Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

A Teachable Spirit | Acts 18:24-28 (Apollos) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, January 19, 2025

Scripture References

Acts 18:24-281 Corinthians 3:61 Corinthians 1:27Proverbs 19:20Acts 18:1-3Acts 18:11Romans 15:14Romans 16:1-2Proverbs 18:21 Corinthians 16:12

Sermon Summary

Exploring the life of Apollos in Acts 18, Pastor Daniel Batarseh highlights how humility and a teachable spirit are vital for every believer. Even the most gifted leaders must remain open to correction and instruction to reach their full potential in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1God does not wait for you to be a master of your craft before He uses you; He works through you as you are maturing.
2A teachable spirit is a primary characteristic of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
3True wisdom requires a three-step process: being willing to listen, being willing to accept, and then gaining wisdom.
4Biblical literacy is the responsibility of every believer, not just those in full-time ministry, as shown by the tentmakers Priscilla and Aquila.
5The effectiveness and reach of your ministry are directly connected to the level of your humility.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Apollos was described as 'mighty in the scriptures.' What does it look like for a modern believer to be 'rich and strong' in God's Word?
2Why is receiving 'correction' often more difficult for our flesh than receiving 'instruction'?
3Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers, yet they could instruct a scholar. How does this challenge the way we view 'laypeople' versus 'professional clergy'?
4Pastor Batarseh mentioned that a sign of a healthy church is members being able to 'instruct one another' (Romans 15:14). How can we better facilitate this in our small group?
5How did Apollos' teachability directly lead to his success in Corinth? What might have happened if he had rejected Priscilla and Aquila's advice?
6How can we maintain a teachable spirit without becoming 'tossed to and fro' by every opinion? Where is the balance between personal conviction and openness to correction?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Evaluate your immediate reaction to correction—if you become defensive or aggressive, pray for a heart of humility.
Identify 'Priscilla and Aquila' figures in your life—peers or laypeople who can speak truth into your life, regardless of their formal titles.
Commit to being a 'full-time Bible student' in your current context, using your mind and logic to serve God's kingdom.
Practice 'listening to your enemies' to see if there is any kernel of truth in their criticism that can help you grow in righteousness.
When you are praised or given a platform, ensure you are not fostering divisions or 'cult followings' but pointing people toward Christ.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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