Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Crime of Passion
Scripture
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Main Idea
Through the passion of early believers, the Church grew from a small number of people to around 30,000 people in just 10 years. This is the power that comes from having your passion in the right place. In this message, we examine Acts 12 and the parable of the sower for insight.
Keep knocking. Keep moving forward.
Discussion Questions
- What can you do to protect your passion?
- Can you share a time where you prayed, obeyed, and God responded?
- Do you feel your passion and God's are aligned? What work can you do to ensure your passion is in the right place?
Summary
- Passion needs protecting. There’s a spiritual enemy to our passion. (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) The devil comes to distract, divide, and derail us. In the parable of the sower, Jesus likens this to seeds sown along a path, where Satan may come and steal the Word away. (Mark4:14-15 AMPC) The right way to understand spiritual opposition is to be aware of the devil’s schemes but also know that he doesn’t have power over us because of Jesus.
- Passion needs power. Jesus has designed Christians to live with divine power. In the story of Peter, we see that prayer and obedience result in a response from God. In our lives, we can apply this by praying and then stepping out in obedience. Pray and obey. Going back to the parable of the sower, those without this power are like seeds sown on stony ground—they lack the roots to stand firm during life’s trials. (Mark 4:15-17AMPC)
- Passion needs persistence. After getting out of prison, Peter was met with a closed door…but he just kept knocking. (Acts 12:13-16 NIV) There is more blessing on the other side of our persistence. Don’t walk away. GK Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”
- Passion must produce. One of the greatest crimes of passion we can have, especially right after Easter, is a misplaced passion. Where should we place our passion? In the same place Jesus did, on building the Church and sharing God’s message. Don’t be like a seed cast among thorns, where the cares and distractions and desires of the world choke out the Word and render it fruitless. Be like seed that is sown on good ground: hear the word, receive it, and bring forth fruit by sharing it. (Mark 4:18-20)
Take Action
Watch for opportunities to share God’s word and serve others this week!
Announcements
- A new season starts at Velocity next week. Join us on May 4 to see what's in store.
- Next week is also graduate recognition Sunday. Are you a graduate, or have a graduate in your life? We'll be recognizing everyone who is graduating this spring.
- Mother's Day is coming up! You won't want to miss May 11.
