Lesson 9 Finish My Race with Joy! Acts Overview

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3 Lesson 9 Finish My Race with Joy! Acts Overview Introduction Sweet Holy Spirit, come and fill Your temple, we desire Your presence with all our heart. Move now among us, let Your holy fire consume us. 'Til all self is forsaken and we love the world no more. - Jeff Stockford Welcome back to our study of the book of Acts! We have been learning and growing as we have spent the last year and a half pouring over this book. If you re just now joining us, don t worry; you ll be growing with us in no time at all! Through our study so far, we ve watched the church exploding and moving out into the world to make an impact for Christ. That s our heart s desire for each one of you that you would live in such a way that others would come to know and love Jesus Christ because of your testimony. Let s begin our study with a prayer asking the Lord to open our hearts and teach us how to be His hands and feet in this world. Memory Scripture For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. Acts 22:15 Commentary The Christian life is often referred to as a race. We are all called to run in such a way that we not only finish the race, but we do so with joy. Where does this joy come from? The Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, the church is filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit. With this new power at work in them, they receive the boldness and confidence to reach out to the world around them. One key word in the book of Acts is witness, and it is used 29 times. A witness is somebody who tells you what he has seen and heard. As Christian women who love the Lord, we are expected to be witnesses. Every aspect of our lives both words and deeds should proclaim the truth of the gospel. When others witness us, they should want the joy we have! Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Group Questions 1. Koinonia a. What is your name? Share if you are married or single. Do you have any children? b. Share something about yourself that would help us remember who you are. c. With a fresh new year in front of you, what are you looking forward to? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

4 2. Philip is mentioned in Acts 21:8, where we find that Paul is now staying in his home. Let s refresh our memory for a moment: Philip and Stephen (the martyr) were close friends and Paul was responsible for Stephen s death some 20 years prior. Think about what this encounter must have been like for Philip and share your thoughts. 3. We are all called to be witnesses. Read Acts 22:15 and share what a witness does. 4. In our difficult times, we may find that people disappoint us or neglect to stand with us. Acts 23:11 contains a powerful phrase that reminds us that Jesus will never forsake us. How will this phrase strengthen you for when you are called to stand alone? 5. The book of Acts equips us to finish our race with joy. What can you learn from the verse below that will better equip you to finish your race with joy? But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

5 Lesson 10 Pressing On Acts 18 Introduction The dark night will not overtake me. I am pressing into You. Lord, You fight my every battle. I will not fear. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me. - Kari Jobe Paul finishes up his second missionary journey in the chapter we re studying this week. There s no doubt that he was a great Christian and a powerful missionary evangelist, but he did not work alone. Time and time again throughout his journeys, you will see that Paul co-labors with others in the work of the ministry. Friends like Aquila and Priscilla, Silas and Timothy, and many others made it possible for Paul to effectively do the work that God had called him to do. Because of these like-minded friends and co-laborers, Paul was able to press on no matter what trials or opposition he faced. Start your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to help you by His Spirit to cast your burdens upon Him. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 18 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 Commentary Everywhere Paul went to preach the gospel, he met opposition. In Antioch, he endured stoning and in Philippi, he endured a beating. From all appearances, Corinth would be no different. Paul was learning that when ministry explodes, often times, personal pain follows. But instead of running away or quitting, Paul set his heart to press on. How was he able to do this? Jesus. Paul had both the promises of Jesus and His very presence. The same is true for you and me. There are over 3,000 promises in God s Word to sustain us when we face trials. But we have a choice to make will we choose to hold on to these promises or will we allow ourselves to be tossed about and weakened? Paul made the choice to hold fast to what God had promised him and took Him at His Word. May God help each one of us to stand fast on His promises! Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Acts 18 is a chapter full of relationships for Paul. Let s look at his newfound relationship with Aquila and Priscilla. What do you learn about these godly co-laborers from the following verses: Acts 18:1-4, 18, and 24-28? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

6 2. Read Acts 18:5-6. Not everyone Paul met agreed with his message. In verse 6, it says that Paul shook his raiment. This was the Old Testament way of saying, You ve had your opportunity, but now it s over! What drastic action did Paul take when the Jews rejected his message? 3. As Paul continues to minister, a very significant person gets saved. Even though Paul turned from the hostile Jews to minister to the Gentiles, he never lost heart for the Jewish people. How does Acts 18:7-8 speak to you about evangelizing to difficult people? 4. Read Acts 18:9-11. Remember, Paul had met opposition from hostile Jews over and over again in his preaching of the gospel and the circumstances in Corinth were no different. Paul s greatest relationship was with the Lord Jesus, so he was given a promise to help him endure. What was this promise? 5. God is no less available to you during your difficult times! His Word is full of promises that will speak to your heart and sustain you when you re weak. Look up the specific promises below and share any insight you gain that will help you to press on when you face trials or opposition. a. Psalm 84:11 b. Psalm 107:19-20 c. 2 Timothy 4:18

7 Lesson 11 Sweet Holy Spirit Acts 19:1-20 Introduction Welcome, Holy Spirit. We are in Your presence, fill us with Your power. You re the Living Water, the Never-Drying Fountain, Comforter and Counselor. Take control. - Mark Condon In Acts chapter 19, Paul s third missionary journey continues. He s headed for the town of Ephesus. Upon arrival in Ephesus, he connected with 12 men whose Christian walk lack something. Paul s heart is not only that people would personally know the Lord, but also that they would live in the fullness of God s Spirit. Because of this, he challenged these men to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pause and pray before you begin your homework. As you pray, think about your own walk with the Lord. Does it seem to be lacking something? If so, ask the Lord to pour out the gift of His sweet Holy Spirit upon you! Remember that your Heavenly Father has only good gifts for you! Memory Scripture But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 Reading Assignment: Acts 19:1-20 Commentary Paul is now on his third missionary journey. In the city of Ephesus, he encounters a group of believers who seem to be dull and lifeless. So he challenged them with a very important question. A question that every believer must consider and answer. Paul asked, Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? Keep in mind that these believers were devoted disciples. Yet, they seemed to lack the power of the Holy Spirit in their service. Perhaps you have been a believer for some time, but you are noticing a lack of victory over sin, or little to no joy in your walk, or possibly even feeling powerless to love the way God wants you to. Well, could it be that you need the baptism of the Holy Spirit? You need the dunamis or dynamite power of the Holy Spirit to come upon you and empower you. Precious sisters, the Holy Spirit is yours for the asking. Don t wait; receive Him today. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. There's no better way to learn of an event than through an eyewitness account. Travel along with Paul on his missionary journey to Ephesus. From Acts 19:1-7, report all that you discover. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

8 2. Although Paul encountered Christians, he discovered that they were lacking something. What was it they lacked according to verse 2? 3. Even though Paul was on a missionary journey, he obediently stayed in any given area for as long as the Spirit directed him. In Acts 19:8-12, we see that Paul settled in and stayed in Ephesus for about two years. What fruit do you see from his time spent there? 4. Read Acts 19: Wherever God s people ministered truth, Satan sends a counterfeit to oppose the work. Because of Paul s incredible miracles in Ephesus, there were those who were using the name of Jesus to imitate his ministry, but they were readily exposed. In the verses below, what were the results of this apparent attack against the church? a. Verse 17 b. Verse 18 c. Verse 19 d. Verse The baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for all believers. For further understanding of this, look up the scriptures below and share any insight you gain. a. Luke 3:16 b. Luke 11:13 c. John 7:38-39

9 Lesson 12 Hope for the World Acts 19:21-41 Introduction Holy Spirit come, Holy Spirit dwell here in this house. Fill Your church with joy overflowing, peace overflowing, and love overflowing in all of Your glory. - Rita Springer Rest assured, wherever the gospel is preached, there will be someone standing nearby to greatly oppose it. That s exactly what happened in our portion of scripture this week. A man named Demetrius stirred up a mob that came against Paul and his companions. The whole city of Ephesus was in an uproar. If God had not intervened, Paul would surely have been arrested and executed. It would have been natural to look at this situation and conclude that there is no hope for the world. But even in the midst of this idol-worshipping city, there was the hope of God! Be still for a moment and pray. Thank God that no one is ever beyond the reach of the gospel. Memory Scripture If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? Luke 11:13 Reading Assignment: Acts 19:21-41 Commentary How in the world did this massive uproar occur? Well, Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths were promoting idolatry and immorality to make a living and the people of Ephesus greatly supported them. At the same time, Paul was in the midst of this city declaring the truth and pointing people to Jesus Christ. Needless to say, business was declining for the silversmiths and this made them angry. So they stirred up a mob to come against Paul. Some say there were as many as 25,000 people in the mob. Collectively, they met in the amphitheater and shouted for two hours defending their city and their goddess, Diana. But as we well know, greater is He (Jesus) that is in us, than he (Satan) that is in the world! The Holy Spirit intervened and the crowd was dispersed. The Holy Spirit is always God s answer to our confusion, chaos, and corruption. No matter how dark situations may get, never forget that there is hope for the world Jesus! Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Demetrius stirred up a riot in the city of Ephesus to thwart Paul s work and the furtherance of the gospel. Read the account for yourself in Acts 19: What was the reason for the opposition? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

10 2. Read Acts 19: How was Paul protected from the violence in the city? 3. Don t let the words, and the whole city was filled with confusion (v.29) and for the assembly was confused (v.32), go unnoticed! What do these verses teach you about Satan and his work? 4. Finish off the chapter by reading Acts 19: Quite truthfully, Ephesus sounds a lot like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, or any other American city! From these verses, describe the condition of Ephesus. 5. The Holy Spirit is God s answer to our confusion, chaos, and corruption. Look up the scriptures below and share how the Holy Spirit is working in our world today. a. John 16:7-11 b. John 16:13-15

11 Lesson 13 First Things First Acts 20 Introduction What do I have if I don't have You, Jesus? What in this life could mean anymore? You are my rock. You are my glory. You are the lifter of my head. - Starfield In our study this week, Paul begins to say his personal good-byes. He knows that his time on earth is drawing to an end and that s reflected in his encounters with those he dearly loves. One of his final goals was to encourage and strengthen the saints so that they might stand true to the Lord and be effective witnesses after his departure. Paul had an amazing way of putting first things first. He reminds the believers that his top priority is not himself, but the gospel. That s why dangers, trials, heartaches, and adversity had no hold on him. Begin this lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to let His Holy Spirit fall afresh on you and help you to take a fresh look at your priorities. Memory Scripture I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 Reading Assignment: Acts 20 Commentary In every city the apostle Paul visited, the Holy Spirit warned him that he would face troubles in Jerusalem. What did Paul do? He went to Jerusalem anyway. Why? Because Paul genuinely didn t care about his own life. It was more important to him to do what Jesus wanted him to do and go where He wanted him to go. Sharing the gospel was Paul s top priority, and as a result, the impending danger did not redirect him. May the Holy Spirit help you in all your choices as you too learn to put first things first. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Acts 20:1-5 describes Paul on the move. When it s all said and done, he ends up in Troas. Read verses 7-12 and share all that you learn about the fellowship of believers in Troas. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

12 2. Read Acts 20: Paul makes several stops to say his final farewells. He knows in his heart, that this will be the last time that he sees some of these churchs. Because of his great love for the church at Ephesus, he asks the elders of that church to meet him somewhere along his route to Jerusalem (v.13-17). In verses 18-21, Paul recounts his ministry to the Ephesian church. How does he describe his ministry there? 3. Paul opened his heart to the elders of the church at Ephesus and shared the heart-breaking news that they would never see him again (v.25). According to verses 27-35, why could he depart from them with confidence? a. Verse 27 b. Verse Read Acts 20: Paul knew that the people were grieving over his final departure. Notice what he did to console them in verse 36 and share what that reveals about Paul s heart for the people. 5. In Acts 20:24, Paul clearly states his priorities for life. Even though the Holy Spirit warned Paul that he would face tremendous difficulties in every city, that didn t stop Paul. Why? Because he was genuinely unconcerned about himself. His life and personal plans were not a priority for him. Look up the verses below and share any encouragement you receive that will help you to keep your priorities in order. a. Matthew 6:31-34 b. James 4:13-15 c. Romans 12:9-16

13 Lesson 14 Knowing the Will of the Lord Acts 21 Introduction Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet its treasure store. - Chris Tomlin We ll find in our study this week that Paul continues on his third missionary journey and he s headed for Jerusalem. He s warned several times by the saints not to go to Jerusalem because they feared for his life, but he assures them that he s prepared not only to be bound, but also to die for Jesus if necessary. Eventually, the saints settle it in their hearts to let Paul go by declaring that the Lord s will is what s important, not what they want. Stop and pray before you begin your homework. Ask the Lord to help you consider His divine will for your life above all else. Memory Scripture Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10 Reading Assignment: Acts 21 Commentary Think about the amazing changes that have taken place in Paul's life. He once persecuted those who followed Christ and now he s willing to die for the Lord. How could this be? Because, above all else, Paul desired to know and do the will of the Lord. He is an amazing testimony to us that no matter what the cost, it is best to be in the center of God s will! May the Holy Spirit help you to always make it your priority to know and follow the will of the Lord. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Read Acts 21:1-17. Paul begins a journey that eventually ends up in Jerusalem. What warning did he receive about going to Jerusalem in verses 10-12? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

14 2. What was Paul s response to this warning according to Acts 21:5, 13? 3. Oftentimes, when it comes to making a decision, we are faced with those who are well-meaning in their counsel who try to persuade us in a particular way. Read Acts 21:13. What dilemma did Paul face and how did he resolve it? 4. Paul was a man on a mission and nothing could deter him from obeying and doing the will of the Lord. From Acts 21:30-40, share the multitude of circumstances Paul found himself in. 5. No matter what his circumstances, Paul never lost his heart for God s people. When his friends couldn t keep him from going on to Jerusalem, they entrusted him to the Lord (v.14). Look up the following scriptures and share any insight you gain about the will of the Lord. a. Romans 12:1-2 b. Ephesians 6:6-7 c. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8