Getting It Wrong

Community Groups:

Describe a time when you made a big mistake. What happened? How did it make you feel? How did it all turn out?

Is it okay to get things wrong?

Read Acts 8:9-11. In what way had Simon misunderstood his identity? How had pride taken hold of his life?

In what way is pride a deadly sin? How does it impact this life? How can it have an eternal impact for those who are consumed by it? Read the following passages to help formulate or support your answer: James 4:6; Galatians 6:3; Proverbs 16:4; Job 35:12.

Read Acts 8:12-13. In what way had Simon misunderstood salvation? As a magician himself, what was it about what Philip was doing that was so attractive to him?

Are there things that attract people to Christianity that are unrelated to personal salvation? What might be the result if someone does not see the salvation offered in Jesus Christ as the most important thing that they need?

Read Acts 8:14-21. In what way had Simon misunderstood how the Holy Spirit is attained? What does that tell you about how he looked at his need for God? What does it tell you about what he had to offer God?

Why is it crucial that people understand that they have nothing to offer God, but that their hope is completely dependent upon his mercy and grace?

Read Acts 8:22-24. In what way does Simon’s response reveal that he had no intention of genuine repentance and faith?

Why is it so crucial that we help people understand that there is no salvation apart from true repentance from sin, surrender to Christ’s lordship, and faith in his atoning work on the cross?

Who do you know that has yet to get these four things right? Pray for them.

Read Acts 8:25-40 for next week.

Family Time (For dads, moms and kids):

Why do we need Jesus?

Can you be good enough to get to heaven?

How do you become one of God’s children?

Have you confessed your sins, and are you now trusting that Jesus paid for your sins as he died on the cross so that you might be saved?

Pray for each other.