The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Paul

  • Lesson 2: How to Live Like You are Saved: Romans 7 – 16

    Key Verse

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

    —Romans 12:2

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” We are to understand that a Christian is not to look like, act like, or even sound like the world in which we live. Instead, Christians are to be completely changed – to be like Jesus. To be transformed from the inside out. The only way to do that is to read God’s Word, learning how Jesus wants us to live an acceptable life before him – and then living that life!

    Emphasis: It is important to understand what a Christian is to do once they give their heart and life to Jesus. The rest of the time spent on earth is to learn how to live a life better pleasing to God, to get along with one another, and encouraging one another. In addition, Christians are to be able to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that everyone is a sinner and needs Jesus to take away their sin. After learning how to be saved, a Christian must know how to live a life pleasing to Jesus.

    One important thing each new Christian must recognize is that they are to no longer live a life pleasing to the flesh – for they are a new creature; a spiritual one. These two natures are contrary one to another, so there will be a struggle. Paul understood this and explained this to the new Christians.

    We will look at some of the other things Paul taught to new Christians: Christians have been adopted into God’s family; God will never leave them; God is for them; they are to want others to be saved, and tell others about Jesus; how to live; how to get along with other Christians; the importance of obeying the laws of the land; how to “walk honestly;” and to encourage one another.

    As we end this lesson, we will read a warning Paul wrote: once a Christian learns how to live a life pleasing to Jesus and begins to live that new life, he is to recognize those who claim to know Jesus, yet do not live a right life. Christians are to avoid those people and stay away from them.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a butterfly with construction paper, stickers, and a pencil to help us remember that Christians are transformed into a new creation – much like a butterfly from a caterpillar.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available through Amazon.

  • Jesus, the Light that Shines in the Heart

    “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    2 Corinthians 4:6

    Paul was a great missionary, sent by God, to tell others the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Paul understood the importance of salvation, and he was not ashamed to tell anyone he met what Jesus could do for them. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences, and involving an attachment to the body of Christ (the church), and eternal life in the kingdom of Christ.” It was because of this great need of deliverance from sin and its’ spiritual consequences that encouraged Paul to preach the Gospel Message of Jesus. “1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Many believed what Paul preached, and it changed their lives. However, as may happen when the Gospel Message is preached, some “believed in vain”. Believed in vain means “without effect; a temporary faith makes no appreciable difference in one’s life because the gospel fails to take effect.” Some people make a mental ascent to faith in Jesus, but unless one truly receives Christ in the heart with a changed life (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), it is only a temporary faith – not real. Nevertheless, Paul taught them Jesus, whom Paul had himself received. “3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It is up to each individual to choose as to whether he or she will believe.

    Paul recognized the primary focus of his life was to spread the Gospel message of Jesus, however he also understood the importance of living a life so that any who saw him knew he was different – that he belonged to Jesus. “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Paul had learned that not all would believe in the Gospel Message of Jesus. Nevertheless, all Christians are to tell others about Jesus and live a life so that others can recognize they have Jesus. It is then up to the individuals to make their own choice – saved or perish; death or life. Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus.

    As Paul preached faithfully, he recognized that to some, the Gospel Message was hidden. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3). More importantly, Paul understood how it was hidden from them. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Remember: Jesus is the Light of the world. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). If one does not receive “the glorious gospel of Christ”, it is because “the god of this world” (Satan) has hidden it from them (blinded their minds). It is interesting that Satan blinds the mind. Somehow, he is able to convolute the simplicity of the Gospel Message. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Because of blinded minds, many have rejected Jesus, the Light of the World.

    However, read what God does: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). God “hath shined in our hearts”. Where Satan blinds the mind, God shines in the heart, “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. If one will receive that Light, one gains the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

    Paul understood the importance of the message he was to deliver: Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, paying for man’s sin, rose again the third day, and is coming again one day. This was a message the world did not, and could not understand – for Satan blinds the mind. However, the Light of the knowledge of Jesus can change one’s life – if one will only believe.

    Have you received the Light of the knowledge of Jesus, living a changed life, then becoming a savor of life to others?

    Find out how to receive the Light of Jesus: Salvation.

