The Blessing of Difficult Days
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I.(Big Idea) Difficult circumstances can open the door to advance the gospel in difficult circumstances. (Vv 12-14)
I.(Big Idea) Difficult circumstances can open the door to advance the gospel in difficult circumstances. (Vv 12-14)
All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
II. Your attitude makes a big difference. (Vv 15-18a)
II. Your attitude makes a big difference. (Vv 15-18a)
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24
Study Guide
Read verses 12-14
Paul was in prison but joyful. What difficult circumstance are you dealing with today? What’s your attitude toward this situation?
Why does it matter how Christians act in trying situations?
Why does it matter how Christians act in trying situations?
Paul noted that everyone who had been around him knew he was in prison because of his faith in Jesus. How well-known is your commitment to Christ to those with whom you associate daily? How can you tell?
Paul noted that everyone who had been around him knew he was in prison because of his faith in Jesus. How well-known is your commitment to Christ to those with whom you associate daily? How can you tell?
Why did Paul say his imprisonment had been for good? Where has God been able to use bad for good in your life?
Why did Paul say his imprisonment had been for good? Where has God been able to use bad for good in your life?
Have you ever been in a situation that you knew God was using to spread the gospel? If so, describe that experience.
Read
Read
Have you ever been in a situation that you knew God was using to spread the gospel? If so, describe that experience.
What are other inappropriate motives for lifting up the gospel? Why are they inappropriate? What steps can we take to avoid such motives?
What are other inappropriate motives for lifting up the gospel? Why are they inappropriate? What steps can we take to avoid such motives?
What are other inappropriate motives for lifting up the gospel? Why are they inappropriate? What steps can we take to avoid such motives?
Why do our motives for spreading the gospel matter?
Why do our motives for spreading the gospel matter?
Why should suffering for the sake of the gospel increase our boldness (as it did Paul’s), rather than decrease it? What can we be confident in amid suffering?
According to verse 18, what was Paul’s response to the various gospel proclamations taking place, regardless of the motive?
According to verse 18, what was Paul’s response to the various gospel proclamations taking place, regardless of the motive?
Why should suffering for the sake of the gospel increase our boldness (as it did Paul’s), rather than decrease it? What can we be confident in amid suffering?
Why should suffering for the sake of the gospel increase our boldness (as it did Paul’s), rather than decrease it? What can we be confident in amid suffering?
Have any of your circumstances—job, family, friendships, etc.—changed recently? If so, what new opportunities might exist for you to spread the gospel?
Have any of your circumstances—job, family, friendships, etc.—changed recently? If so, what new opportunities might exist for you to spread the gospel?
In addition to a verbal witness, how can we proclaim the gospel in places we go? In what sense do we represent Christ in all those places?
What needs to happen for the gospel to truly advance throughout our community and impact the lives of most people who live here?
What needs to happen for the gospel to truly advance throughout our community and impact the lives of most people who live here?