Title: Ordinary*
Series: Acts of Paul (Pt 1)
Passage: Acts 18
Speaker: Steve Howell (Associate Minister)

Use the following questions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• Who are the people who make your success possible? (Family, friends, coworkers, etc)
• Is it ever possible to be a spiritual “lone ranger” - a person who doesn’t rely on anyone else? Why or why not?

Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Look up the city of “Corinth” in a study Bible or Bible dictionary. What might it have been like to live in this town? What kinds of people would you encounter?
• Why do you think Paul supported himself by making tents instead of relying on contributions from the city where he worked? (See 2 Cor 11:7-10; 1 Thess 2:9)
• Read Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 24-28; Romans 16:3-5; 1 Cor 16:19 and 2 Tim 4:19. How would you describe Aquila and Priscilla’s service to the church? What character traits did they show?
• Paul is usually viewed as bold and brave. How does God’s encouragement to him in Acts 18:9-10 change your view of the pressures Paul faced? Which was more helpful—the promise of God’s presence or the absence of attackers?
• How does Act 18:12-17 prove God’s words?
• Does the gospel message seem concerning to Gallio? How does this encounter help show Christianity as a non-threat to Roman civil order?
• Acts 18 puts a big emphasis on Aquila and Priscilla. How does their ministry take the focus off of Paul and onto the Spirit?
• Think about their encounter with Apollos. How might such inaccuracy be handled today? What can we learn from their approach in correcting Apollos?
• “Ordinary” Christians play a big role in Acts 18. What role do you play in this church now? In what ways can you help others grow closer to God?

Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Pray for the “ordinary” members of TCC to view their work as vital to the church! Pray for awakened enthusiasm in serving!