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Cling to Resurrection Wisdom in Light of Worldly Foolishness

What are you attracted to more, darkness; night time and dark rooms, or light; daytime, sunlight, turning on lights? 

In Acts 26:12-23, we have Paul’s conversion account retold for the third time. One glaring difference in this account from the others is he doesn’t mention his blindness. Still, many ques are pointing to sight, what is the source of Paul’s sight? The Light Paul sees on the road is Jesus’ glory which is brighter than the noonday sun. This Light changed Paul and it is the same Light that changes all those who believe. According to John 1:4, why is this Light so transformative? Jesus tells Paul in Acts 26:18, he will go to the Jewish and the Gentile people to open their eyes so, ‘they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God.’ Paul mention two realms, darkness and light that is compared to the dominion of Satan and God? Which do you walk in and why? The resurrection wisdom brings with it, transferred obedience, this happens with trusting in Jesus as the resurrected Savior, and it is demonstrated through repentance and turning to God. What is the difference between remorse and repentance? Jesus is the first to be resurrected and never to die again, He sits in glory at the right hand of God on His throne. If He is seated in glory and has saved you into His marvelous light, why would we ever want to turn back to the dark? How can you be more attracted to the Light and less attracted to the dark, especially if the dark is inviting? 

Cling to Resurrection Wisdom in Light of Worldly Foolishness

What does 'resurrection' mean to you? Do you think 'the resurrection' is foolishness or wisdom? What is the greatest impact of 'the resurrection' for you?

Acts 26 is Paul’s fourth opportunity to present a gospel defense. His first defense was before the Jews in the temple when he was arrested in Acts 22, his second defense was before Felix in Acts 24, the third was before Festus in Acts 25, and now the fourth is before King Agrippa in Acts 26. Paul is permitted to speak, and in verse 2, he says he considers himself fortunate because he is about to present his defense before King Agrippa. Are Paul’s opening remarks to King Agrippa flattery, why or why not? Paul’s defense opens with a testimony of his devote Jewish roots, and many could testify to this fact. Why would his Jewish roots be important for the defense of the gospel? Paul says he is, “standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.” What is this hope the Isrealites are attaining to, and what is the promise? 

In verse 8, Paul asks a question. What does Paul ask? Who is the question meant for (i.e. is it Paul, is it the Gentiles or is it the Jews)? Is 'resurrection' a foreign concept to the Isrealites? Did Paul, as a devote Jew, believe in 'resurrection?' Paul’s 'hope' was not in the resurrection of the dead but the perseverance of Jewish traditions and culture. The Christians Paul pursued had a different 'hope,' which endured. What was the Christians' 'hope' in? Their 'hope' fueled their perseverance because Paul says he tried to force them to blaspheme Jesus, but they refused to do so. How did the Christians' 'hope' affect Paul? Do you hope in the resurrection? Does this hope affect the way you live today? What are some specific ways your hope in a future bodily resurrection affects you today?

Love is Selfless Actions

What are some special ways you show love to others? Do you only show expressions of love on special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries, or do you express love every day? Do you know how to express love to other people?

Paul, as he writes to the Corinthian church, lays out what Love is, and what love is not. This topic is sparked by the way people in the church treated one another. Their treatment of one another mirrored the world more so then Christ. Paul provides two positive qualities of love in verse 4, what are the two positive qualities Paul mentions? Do you see these two qualities in yourself for how you treat your family and friends? Paul provides eight qualities of what Love is not, what is the first quality of a person who isn’t loving? What does it mean to be jealous? Can you think of an instance in your life when you became jealous over what someone else has? Have you ever been jealous of your spouse? Did this affect the way you spoke to them or even thought of them? What is the next characteristic of what love is not? To brag is to ‘heap praise on oneself,’ how often do you find yourself bragging to friends and family? How do you feel when others brag to you? What is the next characteristic on the list? Can you think of any times your pride has brought on trouble in your life? Are there times in your marriage or even as a parent where pride has caused you problems? What could you do next time to be sure you stay out of this kind of trouble? What is the next loveless attitude? Our family members many times see us act out in a way we would never act in front of others, especially in the church, because we would be embarrassed if we did. Why would you behave in such a way in the home? We tend to take those closest to us for granted. What could we do to ensure we don’t treat those closest to us like this? What is the next characteristic? People are usually looking out for number one in their lives, we love ourselves more than anyone else and it shows. How can we be more others-focused and less self-centered? What is the next characteristic? What does it mean to provoke someone? How easily are you provoked? Why do you allow others to provoke you? What can you do the next time you feel as though you are being provoked? How can you keep from provoking others? What is the next characteristic? Do you keep a mental scorecard of all the wrongs people do to you, including your spouse? Do you hold other people's sins against them, or are you prepared to offer forgiveness to people who sin against you? How is Jesus our example of offering forgiveness? Paul's last negative is contrasted with a positive. Paul says love doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, what does this mean? Do you ever gloat over people's failures and misery? We are to rejoice in the truth, this is in God’s righteousness and the renewing of people's minds by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to rejoice when others are blessed by God through Jesus Christ. Can you think of areas in your spouse's life or your children’s lives or even friend's lives where you can rejoice in and rejoice with that family member or friend? Everyone needs to know how to love more, what are somethings in your life you know needs to be eliminated so you can love others more?

