Gal 1 & Acts 9:19-31Background – Saul converted to Christ

Young man named Saul was introduced (Acts 7)Stoning of Stephen sparks intense persecutionSaul heads to Damascus to do harm to those of “The Way” Jesus appears to Saul, Saul converted, Saul preaches

GospelSaul was now a humble believer of “The Way”Many attack Paul’s story -> he was not a true

apostleWhat happens next for Paul gives further credence

to his encounter with Jesus and his true Apostolic title

The Apostle – “Early Days”

Think back to the first few days/weeks after you were saved, what was your attitude like?Were you persecuted by some?

Discussion Question #1

Today we are looking at Paul’s 1st few years as a new believer.

Acts 9:19-20Spent time with disciples (fellowship)Began preaching the Gospel (“He is the Son of

God”)Once active, Paul begins to recognize his

particular gift mixServing/Getting active helps one find their giftsV. 22 – “confounding the Jews…by proving that

this Jesus is the Christ”Getting active with things of Christ is natural

after salvationJames 1:22 – “prove yourselves doers of the word,

and not merely hearers who delude themselves”

Paul Gets Active

Where are some of the areas of service at CBC?What about our class?

Discussion Question #2

Are there areas of service that are less strong or lacking completely?

Read Acts 9:26So Saul left as a persecutor and comes back as a

preacherJerusalem church not ready to receive Paul the believer

Read v. 27 – Along comes the encourager, Barnabas

Read v. 28Now preaching Christ – with the Jerusalem Church

Local Church was Jesus’ ideaWorthy of your total commitment, investment, and

volunteered serviceIt is essential that every member of the body shows up

and reports for duty

Paul Gets Associated

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?

Discussion Question #3

Read Acts 9:29-30Paul disappears from prominent ministry for a whileAbout 10 years, approx age 36-46God grew Paul during this time

It is in the darkness of the wilderness that your faith develops

Paul’s conversion told abroad – Gal 1:21-24Multiple shipwrecks during this timePhil 3:8 – suffered much loss for the sake of Christ2 Cor 11:24 – “Five times …. 39 lashes”His thorn in the flesh – 2: Cor 12:7

Paul Gets Alone

Proper time - It should be your very best time. Don't give the Lord your leftoversMake time, and make it a priority

Proper Prep – Be physically alert & Mentally awareBe focused and know He’s thereBe 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, PenExpect God to give you something and write it

down

Prep for meaningful alone time

Confession – Sin is the greatest roadblock to prayerPsalm 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 isPs 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.

Get Alone with God – 12 Practices

Waiting – Quiet your mind and heart before GodReverential focus on the majesty and authority of GodLet your mind be filled with thoughts of HimIsa 40:31 – “Yet those who wait for the LORD will 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 WordAsk God to bless the reading of His word; Provide

concentration and understanding2 Tim 3:16 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and

profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

Waiting & God’s Word

Intercession/Supplication – Praying for othersPray for those needs in our class, CBC staffSupplication – 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”

Intercession & Petition

Thanksgiving – Thanking God for what He has donePhil 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 LordPsalm 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”

Thanksgiving, Singing, Meditation

Listening – wait for specific orders concerning the dayEccl 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 readingPs 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

praisePs 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.”

Listening, Psalms/Proverbs, Praise

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?