Part 1
Part 2
Part 4
Part 5
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 1
Life of Paul – Part 1
Leaving the past behind
The Apostle Paul is one of the most significant characters of the New Testament, and stands out as an incredible example of discipleship and passion for the gospel. The ‘Kairos moment’ of his conversion experience completely redirected his life, his ministry, his passion, and ultimately, the broader course of Christian history. As we examine his life, we see how he died to his old self — a Pharisee who persecuted believers — and was regenerated into a new life of zealously serving Jesus.
Read Acts 9:1-22, Galatians 1:13-17, 1 Timothy 1:12-16, Philippians 3:7-9.
Discuss
- A Kairos moment is a point in time bringing an opportunity to change the trajectory of life by making significant adjustments. Share a Kairos moment that you have experienced. What impact did it have on you? What was the catalyst for your decision?
- What is your initial reaction to the story of Paul’s conversion and transformation? What can we learn from this story about how God works today?
- Read Acts 9:9. What is the symbolism and significance of Paul’s three days of blindness? Why was it necessary?
- What did Paul need to surrender in order to become a disciple of Jesus?What have you had to surrender in your life for Jesus?
- Read Acts 9:10-19. What fear did Ananias express? What fear might Paul have felt in this moment? What fear do you face at present in being obedient to what Jesus is calling you to do?
- Fear can be completely paralysing or it can be a powerful motivator. What do you do when you experience fear? What can you do to overcome this? Is fear a barrier to your obedience to God?
- Pride, comfort and social acceptance are major barriers we must surrender when we are called to obey Jesus. Have you experienced this? Was it difficult for you? Which of these barriers were the most challenging for you to surrender? Discuss.
Respond
God used a dramatic conversion experience to reach Saul because he was hard-hearted towards the gospel message. When Paul met Jesus, he was shaken to the core and immediately changed into an all-in, fully obedient disciple. The experience removed Paul’s comfort, self-sufficiency and pride, as he learnt to trust in God. What is one thing God is calling you to change this week that you have been unwilling to surrender to Him? What will it take for you to be obedient to this? Make a commitment to the group to take the necessary step this week.
Part 2
Life of Paul – Part 2
Set apart, not set aside
Every person in the room is important to our Heavenly Father. He has gifted each of us with the unique ability to be an effective part of the Kingdom of God, day by day, in our particular place and time. We may not see it clearly at this moment, but our vision becomes clearer as we make God’s work central to our lives.
Right now, each of our lives intersect with different people in different places. We may be the one person who can make a difference for Christ in that place, or in that person’s life. Each of us should aim to be ‘set apart’ in our everyday living, and not just ‘set aside’ for special occasions.
Read Acts 13:1-52
Discuss
- Read 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (include a reading from the Amplified version if available) and Ephesians 2:10. What does it mean to be ‘set apart’? Are there levels of being ‘set apart’ for God?
- What does it mean to you for God’s work to be central to your life, in the same way that Barnabas and Paul were ‘set apart’ (Acts 13:2)?
- How does being ‘set apart’ for God change the way we view and interact with the people we see and the places we visit each week? How can we encourage each other to overcome the challenges?
- Barnabas and Paul were sent to Cyprus, the place where Barnabas grew up, but this time they were sent by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4). What difference do you think the Holy Spirit made to the way Barnabas viewed his home neighbourhood? Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to help you see familiar places through His eyes? If you have, share your experience with the group.
- What do you think about the idea of following ‘relational pathways’ and discerning where God might already be at work? What are some practical steps you can take to do that?
- In missionary work, we are encouraged to search for a ‘person of peace’ (that is, a person who likes you, listens to you and is willingly helpful). Have you asked the Lord to help you identify a person of peace in your familiar places? Share examples where this has resulted in an opportunity to share Jesus.
- In Acts 13:8-12 we see that Paul and Barnabas had opposition, but the Holy Spirit used it to cause their person of peace, Sergius Paulus, to believe. The ability to rely on God’s power in such moments can be proportional to time we have spent in the presence of God. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). What did he mean by that? Discuss what it means to rely on the Holy Spirit in times of opposition.
Respond
Paul and Barnabas did not give up. They never stopped believing they were sent by the Holy Spirit. When their person of peace became a believer, one thing led to another, and the word of the Lord spread through the whole region. We never know the potential impact when we engage with even one person. God may already be at work. Take a moment now to ask yourself, who has God set you apart to minister to? What is one action you can take this week to identify that person, or take steps to strengthen the connection? God bless you as you take the next step.
Part 4
Life of Paul – Part 4
A Powerful Effect
The message of our Lord Jesus Christ has a powerful effect. Not only does it affect the lives of those who hear it, but it also has a powerful effect in the lives of its messengers. In the beginning of Acts 19, we see this working through Paul – as a messenger and Apostl
Read Acts 19:1-20
Discuss
- Read verse 20. The message about Jesus has a powerful effect in us and through us. How have you personally experienced the powerful effect of the Good News?
- Read verses 1-7. How does this passage help us understand baptism? What do you think it means when Paul says they had not received the Holy Spirit even after being baptized with John’s baptism?
