In The Lion's Den- Daniel 6

Daniel 6 – In the Lion’s Den 

Ice Breaker: Who is the most respected Christian you know or have known, not including members of your own family?  What qualities does/did this person possess that others admire? 

Daniel 6:1–9 (NIV) It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”  

6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. 

1.  What was the plot against Daniel? What precipitated it? 

2. Why do you think the king went along with their plan?    

Daniel 6:10–15 (NIV) 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”  The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”  13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.  15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” 

 3. How did Daniel respond to this attempt by enemies to trap and destroy him? Why do you think he defied the order? (1 Kings 8:44-45; Psalm 55:16-18) 

1 Kings 8:44–45 (NIV) “When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the LORD toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, 45 then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. 

Psalm 55:16–18 (NIV) 16 As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.  18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 

4. What strikes you about Daniel’s habit of prayer? What needs to change in your prayer life? 

5. What should be our response when others treat us poorly because of our faith? (Psalm 37:12-13; Matthew 5:10-11; Romans 8:35-39) 

Psalm 37:12–13 (NIV) 12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. 

Matthew 5:10–11 (NIV) 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

Romans 8:35–39 (NIV)35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:  “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”   37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

6. Where is the most difficult place/situation for you to stand up for your faith? (with family, at work or school, while recreating, among non-Christian friends, other?)  

7. What have you found helpful in standing up for your faith? 

8. What was the king’s response to learning that Daniel had defied the order?  

9. How do you reconcile what Daniel did with Romans 13:1-5? How does this square with your view of church and state issues? (Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:27-29) 

Romans 13:1–5 (NIV) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience 

Matthew 22:17–21 (NIV) 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”  18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”  21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.  Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 

 Acts 5:27–29 (NIV) 27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”  29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 

 Daniel 6:16–24 (NIV) So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”  17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.  19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”  23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.  24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.  

10. What do you think saved Daniel? (his faith, his prayers, his innocence, God's faithfulness, lazy lions, other?) 

11. When in your life have you experienced God being with you in the midst of a "lion's den" of critics, skeptics, adversaries because of your faith? How did God keep the “lions” from destroying you? 

12. How would have the experiences of Daniel and especially the story of the lion’s den encouraged the people of Israel in exile? How do these stories encourage us today? 

Daniel 6:25–28 (NIV) 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly!  26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.  “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.  27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.  He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”  28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. 

13. What was the response of the king when he discovered Daniel was alive? What was the king’s view of Daniel’s God?  

14. Can you think of a time when your faithfulness to God resulted in a non-believer either accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, or at least acknowledging the power or faithfulness of God? 

15. In what way is our situation today similar to the one Daniel and his friends lived through in these first six chapters of Daniel? (1Peter 2:11-12) 

1 Peter 2:11–12 (NIV) 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 

 16. How did Daniel and his friends bring blessings to the kings they served without compromising their identity in God? In what ways is your faith blessing (bringing value to) a godless world? 

by Candace Hampton

God's Sovereignty Over All Nations- Daniel 4

Daniel 4 Questions - God’s Sovereignty over all Nations 

(Note: There is no sermon to go along with this series of questions) 

Icebreaker: What is the craziest dream you remember, or heard about? 

Introduction: In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar sets up a statue/idol, and commands everyone in Babylon to worship his idol.  This demonstrated his arrogance and this chapter continues on that theme.  

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree 

1 King Nebuchadnezzar, 

To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! 

2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. 

 3 How great are his signs,  how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;  his dominion endures from generation to generation. 

 Note: This is a letter written after the Babylonian king’s experience described in the rest of this chapter. This is the letter’s salutation. 

1.  Who wrote this letter? Who is this letter addressed to? What is the topic of his letter? (Daniel 4:2) 

2.  What does Nebuchadnezzar say about God?  What does this suggest about a change from his prior idolatry? 

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. 5 I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. 6 So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. 7 When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers[b] and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. 8 Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.) 

9 I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. 10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed:  I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. 11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed. 

13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger,[c] coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. 

“‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times[d]pass by for him. 

17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’ 

18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” 

3. What was Nebuchadnezzar’s dream?  What was it about his dream that made Nebuchadnezzar afraid?   

4. What does it mean that Nebuchadnezzar first called in the Babylonian wisemen, and they could not tell him what his dream meant?  Why do you suppose that this is included in the text? 

5. What was the verdict of the holy one? What was the purpose? (Daniel 4:15-17, 25 also Daniel 4:32) How could this truth translate in today’s context? 

6. Why would God reveal Himself or anything else to a pagan king?  What does this indicate about God’s sovereignty over mankind? 

7. Nebuchadnezzar recognizes that Daniel has “the spirit of the holy gods”. In what way can we help others recognize the spirit of God in us? 

Daniel Interprets the Dream 

19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.” 

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries! 20 The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, 21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— 22 Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. 23 “Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’ 

24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” 

8. Why would Daniel’s thoughts terrify him? (vs 19) What was Daniel afraid of? 

9. How does this dream apply directly to the King? What has to happen for the King to be restored? What was Daniel’s counsel to King Nebuchadnezzar?     

The Dream Is Fulfilled 

28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” 

31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” 

33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. 

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 
35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven  and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” 

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. 

10. How much time passed between Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and his being outcast and going insane?  What does this suggest to you about human nature?  

11. Did Nebuchadnezzar take his dream seriously?  Did King Nebuchadnezzar follow Daniel’s counsel? (Daniel 4:27)  Why do you think he was not able to change his attitude/behavior? 

12. Do you know of any issues that God is wanting to deal with you about?  What can you do to keep these issues before you and affect real change?  

13. What do you suppose is the underlying issue behind Nebuchadnezzar’s pride/arrogance? (Proverbs 3:5-6, Hosea 6:3) 

14. In Dan 4:1-3 Why would Nebuchadnezzar say that it is his pleasure to tell about the miraculous signs and wonders that God had done in his life when he is speaking about losing power, being outcast, and going/being insane for seven years?  Why do you suppose he wrote this letter to all the nations and all the peoples? (Daniel 4:1, 25,32, 34-35; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15) 

15. In what ways and for what things do you need to acknowledge God’s Sovereignty and show gratitude to God in your life? (Hosea 10:12) 

by Candace Hampton

Exiles-The Writing is on the Wall- Daniel 5

Daniel Chapter Five
Exiles- the writing is on the wall 

Note to Circle Group Leaders: You will notice that Pastor Dave is not preaching on Daniel 4, but rather skipped ahead to Chapter 5 for this week. Next week will feature a guest speaker, who is not speaking from Daniel. In case your group wants to study chapter 4, we will provide chapter 4 questions next week. However, the sermon will not support it. You can choose to do Chapter 4, use your notes to discuss the sermon, do a social meeting or take a break. 

Facts about Daniel have drastically changed. It has been many years since chapter one and the young men were taken into captivity. Daniel is perhaps in his eighties now. Nebuchadnezzar is dead, and ruling in his place is his son. The seventy years promised by Jeremiah have probably been seen by Daniel, who may be looking for his people to be at last returned to Israel. The focus of this chapter is the theme of judgment, at last brought by God to the nation that had dared to lift its hand against Israel.

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” - Genesis 12:3 

Culture takes sacred things and misuses God’s purpose 

Daniel 5:1-6
1King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father[a] had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. 

5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking. 

 1.  What phrase (verse 2) indicates that Belshazzar might not have been using good judgment when he ordered the gold objects to be brought so that they might drink from them? Why do you think they went after the vessels from the Temple of God? 

2. As they drank the wine, presumably from the temple cups, who did they praise?

3. The human hand apparition (verse 5) would have frightened even sober men. What was the king’s reaction?

4. Why do you think God provided such a frightening apparition?

5. What messages would God write on your wall of life? 

Daniel brings purpose to those whose thirsts are dry 

Daniel 5:7-16
7 The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers[b] and diviners. Then he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” 
8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled. 

10 The queen,[c] hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. “May the king live forever!” she said. “Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale! 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”  

13 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” 

6. The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Why did the king turn to Daniel? 

7. How would our world benefit by turning to God for answers?   

8. What are some of the qualities that the king knows of Daniel? 

Daniel brings meaning to those whose thirsts are dry 

Daniel 5:17-24
17 Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.18 “Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 19 Because of the high position he gave him, all the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled. 20 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like the ox; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.22 “But you, Belshazzar, his son,[d] have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. 24 Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. 

9. What five things did Belshazzar do that Daniel listed as offensive? (verses 22 and 23) What are some things that we do which might be loathsome to the Lord? 

Everything will be laid out before the Lord and all the people judged 

Daniel 5:25-31
25 “This is the inscription that was written: mene, mene, tekel, parsin 

26 “Here is what these words mean: 
Mene[e]: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. 
27 Tekel[f]: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. 
28 Peres[g]: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” 

29 Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians,[h] was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.[i] 

10. Why did the end come for Babylon? Why might the end come for our country? How might it come? 

11. How has God put the “writing on the wall” for the whole earth? (Matthew 24:42-44) If you knew God was coming tonight, what would you do differently?  

Matthew 24:42-44
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 

12. What things should we be doing as we look for the Second Coming? When the Lord does return, how can we insure we are found ready for Him? 

13. Was this judgment in any sense of help or benefit to Belshazzar? How is this like the Great White Throne judgment? (Revelation 20:11,12)  

Revelation 20:11,12
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.  

14. How can we be sure of being found in the Book of Life? (John 14:6) 

John 14:6 

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

by Candace Hampton

God Saves When You Are Roasted by Culture- Daniel 3

God Saves When You Are Roasted by Culture - Daniel 3

Icebreaker: What things seem threatening to you? Fire? Accident? Height?

Introduction: The Daniel sermon series has been a question of “How do we learn to bring value to the culture without compromising our identity or God?” Daniel 3 is about three young men who decided not to compromise their faith or Jewish identity. By their actions, they ultimately changed the culture by changing the mind of the king.

Culture Takes Every Opportunity to Worship Itself- Daniel 3:1-7

1 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, (90 feet x 9 feet) and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.
2 He then summoned the satraps (viceroy, lieutenant, prince; derived from a Persian word meaning protector of the realm), prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King
Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.
4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

1. What did Nebuchadnezzar create and orchestrate?

2. Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar made his subjects worship his statue?

3. How did the people respond to Nebuchadnezzar’s decree?

4. What other ancient and modern empires/regimes used this strategy? How has this kind of strategy shaped the culture of nations?

When You Live Counter-culturally You Will Encounter Haters - Daniel 3:8-15

8 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

5. Why were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego targeted for breaking the decree? Were there religious reasons behind their targeting? Exodus 20:3-5

6. Who was Nebuchadnezzar’s officials really attacking? Why?

7. What are the underlying belief systems shaping our culture/world today? How are they hostile to the Christian faith? (Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 6:12)

Sometimes You Have to Get in the Fire Before the Fourth Man Shows Up - Daniel 3:16-27

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” “We do not need to defend ourselves before you.” 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the  furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” 26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

8. How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego respond to the king’s pressure?

9. What reasons did the three men give for not complying?

10. What happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?

11. What made them willing to be roasted?

12. What does it mean that sometimes you have to get in the fire before the 4th man shows up? Who was the 4th man?

13. Was there a time in your life where you may have felt you were in the fire? How did the 4th man show up?

The Supernatural Outcome- Daniel 3:28-30

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

14. Positive outcomes came about because the three men did not compromise their identity and beliefs while under pressure. What can we do to overcome the negative influences of culture and bring values to it instead?

15. How can the church prepare to receive people who are weary of a self-worship culture?

You must learn to bring value to the culture without compromising your identity or God.
- Pastor Dave Flaig

by Candace Hampton

How to Approach Anxious Circumstances - Daniel 2

Daniel 2- How to Approach Anxious Circumstances?
 

Ice Breaker - Talk about a time when your quick actions saved the day for you and others. 

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream and Decree 

Daniel 2:1–13 (NIV)  In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. 2 So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, 3 he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.”  

4 Then the astrologers answered the king, “May the king live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”  

5 The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. 6 But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.”  

7 Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”  

8 Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: 9 If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.”  

10 The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. 11 What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.”  

12 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death. 

1. From Daniel 2:1-13.  

• • What was the king's problem?

• • What did he ask from his advisors?  

• • What was their response? 

• • How did the King react? 

Daniel’s Response and Prayer 

Daniel 2:14–24 (NIV) 14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.  

17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:  

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  

21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.  

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  

22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.  

23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power,  

you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”  

 24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” 

2. From Daniel 2:14-24 What did Daniel do in response to the king's edict? 

• • Daniel 2:14-15 

• • Daniel 2:16 

• • Daniel 2:17-18 

• • Daniel 2:19-22 (Hint: focus on God) 

• • Daniel 2:23 (Hint: focus on answered prayer) 

• • Daniel 2:24 

3. What principles can we learn from Daniel's approach to the problem? 

4. Why do you think Daniel believed God so confidently that he went in to the king before he had the answer from God? (Daniel 1:17, 2:16) 

Daniel 1:17  As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. 

5. What gives you confidence in acting for the glory of God? 

6. In Daniel's prayer above, he praises God's attributes (characteristics) that he demonstrated and then thanked Him for the answered prayer.  

• • What attributes (characteristics) of God did Daniel praise God for? (Daniel 2:19-22)

• • What attributes of God has He demonstrated recently in your life? 

Daniel Goes to the King 

Daniel 2:25–30 (NIV) 25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.”  

26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?”  

27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these:  

29 “As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. 30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.  

7. How does Daniel show humility before the king? How does Daniel put the focus on God? 

8. What are strategies you use to give the glory to God when God demonstrates Himself through success and blessings?

Daniel Reveals the King’s Dream and Interpretation 

Daniel 2:31–45 (NIV) 31 “Your Majesty looked, and there before you stood a large statue—an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance. 32 The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.  

36 “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king. 37 Your Majesty, you are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; 38 in your hands he has placed all mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds in the sky. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold.  

39 “After you, another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth. 40 Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. 41 Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.  

44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.  

“The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.” 

9. What was the interpretation Daniel gave for each part of the image that the king saw in the dream? 

• • Head of fine gold? (v32, 37-38)

• • Breast and arm of silver? (32, 39) 

• • Belly and and thighs of bronze? (32, 39) 

• • Legs of iron? (33, 40) 

• • Feet part iron and clay? (33, 41-43) 

• • Stone cut without hands that strikes the image? (34, 44) 

• • The consequence to the image of the stone striking it? (34-35, 44-45) 

• • The final state of the stone? (35, 44-45) 

10. How does this prophecy anticipate the coming of Jesus and the future of His church? (1 Peter 2:4-8) 

1 Peter 2:4–8 (NIV) As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”  They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 

Nebuchadnezzar Responds to God’s Revelation 

Daniel 2:46–49 (NIV) 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”  

48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. 49 Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court. 

