Acts Week Thirty Three


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SENT: Week 33 – Persuading a King Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story.]

As Paul testified before the King Agrippa, he told of his former life as a Pharisee. He then recounted of how he was enraged by believers in Jesus, seeking to do everything in his power to punish them. Paul then detailed his conversion experience while on the road to Damascus, and the vision God gave him to go and take the good news to the Gentiles. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 26:19-32 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God has a plan for us; God gives us a choice; God calls for us to repent and turn to Him; God is with us in every situation; only God gives us the strength we need to bear our heavy burdens; God is our help and strength in times of trouble; God is the same today, yesterday, and forever; God’s timing is always perfect; God transforms the lives of people; God is worthy of our trust; the Holy Spirit brings us under conviction, softening our hardened hearts; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [It is hard for me to let go and trust the Lord in the midst of difficult circumstances; I am reluctant to allow the Holy Spirit to transform my life; my faith without obedience is dead; I worry about what people think of me; I make decisions focused on receiving the approval of man instead of God’s approval; my “deeds” don’t often reflect a transformed life; I struggle with pride in my life; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. In light of what you’ve learned today, what do you need to do to obey God? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. Who have you known that remained faithful to God in spite of great obstacles? 2. Paul “did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision,” but followed through in obedience. In what specific area of your life, do you need your faith in Jesus to increase? Assign Next week’s passage – Acts 27:13-32 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

SENT: Week 33 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Prioritize Grow Group time by: o Preparing for group - review the Leadership Coaching page and pray for your Grow Group each week. o Meet consistently. Resist the urge to cancel Grow Group. o Honor your Grow Group by starting on time.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Because believers have the Holy Spirit, we will see evidence of spiritual fruit in their lives. When you see a Grow Group member displaying one of these characteristics, celebrate it! When a group member is struggling, remind them that the Holy Spirit is with them and that they have access to His transformational power. Encourage them to abide in the Lord so that He may bring out these Christ-like qualities in them.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Read John 15:4-5 and answer the following questions. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” o What spiritual fruit have you seen in your own life in the last week? In the last month? In the last year? o What do you need to change in order to abide more faithfully and become more fruitful? o Pray that God will help you see areas of your life where you can draw closer to Him.