- Read verses 8-10. What did Paul do, how long did he do it, and what was the result? Considering his life before his encounter with Jesus, what do you think enabled Paul to speak boldly? What would speaking boldly look like for you?
- Read verses 11-12. Pastor Dale emphasises that just because God can do miracles, it does not necessarily mean He always will do miracles. In what ways can we trust that God will always be faithful, even when He does not perform a miracle?
- Pastor Dale says, “we should all desire and surrender ourselves to God, which leads to powerful encounters. Don’t just desire powerful encounters.” How do we reconcile our faith with the idea that sometimes things don’t turn out as expected, despite our prayers and earnest desires?
- What challenges or hindrances might stand in the way when it comes to bringing God’s authority into a situation or circumstance?
Respond
The last part of our reading demonstrates how powerful the message about Jesus is. In the story, many people who have turned away from God repent and came back. As believers, it is now our responsibility to speak of the Good News to those around us. Is there someone in your close or peripheral network right now who might need to hear about Jesus? Perhaps they are your person of peace: they love you, listen to you and serve you. If the Holy Spirit shows you the name of that person, catch that name and pray.
Part 5
Life of Paul – Part 5
Making a difference
Looking at the life of Paul, one of the key reasons he became an Apostle was because of Barnabus’s faithful conviction. Barnabas travelled 500 kilometres to Tarsus to meet Paul, and the pair returned to Antioch on a mission trip that demonstrated the disciples’ commitment to supporting people in tough places. Barnabas embodied this value, investing in Paul in a way that impacted Paul’s whole life.
Read Acts 4:32-37 and Acts 11:25-30
Discuss
- At Antioch, Agabus prophesises through the Spirit that a severe famine will spread over the entire Roman world (Acts 11:28). How did the disciples at Antioch respond (Acts 11:29-30)?
- Have you experienced or heard an act of generosity? How did it impact you?
- Read Acts 4:32-37. What attitude did the believers have toward one another?
- What do we learn about Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37? What inspires you about Barnabas?
- What challenges do we face in using our possessions for the benefit of others?
- God gives us opportunities to raise people and build their hearts. Have you experienced being on the receiving end of this? Is there anyone around you today that could really be blessed once you take this opportunity?
- Pastor Tim mentioned that fellowship means participating, collaborating and making a difference. Hospitality means welcoming the stranger, visitor or guest. As a Life Group, what can you do to live out the meaning of fellowship and hospitality?
Respond
Are there any opportunities where you can invest in people’s lives to help them flourish? What are some ways you can contribute this week? Take a few minutes of silence to reflect.
Part 7
Life of Paul – Part 7
Unless I Use It
We each have an assignment planned by God since eternity past. This calling may be latent, and yet our natural giftings and strengths can indicate the areas in which God has called us to serve. Paul was a highly gifted individual; his passion was changed by a divine encounter and he was redirected by God to become the most impactful Apostle of the early Church. What does it mean to be ‘on assignment’ and how do we discover the call of God on our lives?
Read Acts 4:32-37 and Acts 11:25-30
Discuss
- What are some of your strengths and talents? These may be attributes of which you are aware, or those observed by others.?
- Ephesians 2:10 states that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Are there good works you feel passionate about that assist in bringing the good news to others? Share with the group.
- We all have an assignment.” According to Psalm 139:13-17 and Ephesians 2:10, God’s plans for us were written down before we were born. How do you relate to this proposition? Do you feel like you have a divine assignment?
- “Our assignment is built upon our declared identity.” Sometimes, like Gideon, we feel disqualified due to personal shortcomings or challenging circumstances. What are some common reasons people feel disqualified from serving God fully, including in leadership or public roles? Consider 2 Timothy 1:6-7. How can we overcome our hesitation
- Read Philippians 3:8. In one sense, our worldly achievements are worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ. Nonetheless, our occupation and skills can be aligned to our calling. Do you think your skills, experiences and expertise align with what God has called you to do? Or do you think these need to be forsaken in order to pursue God’s calling on your life?
- Refer to Matthew 25:14-29, the parable of the talents. Each servant received a different number of ‘talents’ to invest when the master was away.
- What was the return on investment from each of the servants?
- Why was the master displeased with the servant who buried his talent?
- What were the consequences for the servant who buried his talent?
- What were the consequences for the servant who buried his talent?
- For those who are unsure of their gifts or calling, how can these be discovered? What are some practical steps we can take to determine our calling?
Respond
Unless we use it, we may lose it. God saved us not just for relationship with Him, but also to realise our giftings, calling and purpose in His Kingdom. This may be as varied as a calling into Christian ministry, disciple making, leadership or business – all of which involve effort, courage and risk. It starts with obedience and surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Take a moment to reflect on God’s calling on your life, and make a new commitment to it today. As in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, take time to pray with one another for the advancement of your calling. What is one step you can take this week to advance in this calling?
