July 29, 2018

Flannelgraph Faith: The Power of Purpose
July 29, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Do you have a purpose for your life, one that motivates you to actually accomplish it? Or perhaps, in the different seasons of living, your purposes have changed. Can you share either?

Today we look at a married couple from the New Testament who had such love for Jesus that they had completely committed themselves to His work. They were willing to go anywhere they felt led, at any time, to do the work of the ministry. This study continues our series using a modern day flannel-graph, giving visual images to tell a story of love for God and each other.

 

Discuss:

 

Reputation Matters

  • Read Acts 18:1-4. Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish believers who lived in Rome, were forced to leave by a decree of Claudius. They were strong believers of Jesus Christ and made their way to Corinth. When Paul arrived there, he was introduced to them. Why do you think he was led to them?
  • What was their occupation? What was Paul’s trade? What did Paul accomplish by earning his own living while preaching the gospel?
  • Surely the reputation of Aquila and Priscilla was such that Paul felt equally yoked in abiding in their home in Corinth. Why would this have been important?
  • What do people say about you (you don’t have to answer out loud)? How do you stand out differently from those you work with, or have for friends? Do they know you are a Christ-follower?

   Solidarity Matters

  • Read verses 5-11. When the message of Jesus Christ was rejected by those in the synagogue, what did Paul do? What did Jesus tell him in a vision?
  • Why is it so much easier to quit, or be silent, in the face of adversity than to continue?
  • What did God do by way of encouragement while Paul was being verbally attacked often?
  • When you are going through difficult situations, why does it give you so much confidence when God sends others to come along beside you?

 Commitment Matters

  • How long did Paul remain preaching in Corinth? Can you remember a job or situation that you endured, only to see it result in victory? Can you share?
  • Read verses 18-21. From what you’ve read, how can you conclude Paul left with the young church doing well? Whom did he take with him when he left?
  • After visiting with the Ephesian believers, Paul felt he had to leave. Speculate as to why Aquila and Priscilla remained in Ephesus. Was their work finished?
  • Has God called you to a certain task? Are you being obedient?

Growth Matters

  • Read verses 24-28. What were some of the qualities Apollos had? What was his greatest lack? Does this possibly reflect the reason why Priscilla and Aquila were needed in Ephesus? They now had a new church plant! How would that make youfeel?
  • Are you being used to grow the kingdom of God? If you are not growing, God cannot use you the way He desires. What are some ways that you grow? Are you willing for Him to use you?

 

Close:

This study of the life of two individuals who were committed to God gives us several options to serve as a great study! These two people had a marriage that could provide a role model for any couple who desires to serve God. They were faithful to each other, with a common goal, not holding onto material possessions or home, but willing to carry out God’s plans for their lives. They saw fruit not only in planting churches, but in discipling and mentoring others also.

It also gives us a picture of the great apostle Paul, often regarded as one who lived in the Spirit always. Yet small verses like Acts 18:6, Acts 15:37-39 or Romans 7:18-19 show us that he was human just as we are, sometimes reacted with frustration, just as we do, and was even ready to quit—yet he was on the verge of victory! It should give us extra courage to know that we can do great things for God if we grow, draw near Him moment by moment, and be ready in any situation to let Him use us. That only comes about if we have prepared our heart ahead of time.

Key Verse: Acts 18:9-10:Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” (NKJV)

 

Focal Passage:Acts 18:1-28.

 

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