11.16.25 – The World Turned Right-Side Up
Acts 17:1–15
Key verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” – 1 Timothy 4:16
INTRO
This week’s sermon walked us through Paul and Silas’ ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, showing a repeated pattern that still holds true today. In each city they entered, Paul went straight to the Scriptures, reasoned from the Word, pointed people to the death and resurrection of Jesus, and called everyone to respond. Some believed with joy, others opposed with anger. Through it all, the church grew.
Acts 17 gives us a snapshot of how God builds His church. There was nothing flashy about it. Just the faithful proclamation of God’s Word. And wherever the gospel was preached, some believed in faith and others opposed the message. Yet, God’s purposes still advanced.
MAIN POINT:
God builds His church through the faithful preaching of the gospel that is met with both faith and opposition.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Have your group read Acts 17:1–15 aloud.
Additional references from the sermon include: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 10:43–45; Genesis 12:3; Luke 4:16; Romans 10:17; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 19:10.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: How was the Word central to Paul’s proclamation of the gospel?
Reminder: Under point #1 (Proclamation), we considered three questions: What is the content of the message? How is it communicated? On what authority does it stand? Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, explained and proved the gospel, and grounded everything in God’s Word.
Q2: The authority of Scripture is not merely an abstract doctrine to affirm but a reality to be loved. In what ways are you nurturing your love for God’s Word?
Reminder: Paul grounded his arguments in the authority of Scripture (verses 2-3, 10).
Q3: The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily.” What fruit have you seen in your life from spending consistent time in the Bible?
Reminder: Paul told them not to believe him just because he said it. He encouraged them to read the Word for themselves.
Q4: Many people responded to Paul’s preaching of the gospel in faith. Is there anyone in your life that you are actively praying for or sharing the gospel with?
Reminder: The gospel persuaded Jews, Greeks, and prominent women—God is the Savior of all people.
Q5: Have you ever faced opposition after sharing the gospel with someone?
Reminder: Opposition is normal. That doesn’t mean you have to like it. The consistent pattern in the New Testament is that some people respond in faith and others oppose the gospel. Our role is to be faithful in evangelism since God is the one who saves and gives the growth.
LET’S REMEMBER:
God builds His church through His Word faithfully proclaimed. Some will believe, others will oppose it, but our calling remains the same: proclaim Jesus, point people to Scripture, and trust God with the results. Faithfulness in proclamation is our part; salvation is God’s part.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the gospel that is the power of God for salvation. Please give us hearts that love and delight in your Word. Give us the courage to share it boldly and to trust you when opposition comes. We pray that as we faithfully share the gospel with others, many would respond in repentance and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.