UNSTOPPABLE: Perseverance and Discernment (Acts 14:1-28)

When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra… (Acts 14:5-6)

“The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men” (Acts 14:11)

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. (Acts 14:19)

But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:20)

“They preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples” (14:21)

“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” (1 Chronicles 12:32)

…You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Lk 12:54-56)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps 119:105)

“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light…” (Prov 6:23)

And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. (1 Kings 3:7-8)

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.” (John 7:17)

“those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)

How Do I Grow in Discernment?

• Do you have a relationship with ? (John 8:12 / 1 Corinthians 2:14)
• Do you have a relationship with ? (Ps 119:105 / Prov 6:23)
• Are you ? (1 Kings 3:7-8)
• Are you ? (1 Kings 3:9 / James 1:5)
• Are you ? (John 7:17 / Hebrews 5:14)

PERSONAL / GROUP REFLECTION
1. What truth in this teaching most clearly exposes something in me that needs surrender, repentance, or renewed faith?
2. Where have I been hearing God’s Word but delaying obedience, and what would immediate obedience look like this week?
3. What pressure, fear, comfort, or distraction is most likely to keep me from living this out?
4. Who needs to see the fruit of this truth in my life: my family, my church, my team, or my city, and what specific action should I take toward them?

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