11. How did the king respond to the revelation of the dream and the interpretation? Compare this incident/story to Genesis 41. (Joseph) 

12. Daniel's willingness to seek God and act on His answer benefitted who? (list all you see) and how? 

13. How can you use your gifts, talents and abilities to bring value to God's Kingdom? 

14. How can you, or do you, use your current context at work, in the community, at home or other to be a Christian influence? 

You must learn to bring value to the culture without compromising your identity or God. - Pastor Dave Flaig 

by Candace Hampton

Daniel- How to be a Christian Influence - Daniel 1

Daniel—How to be a Christian Influence 

Daniel One 

Ice Breaker—What is the most special Christmas that you remember, perhaps one in which you seemed especially close to God? 

Daniel 1:1-7 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 

1. In gleaning out the wiser young men of Judah, what do you think Nebuchadnezzar was trying to accomplish, even to the point of changing their names?

2. Explain some of the cultural changes that must have taken place in the lives of these four young men. What are some ways our culture today is pulling Christianity out of norms?  

Daniel 1:8-16 8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. 16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 

3. How do you think Daniel would compromise his faith if he ate the king’s food? Why was the eunuch afraid to grant Daniel’s request?  

4. Given Daniel’s resolve (v. 8), how did Daniel solve his cultural difference?  

5. After ten days of the testing, how did the young men appear and what was the impact of their appearance? (see verses 16 & 17 for a hint) How did Daniel use his relationship with the chief official? 

6. One of the unspoken themes here is sanctification- the idea of people separating themselves especially for God. Daniel was willing to be marked as separate, even though he knew that might lead to problems. Can you think of a time when you separated yourself for God’s special use?

7. Pastor Dave says that we should “keep bringing value while returning to your identity in Christ.” In the middle of the current crisis, what are some of the ways you notice Christians making positive changes? 

8. Without compromising our identity, how might we make positive changes in the midst of the current environment? 

Daniel 1:17-21 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. 

9. Pastor Dave says “It is better to make a difference than to make a point?” What is the difference between making a point and making a difference? Can you think of a time when the actions of someone else made a profound change in your outlook? 

10. What were the two things that God gave the young men? When the king tested them, how did he find them? 

11. How did God gift Daniel and his three friends? How do you think they were a help to the nation of Israel? 

Pastor Dave ends his sermon by encouraging us to “know right from wrong, but stop striving to prove your case. . . instead, do right as you engage our culture.” 

12. How can we individually know right from wrong, but not get lost in proving our case? How we can live closer to God while still engaging our culture? 

by Candace Hampton

Shake It Off- Acts 28

SHAKE IT OFF - ACTS 28 

ICE BREAKER: What is the most fun/dangerous/unusual thing that happened to you while you were traveling? 

This chapter wraps up the book of Acts.  The gospel has been spread throughout the Mediterranean.  The disciples have shared the gospel, raised up disciples and established churches everywhere they went.  They have experienced hardships, but God has continued to provide for his people.  Even though the disciples have been on the job, fulfilling the Great Commission, (Matthew 28:19-20) they have not had smooth sailing or a life free of pain and suffering.  God has brought them through the trials.  We have this same promise from God, that we will have troubles in this world (John 16:33).  We also have the same mission; the Great Commission applies to us as well as it applied to the disciples.  The question for us is whether or not we will be on mission, and trust God for the troubles. 

Paul Ashore on Malta 

28  1Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. 

7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. 

1. It seems that in every change of audience, God causes something to happen that focuses the spotlight on Paul.  Understanding that nothing is in the Bible by chance, how did God use Paul getting bitten by a viper in front of everyone, after just surviving a shipwreck?  Why do you suppose that the people changed from “Paul must be a really bad man, to he is a god”, so quickly?

2. What does Paul’s demeanor, while being snake bit, say about his faith and confidence in God?

3. How does our reaction to trials about our faith affect our testimony to the world?  Do you have a story of a positive or negative reaction to a trial that affected your testimony?

4. Paul appears to be serving the welfare of everyone from before the shipwreck to the time that they are ready to leave, (three months later (verse 11). (Mark 10:45) How do you suppose this affects his gospel presentation and testimony?  In what ways can we serve those around us to further our testimony and gospel presentation?

Paul’s Arrival at Rome 

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. 

5. So, under God’s plan, the ship had to wait at the island for 3 months.  What do you suppose was God’s plan for Paul and his crew’s time on the island? Why do you suppose God would do this? 

6. How was Paul encouraged when he came to Rome even though he faced a trial in front of Caesar?  

7. When were you encouraged by fellow Christians during a stressful time? How has or can this circle group encourage one another? 

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard 

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 

21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” 

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 

26 “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding;  you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,   and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears,  understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’[a] 

28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] [b] 

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! 

 8. Paul called the local Jewish leaders together and told them his situation.  Why did he do this?  What would be his purpose?  

9. From this chapter, how do you see God providing for Paul’s needs?  How do you see the Great Commission being fulfilled? 

10. Paul met with the Jewish leaders and shared the gospel with them from morning to evening.  What would you share from the Old Testament to lead other people to the knowledge of Christ?   

11. Paul shared with the Jewish leaders.  Some came to Christ, and some would not.  Paul quoted to them the prophesy in Isaiah. (vs 23-28)  Why do you suppose he would do this?  What are some of the determining factors in whether or not people come to faith in Christ?  (Matthew 13:3-15, 37-43)   

12. What is God’s purpose in taking the gospel to the Gentiles? Paul says, “and they will listen.” (Ephesians 2:14-16) What does this tell us about God?  

13. In Pastor Dave’s “Here is why you need this sermon”, he says, “Storms can kill your faith, or they will build your faith”.  How is this world working to destroy our faith?  What can we do to ensure that our storms build our faith?  

14. Pastor Dave’s third point in his sermon, is that we are to, “Shake Off Those Who Refuse The Gospel.”  Why do we struggle when we share the gospel and people say they don’t believe?  What is our responsibility in sharing our faith? (1 Corthinians 3:7-9) 

15. God gave Paul two years in his own home in Rome, where he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about Jesus. (v 30)  What do you suppose was the purpose of this, or what was the outcome? 

by Candace Hampton

How To Handle Crisis - Acts 27

How to Handle Crisis - Acts 27 

Icebreaker: What was the roughest weather you have ever encountered? How did you get through it? 

Sail for Rome Acts 27:1-12 

1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 

3The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 

9Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 10“Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest. 

1. Why did Paul have to make this journey to Rome? (Acts 23:11, 25:12, 26:32)

2. Who supported Paul on his journey to Rome? How was he supported? 

3. What counsel and warning did Paul offer at the beginning of this journey? How was that consistent with his character? 

4. What was an undertaking in your life that you felt was of God but still felt ominous? 

5. When we see others headed for trouble, should we remain silent or warn them, even if they won't listen? How can such action help our witness? 

The Storm Acts 27:13-26 

13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 

21After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” 

6. How did the storm create despair in the ship? 

7. How did Paul encourage them even though he gave them ample warning?  How did that establish Paul's credibility? 

8. How were you encouraged during a storm in your life? How did poor decisions, if any, complicate the outcome? 

9. How have you encouraged someone without judging them? 

10. What have you learned about yourself this year as you have had to handle crisis?  

The Shipwreck Acts 27:27-44 

27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet  deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away. 

33Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. 

39When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. 

42The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely. 

11. How did Paul earn the trust of Julius, the centurion? How did Julius use Paul to help him lead in a difficult circumstance? In what way can we have a positive and godly influence on our secular leaders and those in authority? 

12. How do we know that Paul's words of advice and encouragement in verses 33-37 brought hope to those who were listening?  

13. The shipwreck was a consequence of their decision to travel against Paul’s warning. Why do you think God still allowed the shipwreck though He spared their lives?

14. How have your personal “shipwrecks” helped your testimony to God’s work in your life? 

by Candace Hampton

Your Trial is Your Testimony- Acts 26

Your Trial is Your Testimony – Acts 26 

Ice Breaker: Who is the most famous, renown, or important person you have met or spoken to? What is the backstory? 

Acts 25:23–26:3 23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor, I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”   

Acts 26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”  

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.  

1. What did Festus already decide to do with Paul? What was the reason King Agrippa was asked to listen to Paul’s defense? What made King Agrippa qualified to help Festus? 

2. Why do you think Paul wanted to give defense if he already knew he was going to Rome? Who or what was Paul defending? What did Paul do to prepare for this defense (or offense). (Hint: Look ahead to Acts 26:28-29)  

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”  

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  

3. Who do you “pray to God” will come to Christ? (for the sake of the study keep this list short and to specific people) 

Exercise: In today’s study, we will be looking at Paul’s longest and most complete defense of the Gospel. Paul follows an apologetic approach to give his testimony. (Referred to in Zach Flaig’s sermon) “A best defense is a good offense” As we look at the different segments, consider one particular person you would like to share the Gospel with and construct a letter or email or conversation that you could use later. Then continue praying for that person. (A worksheet with the questions for the exercise will also be below.) 

4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?  

4. What reasons or common connections did Paul use to get the crowd and especially King Agrippa to want to listen to him? (Acts 26:2-7)  

Exercise Question #1 – What reason or common connection can you use to open the conversation so that _(Name of person)___ will listen or read through? (This question might be answered last and may be situational. If nothing comes to mind, leave it and ask God help you when the opportunity arises.)

9 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests, I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.  

5. In what way did Paul represent his old way of life as a problem or at least much different than his current life? 

Exercise Question #2 – Before (from Navigator Discipleship Tool) 

A. Before you met Christ, what were some of your needs, what was lacking, or what was missing in your life?

B. What solutions for your life did you try that didn’t work?

Note: Some of you may have been raised in a Christian home and do not remember exactly the moment you accepted Christ or what your life was like before accepting Christ. In such a case, be honest that you do not know exactly when, but that there was a time you decided to accept Jesus for yourself and not rely on your parent’s faith. 

12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’  

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’  

“‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’  

6. What happened to Paul that caused him to consider Christ? How did Jesus say his life would be different? 

7. What elements of the gospel did Paul include in his testimony? What does Jesus mean when he said “open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light”? 

Exercise Question #3 – How 

A. What were the circumstances that caused you to consider Christ?

B. Tell how you trusted Christ, and briefly include the gospel.

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”  

8. How did Paul’s life change after this experience? How is this testimony fulfilling the calling Jesus gave him? In what way does he summarize his testimony and relate it to them? 

Exercise Question #4 – After 

A. Give an example of how Christ met your needs or how He is now contributing to your life.

B. End with a sentence to the effect that you know that you have eternal life through Christ.

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”  

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”  

9. How does Paul turn from being on the defense to going on the offense? 

Exercise Question #5 – How can you change this conversation from defense to offense? (i.e. What do you think about that?, How does that affect you?, Would you like to experience that kind of change? Also, you may be able to help them consider how God can address their needs as he has done for you.)

10. In Paul’s testimony above he is emphasizing the difference between his life prior to his Damascus Road experience and his current life by using metaphors of darkness vs. light and insanity vs. sanity. What metaphor, contrast or common experience could we use to help unbelievers understand the change in our life from our conversion experience? 

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”  

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”  

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” 

 11. Here is one Scriptural example that shows us that Paul is continually praying for those who do not know Jesus to become Christians (Acts 26:29). Not only does he pray for them, but he has risked his wellbeing to share his testimony. Paul has turned his trial into a testimony! What can we learn from Paul in our own lives?  How can we turn our trials into a testimony? 

Preparing your Testimony Worksheet 

(Adapted from Navigator Discipleship Tool; Stories of Redemption – Preparing Your Personal Testimony) 

Exercise:, Consider one particular person you would like to share the Gospel with. Answer the questions below and then construct a letter or email or conversation that you could use later. Continue to pray for that person and for wisdom when to have a conversation with them.  

Exercise Question #1 – What reason or common connection can you use to open the conversation so that __(Name of Person______ will listen or read through? (This question might be answered last and may be situational. If nothing comes to mind, leave it and ask God help you when the opportunity arises.) 

Exercise Question #2 – Before (from Navigator Discipleship Tool) 

A. Before you met Christ, what were some of your needs, what was lacking, or what was missing in your life? 

B. What solutions for your life did you try that didn’t work? 

Exercise Question #3 – How 

A. What were the circumstances that caused you to consider Christ? 

B. Tell how you trusted Christ, and briefly include the gospel. 

Exercise Question #4 – After 

A. Give an example of how Christ met your needs or how He is now contributing to your life. 

B. End with a sentence to the effect that you know that you have eternal life through Christ. 

Exercise Question #5 – How can you change this conversation from defense to offense? (i.e. What do you think about that?, How does that affect you?, Would you like to experience that kind of change? Also, you may be able to help them project how God can address their needs as he has done for you.) 

by Candace Hampton

Help People Know Jesus- Acts 25

Help People Know Jesus - Acts 25

Icebreaker: Can you think of a time when you or a family member changed the truth in order to look better?

Acts 24:24-27
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

1. Note that Felix’s reaction to the Gospel was one of fear (24:25). Of what was he afraid?

2. How much time has passed between chapter 24 and 25? (24:27) Why does Felix leave Paul in prison for so long?

3. How do you think this time in prison might have been used by God to further the proclamation of the Gospel? How do you think God is using this period of Covid-19 to further the proclamation of the Gospel?

Paul’s Trial Before Festus
25 1 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there."

6 After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.
8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

4. How long did it take Festus to start working on the case of the accusations against Paul? How do you think this speaks of the character of Festus?

5. What favor did the Jews ask of Festus? What were they really planning on doing?

6. How do we know that Festus was becoming a compromised judge? (v. 9)

7. How does Paul make his defense? Can you remember a time when you had to stand up for yourself?

Note: The “appeal to Caesar” (25:11) was one of the most ancient and cherished rights of a Roman citizen. The right applied only to extraordinary cases, that is, those not specifically defined by statute laws. It was usually used to appeal the verdict of a lower court but could be exercised at any stage in the proceedings. The case would then be transferred to Rome and a verdict rendered by the emperor. (Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers)

Festus Consults King Agrippa
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

8. How does Agrippa become involved? Why is Festus seeking Agrippa’s counsel? (v. 20) Did he speak with the total truth when he reviewed about his own asking of Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial? How or how not?

