Supply and Demand
Part 1: Demand | John Hobbs, Pastor of Care and Counseling
Acts 26:18 - “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Message Notes:
People Need
People Need
People Need
Group Guide:
Open your group with prayer.
Lesson Overview: Demand
In Acts 26 Paul is making his argument before Festus and King Agrippa. He was being charged as a troublemaker and ringleader of this new cult – Christianity. He was facing some stiff penalties, including death. It was here that Paul shared his testimony – his story. In verse 18 he tells them the message he received from Christ – his marching orders. He was to share his story, share his faith, and help lead others to faith in Christ. Verse 18 describes his mission.
Read 26:18. To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
Think about that first phrase – the first reason he gives for telling people about Jesus. “So that they might turn from darkness to light.”
Share some times when you got stuck in darkness (literally or figuratively). How did you feel?
Were there times when you didn’t really even realize how miserable the darkness was? Think about coming out of a movie theater in the middle of the afternoon. How does it initially feel?
Read Colossians 1:13. Discuss the words “Delivered” and “Transferred.” Who needed this new focus? Who provided the change?
The second phrase in this passage talks about freedom. Freedom from what? If you never realize you are imprisoned, you will not be clamoring for release.
Read Galatians 5:1. What do you think about those words – “do not submit again to a yoke of slavery?”
Think about a situation where a prisoner was released from jail, but just keeps standing outside the prison walls every day. Crazy right?
Do we ever live as prisoners although we are completely free? Why?
The third phrase in this passage says that Paul was sharing a message of forgiveness.
Have there been times in your life where you needed forgiveness, from God or someone else, but you didn’t think you needed it? Maybe, you didn’t think you had done anything wrong.
Read Psalm 103:10-12. Discuss the words – “He does not deal with us
according to our sins.”
All of these things we desperately need, but maybe we just don’t realize how badly we need them. People need spiritual focus and freedom and forgiveness. Have you received these into your life? Are you grateful for the gift you have been given?
Share prayer needs with each other and close your group with prayer.