  • Lesson 1: How to Be Saved: Romans 1 – 6

    Key Verse

    As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

    —Romans 3:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. The message in this verse is repeated throughout the Bible: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Righteous means “just; in this verse it is stated that there is no man who in his behavior can fully meet the expectations of God in his life.” No one is “right” in God’s eyes.

    Emphasis: We are to recognize that all of man has sinned. No one is righteous before God; therefore, all are in need of Salvation. Salvation only comes by faith in Jesus – one must believe Jesus can take away sin, allowing one to stand righteous before God. Christians need to understand the importance of knowing how to tell others how to be saved.

    Lesson Summary: As we studied the book of Acts, we learned how the Gospel message spread. The spread began with persecution, but we learned that God set Paul apart to be a Light to the Gentile people. In order to accomplish this, Paul went on missionary journeys into the Gentile nations around. Through these journeys, not only were there many saved, but numerous churches were started. Paul wrote letters to these churches, encouraging and teaching them.

    In this lesson, as we begin the book of Romans, we learn that when Paul wrote this letter, he had not yet visited Rome – but he wanted to. (Remember that we learned in our last lesson that Paul eventually did make it to Rome – as a prisoner. In addition, that even as a prisoner, he was a vocal witness and many were saved.) This letter was written to a mostly Gentile audience, and Paul wanted them to understand that man is sinful, and they needed Jesus to save them from their sin. As we study the first six chapters of Romans, we will learn just what sin is, and how it is revealed. We will then look at just what it takes to be delivered from that sin – faith in Jesus. Paul gave them a mighty example of faith in the Old Testament, Abraham. Next, we will read of the obedience it takes to become a Christian, and the first steps required as a new Christian. Finally, we will learn the Roman Road. Not only is it something each sinner needs to understand how to become a Christian, but each Christian needs to know, and even memorize, these Scriptures in order to tell someone else how to be saved.

    In Romans, Paul quoted the Old Testament more than any other letter he wrote. We can understand that he wanted all to understand that the Gospel message in the Old Testament is the same as in the New Testament.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a booklet to help them understand the importance of salvation what to do about it.

    Verses telling what one must do to Be Saved.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available through Amazon.

  • Know Ye Not?

    “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain”

    1 Corinthians 9:24

    Paul had visited Corinth on two different missionary journeys, spending at least eighteen months on one visit. He also wrote two letters to the church established in Corinth that we have to read even today. In these letters, we find much that should apply to all Christians. Paul wrote one letter when he heard of problems in the church. There were divisions beginning to form that needed to be stopped. There was also sin being allowed into the church that left unchecked, would destroy the church from within. Paul understood the importance of dealing with these issues, quickly, to help the young Christians to grow in Christ as they should. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

    When Paul wrote, we find that he recognized their condition. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Notice Paul said he could not speak unto them as spiritual, but carnal. They were still babes in Christ. Because they had not yet learned how to live a Christian life, they were still “carnal” (carnal means “weakness; frailty; of persons being worldly”). This revealed that they were living according to the world and its’ standards, not according to God’s. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). After addressing their divisions, he reminded them that God’s Spirit lived in them. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Did you notice how that verse began? “Know ye not”. This was a big part of their problem. They had not taken the time to “know” what they needed to know in order to live as they were supposed to live. Paul mentions this several times in this letter. Take note of the following:

    • “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).
    • “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? …” (1 Corinthians 6:2:).
    • “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? …” (1 Corinthians 6:3).
    • “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? …” (1 Corinthians 6:9).
    • “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? …” (1 Corinthians 6:15).
    • “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? …” (1 Corinthians 6:16).
    • “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

    Paul addressed many thing that they did not know. One more thing they did not know was that the Christian life is much like a race. And Paul was a great example for them to follow. “24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). Paul compared this Christian life to a race that all are running. Think of a race: there is a course, a goal in sight, and a reward. The Christian life can be thought of in much the same way:

    • there is a course (a godly lifestyle one lives according to God’s Word),
    • a goal in sight (keeping eyes on Jesus, living that life so others can see and come to know Jesus),
    • and a reward (eternal life in heaven with Jesus someday where Christians will receive rewards for things done on this earth for Jesus).

