If you’re like most people, you tend to take time for granted. Rather than making the most of the time you have, you may invest yourself in pursuits that won’t matter in the end. If you’re going to fulfill God’s call on your life to carry out His mission in the world, though, you must devote yourself to receiving His Word willingly and researching His Word wisely, even where there are difficulties and opposition in doing so.

KEY VERSES

ACTS 17:1-15 (NASB)

Paul at Thessalonica

17 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.

Paul at Berea

10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.

ACTS 2:42 (NASB)

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

UNDERSTANDING

• What are your biggest passions in life right now?

• What are your dreams for the future?

• Can you recall specific incidents or emotions that motivated you to pursue those dreams and passions?

• Would you say that you are passionate about God’s Word?

• Would you say that you are passionate about making a difference in the world?

• What is the relationship between the two?

• What evidence in ACTS 17:1-3 shows that Paul had a clear strategy for obeying Christ’s mission of making disciples?

• Given your current knowledge of Scripture, how well do you think you could reason with believers of another faith?

• Why is knowing Scripture essential in communicating God’s love?

• How might Paul’s awareness that his time was limited have impacted the way he lived?

• What are some ways to show you’re committed to making an impact for God’s kingdom with the way you use the time you are given each day?

• What accusations were made against Christians in Thessalonica? Despite the opposition they faced, we are told that some believed and joined Paul and Silas. How have you seen God’s ability to work in hard places?

• How was the response to the gospel different in Berea? What does this reveal about God’s

  purposes?

• What Scripture has been most instrumental in your faith?

• How are you currently being changed by the Scriptures?

• Why do you think the Thessaloniacans went to such great lengths to try to stop Paul’s

  influence?

• Does Paul’s departure mean they were successful in stopping the spread of the gospel?

  Explain.

• How did Paul’s personal experience with Jesus, including his trials on his journeys, cause

  his influence to be even greater? How do your experiences, both good and bad, add to your ability to impact the world around you?

• When has one door closed for you that ended up opening another?

• What opposition might you face now if you live as one devoted to living out God’s call on

  your life? How does this passage encourage you in that?

  APPLICATION

• In this week’s message, you were encouraged to: listen to sermons and Bible teaching with an open Bible, approach the Bible with eager expectation, and be prepared to study the Word deeply. Which of those stands out to you the most personally? Why?

• How do you tend to respond when you set out to know God in His Word and share His Word and then face roadblocks or opposition? How can you keep from becoming discour-aged when you face hostility from those who oppose the message of Jesus?

• What is one way this group can support you as you seek to apply this lesson to your life?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.