Trust in God as He Works to Fulfill His End Result

Are you always looking for big miracles in your life to prove God is working? Do you need to see miracles to trust God is working? Do you ever get in the way of God working because you feel you need to get things done?

In Acts 25:1-12, we find the new procurator of Judea, Festus, who comes to Caesarea to fulfill his new responsibility. Festus doesn’t waste time going from Caesarea to Jerusalem to assess his new governorship. When he arrives the religious leaders ask Festus for a favor, what do they ask?

What was their intention or motivation in asking this favor? It has been two years since Paul was first imprisoned, and there is a different high priest when Festus comes into power. Why would they still want Paul dead? What was Festus’ response to the religious leaders? In verses 1-5, would you say God is working in this event? Do people need to be serving God for God to be able to use them to bring about His glory and His End Result?

Festus brings a few of the religious leaders with him to Caesarea so they can bring charges against Paul. The charges are the same as in the previous chapter. There are no new charges and there is no new evidence. After two years of waiting and knowing they lacked evidence, why would the religious leaders even try to bring these charges against Paul? How did Paul respond to these charges? Paul’s conscience is clear, before God, man, and government. Still, even though the charges were bogus and they had no evidence, Festus wanted to bring Paul to Jerusalem, why? What does Paul say in his response, which indicates he knows the religious leaders want him dead, and signifies Paul believes this to be politics? Hatred is blinding, it is so blinding, people believe their lies. How did the blinding hatred of the religious leaders play into God’s master plan to bring Paul to Rome? Paul had done nothing wrong, there was no evidence to keep Paul in prison or even to continue this ridiculous trial. So, Paul appeals to Caesar. Could God have intervened and set Paul free? If Paul were set free, could Paul still go to Rome? If Paul were set free, would he be able to have an audience with those in the Roman government? How much do you trust God is still working in your life? Do your actions and the way you handle situations demonstrate you trust God or you trust yourself? What is one thing in your life you can stop doing so that you can rely more on God?

The Righteousness of Jesus Reveals Man’s Guilt

Judgment is coming. Everyone will stand before the Righteous Judge and give a plea, innocent or guilty, how will you plead and why?

In Acts 24, Paul has his day in court. In verses 1-9, the prosecution brings accusations against Paul, then, in verses 10-21, Paul is allowed to defend himself, now, Felix renders his verdict in verses 22-27, and the verdict is innocent. Felix, because he had "a more exact knowledge about the Way," impacted his verdict of innocent. Why do you think Felix's knowledge about the way was a contributing factor to Paul's innocence? Paul was not released from prison, but he also was not treated like a prisoner. What evidence, in verse 23, shows Felix believed Paul to be innocent? If Felix saw Paul as innocent and understood the church was not violent rebels, why was Paul kept in custody?

Paul’s character and faith were very prominent in the way he spoke and reacted during his time in prison. This, along with his knowledge of the ‘Way,’ intrigued Felix and his wife Drusilla, and they requested a private audience with Paul. Why did they want a private audience with Paul? What was the topic of Paul’s discussion with Felix and Drusilla? Why did Paul’s topic of discussion frighten Felix? Felix has a sense of guilt because of Paul's words, the gospel always exposes man's guilt. What are the two options a man has to consider when the gospel exposes their guilt? What does Felix do when faced with this truth? How do we know Felix rejected this truth? Felix’s consequence for rejecting the truth, in the temporal life, was a loss of his position. What will be the consequence of his rejection of the truth when he stands before Jesus? Does Paul being left in prison change the fact of his innocence? What will be his consequence when he stands before Jesus? Should this affect the way you live your life? Should this affect the way you share the gospel?