    Just as runners have to train, exercise, and eat right, Christians who want to live a life pleasing to God must also train, exercise and eat right. How? Christians are given God’s Word to teach them how to live a life pleasing to God. It takes much work and exercise to strengthen spiritual muscles to put away the sins of the world and instead choose the things of God (see 1 Timothy 4:6-9). Eating right would consist of putting God’s Word into the Christian heart and mind (see Psalm 119:11) as opposed to the things of this world. This was an area that the Corinthian church needed to work on: knowing how to live the Christian life.

    There is one important difference in a physical race, and the race of the Christian life, that Paul explained to them. In a physical race, there is only one winner, but in the race of the Christian life, all will receive eternal life with Jesus – only the personal rewards will be different, according to how the race is run (see 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

    Do you know how to run the race that is the Christian life, understanding how to please God?

  • Lesson 13: Paul Shipwrecked: Acts 27 – 28

    Key Verse

    But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

    —Philippians 1:12

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Paul wrote these words in a letter to the church at Philippi. It is possible that Paul was in prison at the time he wrote this letter. He understood why he had been arrested, stood before rulers and kings, and even been held as a prisoner in Rome. He had been given opportunities to present the Gospel message of Jesus. While he was kept guard by a centurion, he was able to witness to him. With his time, he was able to write letters back to the churches, teaching them the things of God. In this lesson, we will learn that even while he was a prisoner, being transported, he was able to be a witness to people he never would have seen (i.e.: the people on the island where they were shipwrecked, and even the prisoners on the ship – both of which we will learn of today).

    Emphasis: Christians are to be content with the place God has placed us, recognizing an opportunity to further the Gospel message – just as Paul did even while he was a prisoner.

    Lesson Summary: After being heard by Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa, it was declared that Paul had done nothing worthy of death. However, no one would release him from prison. We understand that Paul had been held in prison well over two years. Because Paul had requested a hearing before Caesar, he was to be shipped to Rome.

    Paul was sent on a ship headed toward Rome. In this lesson, we will learn who else was with him on this journey, and the troubles that were encountered. When a storm arose, all aboard the ship were afraid – but God sent an angel to tell Paul that all would live, if they listened to the words of Paul. When the ship broke apart, all were saved because they obeyed the words of Paul.

    Once they made it to the island after the ship wrecked, the islanders greeted them hospitably. Nevertheless, when they saw Paul bitten by a viper, they assumed he would die because he was a prisoner. But Paul lived, and was able to heal many sick on the island.

    They resumed their journey, finally making it to Rome. Paul was kept imprisoned alone with a soldier. However, after three days, he called the chief Jews in Rome to meet with him. When they came, Paul told them the truth about Jesus, bringing them to the point of decision. We will learn if any of them believed in Jesus.

    Paul was kept in Rome for another two years. However, during those years, he was able to write many letters to the newly established churches.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 13 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 13 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson.

    We decorated a foam ship and added this lesson’s key verse to remember Paul’s focus to preach the Gospel Message no matter what happened to him.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 12: Paul Before Rulers: Acts 24 – 26

    Key Verse

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

    —1 Peter 3:15

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Sanctify means “to regard as holy; to withdraw from the fellowship with the world by gaining fellowship with God.” Once we have given our heart wholly to God, we will be ready at anytime to tell anyone about Jesus. In this lesson, we will discover that Paul was always ready to tell anyone he was around about Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to be willing and able to share one’s personal testimony (of when Jesus called upon one’s heart and the response to that call). In addition, to be able to tell what Jesus is doing in their life (the job Jesus has called them to do).

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that when the religious leaders in the Temple accosted Paul, the chief captain saved Paul’s life by arresting him. When the chief captain found out about the plot against Paul’s life, he sent Paul by night to Caesarea. Because the chief captain found nothing worthy of death, he sent Paul to Felix, the governor, to hear Paul’s case.

    In this lesson, we will find that Felix, the governor, wanted to hear the words of Paul’s accusers first, and then he would hear Paul. After hearing both sides of the case, Felix found nothing worthy of Paul’s death – but he kept Paul in custody. Felix, along with his wife Drusilla, visited Paul several times. When they visited, they asked Paul questions about “the faith in Christ” (see Acts 24:24). We will find out what came of these discussions.

