The Disturbing Gospel: Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon from Acts 19:21-41 explores what happens when the Gospel threatens the things we think we can't live without. Using the story of Demetrius and the riot in Ephesus, Pastor Mike examines how the Gospel disturbs our idols - those good things we've made ultimate things that give us identity, security, and worth. The message reveals that when our idols are threatened, we often respond with panic and resistance, just like the Ephesians who rioted to protect their goddess Artemis and their economic interests. However, the Gospel exposes that our idols create chaos rather than the stability they promise, and ultimately points us to Jesus Christ as the true cornerstone and Savior we cannot live without.
Intro Prayer
Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be honest about the things we cling to and the idols we may have in our lives. Give us ears to hear and hearts that are willing to be disturbed by Your Gospel so that we might find true freedom in Christ. May Your Spirit guide our discussion and draw us closer to Jesus, the Savior we cannot live without. In His name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one thing you collected as a child that you thought was incredibly valuable at the time but now seems silly looking back?
Key Verses
Acts 19:26
Isaiah 44:8
Psalm 46:10
1 Peter 2:6
Acts 4:11-12
Questions
How did Demetrius's response to Paul's message reveal what he truly treasured most? What does this teach us about identifying our own idols?
Pastor Mike mentioned that 'idolatry is taking good things and making them ultimate things.' Can you think of examples of good things that can become idols in our lives today?
Why do you think the Gospel creates such strong reactions when it threatens the things people value most? Have you ever experienced this kind of resistance in your own heart?
How do idols promise one thing but deliver the opposite? Can you share an example of how this principle plays out in real life?
What's the difference between how people defend their idols versus how God defends His own glory? What does this reveal about the nature of true vs. false gods?
The town clerk's speech was full of irony that exposed the weakness of Artemis. How does Jesus as the 'true cornerstone' contrast with the false securities we often cling to?
How does understanding that Jesus died the 'adulterer's death' for our spiritual unfaithfulness change the way we view our relationship with God?
What are some practical ways we can identify and address the idols in our own hearts? How can we help each other in this process?
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any idols in your heart - those good things that have become ultimate things. Identify one area where you might be looking for stability, worth, or identity outside of Christ. Take a practical step to loosen your grip on that idol, whether it's through prayer, accountability with a friend, or making a specific change in how you approach that area of your life.
Key Takeaways
The Gospel disturbs the idols we fight to protect, causing us to panic and defend when our ultimate things are threatened
Idols always promise stability and peace but deliver chaos and confusion instead
The Gospel exposes the true nature of our idols and reveals their inability to save us
Jesus Christ is the true cornerstone and Savior we cannot live without, who died our death to give us life
We must choose between clinging to our idols and being crushed by them, or clinging to Christ and being set free
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection on Your Word. We confess that we often cling to things other than You for our security and worth. Help us to release our grip on the idols in our lives and to find our ultimate satisfaction in You alone. May the Gospel continue to disturb us in the best way possible, freeing us from the things that enslave us and drawing us closer to You, our true treasure. Give us courage to live differently this week, trusting in You as our cornerstone. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.