Gospel Math: Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon from Acts 19:1-10 explores how God's ways often don't align with human expectations when we try to be faithful. Using the story of Olympic runner Eric Liddell and Paul's ministry in Ephesus, Pastor Mike examines three ways God does 'gospel math' when His word is proclaimed.
Paul encounters 12 'almost disciples' who had incomplete faith, faces rejection from stubborn unbelievers in the synagogue, and eventually sees the gospel multiply throughout all of Asia through his faithful teaching in the hall of Tyrannus.
The message emphasizes that God's timing and methods are perfect even when they don't make sense to us. Sometimes what appears to be failure or confusion is actually God preparing for greater ministry impact.
The sermon challenges listeners
to examine whether they are true disciples or merely 'almost disciples'
to practice discernment in ministry relationships
to trust God's multiplication through ordinary faithfulness rather than seeking impressive platforms or immediate results.
Intro Prayer
Father, Your word tells us that while the grass withers and flowers fade, Your word stands forever. As we gather today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your eternal word. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and to see Your wisdom that far exceeds our own understanding. May we treasure Your enduring truth and allow it to transform our lives. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's something you tried really hard at but the results didn't turn out the way you expected? How did that make you feel?
name, Amen.
Key Verses
Acts 19:1-10
Romans 8:16
2 Corinthians 13:5
1 John 5:1 1
John 1:6 1
John 4:14
Matthew 7:6
Isaiah 55:8
Questions
Paul encountered 12 'almost disciples' who looked like believers but were missing key elements of faith. What are some ways people today might appear to be Christians but lack genuine faith in Christ?
Pastor Mike mentioned three tests from 1 John for genuine faith: doctrinal (believing Jesus is the Christ), ethical (actions aligning with truth), and experiential (receiving the Holy Spirit). How can we honestly evaluate ourselves against these tests?
Paul spent three months patiently reasoning and persuading in the synagogue before withdrawing. How do we balance persistence in sharing the gospel with wisdom about when to redirect our efforts?
When some became stubborn and spoke evil of 'the way,' Paul made the difficult decision to withdraw. How can we practice biblical discernment in our relationships while still showing Christ's love?
The gospel has a dividing effect, separating those who receive truth from those who reject it. How should this reality shape our expectations when sharing our faith?
Paul's ministry in the hall of Tyrannus resulted in 'all the residents of Asia' hearing the gospel, though he never personally visited every city. What does this teach us about God's multiplication through ordinary faithfulness?
The sermon mentioned that God's 'no' in Acts 16 (forbidding Paul from entering Asia) was really a 'not yet' that led to greater impact in Acts 19. How can we trust God's timing when doors seem closed?
How can our church become more like a 'hall of Tyrannus' - focused on growing disciple-makers rather than just gathering people? What would that look like practically?
Life Application
This week, examine your own faith using the three tests mentioned:
Do you truly believe Jesus is the Christ (doctrinal)?
Are your actions aligning with biblical truth (ethical)?
Have you experienced the assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit (experiential)?
If you discover gaps, seek to address them through prayer, Scripture study, and conversation with mature believers. Additionally, identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel and commit to faithfully sharing Christ with them, trusting God to do His 'gospel math' through your obedience.
Key Takeaways
God adds fullness where faith is lacking - He takes sincere but incomplete understanding and brings it to completion through the full gospel
The gospel divides as well as unites - it separates those who receive truth from those who reject it, requiring discernment about when to persist and when to redirect ministry efforts
God multiplies the gospel through ordinary faithfulness - Paul's daily teaching in an ordinary lecture hall resulted in the entire province of Asia hearing the gospel
God's timing is perfect even when it doesn't align with our expectations - His 'no' or delays are often preparation for greater 'yes' moments
True discipleship involves making disciples, not just gathering people - the goal is multiplication of disciple-makers rather than addition of attendees
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that when things don't seem to be adding up in our faithful service to You, You are always doing math in ways we can't comprehend. Help us trust Your perfect wisdom and timing, even when Your ways don't make sense to us. Make us faithful servants who proclaim Your word clearly, practice biblical discernment in relationships, and invest in others so the gospel multiplies far beyond what we can see. Like Paul in Ephesus, may we run the race You set before us, trusting that Your arithmetic of grace never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen.