Personal Reflections For This Week's Sermon

Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the chapter this week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.

Day One

1. What method did Paul consistently use to prove that Jesus is the Messiah?

2. Paul took three missionary journeys throughout Asia and Greece to help fulfill the mandate to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” (Acts 1:8).  Locate some of the cities and territories that Paul visited using the map in the back of The Story.   If you could go on a short-term mission trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

3. What did you learn about the relationship between faith and suffering from Paul’s life and the church at Thessalonica (p. 343, 344-346)?  How might this help you cope as you endure your own trials and suffering?

Day Two

1. Describe Apollos (p. 348).  What can you learn about Christian discipleship from his relationship with Priscilla and Aquila? 

2. First Corinthians 13 is often called the “love chapter,” (1 Cor. 13:1-7, or p. 353).  This kind of love is sacrificial and benevolent, not self-serving but doing what is best for another—John 3:16 love.  Notice the list of things that love is and is not.  Choose one or two to practice this week.  How could your family relationships be affected if you practiced this kind of love this week?  Your friendships?  Your church family relationships?

Day Three

1. Review Paul’s teaching on the gospel (p. 353-354 or look up 1 Cor. 15:1-8).  List the key points of the gospel that Paul said were of “first importance.”  How many people saw the resurrected Christ and what makes His resurrection such a crucial piece of the gospel?

2. Look through this chapter at the many times the Holy Spirit directed Paul and the apostles.  What did He influence?  How does this constant direction compare with His control of your life?