November 6th & 10th
1. Fear: I’m their enemy - - - > Response: Fight
1“Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” 2 When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater.
—Acts 22:1-2
If you want to silence your “enemies” find common ground and show respect.
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak… “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
—1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NLT
Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today.”
—Acts 22:3
2. Fear: I’m not worthy - - - > Response: Flight
And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.
—Acts 22:4
14 “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
—Acts 22:14-16
Being real about your past makes you relatable not repulsive.
19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ 21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”
—Acts 22:19-21
3. Fear: I’m not qualified - - - > Response: Freeze
1 Paul is talking to the crowd and then——2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite![b] What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?” 4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
—Acts 23:1-5
My ignorance is God’s opportunity.
34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!
—John 4:34-36
He was unique and chosen… and so are you
He was being called to look past his disappointment… and so are you
But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
—Acts 23:11
He had more to do…and so do you
9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations Resources:
FILL OUT YOUR CONNECTION CARD HERE
Next Steps:
1. I realize I need Jesus in my life. I ask Him to be my Savior for the first time.
2. I have struggled with fight, flight, or freeze. I need prayer to let go of my fears and get to work with my “must also.”
3. I will check out the book the 9 arts of spiritual conversations.
4. I will be a part of the 750 by signing up today to take a first look in Kids church.