In this Acts 18 we see Paul beginning his third missionary journey. His heart was always to
provide encouragement to the disciples in every city he had visited previously. May we
too consider how we can check in on the body of Christ.
How can we encourage believers if they’re struggling in their walk? How can we support them with the ministry of prayer? Maybe we could send them a gift, a letter, or an email to build them up somehow and let them know God is the One who impressed it upon our hearts to serve them in this way. After all, God is the One who gives every good and perfectly timed gift (Jas. 1:17). The practice of continued oversight and accountability with fellow believers in our churches is not a formality or extracurricular activity but an essential component of Christian disciple-making.
As Paul entered Ephesus, as described in Acts 19:1-7 he encountered disciples of John the Baptist who had never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul knew they had not heard of the life and work, death and resurrection of Jesus, and he was able to discern which direction the
conversation needed to move in order to make Jesus known.
Notice how Paul did not tear down the disciples because of their lack of knowledge
about Jesus. Rather, he lovingly exposed them to Jesus’ story by building upon what knowledge they had learned from John the Baptist. In a similar way, we must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading when we speak with people who may have a view of God that is devoid of true knowledge of Jesus. We should refrain from tearing them down and pursue a sincere conversation while attempting to build on what knowledge they have while directing them to Jesus.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by D. A Horton. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 34, Session 1 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.