Application Point:
The Lord places people in our lives who need to hear our faith story.
the way God encouraged Paul while also protecting him.
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple,
I fell into a trance
18 and saw him telling me,
‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly,
because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
19 But I said,
‘Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue
I had those who believed in you imprisoned and beaten.
20 And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed,
I stood there giving approval
and guarding the clothes of those who killed him.’
21 He said to me,
‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Remind the group of the events described in Acts 9
Paul also gave his testimony at that time too.
when Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion.
Note that some of the details here in Acts 22 are not included in Acts 9,
especially Paul’s vision.
Explain that the Lord places people in our lives who need to hear our faith story.
Paul faithfully witnessed for Jesus even when his audience refused to hear.
We are not responsible for people’s response.
Our role is to take the gospel of Jesus to people He puts in our path.
Share examples when they took advantage of an opportunity to share their faith stories.
Review these points from this week’s Bible passage:
Lead the group to choose the statement that can be the basis of a prayer request.
Encourage the group to react to the Apply the Text question on page 95.
Allow a couple of volunteers to share their stories in two minutes or less.
Note that sharing our testimony doesn’t have to be elaborate-just honest and sincere.
Suggest that the group read and reflect on the Apply the Text questions on page 99 during the week.
Challenge them to seek intentional chances to share their faith.
Close in prayer,
asking God to lead your group toward opportunities
to share their faith stories.
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group. Share a brief version of your faith story. If you have had an opportunity to share your story with someone during the week, let the group know how that experience went for you. Challenge them to ask God to help them be sensitive to the evangelistic opportunities He brings along their paths each day.