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Sermon Discussion Guide - 05/31/2026
What Following Jesus Was Meant To Be:
When Standing Out Feels Risky
Sermon Recap
Acts 4 shows Peter and John standing with courage after the healing at the temple gate created pressure from religious leaders. The sermon challenged us to choose courage when approval would be easier, while remembering that biblical boldness is not cruel, arrogant, or personality-driven; it is Holy Spirit-empowered and shaped by both grace and truth.
Ice Breakers
- What’s the most low-stakes thing that still takes courage for you: parallel parking, sending food back, making a phone call, or something else?
- If you had to give a TED Talk with zero preparation, what topic would you be most confident presenting?
Discussion Questions
- Context: In Acts 4, Peter and John are pressured by the religious leaders after proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection. The sermon pointed out that pressure does not create our response as much as it reveals what has already been forming in us.
- Application: When pressure comes, are you more likely to hide, attack, people-please, or stand faithfully? What might Jesus be trying to form in you?
- Context: Peter’s courage in Acts 4 did not come from being naturally impressive, educated, or confident. Acts 4:8 says Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit,” showing that biblical boldness comes from God’s power, not personal wiring.
- Application: Where do you need to stop using your personality as either an excuse for silence or an excuse for harshness?
- Context: Peter speaks clearly about Jesus, even saying, “There is salvation in no one else,” but he does not rant, humiliate, or try to dominate the room. The sermon described biblical boldness as being clear enough to be faithful and kind enough to look like Jesus.
- Application: Is there a conversation in your life where God may be calling you to practice both clarity and gentleness?
- Context: Acts 4:13 says the leaders were astonished by Peter and John because they were ordinary, uneducated men, but they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Their courage did not come from having every answer, but from being shaped by Jesus.
- Application: What would it look like this week to speak from what you do know about Jesus instead of waiting until you feel fully prepared?
- Context: The sermon contrasted Peter’s denial of Jesus with his bold witness in Acts 4. Jesus’ grace did not only forgive Peter’s failure; it formed him into someone who could take the next faithful step.
- Application: What past failure do you need to stop letting define you, and what next faithful step might Jesus be inviting you to take?
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
This week, pay close attention to the people who may be quietly processing instead of quickly answering. A sermon about courage can stir up real tension, regret, or unresolved conversations, and not everyone will know how to say that out loud right away. Give people room to think, avoid rushing to fill silence, and remember that sometimes the most meaningful moment in group happens after someone has had a few extra seconds to find the courage to speak.