    When Festus succeeded Felix, Paul was still not released – to please the Jews. Festus did make a trip to Jerusalem talking with the religious leaders, but he would not send Paul to them. Festus agreed to hear the religious leaders’ case against Paul, giving Paul an opportunity to defend himself. Paul then appealed to Caesar (see Acts 25:11).

    King Agrippa visited Festus, and Festus told him of the troubles of Paul. Moreover, Festus wanted to hear from Paul himself. When Paul spoke before King Agrippa, he gave his personal testimony. He told of his life apart from Jesus, and the call Jesus extended to him. Paul told of his trust in Jesus, and the job given to him as a messenger to the Gentile people, preaching Jesus to them. Paul then invited King Agrippa to respond to the Gospel message. We will learn of King Agrippa’s response in this lesson.

    Note to teachers: A very important aspect of this lesson (if you are teaching a group) would be good to give your students an opportunity to give their own personal testimony. It may feel difficult if it is the first time they have shared, but it is important that they learn how to share with others – for it is the duty of each Christian to tell others what Jesus did for them.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to young children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We decorated a foam cross with stickers to help remember the Gospel Message that Jesus is now alive!

  • Live a New Life

    “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

    Romans 8:8

    All of mankind is sinful and guilty before God (see Romans 3:23). However, Jesus can take that sin away by His grace for those who have faith in Him. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). After this, Christians are to understand that we have been purchased (see 1 Peter 1:18-19). “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). We belong to God, and we are to live for Him. However, we still live here on earth where sin reigns. What are Christians to do?

    We are to remember that God’s Law not only reveals the knowledge of sin (see Romans 3:20), but reveals our sin to us (see Romans 7:7). By knowing what God’s Word says, we learn how God expects Christians to live. Nevertheless, it can be difficult. Paul explained this. “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Romans 7:14). Paul wrote about his struggle to do right (see Romans 7:14-24). Because the new spiritual man and the old carnal man (carnal means “under the influence of the desires of things pertaining to the flesh or body”) are of opposite natures, they fight against each other. The old nature is comfortable in its sinfulness, but the new nature of Christ within hates that sin – causing conflict. Paul understood that as long as he physically lived on this earth, although in his heart and spirit he would be obeying God’s law, in his flesh he would never be perfect. Nevertheless, Paul made a choice to follow the Spirit and obey God’s Word. Paul understood it was an issue of the heart.

    A Christian should never consider himself perfect, without sin, – only forgiven by Jesus.

    Read what happens once we submit to and obey God’s Word. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). When we decide to walk after the Spirit, it means we choose to oppose the flesh, not indulging in the affections and lusts of the physical nature, but instead determine to follow God’s Spirit. We are to live our lives to the best of our ability, walking in the spirit (see Romans 8:2-4).

    We can better understand this in the following verses. “5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8). We understand that the description “flesh” and “carnally minded” represents someone who allows sin to rule in the heart and cannot please God (“enmity against God”). On the converse, “Spirit” and “spiritually minded” represents someone who allows Jesus (who is Life) to rule in that heart. In Romans 8:9-11, we understand more about this difference, reminding us that God’s Spirit lives within us, helping us. (Especially note, “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” Romans 8:9b. It is important to make sure one truly belongs to Jesus. The Spirit will make that known.) With this new nature, the Spirit of God living within, Christians live differently.

    Paul encourages people who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus to understand the importance of living those lives in a pleasing manner.“1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Just as Jesus willingly died for each Christian, each Christian is then to willingly present that life to Jesus as a “living sacrifice”. What does this mean? Living sacrifice means “the physical life and existence … always with some duration as a living and constant sacrifice.” God expects His people to live a life, always, as if they belong to Him – acceptable to Him. That is the very least we can do (“reasonable service”). Paul went on to remind us that because we are now spiritual creatures, we are to not be “conformed” to this world. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” Instead, a Christian is to be transformed. Transformed means “that invisible process that begins to take place in a Christian during their life here on earth.” How are Christians transformed? By renewing one’s mind. Renewing means “a renovation which makes a person different than in the past.” One does this by reading and living according to God’s Word. Prove means “to put to the proof or examine; the notion of proving a thing whether it is worthy or not.” Once Christians know how to live, they are to implement those things into their lives.

