The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Year Three

  • Lesson 4: Stand Fast: 1 Corinthians 7-16

    Key Verse

    Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

    —1 Corinthians 16:13

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson. Understand the Key Verse with the following definitions:

    • Watch means the caution needed against the anxiety resulting from the fear of the loss of one’s salvation.
    • Stand fast means to stand firm in faith and duty; to be constant; to persevere; to remain steadfast in the faith and profession of Christ.
    • Quit you like men means to behave oneself with the courage and wisdom of a man, as opposed to a babe in Christ; to behave courageously.
    • Be strong means to be strong; to grow strong.

    As we learned in our last lesson, Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to correct wrong teaching. In this lesson, we will find he continued with the importance of not quitting but living a faithful Christian life: fearless, steadfast faith, behaving, courageous, and growing.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are the body of Christ, and to understand our responsibilities as a Christian – namely to become a strong, faithful Christian who lives a life pleasing to God. As Christians, we are to have godly, Christian friends who can encourage us to serve Jesus and His church faithfully.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth because of the divisions and problems about which he had heard. After explaining Jesus was the only way to be saved, he continued by reminding them that they were not to live in the wisdom of man, but in God’s wisdom – for they were bought with a price.

    In this lesson, we continue with that letter to the church at Corinth. As Paul further instructed the people on their Christian responsibilities. He taught that it is important for the church to take care of the pastor – for his life is the ministry of the Gospel. However, each Christian is responsible for living a life that anyone who sees may understand that they belong to Jesus. Paul reminded them of the children of Israel in the wilderness, specifically what happened when they refused to obey God, and instead fulfilled their own lusts. The people died in the wilderness, never reaching the Promised Land.

    Paul also taught the importance of the Lord’s Supper, and that Christians are, collectively, the body of Christ. Christians were taught the importance of remembering why Jesus died and sharing that message with others. Paul taught many areas in which Christians are to remain faithful, living a life pleasing to God. He called upon the Corinthians to, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, we drew and decorated a church building, helping them understand that the people attending are really the “church”.

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

  • Lesson 3: Following Christ: 1 Corinthians 1 – 6

    Key Verse

    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

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Each Christian was bought with a price. Do you remember what that price was? (Jesus’ death on the cross because of man’s sin.) Bought means “believers are bought for a price; once bought, the buyer has the right of possession. In the redemptive work of Jesus, the idea is that Christ, by offering Himself for us as due satisfaction, freed us from liability in paying the debt ourselves.” Glorify means“to render glory to God; recognize Him for who and what He is.” Once a Christian realizes what Jesus did – died for us – we are to recognize God for who He is and what He did for us. We show that by living a life pleasing to God – according to His Word, for we belong to Him.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are to remember the Gospel message; that Jesus saves. Christians are the Temple of God – bought with a price, which means we belong to Him and are to live a life pleasing to Him. We are to put away from us the people living in sin, but always be faithful to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: First Corinthians was written to the church at Corinth that was founded on Paul’s second missionary journey. It was necessary because Paul received word that error had been taught and factions had appeared in the church, dividing the church body. The people seemed to have forgotten the importance of the message – Jesus died on the cross for man’s sin. The Christians were arguing, declaring they had been saved under the preaching of different men: some Paul, others Peter (Cephas), and some even said Apollos. They were focused on the messengers, not the message. Paul explained the simplicity of the message – he preached Jesus.

    The church at Corinth had not grown in maturity as they should have – for many still lived like the lost world. Paul taught them that they were the Temple of the Lord. They were not to defile that temple by continuing in sin. Paul explained the difference between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of man – for “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). God’s people were to put away those who lived contrary to God’s Word.

    In this lesson, we will learn the following: “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).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 3 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 cross with stickers and verses to help us remember that our lives were bought with a price – Jesus’ death on the cross.

    To find the full lesson, The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available for purchase through Amazon.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • A New Life Pleasing God

    “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

    Acts 19:20

    The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two, Lesson 10:

    “… God allowed Paul to heal people and eliminate evil spirits. With this came people who tried to do the same things. ‘13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified‘ (Acts 19:13-17). Vagabond means ‘ones who just wander.’ Exorcists means ‘one who binds by an oath; generally one who by incantation professes to expel demons.’ These men, seven of which were sons of the chief priest, used incantations, professing to cast out demons. Nevertheless, see that even the demons recognized that these men did not know Jesus (for Jesus was not in their hearts). When they tried to cast out the demons, those demons jumped on them, ‘so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.‘ God used this to magnify the name of Jesus. ‘And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds‘ (Acts 19:18). Deeds means ‘an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.’ This caused many to recognize that they were living in a lifestyle that opposed the preaching of Jesus. What did the people do about it? ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver‘ (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means ‘a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.’ The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. Once they did, read what followed. ‘So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed’ (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Paul continued his journey…

    A Deeper Path: See some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land‘ (2 Chronicles 7:14). Theses were encouraging words for God’s people in King Solomon’s day.

