Astonishing Grace
RLC Home Group Handout | October 4th, 2026
“Astonishing Grace” | Acts 13
Recap
The sermon from Acts 13 challenges us to consider how we carry the gracious message of Jesus into a broken world. Paul and Barnabas model four important practices: look for open doors, leave the results to God, fiercely remove obstacles, and faithfully hold up the gracious light of Christ. We are called to faithfully share the gospel without feeling responsible for producing the results, trusting that God alone brings new life. At the same time, love compels us to address barriers that keep people from seeing Jesus clearly, including barriers created by false teaching and, by our own attitudes and actions. Ultimately, our goal isn't simply to tell people what Christianity is against or to prove ourselves right, but to faithfully show people who Jesus actually is—the One who stepped into our brokenness, took our sin upon Himself, and brings us from darkness into His glorious light.
References
Acts 1:8 — Jesus' command that His followers would be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:14–15 — Paul and Barnabas being given an opportunity to speak in the synagogue.
Genesis 12 — God's promise to Abraham that all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Romans 1:16 — the gospel as God's power for salvation to everyone who believes, Jew and Greek.
1 Corinthians 3:6–9 — Paul plants, Apollos waters, but God gives the growth.
Colossians 1:13–14 — God transferring us from darkness into the kingdom of His Son, with redemption and forgiveness.
Discussion Questions
Head
Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?
Why do you think Paul and Barnabas continued preaching even when there were no visible results recorded in Salamis? What does this tell us about what motivated their obedience?
Paul responds very strongly to Elymas, even though Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. How do the passages referenced in the sermon help us understand when and why Christians should confront something that distorts the gospel?
Acts 13:2 says that the church was “worshiping the Lord and fasting” before they were sent out to minister. What do you think it means to “minister to the Lord,” and how might our understanding of ministry change if we viewed our worship, prayer, and time with God as ministry in themselves, as opposed to preparation for the ministry we do for others?
What is the difference between “chasing the darkness” and “holding up the light of the gospel”?
Heart
Have you lost your astonishment at Grace? If so, why, and what made that happen?
We were reminded that we are called to plant gospel seeds and maybe even water them, but ultimately it is only God who can bring new life. Does that make you feel encouraged? Frustrated? At rest?
The sermon asks us to consider whether there are things in our own lives that could make Jesus' “straight path” crooked for someone else. Is there anything in your life that you think could unintentionally become a barrier between someone else and Jesus?
Have you ever looked back and realized that you were only one small part of the process God was using to draw someone to Himself? How does recognizing that change the way you view your role in someone's spiritual journey?
Hands
We were encouraged to walk through open doors rather than forcing gospel conversations. Is there a door that you recognize God has opened and put in front of you to share your faith?
The sermon challenges us to remove barriers to the gospel, beginning with the barriers in our own hearts. What is one attitude, habit, or behavior you may need to confront because it could make it harder for others to see Jesus clearly?
Are there any closed doors that you’ve been trying to kick down? How might you intentionally let go of that person or situation and surrender it to God?