9. Why do you think Agrippa wants to hear Paul? (Hint: his full name was Herod Agrippa II)

Paul Before Agrippa
23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus,  Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

10. How does Acts describe the coming of Agrippa and Bernice?

11. How does Festus introduce Paul to Agrippa? Do you think he is fair in his introduction of Paul? How so?

12. How does this turn out for the proclamation of the gospel? (Acts 9:15)

Pastor Dave closes his sermon with the admonition: BE CLEAR ABOUT WHO JESUS IS

13. How can we make our case about Jesus more clear? (1 Peter 3:15-16)

I Peter 3:15-16

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness anrespect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

From Pastor Dave: LOVE PEOPLE LIKE JESUS LOVED. . .

14. How is it even possible to love like Jesus loved? (Phil. 2:5-8, 1 John 4:11,12)

Philippians 2:5-8
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to  his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

1 John 4:10–12
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Pastor Dave: PRACTICE SELF-CONTROL ABOUT DIVIDING OR DISTRACTING TOPICS

15. What are the dividing and distracting topics today? How do we gain more self control? (Galatians 5:22,23; Titus 2:11,12)

Galatians 5:22,23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Titus 2:11,12
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Again, Pastor Dave: BE GENEROUS LIKE JESUS HAS BEEN WITH YOU

16. How can we be more generous? (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Timothy 6:18,19)

Romans 12:1,2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Timothy 6:18,19
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

by Candace Hampton

Courage in God's Word/Paul Testifies before the Sanhedrin and the Governor- Acts 23 & 24

Courage in God’s Word 

Paul Testifies before the Sanhedrin and the Governor - Acts 23 & 24 

Icebreaker: Tell about a time when God gave you courage in hard times?   

Paul Before the Sanhedrin 

Acts 22:30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them. 

Acts 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 

4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 

5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’[a]” 

6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 

9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 

1.  What does the statement, “I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience, to this day,” mean to you?  Why did the High Priest order Paul to be struck?

2. Why do you suppose that the narrative includes the point of the High Priest ordering Paul to be struck on the mouth?  What does this indicate about the character of the Sanhedrin/High Priest?   

3. Why did Paul bring up the issue of the resurrection? (Matthew 10:16)  What Biblical evidence do you know of, for the resurrection? (Psalm 16:10; Romans 10:9,10) 

4. How important do you think that the issue of the resurrection is?  

5. How could people reading the same Bible reach such different beliefs?  

6. Why do religious people get angry that they are willing to fight or end relationships over their beliefs?  What is right for Christians to do when we disagree with others?   

11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” 

The Plot to Kill Paul 

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 

16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. 

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 

19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 

20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 

22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” 

7. How does the word of the Lord to Paul in verse 11, help him to face what was going to happen? (also Acts 18:9) What elements of this account demonstrate the sovereignty of God in Paul’s life?   

8. How does this apply to your life? 

9. What do you think about 40 men taking an oath to kill someone, then asking the chief priests and elders to assist, versus Jesus command to love those with whom we disagree?  How is religion different than a relationship with Jesus Christ? (Luke 6:27) 

Paul Transferred to Caesarea 

23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen[b] to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.” 

25 He wrote a letter as follows: 

26 Claudius Lysias, 

To His Excellency, Governor Felix: 

Greetings. 

27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. 

31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks.33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace. 

10. How do you see the provision of God in Paul’s escort to Caesarea? 

Paul’s Trial Before Felix

Acts 24:1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. 

5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.[7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” 

9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. 

10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. 

17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” 

22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 

24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 

27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. 

11. The religious leaders accused Paul of starting riots. What did they lack in the way of evidence?  What undermined their accusations? (Acts 23:25-30) 

12.  Felix was acquainted with the Way. Felix’s wife was Jewish. Felix called for Paul and listened to him as he talked about Jesus. When Paul started talking about righteousness, self-control and the Judgment to come Felix became afraid and cut off the conversation. Why would Felix want to hear Paul talk about Jesus, but become afraid when Paul mentioned righteousness, self-control and judgment?  

13. How did Felix and his wife respond to Paul’s defense? Do you put off decisions, like Felix, or do you embrace the conviction and surrender to it? Is there anything that God has convicted you, but you have put off dealing with? 

14. In his sermon, Pastor Dave pointed out that real courage is founded in the Word of God. It is our source of courage, the ultimate weapon, and it produces conviction. How do you use the Word of God to find the courage to face life? 

15. How would you share the gospel with someone who asked you? (1 Peter 3:15)  Would you like someone to teach you to share your faith?  (Contact the church office for information on discipleship training.) 

by Candace Hampton

Courage in the Face of Criticism- Acts 22

COURAGE IN THE FACE OF CRITICISM - ACTS 22 

Icebreaker: Please share a time when you found the courage to do something extraordinary. 

Criticisms Levied Against Paul Read Acts 21:21 and 28   

21They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to (1) turn away from Moses, (2) telling them not to circumcise their children or (3) live according to our customs."

27When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 

1. As Paul was returning to Jerusalem, what were the three areas the messianic Jews criticized Paul for? (Acts 21:21)  What did the non-Christian Jews from Asia at the Temple accuse Paul of? (Acts 21:28) What did the Jews from Asia at the Temple accuse Paul of? 

Paul’s Response to Criticism Read Acts 22:1-21  

1“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 

8“ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. 

“ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 

10“ ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. 

“ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ 11My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. 12“A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14“Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ 17“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19“ ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20And when the blood of your martyr a Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’  

2. How did Paul get the people’s attention to start his defense against the criticism? How did he show courage? 

3. What are the three parts to Paul’s testimony? (Acts 22:1-5, 22:6-10, 22:11-21) 

4. What were the two life-changing questions Paul asked? What was the significance of the word “Lord” after each of these questions? 

5. How did the 3-part testimony deflect criticism levied against Paul or did it? 

6. What are some highlights of your personal testimony? 

7. Why does sharing your testimony require courage? Where does the courage come from? (Reference Luke 12:11-12)

Crowd’s Reaction Read Acts 22:22-31  

22The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” 23As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 

8. Who were “they” referred to in verse 22? 

9. What were their reactions to Paul’s being sent to the Gentiles according to 22:21? 

10. What did their shouting provoke? 

11. How have people reacted to your testimony or witness? 

12. How have you reacted to people who responded negatively to your testimony or witness? 

Paul’s Nuclear Option Read Acts 22:25 

25As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” 26The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them. 27When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. 30The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them. 

13. What legal rights did Paul exert to counter the criticism against him? 

14. What legal actions do Christians have today in light of mounting hostility toward Christianity? How do we choose to exercise these actions or not? 

15. How did the legal authority react to Paul’s declaration? What was accomplished in God’s sovereign will? 

16. How should we Christians today exercise our religious rights afforded by the constitution while still exercising love and acceptance for those who are critical of us?

by Candace Hampton

Living In The Will of God - Acts 21

Acts 21 Questions 

Living in the Will of God 

Ice Breaker: Tell about a time you decided to do something against the advice or will of others. How did it turn out? 

Unpacking the Passage: 

Note: Acts 20:22-24 sets the stage for the events in Acts Chapter 21 and demonstrates Paul’s willingness to follow the will of God by travelling to Jerusalem. 

Read Acts 20:22–24 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 

Read Acts 21:1-16 - Paul Sails to Jerusalem  

Acts 21:1–16 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.  

7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.  

10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ”  

12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”  

15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples. 