    God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. ‘14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble’ (Proverbs 4:14-19). God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also gave the following warning. ‘23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil’ (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out in that person’s life. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    As God allowed Paul to do many miracles and cast out evil spirits, there appeared a copycat: one who appeared to be able to do the same thing, until the evil spirit declared these men were false and jumped upon them. We, too, must be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (for these men had never known Jesus themselves). ‘Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away‘ (2 Timothy 3:5). Christians are to be cautious and check out and know for certain if that something is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. ‘And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him’ (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord, they had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. Remember what we read in Acts 19:19: ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.‘ It did not matter to them the monetary cost. They wanted to live a new life pleasing God.”

    Have you trusted in Christ, forsaking the things of your past life to live a new life in Christ, following Him?

    What to do to trust in Christ.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two

  • Lesson 9: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey: Acts 15:36 – 18:22

    Key Verse

    And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

    —Acts 16:25

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Many will probably remember the events of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment. In this lesson, we will understand that although they were unjustly put into jail, yet they still sang praises to God: and the prisoners heard them. The music we sing, especially in trying times, can be a witness to the world to show them in whom we place our trust. We are always to be a witness for Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to be a witness for Jesus no matter where we are or what the circumstances may be: just like Paul and Silas. Even while they were in prison, they were a witness for God, and the jailor was saved.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned about Paul’s first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas were chosen and sent forth to the countries and cities around to preach Jesus. They began by preaching to the Jews, but when the Jews rejected, the focus was turned primarily to the Gentiles.

    Paul and Barnabas prepared for a second missionary journey. We will learn of their disagreement and why they separated. Paul took Silas. When they reached Lystra, they met Timothy, whom they took with them.

    They were headed to Asia, but Paul saw a man of Macedonia who called. Believing the Lord called them to preach there, they obeyed the Lord. They went to Philippi where they met Lydia with other women meeting. While in Philippi, a certain damsel, possessed with a spirit, followed them crying, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17). When they cast the spirit out of her, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison. That night at midnight, as they were singing praises to God, there was an earthquake, which released their bonds. This gave the jailer and his family an opportunity to be saved.

    We will learn of Paul, Silas, and Timothy as they continued on to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens (where Paul was able to preach on Mars’ hill, declaring unto them the “Unknown God” they ignorantly worshiped). Their next stop was in Corinth where they met Aquila and Priscilla, with whom Paul stayed. It was there in Corinth where Paul declared he was finished preaching to the Jews – he would go unto the Gentiles. However, God encouraged him to continue to speak – “for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18:10). Paul remained there for about eighteen months teaching the Word of God.

    Paul took Priscilla and Aquila with him to Ephesus where he left them. Paul began his return journey to Jerusalem, returning to many cities along the way, strengthening the disciples.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 9 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.

  • Lesson 8: Paul’s First Missionary Journey: Acts 13 – 15:35

    Key Verse

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

    —Acts 13:46

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. In this lesson, we will learn about another rejection of Jesus by the Jewish people, and with that rejection, the message of Jesus diminishes to the Jewish people and the focus is turned to the Gentiles. We will learn that Paul was called to be a light to the Gentile people (Gentile means anyone not Jewish).

    Emphasis: To recognize that not only is salvation available to anyone, but it is the job of each Christian to go and tell others about Jesus – no matter what persecution may come. It is also important to stand for the truth that Jesus is the only way to gain salvation.

    Lesson Summary: We have recognized that Peter learned something from God – God could save anyone, not just the Jews. We also saw the persecution of Believers continue, for James was martyred and Peter was imprisoned. Nevertheless, the church continued to grow. We were reintroduced to Barnabas (for the church in Jerusalem sent him out to minister to many Believers), who had gone to Tarsus and found Saul. We also understood that it was in Antioch that Believers were first called Christians.

    Through our lessons in the last few weeks, we cannot help but notice that the Gospel message of Jesus had been sent forth, and it was no longer focused toward the Jewish people. Anyone who believed could be saved. This message is reinforced in this lesson as we see the emphasis turn to the Gentile nations around through the missionary journeys of Paul.

    Paul and Barnabas were separated out to go and tell others about Jesus. We will follow their travels into the other countries and cities as they teach the people that the Old Testament Law could not justify them before God. However they were to understand that God sent Jesus, the One promised in the Old Testament, and only Jesus could give salvation. With this message, many believed and the Gospel message was spread, but it also brought great persecution from the Jewish people. Paul revealed that although some Jews believed, the majority of the Jewish people had rejected the Gospel message, so Paul was to be a light to the Gentiles. He was to focus his ministry to the preaching of Jesus to the Gentile people.

    Paul and Barnabas were kicked out of a city for preaching Jesus, but healed a crippled man in the next city. They stoned Paul, but he got up and continued on to the next city preaching the same message. After visiting many cities, they returned to encourage the new believers. They then returned to Antioch with a report of what God had done through their preaching of Jesus. However, when they heard of false teaching, they returned to Jerusalem to defend the truth that Salvation is by Grace through Jesus. They returned to Jerusalem with letters of these truths.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a ship with stickers to remember Paul’s First Missionary Journey.

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