07-09-23: Testifying to the Gospel

Praise Report

In court,
witnesses swear
to tell “the
truth, the whole
truth, and
nothing but the
truth.”

Open Ended

Outside of a court of law, what effect can lying about someone have on family relationships? Relationships with friends and neighbors? Relationships at work?

The Book of Acts:
Testifying to the

Gospel

07 - 09 - 23

It is not only the Church’s

responsibility but every

Christian’s responsibility to

testify about Christ to the lost.

Central Truth

“For you are to be his witness,
telling everyone what you have

seen and heard.”

Acts 22:15

Key Verse

"Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you."

John 15:20 (NLT)

A. Falsely Accused

(Acts 21:26-29)

I. Persecuted for Teaching the Faith

Multiple Choice

Was there any basis for the charges brought against Paul?

• Yes

• No

Open Ended

Why do you think the crowd was so quick to turn against him?

B. Arrested and Questioned

(Acts 21:30-36)

I. Persecuted for Teaching the Faith

"1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Open Ended

Why should we pray for our leaders, whether or not they are believers?

A. Life before Christ

(Acts 21:37 through 22:5)

II. Testifying of God before Others

Open Ended

Think about your life before you met Christ. How can those events and experiences help you reach people for Him right now?

B. Paul Meets Christ

(Acts 22:6-13)

II. Testifying of God before Others

"Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on."

Matthew 21:44

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”"

Acts 5:38-39

Open Ended

Why do you suppose Christ met Paul in such a dramatic fashion compared to the original twelve apostles?

Open Ended

What part may other believers play in bringing God's guidance to you?

A. Called to the Gentiles

(Acts 22:14-21)

III. Opposition to Paul’s Testimony

Open Ended

Why do you suppose, in God's plan, Paul was not one of the original twelve apostles but was called later?

B. Paul, the Roman Citizen

(Acts 22:22-29)

III. Opposition to Paul’s Testimony

Open Ended

Why do you suppose Paul’s listeners opposed others receiving a grace that they had rejected themselves?

Pray that God would help you respond like Paul and Jesus when unbelievers oppose you with unjust actions and words

Examine your own words about others.

Are you always truthful, forgiving, loving, and wise?