Plundering Satan (Acts 9:32-43)

This past Sunday I had the honor of teaching through two incredible miracles in the Book of Acts – the healing of a paralyzed man and the raising of a dead woman. In this message, I teach verse-by-verse through this passage and explain how it applies to our lives today. The sermon discussion guide can be found below the message.

Book of Acts – Week 26 – Acts 9:32-43
Discussion Guide

Before working on this discussion guide, please do the following:

1. Watch the message from this past Sunday if you were unable to attend the online service. You can find the message on our Facebook Page and on our website (renovationchurchsd.com).

2. Spend 5 minutes or so in prayer. You can either pray through the “Lord’s Prayer” or simply share what is on your heart. It is also good to spend at least 1 full minute in silence so that God can quiet your heart and mind as you prepare to study the Scriptures.

Discussion Questions

1. Read slowly and prayerfully through Acts 9:32-43. What stands out to you? What questions do you still have after reading through the text?

2. In Acts 9:32, Luke refers to the Christians in Lydda as “saints.” Why does he do this? Are the Christians in Lydda especially holy? How should Luke’s use of this phrase change the way we view ourselves and our relationship to God?

3. What we see Peter doing in this passage is in fulfillment of Jesus’ words in John 14:12-14. Read through this passage and explain it in your own words – what are the things you notice?

4. In the sermon, I (Tyler) made the claim that miracles are possible but are not normative for the Christian life. First, what does this mean? Second, in what ways have miracles been abused in the Christian church by so-called teachers? Third, do you agree or disagree with what I said and why? (be honest!)

5. Many people refer to passages such as Tabitha rising from the dead and Lazarus coming from the tomb as “Resurrections.” The only Resurrection we have in Scripture is Jesus. What is the difference between Resurrection and what happened to Tabitha & Lazarus?

6. Miracle accounts in Scripture are always true and almost always have a deeper meaning beneath the surface. As you consider Aeneas being healed from paralysis and Tabitha being brought back to life – do you notice any deeper meaning in this text that we should apply to our lives?

7. Every person who is a Christian is truly a walking miracle. For many people, your life is the only Bible they will read. What are some characteristics you want those around you to recognize about Jesus – write them down. Considering this list, what are some changes we can make to our lives so people see these things in us?