TODAY:

Acts 25:1-26:32 | Out Of Our Minds

BIG IDEA:

The burning desire of every follower of Jesus should be for others to know Him too

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 25:1-26:32, Luke 5:13, 6:10, Matthew 14:31, Acts 4:29-30, 2 Corinthians 5:13-15

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: “Your problems may be opportunities in disguise.” Is this quote encouraging, frustrating or annoying? Why?

Q: What would you say is the “burning desire” of your life? Would those around you & the actions of your life agree?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Connect with God (UP)...

Q: Read Acts 26:18,20. Why are these things specifically mentioned? Why is following Jesus always described as a “turning”?

Q: What does turning/repentance look like for you?

Q: What does it look like for you to be “out of your mind” for Jesus? What does that not look like?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: We’ve reached the part of Paul’s journey where he seems to be alone & by himself, yet he continues to demonstrate supernatural strength. His ultimate strength comes from God’s Spirit & the Gospel that burns within him. How can we support & pray for those in our Christian family who we know are going through struggles, even if we can’t be with them?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: One of the techniques Paul uses with both his accusers & those judging him was to put the “burden of proof” on them. How can we calmly, lovingly invite those who challenge the Gospel of Jesus to genuinely examine Jesus & His Gospel & then prove it wrong? How could this be a more productive way instead of violently fighting against those we’re trying to share the Gospel with?

NOTES & QUOTES:

“The unsuspecting congregation assembles, believing they hold the power and authority. Soon, a man in chains will appear before them. Ironically, it is only that man who is truly free, and he possesses the key which could setthe entire room free... We must remember the power of the Gospel which God has given us through our salvation. The chains and shackles of this world cannot hold any Christian captive. Believers in Jesus Christ live in the freedom of the Gospel, with their hearts and minds set on the Eternal Kingdom to come...(We) have been set free from the chains of sin and death.” (Acts For You)

“Your problems may be opportunities in disguise.” (Life Application Study Bible)

“Paul’s conversion...reveals God’s providential hand over the entire span of Paul’s life. The glorious and gracious God of the universe providentially orchestrated the story of Paul’s conversion. His hand rested on Paul even when Paul lived as His enemy. When Paul approved of Stephen’s stoning, God prodded Paul closer to salvation. When Paul cast his vote for the murder of Christians, God was there, working in Paul’s heart. Paul resisted, but God pursued. In the same way, we have each rebelled against God. We have sinned against Him. We have rejected Him. We have hated Him. But the ‘Hound of Heaven’, our gracious God, pursued us despite our sin. Indeed, ‘while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Romans 8:5)” (Acts For You)

ACTION STEPS:

Identify one challenge or struggle you’re facing that with a change of mind, perspective &/or heart, could be your biggest opportunity to either know Jesus or to make Him known.