Click here for our sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on yourself, with your family, or with your small group
Discussion Questions
- Every believer is considered “clean” and worthy to come before a holy God because of the gospel. The gospel destroyed the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile. Peter understood and believed in this gospel. And yet, contrary to what he believed, Peter withdrew from eating with the Gentiles because he feared the Jews from Jerusalem. He was so concerned with what the Jews would think of him - Peter so desired their approval - that he acted contrary to his convictions. Peter was acting like a hypocrite. Who are you fearful of? What group of people will cause you to act contrary to your beliefs and convictions (or perhaps not act according to your beliefs and convictions) because of your concern over what they will think of you? Why do you think you do this? What are you afraid of?
- Peter’s actions caused the other Jews to also act hypocritically. One man’s actions became a movement. Peter’s choices were not inconsequential. Similarly, our choices and actions matter. When we act contrary to our convictions or don’t act according to our convictions, those around us (especially those closest to us) will start to act the same. How have you acted hypocritically in the past, and how has that had a detrimental effect on those around you?
- Is there any disconnect between what you supposedly believe and how you live out your life?
- What sociological cause, political issue, or personal affinity are you more passionate, bold, and prone to talk about with strangers, than the Gospel? Why are you more animated, passionate, and bold about things that will soon pass away than about people who will suffer for eternity in hell without the gospel?
(NOTE: The tone of today’s passage is very severe and should cause us to ask ourselves very pointed questions, even if it hurts to do so. To not ask these kinds of questions of ourselves, is to miss the point of today’s passage.)