A Gospel for the Hardest

This study is the fourth in “The Gospel” series of the book of Acts focusing on Acts Chapters 8-9.

Last week we saw that the Gospel is “unstoppable” and that “…. the Word of God cannot be chained.” 2 Timothy 2:9.

1. Introduction

This week we focus on Saul and his conversion following the stoning of Stephen. Acts 7:57-60.

“A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria,” (Acts 8:1) spearheaded by Saul.

Read about Saul’s conversion (Acts 8:3, 9:1-9) and God’s role for Ananias in it. Acts 9:10-19.

2. Ananias

Discuss the following:

• Ananias’ situation as to what he had heard about Saul coming to Damascus from Jerusalem (150 miles- 5 days journey) and why!
• How did he feel about God telling him to go and lay his hands on Saul to regain his sight?
• How did he respond to Jesus instructions?
• Read again Acts 9:17. What did Ananias do and how did he address Saul? What does this tell us?
• How else do you think God ministered to Saul through Ananias and the other believers? Acts 9:19.

What else can we learn/apply from Ananias’ attitude and example as we meet new believers who come from challenging and perhaps very different backgrounds to us?

3. Saul

Discuss the following:

What was Saul’s whole focus and passion as he travelled to Damascus? See 1 Timothy 1:13. Consider:

“He was zealous for God but it was a misdirected zeal. Rom.10:1-4, Philippians 3:5-6. He believed he was doing God’s will destroying His enemies but was blind to the Truth.”

• How do you think Paul felt when Jesus answered his question, “Who are You Lord?” Acts 9:5-6.
• What was the significance for Saul:

Staying blind for 3 days?

Not eating and drinking for all that time?

How could Jesus have ministered to him in that time? Eg See Acts 9:12.

 4. Application

Should a new Christian wait before sharing their faith?

How soon after a person comes to Christ should they start sharing their faith with the unsaved? Consider the following….

Immediately after receiving his sight and spending some time with the believers in Damascus, Saul went to the synagogue to tell the Jews about Jesus Christ. Some Christians counsel new believers to wait until they are thoroughly grounded in their faith before attempting to share the Good News. Saul spent some time with other believers to learn more about Jesus before beginning his worldwide ministry, but he did not wait to witness. Although we should not rush into a ministry unprepared, we do not need to wait before telling others what has happened to us. #

Discuss the difference between sharing our faith and our ministry as mentioned above.

God has chosen to work in and through His children to save people and build His Church. Does He allow His work to be limited because of the limits of His people? Eg: willingness to work, whole hearted devotion to follow and obey Him, etc?

In some one being saved what is God’s role and what is His children’s role(s) eg 1 Corinthians 3:5-8.

Discuss Rob’s questions from his message on Sunday….

1. Have you doubted someone’s chances of salvation because they are “too hard?”

• They may have been openly against Christianity
• Maybe they are living a life that will not fit the “church mould”
• You have been praying for them for what feels like forever and nothing has changed

2. Have you doubted your ability to witness to someone because they are “too hard”?

• They are much more outgoing in their beliefs than you.
• They may ridicule you for your beliefs or your attempt to witness to them.

3. Have you ever doubted Gods ability to save and use someone because they are “too hard”

• They are too far gone.
• Surely God does not want them in the church.”

# Taken from “Life Application Study Bible.”

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