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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 4
This week our study took us to Acts Chapter 9 where we read a story about Ananias and Saul (also known as Paul). I’ve had days when I step out in fear. Not to the extent that Ananias had, but even so there are days when I follow God’s will in spite of the way I might feel. Days when I lean on God’s wisdom and push fear aside.
The more I thought about Ananias the more I realized that courage is combination of both love and trust. Loving God enough to answer His call, and trusting Him enough to face the things we fear most. Motivated by love, Ananias chose to trust and obey. That one choice, had a domino effect as Saul’s conversion led to a ministry in which God would appoint Paul as an apostle of the early church preaching the message of Jesus Christ to Jews and Gentiles alike.
We never know where one courageous choice can lead us. It takes courage to stand up for what is right, but any action we take, for the sake of our Lord, has the potential to make a significant impact on this world. God is urging the church to step out in faith, and to preach the gospel with boldness as Paul writes to the Philippian church reminding them to conduct themselves in a manner that’s worthy of the gospel,
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:27-30, NIV)
Discussion
Let’s talk about how our study is going in the comment section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and if you’re comfortable sharing your heart with us, maybe we can discuss this question together:
Can you think of a time in your life when you stepped out of your comfort zone to do the right thing? Click here to go to the comments.
Questions and Answers from Chapter 4
In what ways was Paul persecuting the Christians? (See Acts Chapter 9 & 8:3)
Going from house to house, Paul dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. He was also breathing out murderous threats against them, and trying to get them arrested.
What was the driving force behind Ananias courage?
He was motivated by his love for God and His trust in God’s power.
What does the word submission mean according to Dictionary.com?
Yielding control to a more powerful or authoritative entity.
ie. Submission to God is yielding power to God.
What are some of the walls that lock us in and hold us back from moving forward in life?
The fear of rejection, the fear of failure, and the fear of pain.
In this chapter, we looked at five people who left their comfort zone to follow the Lord. Who were they?
Ruth, Abraham, Moses, Ananias, and Elisabeth Elliott
Courageous faith is a combination of two things, what are they?
Love and trust.
Before Joshua led the Israelites into The Promised Land, Moses encouraged him by telling him three things about God. What were they?
1. The Lord goes before you.
2. He will be with you.
3. He will never leave nor for forsake you.
Pick Up a Copy of the Study Guide
Slaying Giants: Finding Your Courage and Conquering Fear available now at Amazon.com
When you purchase a copy of the study guide you’re helping to support this ministry as we share the gospel with countless women around the world.
Pick Up a Copy of the Study Guide
Slaying Giants: Finding Your Courage and Conquering Fear available now at Amazon.com
When you purchase a copy of the study guide you’re helping to support this ministry as we share the gospel with countless women around the world.
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FREE Printables – Scripture Cards
During the 10 weeks of the Bible study, I’ll be creating a set of 4 x 4 inch scripture cards. Each week I’ll give you 2 for a total of 24 cards in total. These high resolution images will correspond with the theme of each week. Perhaps you can print them out on Fridays and meditate on the scriptures over the weekend.
Click here to view and print this week’s note cards.
I liked one of the definitions for submission given by Websters Dictionary 1828. “Resignation; a yielding of one’s will to the will or appointment of a superior without murmuring. Entire and cheerful submission to the will of God is a Christian duty or prime excellence.”
I love the way you put that.