Lesson 8 - New Year s Study Finish My Race with Joy! Acts Review

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3 Lesson 8 - New Year s Study Finish My Race with Joy! Acts Review 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 several months 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 to live in such a way that others 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 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 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 it with joy. Where does this joy come from? It comes 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 received the boldness and confidence to reach out to the world around them. One key word in Acts is witness; it is used 29 times throughout the book. 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 and do you have a nickname? b. Share something about yourself that would help us remember who you are. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

4 2. Name one thing that you gained from part 1 of this study that has better equipped you to finish your race with joy. 3. In chapter 3, a lame man asked Peter and John for money, but in return he received a complete healing! What an amazing turn of events. He asked for one thing and received something beyond his wildest imagination! What can you learn from this story about not limiting God? 4. Peter was a passionate witness for Christ! He couldn t help but speak about all that he d seen and heard. How do you respond when you have opportunities to talk about Jesus? 5. We are all called to be witnesses. The response to our witness will not always be favorable. However, read Acts 4:4 and describe the result of Peter s faithful witness.

5 Lesson 9 Persecution, Prayer and Power Acts 4:5-37 Introduction To Your majesty and Your beauty I surrender. To Your holiness and Your love I surrender. For You are an awesome God who is mighty. You deserve my deepest praise. - Steve Bassett & Sue Rinaldi Although the early church faced persecution, they were a powerful influence on the world around them. What was the secret of their success? They knew how to pray. The church gathered together and prayed, asking God to work in their situation, and He did! Through their united prayers, they were able to not only stand strong in the midst of persecution, but were also empowered to accomplish incredible things for the Lord. The church prayed and God answered in a mighty way. God is just as willing to answer prayer today. Pause for a moment and pray. Ask the Lord to guide you through your homework and stir in you a brand new passion to pray. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 4:5-37 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Commentary The early church did not have many of the advantages that some of our churches possess and depend upon today. But what they lacked in resources, they made up for in prayer. True prayer is what energizes us and launches us into service for the Lord. True prayer equips us for the battles we face. The early Christian church knew how to pray so that God s hand could work in mighty power. You will notice as you study this chapter that they did not pray to have their circumstances changed or to escape their trial. They did not pray for protection; instead, they asked for power. Power from heaven to preach the Word and face their enemies with boldness! Because they prayed, God answered their prayer mightily and the church thrived. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. In verse 7, the high priests questioned Peter about the healing of the crippled man. When Peter responded in verse 8, Whose power is he filled with in order to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

6 2. This portion of scripture focuses on the powerful name of Jesus. Sometimes in the busyness of our lives, it is important for us, as believers, to pause and meditate on that sweet and powerful name of Jesus. What are some truths from the verses below that you can ponder on in order to reignite who Jesus is in your life? a. Acts 4:10 b. Acts 4:12 3. Now re-read Acts 4: At this point in the story, Peter and John are standing before the council after being questioned about how they healed the crippled man. The high priests are at their wit s end! They cannot deny the miracle, but most of all, they cannot figure out how unlearned men could heal a crippled man. As riveting as this portion of the story is, it is very true. God does, in fact, use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary works! What do you gain from this account that encourages you to follow hard after Jesus regardless of your circumstances? 4. Acts 4 marks the beginning of persecution for the church. From Acts 4:18, list the specific persecutions that they encountered. 5. The persecution that Peter and John faced caused them to gather the church together and pray. Read through their prayer in Acts 4: This is not only one of the greatest prayers recorded in the Bible, but it is also a good example for us to follow when we face persecution or opposition. From the verses below, share any insight you gain regarding prayer. a. Acts 4:24 b. Acts 4:25-28 c. Acts 4:29-31

7 Lesson 10 God Is in Control Acts 5 Introduction My refuge and my strength, my comfort and my care. My hope through all despair, You are a shield about me. My rock and one sure friend, my light and only way. - Eoghan Heaslip The church was exploding as the apostles boldly went forth with the gospel message of Jesus. Even though they were constantly facing opposition, they were not afraid. Even though they were pressured by the religious leaders, they did not cave under the pressure. They obeyed God at whatever personal cost. Jesus had promised to be with them, and through His Holy Spirit, empower them for witness and service. They believed with all their hearts that they were His witnesses, and because He was in control, He would see them through whatever they faced. Start your lesson with a prayer. Begin by thanking God for being in absolute control of all that happens in your life. Then ask Him for strength to trust His decisions. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 5 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29 Commentary The apostles faced persecution because of their stand for Jesus Christ and the gospel. But they did not change their convictions. They obeyed God and trusted Him to take care of the consequences. They firmly made their stand and declared that they would not serve two masters. They could have escaped a beating if they had chosen to please men, but instead they stood firm in their faith. How did the apostles respond to the unjust treatment from their nation s religious leaders? They rejoiced! The opposition of men meant the approval of God, and because He was in control, they counted it a privilege to suffer for His name. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Praise God for the many warnings He lovingly communicates to us through His Word! As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we must take these warnings and cautions seriously in order to spare ourselves from danger and harm. Read the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. What is the warning or caution in this story and how should we apply it to our lives today? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

8 2. Experiencing opposition when being used by God does not mean that something is wrong. In fact, when it is opposition stirred up because of the gospel, it is more than likely confirmation that God is on the move! Read Acts 5: What miraculous deliverance occurred when the apostles stood for righteousness and did not allow the opposition to silence them? 3. The passionate follower of Jesus will be challenged daily. From Acts 5:29-32, what do you learn that will help you to run your Christian race with joy? 4. The church was thriving and Peter and the other apostles were causing a stir everywhere they went. In response, the Jewish leaders, filled with indignation, began to plot how they might put a stop to the apostles work. When we choose to stand for righteousness and seek to save souls, God always sends the Helper the Holy Spirit. It is undeniable that the Spirit was moving in and through Gamaliel. As you read verses 34 42, write down the solution that Gamaliel presents to the council. 5. Chapter 5 is an incredible reminder that God sees all and is in control. God does not leave nor forsake us when we face opposition, challenges, trials, afflictions, or any other conflict for His name s sake. Therefore, we never have to fear persecution or trials or heartaches if we view them from a biblical perspective. Look up the scriptures below to be sure that you have the right thinking concerning your circumstances. Write down what you learn. a. Genesis 50:20 b. 2 Chronicles 20:15 c. Colossians 1:16-18

9 Lesson 11 The Heart of a Servant Revealed Acts 6 Introduction Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the prayer of my heart always be: Make me a servant today. - Kelly Willard We will see in our lesson this week that the church was beginning to experience growing pains. The problem? The apostles were so busy serving tables that they were neglecting prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. The solution? They raised up servants who could help with the work. Stephen was one of these men. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom who possessed the true heart of a servant. Before you begin your homework, take a moment and pray. Ask the Lord to make you His willing and available servant. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 6 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. Acts 6:4 Commentary The disciples initially chose seven men to come alongside to help them. Stephen was one of these men. Stephen gave himself to the service of the church and it eventually cost him his very life. God does not call all of us to be martyrs, but He does call each of us to die to ourselves and live our life for Him and His purposes. Stephen did not limit his ministry to the serving of tables; he also led others to Christ and even performed miracles. Up to this point, it was the apostles who performed miracles, but now God gave this power to Stephen also. As we take a look at Stephen s life and learn of his character, we will see the heart of a servant revealed. May his story inspire us to be servants who go above and beyond the call of duty! Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Read the story in Acts 6:1-7. What was the problem in the church and how was it resolved? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

10 2. Oftentimes in the work of the Lord there is more to do than you can realistically accomplish. When this occurs, the only option is to prioritize your responsibilities. Sometimes this calls for those in leadership to utilize those in the body of Christ who have a heart to serve God s people. This was the situation that the apostles were facing in Acts 6:1-7. By keeping their priorities straight, the apostles were able to add other disciples to God s team. This, in turn, allowed them to serve His people better and win many more to His kingdom. Share what you learn from the apostles example. 3. There is no such thing as an insignificant task when it is done for the Lord. This means that no matter what you are asked to do, or where you are asked to serve, there are certain godly qualities that you must possess. From Acts 6:3, list the qualifications of a servant of God and what they mean to you. 4. Read Acts 6:8-15 and describe how Stephen was able to be such a powerful servant for the Lord. 5. Stephen began by serving tables, but ended up serving as a powerful witness for God. The same power of the Holy Spirit that worked in and through Stephen is available for us today! Remember, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you look up the scriptures below, write down the keys to unleashing this power to serve and to be a powerful witness for God in and through your life. a. Luke 1:38 b. Luke 1:39-45 c. Luke 1:46-56

11 Lesson 12 Forgiveness Sets Us Free Acts 7 Introduction Your amazing grace is perfectly free. Day by day, Your grace empowering me to please You in all things. To walk in Your ways completely forgiven and it s all by Your grace. - Andy Park Acts 7 contains a great lesson for us on forgiveness. Stephen s accusers refuse to believe his testimony and charge him with blasphemy. They then drag him to the streets and stoned him. How did Stephen respond as he was being unjustly stoned to death? Like his Savior, he chose to lovingly forgive. Those looking on must have seen firsthand how forgiveness sets us free. What an example for us today. If we want to run our race with joy, then we must be women who forgive! Start your lesson this week with a prayer. Specifically ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and help you to be a woman who forgives others. Memory Scripture And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60 Reading Assignment: Acts 7 Commentary After reading Acts 7, you might wonder how in the world a good and godly man like Stephen could have been murdered. But the reality is that not much has changed in our day and age. Innocent people are killed; hostages are taken; and assassinations continue to take place all in the name of politics or religion. However, the wonderful truth is that God is able to work even in the midst of unjust persecution. Saul was an eyewitness to the stoning of Stephen. No doubt he heard Stephen s prayer of forgiveness and witnessed his glorious death. All of these things would one day be used by the Spirit to prepare Saul for his own meeting of the Lord (Acts 9). Rest assured that God never wastes the blood or the sufferings of His saints. We may not all be called to be martyrs, but we are called to be living sacrifices. May God help us to live in such a way that others see Jesus in us in life and in death. Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Serving God is not always easy and sometimes we may suffer unjustly. In Acts 7:9-10, Stephen mentions the story of Joseph. What insight do you gain from these verses that will help you to endure difficult, sensitive, or hurtful situations? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

12 2. Read Acts 7: This is the climax of Stephen s speech and it cut his hearers to the heart. What were his accusations? 3. Stephen s character is revealed in Acts 7: What do you learn about him from these verses? 4. Rather than defend himself, Stephen chose to review the history of Israel and make a strong stand for Christianity in the presence of his accusers. His hopes are to affect at least one life for Christ! From Stephen s response in verse 60, what can you learn about facing unjust accusations? 5. Stephen was not only tried in a manner similar to that of our Lord, but he also died with a similar prayer on his lips. Like Jesus, Stephen had the grace to forgive his murderers and to pray for them. Forgiveness is a powerful virtue that absolutely sets us free from our enemies. What do you learn about forgiveness from the verses below? a. Luke 15:18-24 b. Matthew 6:14-15 c. Matthew 18:21-22

13 Lesson 13 A Church on the Move Acts 8 Introduction If by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know, I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I'll go where You want me to go. - Mary Brown The time had come for the church to move out of Jerusalem. After all, the entire world needed the truth of the gospel delivered to them. In Acts 8, we see how God fulfilled this plan. Working through circumstances and people, the church began to move out into the world. People were saved and nations changed as a result. What an awesome reminder to each one of us that no evil will prevail against us because God causes all things to work together for good. Pause and pray. Ask the Lord to give you the right perspective on the trials that you face so that you might do greater things for Him and His kingdom. Memory Scripture Reading Assignment: Acts 8 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15 Commentary We learned in Acts 1:8 that God s plan for the gospel was for it to spread to the uttermost part of the earth. Little did the early church know that persecution would be one of the methods God would use to spread His Word. In this lesson, we will see that persecution does to the church what wind does to seed: it scatters it. Once the seed is scattered, it produces a new harvest. The same is true for the church. As it was scattered into other regions, new converts were added to the church. Satan intended for persecution to destroy the church, but instead it caused the church to move outward and multiply. Never forget that great persecution plus the preaching of the Word results in great joy! Reflection Question Share one thing from the teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Homework Questions 1. Read Acts 8:1-4. What caused the church to begin to move out into the entire world? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

14 2. The gospel was now spreading from Jewish territory into Samaria, a city with a population that was part Jew and part Gentile. It was to this city that God sent Philip. From Acts 8:5-8, what was the result of Philip s preaching in Samaria? 3. Even though the people of Samaria had been saved, and the Spirit of God dwelled within them, they had not yet been baptized by the Spirit. As you read Acts 8:14-17, record how the people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 4. Read Acts 8: This portion of scripture records an incredible account of how the church continued to spread to the ends of the earth. Make no mistake about it, God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Sometimes God asks us to do things that don t make sense to us. But once we obey, we find that God s instructions are quite simple for us to follow. From verse 35, what were the simple steps Philip used to minister to the eunuch? 5. Remember, Philip was asked to leave a place where many exciting things were happening and go to a desert place. It was there that the Lord used him to win an Ethiopian eunuch to Christ. From the scriptures below, what do you learn about sharing your faith no matter where you find yourself? a. Romans 10:14-17 b. Mark 16:15 c. Matthew 28:18-20