Part 8
Life of Paul – Part 8
The Effect
As Christ’s followers, we believe that God works in, around and through us. We see that in the life of the apostle Paul. He was previously a man filled with rage and wanted to persecute the disciples of Jesus, to then became a man of God who saved lives by being faithful & obedient to God’s words (Acts 27:25). We have the invitation to join in on what God is doing in and around us. The question is are we going to be like Paul – to listen closely to God’s words and join Him there?
Read Acts 27:13-44
Discuss
- Have a minute or two in silence to think and reflect on what God is currently doing in and around you. Share your thoughts or perhaps a significant past experience when you saw what God was doing in and around you at that time.
- Read Acts 27:10,21-26. What are some character traits that Paul demonstrates? Paul says “keep up your courage” twice (v.22 & 25), and the angel of God said not to be afraid (v.24). If they know they will be okay, why fear? How would you react in that situation?
- In what ways did the crew’s fear hinder their ability to survive the storm?
- Ps. Dale talks about ‘The Effect’ of Paul in our main reading. Identify his three main effects to a) the situation, b) the leadership and c) the lives of people on the ship.
- Read John 5:19. Throughout his ministry, Jesus could see what God was doing. Similar to Jesus, Paul also understood what God was doing when he’s in that ship. In what ways has reading & understanding the scripture changed your perspective on life and faith?
- How might trusting God’s promises give us strength to keep going through difficult times?
Respond
Our life stage, circumstances, domains, etc. may differentiate us from one another. However, our calling to be disciples remains the same, as it does not depend on where we are in life. You might need to have a different approach, or different hindrances to go through, but are you prepared to join God – in what he is doing in and around you, so that He can move through you? What might this look like to you?
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Life of Paul – Part 9
Unstoppable
When we look at the life of Paul, we quickly recognise that he takes every opportunity to talk about his faith and to share about Jesus. Whether he is in the synagogue (Acts 13), before a shipwreck (Acts 27) or in chains in a rented house (Acts 28), he continually finds a way to be conspicuous spirituality, to show authentic curiosity or to offer radically ordinary hospitality. We are called to partner with God in these 3 areas. To bring the Good News of Jesus is not just for Pastors or leaders. The mission of God is in the hands of ordinary people – and that is you and I. Not all of us can go on a mission trip, or become a church pastor, however, we all have at least one person whom God has strategically placed around us, whom we can be an example of Jesus to. That person could well be waiting for you to take the next step in helping them along their own spiritual journey.
Read Acts 28:17-31
Discuss
- Ps. Tim teaches us to “Pay attention to what is getting your attention.” What do you think this means? Why do we need to respond to this? What is getting your attention lately?
- Read Acts 28:23-24. What are the three key actions Paul demonstrated in verse 23? Do you think it was a peaceful dialogue? How did Paul demonstrate boldness during persecution?
- Why do you think some people would not believe what Paul had to say, even though they were Jewish leaders?
- Can you think of a person whom you know that has conspicuous spirituality? What do they do differently? What might it look like for you to be conspicuous in your spirituality?
- What might the challenges be to practice authentic curiosity to the people around you today? Why is it important to be authentic in our curiosity towards others? What happened if we are not authentic in this?
- When Paul practiced radically ordinary hospitality, he was a prisoner, chained (verse 20) and was living in a rented house (verse 30). Do you think radically ordinary hospitality could be effective to build an authentic relationship? Why or why not? Should we go above and beyond in our hospitality, then? Discuss.
Respond
To put this into practice, think of one person around you who God has been bringing to your attention lately. Do they like you, listen to you and serve you? Commit to reaching out and inviting them for a catch up. If they are pre-believers, could it be the time to ask if they want to read the Bible with you? If not yet; prayerfully consider one way that God is calling you to help this person move forward in their spiritual journey. Commit to making that next step this week.
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Life of Paul – Part 10
Famous Last Words
Even when the Apostle Paul knows his time is coming to a close, his focus remains on God’s mission. He has fought the good fight and won the race. He has kept the faith. He knows following Jesus means continuing the work of Jesus, pursuing heavenly accolades and prioritising relationships. He has taken every opportunity to speak about Jesus. He has persisted in obedience to God despite the threat of beatings, jail and even death. His mission was to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, and he did.
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-18
Discuss
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- What are you passionate about for God?
- Paul said “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” If Jesus was standing in front of you right now, what would you say to Him?
- Read 2 Timothy 4:2-4. What does “in season and out of season” refer to?
- What season are you in right now? What did Paul say about how we can cope when we are in season or out of the season?
- Despite the hardships he faced, Paul believed that the Lord rescued him from every attack. Why was Paul able to persevere through difficult circumstances? How do you persevere in times of trial?
- In verses 6-8, Paul reminds Timothy to look through the lens of eternity. He says that God will judge the living and the dead. How do you feel about the judgement of God? Does it change the way you live now?
- What do you want to do for God in your lifetime? Do you have a bucket list or even one thing that you believe God has called you to do?
Respond
Pause for a moment and think of one thing you want to do for God. Is there anything God is calling you to let go of? Are any obstacles hindering you from being obedient to what God has called you to do? Start doing that one thing this week.
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