent, His justice is still sure, His mercy still greater, and His final reversal is coming. 1. The Faithfulness of God and the Certainty of His Justice 2. The Difference Between Justice and Vengeance 3. The Greater Reversal and the Joy That Follows Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it important that God’s faithfulness and justice are inseparable? What happens to our faith if we emphasize one without the other? 2. Sin has momentum—it travels through generations. What warning does that give us about the “small compromises” we are tempted to excuse? 3. Tim Keller’s line: “Joy is not denial; it is defiance.” How does that definition reshape what Christian joy looks like in suffering? 4. What dangers arise when joy is rooted in circumstances rather than in Christ’s finished work?

Main idea: God’s great reversal in Esther points to the greater reversal of the gospel: death becomes life, shame becomes honor, ruin becomes rejoicing. What was meant for death brings life What was meant for shame brings honor What was meant for ruin brings rejoicing Discussion questions 1. Do you find yourself more concerned about maintaining relational peace than speaking of Christ? Why? 2. If someone asked you how Christ reversed your life, what would you say? 3. Mordecai goes from sackcloth to royal robes. How does that picture help you understand your position in Christ? 4. God didn’t erase the Persian system; He overruled it. How does this encourage you when you see broken systems today — in government, workplace, family?

Text: Psalm 91 Big Idea: Because God Himself is our refuge, we can trust Him to protect and provide for us in every trouble. 1. The blessing of confidence: God will protect and cover you 2. The blessing of covenant: God will guard you in all your ways. 3. The blessing of comfort: God will satisfy you and show His salvation. Psalm 91 — Discussion Questions 1. What does it practically mean to “dwell in the shelter of the Most High”? How does trusting God as your refuge change how you face fear? 2. Psalm 91 says we will face real danger — yet we need not fear (vv. 5–7). How can faith reorder our fears when threats feel overwhelming? 3. How does Jesus’ response to Satan (Matt. 4:5–7) help us interpret promises like vv. 11–12 without twisting them? What does true trust look like? 4. Where do you go for “refuge” besides God? What would it look like this week to run to Him first for protection, provision, and comfort?

Main idea: God overturns human evil through His sovereign providence, the intercession of His mediator, and justice that secures His people’s salvation. God’s Providence Sets the Stage (6:1–14) God’s Mediator Identifies with the Condemned (7:1–6) God’s Justice Secures His People’s Salvation (7:7–10) Discussion Questions: 1. Anxiety often comes from believing we must control everything. How does recognizing God’s providence help us respond to fear or worry about circumstances beyond our control? 2. God’s timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed or hidden. How do we cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing, especially when the results of His providence are not yet visible? 3. How does Esther’s courage and identification with her people point to Jesus’ work as our mediator? How does seeing Christ as fully identifying with sinners deepen your understanding of the gospel?

Main idea: Humble faith quietly advances God’s purposes, while proud ambition rushes toward its own downfall. 1. Humble faith quietly advances God’s purposes (v.1-8) 2. Proud ambition rushes toward its own downfall (v.9-14) Discussion questions: 1. How does Esther’s strategy demonstrate wisdom, patience, and shrewdness? How is this different from deceit? 2. How might approaching God with confidence change the way we pray or make difficult decisions? 3. In your own life, where do you see joy or satisfaction anchored in things other than God? How does this make you vulnerable to frustration or sin? 4. How does reflecting on Haman’s folly encourage you to examine your own motives, ambitions, or sources of satisfaction?