Love for Jesus Revealed through Faith and Practice

What comes to mind when you hear the word Worship? When do you worship Jesus? Is your worship an expression of love or is it just going through the motions? Is your love for Jesus obvious to others or do you hide it for Sunday mornings?

In Acts 24:10-21, Paul is allowed to make his defense against his accusers, and he tells Felix he 'cheerfully makes' his defense. Why would this be a ‘cheerful’ defense for Paul? Paul’s defense is very different from Tertullus, the attorney who represents the religious leaders. Paul doesn’t flatter, and he is not about to deceive Felix, he presents facts. What are some of the facts Paul presents in verses 10-13? Can his facts be provable? How does the presentation of facts reveal a love for Jesus? Paul’s actions in Jerusalem, from the time he arrived until the time he was whisked off, in the middle of the night, were all an act of worship. The way he lived his life while there was all for God’s glory and honor, and because of this, there was no evidence against him. Can you say the same about your own life? Do you live a life that honors and glorifies God, to the point people have nothing they can hold against you?

Paul makes it clear these accusations are false and he can prove his innocence. There is one accusation Paul admits. What accusation does Paul admit? Paul is not ashamed to confess Jesus, and his devotion to God, to the truth, to his hope, and for the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. In Romans 1:16-17, Paul explains why he is not ashamed of confessing these things. Why is Paul not ashamed of confessing these things? Paul, in his last letter to his protege Timothy, writes to instruct and encourage him to persevere, while he sits in a dungeon waiting for his execution. In verse 8, he tells Timothy not to be ashamed. Why is Timothy not to be ashamed? Paul tells Timothy in verse 12, he is not ashamed. Why does Paul say he is not ashamed? When it comes to the gospel, and what you believe do you shrink back in shame or do you push forward with the truth without shame? When it comes to living out what you believe do you hide it or do you express it in your words and actions?

Paul says in verse 16 he ‘always does his best,’ which means he strives hard to have a 'blameless conscience before God and man.' To have a blameless conscience is first internal before God and it is expressed externally before man. In verses 17-18, what are some of the ways Paul expressed his blameless conscience before God and man? Paul's journey to Jerusalem was 'an act of worship,' and while there he performed 'acts of worship,' he worshipped God in bringing an offering for those in need, and he also performed the 'rite of purification,' which are 'acts of worship.' Paul was only observing God's commandments. When should you observe God’s commands? What does observing God’s commands say about the way you feel about God? In 1 John 2:3-6, what does John say about someone who keeps God’s commandments? What does keeping God's commandments look like? Our life, as Christians, must be marked by a love for Jesus, and our love is revealed in how we live, not only on Sunday morning but daily. Worship is not only for Sunday morning, confessing Jesus as Lord is not only for Sunday, and it is not only to be reserved for times of fellowship with other believers, but it is daily. How can you reveal a deeper love for Jesus in your daily walk? What are somethings you can eliminate or replace in your life so you can have a life this is filled with worshipping Jesus?

Hatred for Jesus Revealed in Flattery and Deceit

Have you ever used flattery or deceit to get your way? How did you feel after you got what you wanted? Have you ever been flattered or tricked into doing something for someone else? How did you feel when they first flattered you, and how did you feel after you found out you were tricked?

As we look at Acts 24:1-9, we find Paul finally has his day in court. Some of the religious elite come to Caesarea with an attorney, named Tertullus, to bring charges against Paul. These men are the prosecution, and they have the opening argument. How does Tertullus open his argument? Tertullus’ opening address to Felix is loaded with praises. What were the praises? What makes this flattery or empty praise instead of genuine compliments? In Psalm 12, what does David ask God to do to the flatterer? Do you think God likes flattery, why or why not? Why does Tertullus use flattery, and why would the religious leaders listen to this if it is something God hates? What does Paul tell the Romans to do concerning flatterers in Romans 16:17-18? Who do these types of people serve? How can you recognize a person like this?

