NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Acts 22-23
Discussion Questions:
— What attributes of God can we hold on to when we find ourselves in chaotic or dire situations?
— How does Paul’s statement about the resurrection guide us in our own foundation of faith?
— How does knowing God protects His people and is powerful enough to do so affect your prayers?
Food for Thought:
In this life there will be suffering (John 16:33). Jesus stated it and it’s true for the non-Christian and the Christian. We can see this in the life of Paul.
At one point Paul was arrested by Roman soldiers and then given over to the Sanhedrin to defend himself. Because he lived a life of integrity, however, he could defend himself to the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1). Paul, however, continued to rebuke those before him and mentioned that his hope was in the resurrection, resulting in conflict between the Sadducees and Pharisees (v. 7).
Fearing a riot, the Romans put Paul in prison, but the Lord was with him. God let Paul know he would testify in Rome (vv. 10-11), ultimately declaring that he would live through this ordeal. But the Jews still conspired to kill him, and danger was all around. Through Paul’s nephew, the soldiers were alerted to the plan (v.16). Ultimately, God was sovereign over it all and protected Paul.
Paul faced great danger, but the Lord strengthened him with His presence and protected him through His providential works, just as He does with us today.
We may be going through tough times, but Jesus is alive and at work. Just as we see Paul’s defense before the Sanhedrin was based on his hope in the reality of the resurrection of the dead, we have that same hope. Because Jesus has gone before us in death and resurrection, all our hope rests in the fact that He has won victory over sin and death and is at work to provide and to protect us today.
We may not be dealing with death threats like Paul was, but we all go through trials and suffering of various kinds. Be assured that God is present and powerful enough to provide and protect through any circumstance.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by Lifeway can be found at Lifeway.com/SundaySchool or ordered at Lifeway Christian Stores.
