TRIBAL #4
Study
Acts 8:26–40 (Part 2)
- Read Acts 8:27–31.
If you were in a situation where a tribe among unreached tribal peoples is genuinely interested in knowing more about God, what five truths about the gospel would you make sure they understand? See suggestions below after discussion. - Read Acts 8:32-34.
What five truths would you share with someone to explain the Good News about Jesus Christ?
- What other mission principles did you notice from Acts 8:27-34?
Watch
Interface (4:45)
- “They spend a week with tribal believers, living life with them and worshipping with them. It is by far the most impactful part of the program.”
Describe how the first-hand experience differs from learning about tribal missions by viewing it on a video and then discussing it as a group (lol). - “If God has put missions on your heart in any way, and you have no idea where you might fit in that process, Interface is the perfect vehicle for you to see the entire process of tribal church planting, how it’s done, and how you might fit in.”
Would it be worth going to Interface even if you did not become a tribal missionary? Explain.
- What else did you notice from the video?
Discuss
Martyred tribal missionary Jim Elliott said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”
- This is a famous quote about involvement in tribal missions. What does it mean?
- "Jim (Elliot)...came to see that missionaries were not 'special' or superhuman. Instead, they were ordinary people with an extraordinary message to share" (locations 182-183).
What is so extraordinary about our message; what is so amazing about the gospel?
Excerpt from Elisabeth Elliot: Joyful Surrender by Janet Benge.
- Elisabeth Elliott wrote Betty Stam's prayer in the front of her Bible and prayed it often. “Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee to be Thine, forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever.” (Chapter 4 Kindle)
What is the value to praying a prayer like this regularly? Watch John and Betty Stam (2:19) to find out.
Learn
Pray
Reflect upon what you learned in this meeting and pray as a group about those things
Suggested answers
- God's Love and Purpose: Communicate the foundational truth that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives. Emphasize that God desires a relationship with each individual and has a plan for their well-being.
- Sin and Separation: Explain the concept of sin, highlighting that everyone falls short of God's perfect standard. Clarify that sin creates a separation between humanity and God, hindering the fullness of the relationship God desires.
- Jesus as Savior: Introduce Jesus Christ as the solution to the problem of sin. Share the good news that Jesus, God's Son, came to earth, lived a perfect life, and sacrificed Himself to reconcile humanity with God. Emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus as the only way to salvation.
- Grace and Forgiveness: Stress the concept of grace, underscoring that salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned through good works. Communicate the forgiveness available through Jesus' sacrifice, offering a fresh start and a restored relationship with God.
- Eternal Life and Transformation: Convey the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Illustrate how a relationship with God brings about positive transformation in individuals' lives, impacting their character, priorities, and relationships.
In sharing these truths, it's crucial to respect and understand the cultural context of the tribe, using language and illustrations that resonate with their experiences and worldview.