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The Apostle – “Early Days”

The Apostle – “Early Days”. Gal 1 & Acts 9:19-31 Background – Saul converted to Christ Young man named Saul was introduced (Acts 7) Stoning of Stephen sparks intense persecution Saul heads to Damascus to do harm to those of “The Way”

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The Apostle – “Early Days”

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  1. The Apostle – “Early Days” • Gal 1 & Acts 9:19-31 • Background – Saul converted to Christ • Young man named Saul was introduced (Acts 7) • Stoning of Stephen sparks intense persecution • Saul heads to Damascus to do harm to those of “The Way” • Jesus appears to Saul, Saul converted, Saul preaches Gospel • Saul was now a humble believer of “The Way” • Many attack Paul’s story -> he was not a true apostle • What happens next for Paul gives further credence to his encounter with Jesus and his true Apostolic title

  2. Discussion Question #1 • Think back to the first few days/weeks after you were saved, what was your attitude like? • Were you persecuted by some? • Today we are looking at Paul’s 1st few years as a new believer.

  3. Paul Gets Active • Acts 9:19-20 • Spent time with disciples (fellowship) • Began preaching the Gospel (“He is the Son of God”) • Once active, Paul begins to recognize his particular gift mix • Serving/Getting active helps one find their gifts • V. 22 – “confounding the Jews…by proving that this Jesus is the Christ” • Getting active with things of Christ is natural after salvation • James 1:22 – “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves”

  4. Discussion Question #2 • Where are some of the areas of service at CBC? • What about our class? • Are there areas of service that are less strong or lacking completely?

  5. Paul Gets Associated • Read Acts 9:26 • So Saul left as a persecutor and comes back as a preacher • Jerusalem church not ready to receive Paul the believer • Read v. 27 – • Along comes the encourager, Barnabas • Read v. 28 • Now preaching Christ – with the Jerusalem Church • Local Church was Jesus’ idea • Worthy of your total commitment, investment, and volunteered service • It is essential that every member of the body shows up and reports for duty

  6. Discussion Question #3 • Are you spending enough time with fellow believers? • Have you found several Godly friends that can help you be accountable, provide guidance and discipleship? • Does our class and/or CBC help in doing this fellowship? How do we rank?

  7. Paul Gets Alone • Read Acts 9:29-30 • Paul disappears from prominent ministry for a while • About 10 years, approx age 36-46 • God grew Paul during this time • It is in the darkness of the wilderness that your faith develops • Paul’s conversion told abroad – Gal 1:21-24 • Multiple shipwrecks during this time • Phil 3:8 – suffered much loss for the sake of Christ • 2 Cor 11:24 – “Five times …. 39 lashes” • His thorn in the flesh – 2: Cor12:7

  8. Prep for meaningful alone time • Proper time - It should be your very best time. Don't give the Lord your leftovers • Make time, and make it a priority • Proper Prep – • Be physically alert & Mentally aware • Be focused and know He’s there • Be morally pure and clean – “Fessed up” • Proper Place - Jesus sought out places where He could be alone, and so should you. • Proper Tools – Bible, Journal, Pen • Expect God to give you something and write it down

  9. Get Alone with God – 12 Practices • Confession – Sin is the greatest roadblock to prayer • Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” • Praise – Praising God for who and what He is • Ps 34:1-3 – “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul will make its boast in the Lord; The humble will hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. • Goodness, Patience, Love, Wisdom, Greatness, Knowledge, Power, Holiness, Glory, Grace, etc.

  10. Waiting & God’s Word • Waiting – Quiet your mind and heart before God • Reverential focus on the majesty and authority of God • Let your mind be filled with thoughts of Him • Isa 40:31 – “Yet those who wait for the Lordwill gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. • The Word – God speaking to us through His Word • Ask God to bless the reading of His word; Provide concentration and understanding • 2 Tim 3:16 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

  11. Intercession & Petition • Intercession/Supplication – Praying for others • Pray for those needs in our class, CBC staff • Supplication – Urgent praying for others (throughout daily/weekly activity) • Ps 2:8 – “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession” • Petition – Asking God to provide for your personal needs. • James 4:2 – “….You do not have because you do not ask” • Matt 7:7 – “Ask, and it shall be given you”

  12. Thanksgiving, Singing, Meditation • Thanksgiving – Thanking God for what He has done • Phil 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” • Singing – Singing scripture/hymns back to the Lord • Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. • Meditation – Mind is active, pondering spiritual things • Josh 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night”

  13. Listening, Psalms/Proverbs, Praise • Listening – wait for specific orders concerning the day • Eccl 5:2 – “Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few” • Psalms/Proverbs – daily reading • Ps 95:2 – “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” • Praise – Begin quiet time with praise and end it with praise • Ps 150:1-2 – “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. 2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.”

  14. Week 4 Summary • Are you Active in service to the Lord today? • Have you reported to duty and got associated with a Church and small group? • Are you spending time alone with God on a regular/daily basis?

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