1. When travelling, why do you think Paul and his companion looked up the disciples in each of the cities in which they stayed? (Acts 21:4,7,8,16)  

       2. While travelling or on vacation, have you visited other churches/believers? What experience stands out for you? 

       3. What do you think God is accomplishing by continually warning Paul about what would happen in Jerusalem, but compelling him to go Jerusalem by the Spirit? (Acts 20:22-24, 21: 4, 8-12; Acts 9:16) 

       4. What was Paul's response to the believers trying to convince him to not go to Jerusalem? (Acts 21:13-14) What does this say about Paul’s character and commitment? (Revelation 12:11) 

       5. Have you made a decision that you knew was right, but would lead to suffering? Why did you decide to do it regardless? 

Read Acts 21:17-26 - Paul at Jerusalem  

Acts 21:17–26 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.  

20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”  

26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them. 

Note: Below is a timeline of Paul’s Ministry, so far. It is provided for both answering the question and for a chance to get an overall sense of the time covered in the book of Acts. (https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-47/apostle-paul-and-his-times-christian-history-timeline.html) The years are approximate and debated among scholars. 

30–33 AD Paul persecutes followers of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem and Judea

33–36 Converted on the way to Damascus; spends three years in Arabia; returns to Damascus to preach Jesus as Messiah

36 Flees Damascus because of persecution; visits Jerusalem and meets with the apostles

36–44 Preaches in Tarsus and surrounding region 

44–46 Invited by Barnabas to teach in Antioch 

46 With Barnabas visits Jerusalem to bring a famine relief offering 

47–48 First missionary journey with Barnabas, to Cyprus and Galatia 

49 At the Council of Jerusalem, Paul argues successfully that Gentile Christians need not follow Jewish law; returns to Antioch; confronts Peter over question of Jewish law 

49–52 Second missionary journey with Silas, through Asia Minor and Greece; settles in Corinth; writes letters to Thessalonians 

52 Visits Jerusalem and Antioch briefly; begins third missionary journey 

52–55 Stays in Ephesus; writes the letters to Galatians and Corinthians 

55–57 Travels through Greece and possibly Illyricum (modern Yugoslavia); writes letter to Romans 

57–59 Returns to Jerusalem and arrested; 

       6. How much time has passed since Paul was last in Jerusalem? What was the response of the brethern, James and the Elders upon Paul's visit to Jerusalem?  

       7. What was the response of the Jewish believers to Paul? What was the solution the Elders suggest and why would this help to satisfy them?  

       8. Why would Paul agree with this approach? (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) How does this approach apply to us today? 

Read Acts 21:27-40- Paul Seized in the Temple 

Acts 21:27–40 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)  

30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.  

33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. 35 When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”  

37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?”  

“Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”  

39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.”  

40 After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: 

       9. Who were upset by Paul's presence in the temple and why were they upset? (Keep in mind that these Jews likely knew Paul during his ministry in Ephesus. See Acts 19) 

       10. How did this event fulfill the prophecy of Agabus in Acts 21:10-1? 

       11.  In Acts 21:21, 28-29, and 38, Paul was the subject of false rumors or mistaken identity.  How did Paul respond to these rumors?  How should we respond to rumors and false stories? 

Unpacking the Pastor Dave’s Sermon:  

Note: Pastor Dave’s sermon focused on determining the will of God is our lives. Paul follows God’s will in his decision to go to Jerusalem.  

       12. What are some questions we can ask to help determine whether a decision is within God's moral will? (Mark 12:28-31; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:15-17; Psalm 19:7-11) Are there other passages you consider when seeking God's will? 

       13. What is the Sovereign will of God? (Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 46:10; 1 Timothy 2:3-4) 

       14. How does one go about finding God's individual will for our decisions? (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6) 

From Pastor Dave’s Sermon: THREE TESTS FOR GOD’S INDIVIDUAL WILL 

• THE TEST OF TIME   
• THE TEST OF SCRIPTURE 
• THE TEST OF PEACE 

       15. How does Paul know that it is God's will to go to Jerusalem? How does God's moral will, God's sovereign will and individual will play a part in Paul’s decision to go to Jerusalem? (Acts 20:22-24) 

Acts 20:22–24 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 

       16. Why is it important that we consider God’s moral, sovereign and individual will in our decisions? How can this approach affect our witness? 

Here’s why you need this lesson: God’s will is lived, not found. 

by Candace Hampton

Final Instructions to the Church - Acts 20

Acts 20 - Final Instructions to the Church

Ice Breaker: How do you say goodbye to people you love? (Quick and painless? Long and drawn out? Weeping and wailing? Like it is no big deal? Other?)

The Bible says to give thanks in all circumstances. Can you remember a trial in your life where it was really hard to give thanks to God?

Through Macedonia and Greece

Acts 20 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. 4He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaiusfrom Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

1. What was the uproar that ended? (Acts 19:35-41)

2. Paul’s ministry is summarized by the repetition of one word in verses 1 and 2. What is that word?

3. How is this word a key to our discipleship (building up) of one another? How can we improve our discipleship skills?

Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas

7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

4. Why did Paul speak until midnight?

5. How might the miracle of Eutychus be thought of as a validation of Paul’s ministry?

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood.[b] 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

36 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

6. Why does Paul skip visiting Ephesus? (v. 16)

7. What are the several ways Paul leaves an impact for his audience?

Note: At Miletus Paul made his final farewell address to the Ephesian elders (20:17–35). This farewell message was similar to those given in Deuteronomy 29–31, Joshua 24:2–27, and Matthew 24–25. It contains the elements of farewell, blessing, and warning against falling away from the faith. Paul discussed past faithfulness (Acts 20:17–21), the uncertainty of the future (20:22–24), and the potential of the present (20:25–31) Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001. Print. The Tyndale Reference Library.

8. Even though Paul knew that difficult times lay ahead in Jerusalem, why is Paul so resolute about going forward with his plans to go there by Pentecost? (v. 22, and Acts 9:15,16)

9. How do you face trials when you know there will be opposition, but also know that you need to persevere?

10. What does Paul warn his audience of? (Acts 20:29, 30) How are we to know false teaching? (Galatians 1:8)

11. In Paul’s final words, he suggests that we must be ready to help who? What do you think he means when he says it is more blessed to give than receive? (John 13:14-17)

12. What were the words that sorrowed them the most? What emotions did they experience? Why are good-byes so difficult for us?

13. In verse 32, Paul commits his audience to God. What does he include in that commitment?

14. How can we, as disciples, build others up and assure them of their inheritance? (Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:24,1 Timothy 4:6)

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Timothy 4:6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed

by Candace Hampton

Success of the Gospel Causes Problems in Ephesus- Acts 19

Success of the Gospel Causes Problems in Ephesus - Acts 19

ICE BREAKER: Did you ever have a time in your life when you suffered from your success?

Paul in Ephesus

19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples2 and asked them, “Did you receive the HolySpirit when[a] you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a HolySpirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[b] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

1. How did Paul discern that the disciples may not have a complete understanding of salvation? How can we be discerning about the state of others spiritual understanding? Why is that important?

2. Why would the baptism of John not be enough? What is necessary for salvation?

3. How would you compare the baptism of John to the baptism in the name of Jesus?

4. Why was it important that the Holy Spirit came upon them? (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Paul is back in the synagogue

8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

5. Paul argued persuasively, in the Ephesian synagogue, for three months about the Kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8) What do you suppose was his argument about the kingdom of God? (Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4) Why would some of the Jews become obstinate? What do you suppose would be their objection to Paul’s argument about the Kingdom of God?