Paul understands what a flatterer is, and he knows how they use deception to turn people away from the truth. Paul witnesses this deception often, and Tertullus is one of these deceivers. How does Tertullus try to deceive Felix as he presents the charges in verses 4-6? Tertullus claims Paul is a pest and a ringleader who starts riots. He is calling Paul a disease, who is infecting the Roman Empire by stirring up Christians to rebel against the empire. Is this true? Have there been riots where Paul has preached the gospel? Who are the ones who started the riots? Tertullus is a master at twisting the truth, in John’s gospel, Jesus explains who is the father of such a person. Who does Jesus say is the father of deceivers and flatterers in John 8:42-44? Satan is the master deceiver, he continually twists the truth. What does Peter say will happen to people who twist the truth in 2 Peter 2:1-3? How can you defend yourself against this? How can you be sure you are not one who twists the truth? When it comes to the gospel is it better to flatter and trick someone into believing or lovingly tell them the truth no matter how difficult it is? 

Believers must Endure the Difficulties of Injustice for the Sake of the Gospel

Does the injustice of the world discourage you from giving the Gospel? Do you feel a need for justice to be paid when someone treats you unjustly?

In Acts 23:25-35, Paul has been arrested by the Roman government and is being moved from Jerusalem to Caesarea. Would you consider Paul to be fortunate or unfortunate, explain? What role does the Roman Government play in spreading God’s Word? What does Paul say is the appropriate attitude toward Government in Romans 13:1-7? Is Paul being treated justly or unjustly by both the Jews and the Romans? Did Claudius Lysias find any guilt in Paul? Did Paul have leverage over Claudius Lysias that could’ve changed matters? Why did Paul not use his leverage? Paul doesn’t look at his difficult situation as an injustice but has a different perspective on justice. What is the justice Paul focuses on? In Romans 14:10-12 who does Paul say we will give an account to? Will anyone get away with evil in this life? Are you consumed with justice in this life? If your focus is on righteous justice in God’s high court how should that change the way you look at the gospel? How can you endure the difficulty of perceived injustice? What is more important to you, justice or the gospel?

Trust God’s Control Even When Men Plot Against You

The world is evil and the world is hostile toward God, the gospel and anyone who truly believes in Jesus. Have you experienced times when people have plotted against you because of what you believe, explain? Sadly this happens in the church more often then it should. Have you ever experienced people plotting against you out of hatred in the church? How did you respond?

In Acts 23:12-25, we find people conspire to murder Paul because they hate the gospel message, Gentiles and Paul. What did these men do to show they were serious about killing Paul? To be bound under an oath simply means, ‘may God destroy us if we don’t fulfill our promise,’ what does this say about what they believe God thinks of their actions? Do you think this is something God would approve of? In Leviticus 19:15-18; God prescribes for His people fair trials, they are not to slander anyone or hate their fellow countrymen. Do you see the people in verses 12-15 following these prescribed laws here? Hatred has blinded them to the truth of God’s Word and they are motivated by their sin, which is premeditated wilful murder. This is true of any sin we plan out it is premeditated and willful, it is a planned out rebellion against God. How often do you plan out your sin? Can you think of a time when your planned out sin snowballed into deeper sin and pushed you farther from God? In the book of Leviticus, God prescribes sacrifices for unintentional sins but there are no sacrifices for intentional, willful sins, like murder, that is except for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. How does the coast Jesus had to pay for our sins affect the way you think of sin and planning out your sins?

The Jewish men’s evil motive demonstrates how people are doubtful of God’s plans. When people take matters into their own hands they are not trusting God but trusting in themselves. How is Paul an example of a man who trusts God and what do we see from this passage that shows Paul had respectable character? Can God use the evil of man for His own good? How did God use the evil of the conspirators to further His own plan? How do you normally respond when someone plots evil against you out of hatred? How should we respond to it? Do you always know what God’s specific plan is? In Romans 12:17-21, what does Paul say about vengeance? So, if you ever find yourself at the end of an evil plot what will you do?

What is hope? Does it show in your life?

Paul, as he stands before the Sanhedrin, recognizes he will not receive a fair hearing. He perceives there are two groups of men in the council. Who are these groups? Which group does Paul say he belongs to? What is Paul’s defense? Is Paul’s intention to save his skin? Paul tells them he is, “on trial for the hope and the resurrection of the dead!” What is their hope? Is your hope in the resurrection? Does this change the way you live your life today? Is it easy to have hope in this world? Why were the Sadducees and the Pharisees divided? These two groups differed in what they place their hope in, what are each of their hopes fixed on? Do you see true hope as supernatural? Why did Paul’s statement cause such hostility? Can true hope in Jesus spark hatred even today? Have you ever experienced hatred because of your hope? If you did, did it strengthen your hope or weaken it? This world is difficult and sin makes it hard to fix our hope in the future, what can you do that will help strengthen your hope, help you to patiently wait on the coming of the Lord?