Key Thought : Paul drew strength from his experience of God’s mercy and drew on his knowledge of unbelievers to communicate with them about Jesus.

Paul: Background and Call – Sep 5 – 11, 2015

1. Have a volunteer read 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What do these verses tell us about Paul’s character and personality?
c. Personal Application : How concerned should we be about our fellow members and their Christian walk? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “If these troubles were upon the Christian church today, there wouldn’t be many members or leaders willing to go through them for their faith.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Acts 9:13-18.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. How was Paul’s conversion experience related to his call to be a missionary?
Personal Application : How do you respond to someone about your own experience with Christ? What would you share of your own personal testimony?” Share your thoughts.
c. Case Study : One of your friends states, “How can I be used to serve God in a mighty way, especially since I haven’t been as faithful as some in the church have been?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

Have a volunteer read Colossians 1:27,28.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What does it mean to preach and warn to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus?
b. Personal Application: Think of the last time you witnessed to someone. How central was Jesus to what you said? How can we make sure we always keep Him central in our witness? Share your thoughts..
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Was Paul’s background as a Jewish leader a help or hindrance in his Christian ministry?” How would you respond to your friend?

Have a volunteer read Galatians 2:7-11.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How do these texts show that Peter was not considered the first Pope and leader of the Gentile believers? Share.
c. Personal Application: Because Paul confronted Peter, does that mean we are to confront wrongful thinking, acting, and preaching when we see it, even from our leaders? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” Ministry of Healing, p. 148)

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