6. What was the result of Paul holding lectures in the hall of Tyrannus? (2 Timothy 2:2)

Acts 19 11God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”
14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

7. Why did God do extraordinary miracles through Paul? What is the purpose of these miracles?

8. Why did the demon not come out of the man when the 7 sons of Sceva tried to invoke the name of Jesus?

9. Why would the people invoke the name of Jesus, if they had not become followers of Christ?

The Spread and Power of the Gospel

Acts 19 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[c] 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

21 After all this had happened, Paul decided[d] to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
Note: A drachmas represents one day’s wage.

10. What is the significance of burning the scrolls publicly and openly confessing what they had done? Why did they calculate the value of the scrolls?

11. Was there a time when you realized you had to surrender something in your life because it was harming your relationship with Christ?

12. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. What is the relationship of confession and repentance to the word of the Lord spreading widely and growing in power?

The Riot in Ephesus

Acts 19 23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

13. What was the cause of the riots in Ephesus? (v26)

14. What was the Ephesian argument for their god Artemis? (v28, 34)

15. What was the role of the disciples and Paul’s friends in this event? (v. 30-31) Why do you think they did this? Has there been a time when you had to be a friend by keeping someone from doing something inadvisable that they wanted to do?

16. What has this passage taught you about the sovereignty of God and how the gospel was spread?

17. What changes do you want to make to better help you spread the gospel?

by Candace Hampton

Help Lord, I'm Discouraged! -Acts 18:1-17

Help Lord, I'm Discouraged!- Acts 18:1-17 

Icebreaker:  Describe a time in your life where you had the final say on any given matter. What did you do with the feeling of “power”?  

Read: Acts 18:1-6 

18 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.  6But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."  

1. Describe what it means for you to testify to another person that “Jesus was the Christ”. (John 1:41)
2. What was Paul’s reaction to the opposition and abuse?  
3. What is the significance of “Paul” saying he is clear of his responsibility? Can we as Christians clear our responsibilities to continue witnessing to the “unreceptive”? Please explain any thoughts you may have related to this subject. (Ezekiel 18:22, 32; 1 Timothy 2:3-4)   

Read: Acts 18:7-11 

7Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. 

 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."  11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. 

4. Why do you think Paul and others just did not get up and travel into another place for “ministry”?  

5. Who else did Paul have on his mind? (read Acts 18:7)  

6. What can we do to expand our list of those to whom we could be witnesses? 

7. Why were some people receptive to the message of Paul while others were not? 

8. In Acts 18:9-10, what were three directions the Lord gave to Paul and what result did God promise? 

9. Describe a time when God helped you face your fears when you were witnessing. 

10. What caused Paul to stay an extended amount of time and what was he doing? 

Read Acts 18:12–17 

12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. 13 "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."  

14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law — settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." 16 So he had them ejected from the court. 17 Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.  

11. Describe how God used Gallio to protect Paul and the accusations of false statements regarding Paul’s messages. (Acts 18:12-17) 

12. How do we recognize that God is at work in today’s world through unbelievers? How does knowing that God can work through unbelievers give us comfort to continue through difficult times? 

by Candace Hampton

Build a Bridge To the Truth - Acts 17

BUILD A BRIDGE TO THE TRUTH - ACTS 17  

Icebreaker:  When given a chance to learn something new, what subjects do you gravitate toward? 

Background: Paul was on his second missionary journey. He and his companions were traveling through the region what we know today as Greece. The Jews they encountered were pockets of Jewish communities in the predominantly Greek society. 

Thessalonica - Read Acts 17:1-9 

1When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 

5But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. a 6But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. 

1. Why did Paul go to the Jews first? What was the outcome? (Acts 17:1-4, Romans 1:16)
2. What other reactions were aroused from Paul's preaching of the gospel? Why were they so disruptive? (Acts 17:5-9)
3. Knowing Paul’s labor among the Thessalonians was very fruitful (I Thessalonians 1:1-10) despite early opposition, how ought we handle the gospel in the face of opposition?  

Berea - Read Acts 17:10-15 

10As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. 

13But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 14The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 15Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. 

4. How were the Berean Jews different from the Thessalonian Jews? (Acts 17:11-13)

5. What can we learn from these Bereans?   

6. How did the believers deal with the ensuing persecution? Why was it significant? (Acts 17:13-15) 

7. Persecution occured when the Christians were opposed because of their faith in Jesus. (Matthew 5:10-11)  What type of persecution is common in our country? How should we handle persecution? 

Athens - Read Acts 17:16-34 

16While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 

22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. 

24“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ b As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ c 

29“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 

32When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33At that, Paul left the Council. 34Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. 

Notes: Epicurean philosophers were followers of Epicurus who believed that happiness was the chief end of life. The Stoic philosophers regarded Zeno as their founder and whose name came from Stoa Poikile where he taught in Athens. He emphasized the rational over the emotional. Areopagus was the council that had charge of religious and educational matters in Athens. – Ryrie Study Bible 

8. How were the people of Athens different than the people of Berea? (Acts 17:11, 21) 

9. Why was Paul's spirit distressed (paroxunó: irritate, provoke, rouse to anger)?  (Acts 17:16) 

10. What are idols in this case? (see Leviticus 26:1, Ezekiel 14:1-8) What do you normally do while on vacation and the tour guide takes you to a temple with idols? 

11. How did he bridge the Gospel with the people? Why did Paul call the people at Areopagus "very religious"? (Acts 17:17-22) 

12. What do you think the outcome would be if Paul had simply attacked their gods? (Acts 17:18)   

13. What can you learn from Paul's entire presentation of the gospel? (Acts 17: 22-34)  

14. Why was it necessary for Paul to add a warning in Acts 17:29-31? 

15. Like Paul, how can we build bridges between the gospel and our friends and even strangers? 

Seek to argue for a better way to answer the longing of the human heart. –Dave Flaig 

by Candace Hampton

Redirected to Philippi- Acts 16

Acts 16 - Circle Group Questions – Redirected to Philippi 

Ice Breaker: Tell about a time you did something so you could fit in with others or to win their respect. 

Timothy and Luke Join Paul and Silas - Acts 15:41-16:12 

 1. What do we know about Timothy's background? (2 Tim 1:5, 2 Tim 3:15) Why do you think Paul wanted to take Timothy with him? 

2. Who can you bring alongside to share in your life and ministry?  

3. Why do you think Timothy was circumcised even though it was not needed according to the letter from Jerusalem council which was brought with them? (Acts 15:23-29; 16:4) 

4. To what extent are you willing to sacrifice to make your witness effective? 

Paul’s First and Second Journeys | Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, Revised 

5. What places did Paul and Silas pass through? (Acts 15:41, 16:1, 6, 8,11) Where did they end up staying? (12) Refer to the map provided for context. (For an additional question, see extra credit #1 below.) 

6. In what places were they kept from speaking the Word to or going to? (6-10) Who kept them from what they were trying to do? How did Paul get direction for the next part of the journey? 

7 How do we receive God’s direction today? 

8. Describe a time when you wanted to do something or thought you should do something, only to find closed doors or you were redirected. 

Lydia's Conversion in Philippi - Acts 16:13-15 

9. Where did they go on the Sabbath and why? What could be assumed about the women who had assembled? 

10. What did Lydia do in response to Paul's words? Who does the passage in Acts 16:14 credit for Lydia's response to Paul's words?  

