Small Group Guide for "The Disciple's First Healing"

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The Disciple's First Healing

Sunday, April 14th 2024

First Scripture: Psalm 4

Second Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Use the Two Passages: Focus on the primary and secondary passages used in this sermon.

Pray for Understanding: Before diving into the text, take a moment to pray for guidance and illumination from the Holy Spirit. Ask for wisdom and insight as you study.

Read the Scriptures: Begin by reading the selected Scriptures thoughtfully and prayerfully. Read the passages more than once to familiarize yourself with the content.

Observation Questions: After reading the text, go through the "Observation Questions" section. These questions will help you notice and record specific details about the text. Look for key words, phrases, repeated ideas, and any observations that stand out to you.

Interpretation Questions: Once you've observed the text, proceed to the "Interpretation Questions" section. These questions will guide you in understanding the meaning and context of the passage. Consider the historical and cultural background, the author's intent, and how the passage fits into the larger narrative of the Bible.

Application Questions: Finally, explore the "Application Questions." These questions will help you apply the lessons and insights from the Scriptures to your own life. Reflect on how the text speaks to your faith, relationships, and daily choices.

Journal Your Insights: Write down your observations, interpretations, and applications in a journal or notebook. This will serve as a valuable record of your spiritual growth and understanding of the Word of God.

Discussion and Sharing: If you are studying in a group, take time to discuss your findings with others. Share your insights, listen to their perspectives, and learn from one another.

Pray for Transformation: As you conclude your study, pray for the transformation of your heart and mind. Ask God to help you live out the truths you've discovered in the Scriptures.

Consistency is Key: Make a habit of using this inductive Bible study method regularly. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become in studying and understanding the Bible.

Remember that the goal of this inductive study method is not just to gain knowledge but to deepen your relationship with God and apply His Word to your life. Approach your study with an open heart, a curious mind, and a desire to grow in your faith.

May your study be richly blessed, and may God's Word transform your life as you engage with it through the inductive method.

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  • One way to understand this story is that the man would not have been allowed to enter into the Temple precinct because of his inability to walk (Leviticus 21:18). Are there ways that your faith community similarly excludes people with limitations, whether physical, spiritual, or economic? Are there ways you could be a more welcoming community?
  • Peter and John instruct the man, “Look at us!” (3:4), and the text tells us that “the man gazed at them” (3:5). Why do you think Peter and John instruct him to look at them? What do you think is the importance of eye contact (literally or metaphorically) in your own work of mercy in the world?
  • For the first time since the ascension of Jesus, the disciples heal someone, with Peter saying to the man, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” (3:6). Do you think Peter knew that he was going to be able to heal the man? Are there ways in which you (or your community) are able to do things “in the name of Jesus” that you could not do on your own? Are there ways you could risk trying to do more?
  • When the man is healed, the first thing he does is to “enter the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God” (3:9). Do you think it is important that the man remains with Peter and John after his healing? Do you think it is important that he is now able to enter the temple? How do you (or your community) remain connected with people after doing acts of mercy for them?
  • When the people see what Peter and John have done for the man, they approach Peter and John in amazement (3:10). In the story that follows (3:11–26), Peter and John use this as an opportunity to preach the gospel. What do you think of this model for mission—first doing acts of mercy and then preaching the gospel to those who are curious? How do you (or your community) think about the relationship of acts of mercy and proclamation of the gospel?

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