This week we continue to follow Paul through his second missionary journey. Paul was a man with a clear mission, who was Not AshamedI of the gospel. What drove him to remain committed even when facing opposition and persecution? Join us for session six as we draw inspiration from Paul's example to be devoted to the gospel in the sometimes hostile culture in which we live.
Verses Used:
Acts 17:16
Romans 1:16
2 Timothy 4:1-2
Acts 9:17
2 Timothy 1:14
Ephesians 4:22-24
Galatians 5:22-23
Discussion Questions:
As believers our primary mission is to preach the gospel, baptize those who believe, and disciple others in their faith. How much of your life is dedicated to this mission?
What distracts you from the mission of the gospel? Why should this be something we focus on? (See 1 Corinthians 9:16 & 2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
How prepared do you feel to reason through the Scriptures and explain Christ to someone? What can you do to be better prepared?
How can the truth found in Ephesians 4:22-24 and Galatians 5:22-23 affect the way you live? And how do these verses challenge you to be bold for the gospel?
When people are confronted with the gospel, their sin, and their need for repentance, what reactions do you see people have? If people become angry or mock the message/messenger, what should be our response? How should we handle that? (See Colossians 4:5-6- what makes it difficult to obey this verse?)
What can we learn from Paul about the manner in which he presents the gospel? (See Acts 17:1-3 & 22-34)
As Paul embarks on his second missionary journey, he is greatly used by the Lord and tested in ways he may never have expected. Regardless of the situation, Paul remains a faithful witness for Christ. Join us for session five as Paul's example challenges and encourages us to navigate our own trials well.
Verses Used:
Acts 15:36
Galatians 5:13
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
1 Corinthians 2:2
Acts 16:22-25
Acts 9:15-16
Acts 16:26-30
Discussion Questions:
What is the goal of Paul’s Missionary Journey? (See Acts 15:36) How can we live lives that are doing the same thing?
Last week we discussed circumcision not being necessary for salvation. This week we see Paul have Timothy get circumcised before taking him along with him. Why does he do this? (See Acts 16:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:4-13, 9:19-23, & 10:32) How might we too lay down Christian liberties (and which ones) for the sake of the gospel?
How do Paul and Silas respond to being imprisoned? (See Acts 16:25) What is your heart posture when you are enduring trial, not just when you’re in front of people, but when it’s just you and the Lord?
Paul and Silas’ imprisonment resulted in the salvation of many. How does this impact your view of trial? How does it impact your willingness to endure it for the sake of someone’s salvation?
The jailer was unlikely convert. Your influence extends further than you may realize. Who are people you wouldn’t necessarily consider your “mission field,” but are still watching you? Is this something you’ve considered and how should this impact your daily life?
Neither Jew nor Greek
October 1, 2024 • Erin Morris • Acts 15:1–35
A dispute arose in the early church over whether Gentile believers were required to follow certain Jewish customs, particularly circumcision, to be saved. Christ's death on the cross not only secured salvation for all but broke down the barriers that separated Jews and Gentiles, making them one in Christ. Join us for session four as we discuss the futility of adding works to salvation and the unity we are called to maintain in Christ.
Verses Used:
Acts 15:1-2
Genesis 17:7-14
Galatians 2:16
Romans 4:1-3, 11 & 13
Colossians 2:11-13
Romans 2:28-29
Ephesians 2:11-19
Acts 15:28-29
Discussion Questions:
What conflict arises between Jewish and Gentile believers, and what was the original purpose of this custom? What did it foreshadow?
How does the requirement of circumcision invalidate Ephesians 2:8-9, and what can works not do? (See Galatians 2:16)
The Jews were trying to add requirements to salvation. In modern days, what things do we tack on to salvation?
Instead of physical circumcision, what does the Lord actually want? (See Deuteronomy 30:6, Philippians 3:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:19, and Galatians 5:5-6 & 6:15)
The Jews were hesitant to accept the Gentiles as saved. Are there people we believe are not saved just because they do not act or look exactly like us? Why is unity in Christ so important to strive for? (See Acts 1034, Ephesians 2:11-19 & 4:4)
Not Ashamed
September 24, 2024 • Lisa Deering • Acts 13:2–3, Romans 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:8–11, Romans 10:14–15, Acts 11:22–26
After his conversion, Paul is not ashamed of the gospel; he is fully convinced that it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Upon our profession of faith in Jesus Christ, we are also called to be bold and not ashamed of the gospel. Join us for session three as Paul, accompanied by a faithful believer named Barnabas, embarks on his first missionary journey as God's chosen instrument to boldly proclaim His Good News to all people.
Discussion Questions:
1. Explain the gospel in 2-3 sentences. Try to be as concise as possible without compromising the basic message. (See Colossians 2:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 for help)
2. What does Paul say he determined in 1 Corinthians 2:2 and 2 Corinthians 4:5, and what would it look like if we did the same? How would this change how we act and what we speak about?
3. If we went into every conversation as an ambassador for Christ, instead of an ambassador for ourselves, or earthly things, how would it affect our attitudes toward other people? How might we see people differently?
4. When are you tempted to be ashamed of the gospel? When is it most difficult to speak the gospel with boldness?
5. How can we grow in our ability to share the gospel with boldness to those around us?
The Road to Damascus
September 17, 2024 • Paula Thorp • Acts 9:3–31
Saul is enraged at followers of Jesus and is determined to persecute all he encounters. Instead, he finds himself brought to his knees, blinded, and humbled before a holy God. Like Saul, we, too, can walk in darkness when we are called to be children of light. Join us for session three as we take a trip down the road to Damascus.
Discussion Questions:
1. When Saul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, how did he change?
2. Upon encountering Christ, our lives should also be markedly different. Think about what it means to be a new creation in Christ. Is there a definitive difference in who you were before and after Christ? How so?
3. What areas should be affected by our Christianity? How should we change? (Give specific examples)
4. Upon conversion, Paul radically changed and directed his life to the preaching of the gospel. We are not called to a lukewarm faith. How can we fight against being lukewarm, and why should we care to do so?
Saul
September 10, 2024 • Erin Morris
Saul, a 'Hebrew of Hebrews' from birth, was deeply rooted in his ancestral traditions. As a devout Pharisee, he meticulously observed the Law in all aspects and even persecuted the early church in defense of his belief system. Despite his zeal for his religion, he did not know the Lord. Join us for session one as we learn from Saul's life as a Pharisee, and reflect on our own potential to fall into hypocrisy, even as we profess our faith in Christ.
Discussion Questions:
1. What was wrong with the Pharisees' zeal for their traditions? (See Mark 7:1-8)
2. The Pharisees claimed to be perfectly righteous when it came to keeping the Law. Can anyone perfectly keep the Law? Why or why not? (Romans 3:23)
3. Where does our righteousness come from, and why is this important to understand? (Romans 10:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9)
4. Saul was so angry with followers of Christ that he began ravaging the church and breathing threats and murder against the disciples (Acts 8:3 & 9:1) while still clinging to his religion. In present day, in what areas Christians act ungodly while claiming the name of Christ? When and where are you tempted to do the same?