    A Christian is to live a life, not like the rest of the world, but different from the world!

    Have you believed by faith, received God’s grace, and now live a transformed life, pleasing to God?

    Find out how to Receive God’s Grace.

  • Lesson 11: Paul Arrested: Acts 21:27 – 23

    Key Verse

    And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

    —Acts 21:30

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Remember that in our last lesson, we learned that the people were opposed to Paul preaching Jesus, and they took him. We will learn in this lesson Paul’s response, and what he said to the people who rose up against him.

    Emphasis: To understand that people may not like us when we tell about Jesus (for they rejected Paul and his testimony). It is important that Christians not only remember when Jesus called upon our heart, but that we are willing to share that with others (our personal testimony).

    Lesson Summary: After learning of Paul’s third missionary journey in our last lesson, we read that he returned to Jerusalem bringing a report. He told the Christians how God had blessed their journey by the many Gentiles that had been reached for Jesus. The Jews rejoiced with him. However, when Paul went to the Temple, he was accosted by an uprising of the Asian Jews. We ended our last lesson with them laying hands upon Paul.

    As we begin this lesson, we will find that the entire city becomes involved in this uprising, and they drew Paul out of the Temple. As they were beating Paul, the chief captain heard and took Paul, then having him bound with chains. This chief captain spared Paul’s life. Paul was then given the opportunity to share his testimony with the people, including the chief captain. We will learn that a testimony is a personal sharing of when Jesus called upon one’s heart, the response to that call, and what God has done in one’s life since. Paul took time to share, briefly, of the sinner he once was. He then told of the specific call that Jesus extended to him, inviting Paul to become a believer in Jesus. Paul then told of his response to that call. He proceeded to shared with the people what Jesus wanted him to do with his life – go specifically to the Gentiles and preach Jesus to them. After learning of Paul’s personal testimony, we are going to learn that it is important for each Christian to be able to give his/her own personal testimony of Jesus’ call, and each response. If you are teaching this lesson to a group, it would be a great encouragement to your students if you were to share with them your personal testimony at a specific place in this lesson. You will then be encouraged to challenge them to come prepared (the next time you meet together to study God’s Word), to share their own personal testimony of Jesus’ call to them.

    After Paul gave his testimony, the people still rejected him. Nevertheless, God encouraged Paul. Even when there was a plot against Paul, his life was spared again. The chief captain then sent Paul to the governor, Felix, so his case could be heard.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made Bible markers with the plan of salvation on them. This is to help them remember the Scriptures that teach one how to be saved.

    Read the Scriptures on How to be Saved.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.

  • Believe God

    “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

    Acts 27:25

    Is it easy to determine God’s will for one’s life? What if you know what God has planned for you, but you find circumstances seem to be averting that plan? Is it possible to remain confident in God and His Word? There are many great examples in the Bible (see Romans 15:4). The following is one in Paul’s life.

    Paul had wanted to go to Rome for many years, but God had not yet opened a door. When Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, the Lord encouraged Paul. “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said,Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). Paul was sent from Jerusalem to Caesarea. He was kept in prison in Caesarea for two years when the rulers finally set a time to send him to Rome to stand before Caesar. Paul would finally get to preach the Gospel Message in Rome. Paul may not be traveling to Rome they way he planned, but he believed the Lord’s Words. Paul now understood that he would go to Rome as a prisoner.

    Paul’s life was out of his hands. He was put on a ship in the custody of a Roman centurion, Julius (see Acts 27:1). Along with many other prisoners, Luke and Aristarchus, Paul’s friends, were on the ship. At their first stop, the centurion was kind to Paul and allowed him to go ashore, meet friends, and to refresh himself. When they sailed again, the voyage became difficult because the winds were contrary (means “they were antagonistic, or against them” see Acts 27:4). At the next place they stopped, the centurion found a ship of Alexandria that was sailing to Italy and put Paul and the other prisoners on that ship. They sailed many days, making little progress, until they reached The Fair Havens. “9. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 10. And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives” (Acts 27:9-10). It was now late in the year (the fast was around late September or early October – too late in the year to be sailing).

