This weekend Pastor Al walked us through Acts 22:22- Chapter 23 where Paul is persecuted and a plot to kill him is made.

Pastor Al started by talking about Paul and his use and view of the law compared to the Sadducees and Pharisees.

1. Read Galatians 3:24-25. What was Paul’s view on the law as you see it in the New Testament? Does Paul follow the law or gospel? Or both? What are some examples?
   a. How do we incorporate the law into our view of the gospel?

Pastor Al read the passage in chapter 23 where Paul calls out Ananias but then retracts himself when he realizes who Ananias was.

1. Paul is a very passionate and active character, but we see him respect Ananias based on Exodus 22:28. Paul used his authority in Christ, while respecting the authority God put in place. In what ways might we have to do this today? How do we do this in love? How do we stand up for our rights while respecting those in authority?

Pastor Al emphasized that when Jesus spoke to Paul, he was lifted up and sustained.

1. Despite Paul’s faithfulness he still needed Jesus to speak to him and say “take courage”, his devotion alone wasn’t enough. How might this fact encourage you to seek God? Discuss how this demonstrates the sovereignty of God knowing that Jesus spoke to Paul at the exact moment he needed. Has this happened to you?
   a. Pastor Al talked about “cheer” and “courage” being strongly related. Have you made this connection before? What are some examples in scripture and your own life where being of “good cheer” and being of “good courage” are one in the same?

Pastor Al quoted 2 Corinthians 1:20 speaking about God’s promises.

1. Read 2 Corinthians 1:20. How do we deal with the fact that we don’t know when His promises will be “Yes and Amen”?
   a. What is God’s purpose in us waiting on His promises?

Pastor Al points out how Paul is still on his road to Rome and still not there.

1. What does it look like to be patient and waiting in the Lord but active in His will? We are all waiting on the Lord for something, how are you actively obedient even in your waiting?
   a. What is something you can do this week to simply delight in the Lord? How can you wait on him calmly and without anxiety?