11. What are some places or opportunities where people might be open to listen to words of hope? What can we do to bring the Gospel to them in that place or circumstance when they are willing to listen? 

Paul and Silas in Prison - Acts 16:16-30 

12. What was the slave girl saying about Paul and the people with him? Why do you think this annoyed Paul and what did he do about it?  

13. Why did this upset the owner of the slave girl and what did he do about it? How did the authorities, crowds and chief magistrates respond to the accusation of the slave owner? 

14. What were Paul and Silas doing while in prison? What did they do once they knew they could be free? Why do you think the other people in the prison didn't leave? (For an additional question, see extra credit #2 below.) 

15. Can you describe a time when prayer and singing or other forms of worship helped you during a difficult situation? How can our response to difficult situations help others to see God in their midst? 

16. How did the Jailer respond to the earthquake? How did he respond to finding out that no one escaped? 

17. Can you think of a time you remained in a difficult situation for the sake of your witness, rather than taking the easy way out? If so, what happened? 

The Jailer Converted - Acts 16:31-40 

18. In Verse 30, Paul and Silas are asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Are you prepared to answer that question if asked? In your own words, how would you respond? 

19. What did the Jailer do that demonstrated a change in perspective? How has your life perspective changed in response to the Gospel? 

Extra Credit (If you have time at the end) 

1. Many scholars believe that Luke, who was a Gentile and doctor, joined Paul, Silas and Timothy at Troas. (Compare vss. 4 and 10-11)

 a. How would including Timothy and Luke in the mission work help Paul and Silas in reaching the new mission’s field?  

 b. How can the church use indigenous people to help with mission’s work? 

2. Why do you think Paul and Silas acted differently than Peter in did in Acts 4:18-19 and Acts 12:6-10? (Also consider 16:37-39 and commentary note below:) 

Note: Here a new element of resistance to the gospel is experienced by the missionaries—arrest by the civil authorities, not the religious Jews. It was important that Christianity not be seen by Rome as an illegal religion. The false accusations (16:19–21) sought to brand Paul and Silas as Jewish subverters of Roman law and order (16:20–21). (Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001. Print. The Tyndale Reference Library.) 

3. With the above note in mind, why would Paul insist on a public escort out of prison? 

by Candace Hampton

The First Church Council- Acts 15

Acts 15—The First Church Council 

Icebreaker: Other than when you came to Christ, can you think of a time when you learned something that dramatically changed your outlook on life? 

History Facts:
By now, the Gentile believers were multiplying much faster than the Jewish believers.  Antioch was rapidly becoming a center focus of growth. 

The Council at Jerusalem  

Acts 15 

1Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. 

5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” 

1. What was the issue dividing the church at this time?  Why was this a fundamental problem? (v.1,11) As a believer, have you ever struggled with the issue that we are saved by grace and not of works? (Eph. 2:8,9) What did you do to resolve the issue? 

2. Who were among the first leaders to deal with the problem? Why? 

3. As Paul and Barnabas travelled, how did they garner support? 

4. How do we know the church leadership included Paul and Barnabus? (verse 4 now and later verse 12) 

5. How do we know the church leadership was involved in resolving this issue? 

6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” 

6. Peter refers to “some time ago” in verse seven. Can you remember a past time in Acts where Peter was involved with Gentiles? How did that time prepare Peter for this time? 

7. Peter, in defense of the viewpoint of Paul and Barnabus, asks a question. What does this question (v.10) show about Peter’s feeling about the law? 

8. In any event, Peter comes to a proclamation that is important for the church today. What was it?  

9. How do you respond when you hear false beliefs? 

12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 

16 “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’ 18 things known from long ago.  

19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” 

10. James quotes in Acts 15:16-18 from Amos 9. What does this passage say about Gentiles? 

11. What is James’ conclusion? Why do you think he includes a list of things for Gentiles to avoid? (Christian Liberty-1 Corinthians 10:23-33) 

12. Are both James and Peter, representing the leaders of the church, in agreement? Compare their answers in verses 11 and 19. 

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers 

22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With them they sent the following letter: 

The apostles and elders, your brothers, 

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: 

Greetings. 

24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. 

Farewell. 

30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. [34] [d] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. 

13. What was the reason for sending others with Paul and Barnabas? 

14. What do you notice about the Antioch meeting of the church? 

15. What happened to Judas and Silas after their time with Antioch was up? How might Judas and Silas be thought of as short-term missionaries? Have you ever been a short-term missionary? What was good about your experience? 

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas 

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 

16. Why did Paul refuse to take John Mark? What happened next?  

17. How were the churches strengthened by this disagreement? 

18. Can you think of a time when your disagreements became part of God’s good plan? (Romans 8:28)

Chapter Summary  

The church was stronger because of the Jerusalem Council’s decision to clarify the doctrine of Grace to avoid the slavery of the law. The church was also made stronger because there were now two missionary teams going out and reaching the Gentiles. 

by Candace Hampton

The First Missionary Journey- Acts 14

Acts 14 The First Missionary Journey 

ICE BREAKER: Tell your group about a time in your life when you got a reaction you were not expecting to something that you did. 

In Iconium - Acts 14:1-7  

 1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6 But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel. 

        1. Even though Paul and Barnabas did everything right, performed signs and wonders, and convinced many to believe, why did they still experience persecution? Why do we believe that if we do everything right, we won’t experience persecution? 

        2. Why do you suppose that some Jews would refuse to believe? Why did they feel the need to poison the minds of others, and keep them from believing?   

a. What do you suppose held them back from believing?   

b. What keeps people from believing the gospel today?   

c. Do you remember before you became a Christian anything holding you back?  What held you back, if anything?   

d. What would you have wanted someone to share with you to overcome that struggle? 

e. What can we do to be more effective in helping people come to faith?   

In Lystra and Derbe - Acts 14:8-20  

8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. 

11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. 

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18 Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. 

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 

       3. How did the crowd react when Paul healed the man who had been “lame from birth”? What made the crowd change so quickly? 

Note: The incident in Lystra is within the city gates and people appear to be Greek only. 

       4. Why do you think the people assumed that Paul and Barnabas were gods?  Why were Paul and Barnabas so opposed to allowing the people to worship them?  How can we remain humble when God works through us to bless others? 

       5. Given the fact that the people of Lystra were influenced by the Jews from Antioch and Iconium to stone Paul, how do you choose how others will influence you? 

       6. How would you describe the argument that Paul gave to the people of Lystra who wanted to worship him? (Acts 14:15-17) 

The Return To Antioch - Acts 14:21-28  

21 They preached the gospel  in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 

26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. 

       7. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas felt it was important to return to the cities where they experienced persecution? What did they do upon returning to those cities? (Acts 14:22-23) How does their example inform how we care for the people we lead to Christ? 

       8. What does the verse mean that, “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God”? (Acts 14:22) What are some of the hardships that we go through today? 

       9. Why do you think that Paul and Barnabas appointed elders?   

       10. What does it suggest that the elders were appointed with prayer and fasting and committed to the Lord? 

       11. Why is it significant that Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and reported all that God had done in their ministry? 

       12. What is significant that God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles? (Genesis 12:3) How does this 1st Missionary Journey fulfill the commission Jesus gave in Matthew 28:18-20?  

       13. In his sermon, Pastor Dave said, “People who thrive, trust that their hardships have purpose in God’s Kingdom." Can you think of a hardship that you have had, and how God used that in your life? (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) Are you able to thank Him for all your hardships?
 

by Candace Hampton