    The trip was taking longer than planned. It was now too late to safely continue a journey, for winter weather was approaching. Sailors understood that it would be dangerous. The Fair Havens was not the greatest place to “winter” for the year because of the exposure to winter storms.

    The master and owner of the ship wanted to continue (see Acts 27:11). The Fair Havens was not a good place to winter, and Phenice was better (see Acts 27:12). Because Paul had experience shipwrecks before (see 2 Corinthians 11:25), he understood the potential danger. Paul had warned them rightly.

    The centurion had a decision to make.

    “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete” (Acts 27:13). Supposing means “to think, imagine, consider, appear. Expresses the subjective mental estimate or opinion which men form about a matter. Such recognition may be correct, or (as in this case) incorrect, involving error (i.e. Acts 27:13).” The majority agreed to continue with the journey, and the deciding factor was the south wind that blew softly.

    However, Paul had been right. “14. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive” (Acts 27:14-15). The storm came.

    All were in a storm because:

    • they were impatient (see Acts 27:9);
    • they trusted themselves (see Acts 27:13);
    • they rejected counsel from God’s man, Paul (see Acts 27:10-11).

    They had to let the ship drift (see Acts 27:16-17). All they could do was try to weather the storm safely (see Acts 27:18-19). “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away” (Acts 27:20).

    Consider what Paul may have been feeling and thinking. He recognized the situation – it was dangerous. However, Paul had a hope that the others did not have. Remember, the Lord told Paul that he would “bear witness also at Rome.” Paul had the Word of the Lord to encourage and comfort him in this terrible storm of life. God encouraged Paul again. Paul then encouraged the others. “23. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24. Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:23-25). All would live. If they followed the Word of the Lord given to Paul. If you remember the rest of the story, because the men adhered to Paul’s word (from God), all lived (see Acts 27:44).

    What made the difference for Paul, who knew God’s plan? “… for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:25). He believed God.

    Do you believe God and remain confident in His Word when the storms of life come?

  • Lesson 10: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey: Acts 18:23 – 21:26

    Key Verse

    20. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

    —Acts 20:20-21

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verses. Paul is the one speaking in these verses. He was telling the people that he had led by example – for in every aspect of his life, he served Jesus, ministering to others (i.e.: he preached Jesus so others could be saved; he went from house to house telling all of Jesus, Jew and Gentile; he encouraged other believers to live a Christ-like life). In this lesson, we will learn more of Paul’s life.

    Emphasis: We are faithfully to tell others about Jesus, understanding God will give us friends to help us. But more than that, we are especially to live a life that is pleasing to Jesus so that other Christians can be encouraged to live correctly by our example.

    Lesson Summary: As we learned of Paul’s second missionary journey in our last lesson, we found that when Paul obeyed God’s direction for his life, God blessed his journey. Not only were many saved, but also Paul gained friends and fellow laborers to help spread the Gospel message. This week we begin with two of those friends.

    Paul visited some of the newly established churches, and he left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus. While they were there, they heard a man named Apollos teach the repentance of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla realized that Apollos had never heard of Jesus, the Promised One John came to reveal, so they told him about Jesus. Apollos believed, and became another helper who preached Jesus to others.

    When Paul went to Troas where he met up with some fellow laborers that he had sent ahead, he preached a sermon that lasted well into the night. Around midnight, Eutychus fell asleep in a third floor window and fell to his death. Paul raised him from the dead, they ate, and he continued talking until morning.

    As we continue reading about Paul’s third missionary journey, we find that Luke, the writer of Acts (as well as the gospel of Luke) again joined with Paul and the other helpers. When they reached Miletus, Paul called for the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him. Paul first warned them of grievous wolves that would come in to try to destroy the new church, and then encouraged these established Christians to help the weaker. Paul reminded them that he had taught them by example – for Paul had lived his life serving Jesus by teaching others about Jesus and ministering to them.

    Paul met Agabus at Philip’s house who foretold that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Paul continued his journey to Jerusalem, where he gave a report of his missionary journey, and heard of the Jews saved.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson:

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.