Jesus’ ministry was bold. In the face of the religious structure of the day, Jesus’ life changed everything. And he tells his disciples “you will do greater things.” Is that true? Are we living bold, world-changing lives as Jesus called us to? Or do we keep our faith quiet. What will it take for us to become BOLD?
Lifegroup Discussion Questions are below!
If you are the group leader, have everyone open to this page on their mobile device. Take turns reading and answering questions. Make sure this is dialog, not monologue. These may not be the best questions.. They are just my questions.
Sunday’s key truth was that “Boldness is determined by belief.” What are some things that you believe in, and are willing to be bold about? (favorite football team, etc.)
Thinking back to the story of Peter from this weekend, How bold was Peter? He did three amazingly bold things:
His Bold Directive
But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
-Acts 3:6-8
His Bold Declaration
Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd.
-Acts 3:12
His Bold Defiance
“Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.”
-Acts 4:10
How were these bold actions? Why do you think he did them? Do you think you would do these things under these circumstances?
What keeps us from being bold? (think about that question as it relates to this week’s key truth.)
Maybe we have trouble being bold, because we’ve lost sight of the bigness of God. Is it possible that we don’t have bold faith because we have just written off or forgotten the power of God in our lives?
Maybe we need to rally together to remember the power of God… The way Nehemiah did with his people in the face of certain attack from the enemy.
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
-Nehemiah 4:14
Take a moment in your group to read these beautiful verses about David’s relationship with God, and how he was bold because he remembered the power of God:
The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
-Psalm 27:1-3
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart.
Psalm 28:7
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
-Psalm 91:2-4
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble
-Psalm 46:1
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
-Psalm 121:1-2
For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
-Psalm 32:7
How can we”re-see” the bigness of our powerful God and boldly respond to him?