Joy’s Genesis (Acts 16:6-40) by Dave Bechtel

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1. Our assignment from last week was to read Philippians. Was there a theme or idea that stood out to you from your reading? Answers will vary. Some possibilities would be joy, attitude of Christ/believers, peace, the gospel

2. When you hear the word “joy,” what do you think of? How would you define it? Answers will vary. The source of our joy is God (Ps 16:11); it is not based on external circumstances but on unchanging reality. Therefore real joy cannot be shaken by anything this world can bring our way.
3. Read Acts 16:6-40 and discuss the following:
a. Where is Philippi? pull out a Bible map; Philippi was the leading city of Macedonia, a Roman colony (far from Rome)

b. Why did Paul go to Philippi? God guided him there by sending a vison of a man from the west asking Paul to come and help the people there (See Acts 16:6-9)
c. Why did Paul rebuke the girl with a demon even though she was speaking truth? See Acts 16:16-18 for context. Paul rebukes the evil spirit because there is no partnership with the devil that will benefit God’s kingdom, ever. Jesus followed this same principle, forbidding the demons to speak about Him, even though they were saying the truth. (Mark 1:25)
d. What were the six characteristics of darkness mentioned in the sermon? What are the opposites? Note: opposites are listed in parenthesis: 1) spiritual ignorance (knowledge of God); 2) fear (bold & courageous) 3) anger/violence (gratitude & joy) 4) greed (generosity) 5) abuse (gentleness) 6) pride (humble & trusting)
e. How did Paul and Silas demonstrate joy? They were praying and praising God, singing hymns in prison
f. How were they used as change agents? spoke truth to Lydia & she received the truth and was baptized (vs 14-15); removed an evil spirit from a slave-girl (vs 16-18); set an example to the jailer and prisoners (vs 24-29), shared the good news with the jailer & his household and they were baptized (vs 31-33), encouraged fellow believers (vs 40)
4. How are the characteristics of darkness in Philippi similar to the darkness we see in our culture? answers will vary
5. Paul shared the gospel (good message) with the jailer. What is the good message? (see vs 31-32); can use other scripture passages too - John 3:16-17; Roman 10:9, Mark 1:15, John 6:28-29… When was the last time you shared all or part of the message with an unbeliever?

Break into gender groups and discuss the following

6. What characteristics of darkness do you see in your own life? answers will vary Brainstorm what the bible says you could do to overcome the darkness? again answers will vary - this could lead to deep discussion that requires repentance and further reflection and guidance - the desire is for people to identify their dark areas and find hope in the Lord and His strength to overcome these obstacles. As mentioned in the sermon there are two change agents - God’s word and His people. This is a time to point people to His word and to encourage and come alongside one another to help each other grow. here are some verses 1) spiritual ignorance (knowledge of God - Proverbs 2:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17); 2) fear (bold & courageous- 2 Tim 1:7, Joshua 1:9) 3) anger/violence (gratitude & joy - 1 Thess 5:18, Phil 4:1) 4) greed (generosity 1 Tim 6:17-19) 5) abuse (gentleness- Phil 4:5) 6) pride (humble & trusting - Phil 2:3-8; Prov 3:5-6)
7. Describe the joy in your life that would be attractive to the prisoners of this world. Identify areas you think you need to grow to be a better change agent. How could the group help? answers will vary, could use some of the same principles that are listed in the verses for question 6