Have you ever seen a sign from God?
This week, in the book of Acts, we see Paul receive a warning about what will happen to him if he is faithful to God and returns to Jerusalem.
Paul had yet to complete his mission given to him in Acts 9:
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Paul knew that suffering would be a part of serving God, and he chose to remain faithful!
In this chapter, we learn two important things from Paul:
1. Suffering is a part of following Jesus
1 Peter 4:12-13:
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
2. Suffering for Jesus produces good things
Romans 5:3-5:
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
When we suffer, we look to Christ as Paul did! (Acts 21:13). It won't be easy, but our faith will be strengthened if we hold to Christ!
Questions to ask your student: