We're continuing our series of "Second Chances" with the story of Paul. Open up the group with a check-in and prayer. Invite any of those who took notes to share their thoughts throughout the discussion time.
- Can you recall a time when you were searching for something? Longing to be seen? Forgiven? Understood? A second chance?
- Where did that longing/searching take you?
- Where do you find yourself now?
What do we know about the person of Paul, either from Scripture or other historical documents? (i.e. Roman citizen, educated, Pharisee, etc) Together with the information you have and your "sanctified imagination" create a profile of this man.
1 Timothy 1:15, Galatians 1:14, Acts 26: 9-11 Acts 6:8-13; 7:59-8:1
"People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall."
Thomas Merton
Connect
What is your definition of success? Has it changed?
What do you think Paul's original idea of success was? Referring to the Thomas Merton quote, what ladder of success was Paul climbiing?
How did it change?
Discuss
- Have some in your group take turns reading aloud Acts 9:1-18
- Putting together what you know about Paul, what stands out to you in these verses?
- What do you imagine was going on in Paul's mind during the 3 days of blindness?
- Ananias, knowing what he did about Paul's reputation and God's request, what do you think about his reaction? (Acts 9:13-14)
- How would you have reacted?
- When have you ever done a 180 degree turn like Paul? (minus the bright light and the blindness!)
Action Steps
We all long to have our lives count for something. Referring to Greg's story about the gravestone and the "dash" between the dates. In the time that we have left on earth, what are some things that we'd like to:
- stop doing?
- keep doing?
- start doing?
Discuss as a group ways to encourage one another as we follow Jesus together.
- consider coming together as a group to the upcoming Baptism service on Saturday night or Sunday night! (June 21-22)
Pray
Offer up your own prayer, pray as a group, or use this prayer to close:
Heavenly Father,
Search me. Is my ladder against the right wall? I want my life to focus on You. Show me where I need to confess, repent and do a 180 degree turn like Paul. As I speculate on what is on my eventual tombstone, may my "dash" between the dates reflect a life that was surrendered to You. Teach me how to live now, with You as my center. And may my life point others to You.
Jesus in Your name I pray
Amen!