Paul's Life Threatened
Theme: Living by Faith in Christ Alone
Theme Verse: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 NIV
Readings: Acts 9: 23-31
Memory Verse: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:4-5.
Review Acts 9:13-22which comes before today's lesson.
Jesus told his disciples not to be surprised by persecution or opposition. (Matthew 10) He told them how to handle it: go on to the next town, "What you are to say will be given you in that hour, a disciple is not above his master…if they called the master
…Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household", "have no fear of them"…fear God, "are not two sparrows sold for a penny, and not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will…Fear not…you are of more value than many sparrows." Jesus also promised to be with them always. (Matthew 28:20)
Paul argued in the Jewish synagogues that Jesus was the Messiah. Some believed. The rest got angry and plotted to kill him. Saul the persecutor is now the one persecuted, probably by former allies. Jesus had warned Saul about what he would suffer for Him. The Lord made sure Saul and the disciples found out. This clearly shows God's protection. Word received: As you follow Me, I will watch over you and protect you. Saul's enemies watched all the city gates but God showed them another way. Those Saul had been teaching let him down over the wall in a basket! (a basket case?) Paul tells this himself in 2 Corinthians 11:32.
Do you remember who else in the Bible escaped in this way? (1) David, when King Saul tried to kill him (1 Samuel 19:12) was let down through a window by his wife. (2) The two spies escaped from Jericho (Joshua 2:15) by being let down by a rope through a window from a house on the city wall with the help of Rahab. Obviously these were all by night. Conspiracies against the Lord's people will not succeed unless He allows it to happen (like Stephen's death). God often rescues people by using friends. You can't do it on your own. God wants us to take care of each other.
Later, three years later, (See Galatians 1:17) Saul goes to Jerusalem but the disciples there were afraid of him. Once again Barnabas is God's helper and encourager. He caused Saul to be accepted and trusted by the church. Once again God uses a brother in Christ to provide for Saul. Once again, those who oppose Saul try to kill him (vs.28-30) and the disciples found out, got him out of town and send him off to Tarsus (his home town in Turkey). "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles." (Acts 9:27) Word received: Barnabas is an encouragement to Paul and to many by his kindness. I want you also to be an encouragement. God wants us to have a Barnabas role in the Body of Christ. Is there someone who you should be encouraging? Who encouraged you? Remember and thank God for them. God wants us to look out for each other. Remember the people who helped Saul had recently been harmed by him. Obviously they have forgiven him by God's power and grace.
Look at the Memory Verse: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (Another translation says, "Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus." ) Word received: I want you to know that you can have My mind in you through My Holy Spirit. The Philippians' text continues "But (Jesus) made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men" Word received: Paul followed Me. He imitated Me. I want you to follow in My footsteps as well. Paul says, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) Word received: This is a model for you to follow as you live with other Christians. The brothers looked out for Saul and protected him. Jesus wants us to do the same for each other.
Look at verse 31. God gives the church a time of peace and refreshing--an oasis. That is what is going on here. Also it is a time to build up the church for what is coming. Look at 9:31b. Word received: Look at the recipe for being multiplied: walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort (strengthening) of the Holy Spirit. Pray that My church will undertake this today. Notice the combination of "walking in the fear of the Lord" (living in reverence and awe, trust and obedience to Jesus) by the church. God on his side, sends his Holy Spirit to strengthen (comfort) and encourage his church. The Holy Spirit makes the church grow. PRAY: Holy Spirit, strengthen your church. Give us peace, increase our numbers, increase our "fear" of you. (Good fear of God is reverence, awe, trust and a determination to please Him)
How to teach word -SS teachers: Ask them to share a Barnabas story they have experienced.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 06
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Sometimes people who follow Jesus are mistreated and hurt. We need to pray for them. (Example, Christians in Sudan) PRAY with the children.
2. God has promised to be with us and protect us as we follow Him.
3. Barnabas encouraged and helped other Christians. Jesus wants you to be an encouragement to others. ( What kinds of things can a small child do to encourage others?)
4. Paul imitated Jesus. Jesus wants us to imitate him as Paul did. WWJD
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