__largepreview__.webp)
Sermon Discussion Guide - 05/24/2026
Published May 23, 2026
What Following Jesus Was Meant To Be:
Faith That Doesn’t Walk Past Need
Sermon Recap
In Acts 3:1–10, Peter and John encounter a man who had been placed daily at the temple gate to ask for help. Though they did not have silver or gold, they refused to walk past him, offered what they had, and trusted Jesus with what only He could do. The main takeaway is clear: compassion offers what it has and trusts Jesus with the rest.
Ice Breakers
- What is one thing you always notice in other people’s houses, cars, or yards that you hope no one notices in yours?
- If you could instantly become “the helpful person” for one random life problem, what problem would you want to be good at solving?
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time you realized you had gotten used to something that should have bothered you more?
- Context: In Acts 3, the man at the Beautiful Gate was placed there daily. His need had become so familiar that many people likely walked past without really seeing him anymore.
- Application: Who around you might have become so familiar in their need that you no longer notice their pain the way you should?
2. Have you ever been helped in a way that made you feel truly seen instead of just “handled”?
- Context: Before Peter and John offered anything tangible, they stopped, looked at the man, and told him to look at them. Their compassion began by restoring dignity.
- Application: What would it look like this week to slow down enough to give someone your attention before trying to give them advice, money, or a quick solution?
3. What do you tend to do when someone needs help, but you do not feel like you have enough to offer?
- Context: Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.” He did not use what he lacked as an excuse to walk away.
- Application: What is one small thing you actually have right now - time, prayer, a meal, a conversation, a ride, a skill, encouragement - that Jesus may be asking you to offer?
4. When have you hesitated to help because you were afraid it would not be enough?
- Context: The sermon emphasized that Peter and John were not enough on their own. Their resources were limited, but Jesus was able to do more with their obedience than they could have done by themselves.
- Application: Where do you need to separate your responsibility from Jesus’ responsibility: offering what you have, while trusting Him with the result?
5. Have you ever gone through a season where you felt stuck, unseen, or like a burden to others?
- Context: The man at the gate was not just a lesson about helping others; he was also a picture of the kind of Savior Jesus is. Jesus sees people, stops for people, restores people, and moves people forward.
- Application: Where do you need to let Jesus meet you in your own need instead of pretending you are fine or staying isolated?
Prayer
- Make sure to spend time in prayer as a group when you meet.
- Have group members share prayer requests, and pray for them.
- You could have one person pray for all the requests, or each member pray for one person.
- Keep a record of those requests and ask about them on a weekly basis.
Leader Tip
As you lead, remember that warmth matters more than having the perfect answer. This guide centers on seeing people, so model that in the room: make eye contact, listen carefully, affirm people’s honesty, and help each person feel like they are not invisible.