June 18, 2017
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.
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.
Discuss the following:
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?
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.”
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.
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?”
2. Have you doubted your ability to witness to someone because they are “too hard”?
3. Have you ever doubted Gods ability to save and use someone because they are “too hard”
# Taken from “Life Application Study Bible.”