HOLY SPIRIT The Flame Within Me
LARGE GROUP LEADER’S GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
The theme for this year’s Summer Friendship Gatherings (SFG) is “HOLY SPIRIT—The Flame Within Me”. Acts 1:8 states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria. And you will even tell other people about me from one end of the earth to the other.” This week, we will be studying acts of the Holy Spirit, from the book of Acts. The adult friends, volunteers, families and direct support staff will learn about the Spirit coming at Pentecost, and how many believed and were baptized. We will study acts of courage, looking at the conversion of Saul and the courage Ananias showed. Finally, we will study acts of witnessing and learn how Paul and Silas, while in prison, shared the Lord with the jailer and his entire family. The Holy Spirit gives us strength, boldness, and eagerness to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others in our lives. As the Large Group Leader, it will be important to emphasize the following key points during the three-day study: DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 ACTS OF THE SPIRIT ACTS OF COURAGE ACTS OF WITNESSING The Holy Spirit comes at Saul’s Conversion (this lesson is taught during the Day 3 worship Pentecost (Acts 1-2) (Acts 9:1-27)
service) Lesson Objectives: Lesson Objectives: Paul and Silas in Prison
1. Every believer has a part (Acts 16:16-34)
The Holy Spirit; 1. Is available to everyone to play in the Great Lesson Objectives: Commission. who believes; 1. God wants us to 2. The Holy Spirit is with us 2. Helps us understand witness to others. in everything we do. God’s Word; 2. The Holy Spirit gives us 3. The Holy Spirit helps us 3. Gives every believer the boldness to witness. overcome our fears. gifts that helps us to live 4. Surround yourself with 3. Telling one person out God’s will for our lives; other believers. about God is just as 4. Strengthens us when we 5. The power of the Holy important as sharing with are weak. Spirit gives us gifts to a crowd. 5. The power of the Holy influence others for Christ. 4. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to Spirit gives us gifts to Daily Bible Verse: influence others for Christ. influence others for
Matthew 28:19-20; Christ. Daily Bible Verse: The Great Commission Daily Bible Verse: Luke 24:49 (NIRV) (NIRV) Acts 16:34 (NIRV)
HELPFUL HINTS
BE PREPARED! Day 1
ACTS OF THE SPIRIT To be properly prepared to lead the The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 1-2) large group please read through this guide, watch the Large Group Day 2 video by following this link; ACTS OF COURAGE Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-27) https://connection- ministries.org/2021-sfg-training/ Day 3 and study the following Biblical ACTS OF WITNESSING passages prior to the event: Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-34)
In each day’s outline, you will find 4 sections: Daily Bible REVIEW EACH Verse, Lesson Objectives, Background, and Bible Lesson DAY’S OUTLINE Outline. These are to help you in leading the large group.
It is vital for the Bible lesson to actively engage the adult ENCOURAGE friends, as this encourages further learning. Here are some PARTICIPATION ideas to use in teaching the large group lesson:
Skits, Props and Costumes: Engage the large group through the use of skits, costumes, and/or having a guest visitor.
Songs: Worship and interactive songs related to that day’s Bible lesson. Biblical Character: A volunteer can play a Bible character from that day’s lesson.
Ask Lots of Questions: The Large Group Bible teacher should ask questions throughout the lesson, to engage the group. Object Lessons (optional): See the note pages for the Large Group video for ideas.
When asking an adult friend a question, take a moment to WAIT PATIENTLY wait for his/her response. Those with disabilities sometimes FOR A RESPONSE need a moment to process the question, and to formulate their answer. If he/she does not respond after a minute, ask the question again or rephrase it.
CONNECT THE Connect the Bible lesson to a real-life situation. This helps BIBLE LESSON everyone relate the Bible lesson to their lives. And whenever possible, tie the large group Bible lesson back to the presence TO REAL LIFE of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
DAY 1 ACTS OF THE SPIRIT The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 1-2)
DAILY BIBLE VERSE
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised. But for now, stay in the city. Stay there until you have received power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 (NIRV)
1. The Holy Spirit is available to everyone who believes. 2. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s Word. LESSON 3. The Holy Spirit gives every believer gifts that helps us to OBJECTIVES live out God’s will for our lives.
4. The Holy Spirit strengthens us when we are weak.
5. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to influence others for Christ.
• SFG “Day 1” Power Point slides
• 4-5 volunteers to play in the Skit, and the Large SUGGESTED PROPS/ Group Leader TEACHING AIDS • Optional: paper flame head bands • Open front costumes
• Object Lessons (see video note pages)
BACKGROUND
Luke is the author of the book of Acts, detailing the apostles LARGE GROUP who witnessed the life of Christ while he was on the earth. 1 DAY 1 BACKGROUND This eventually led to spreading the Good News to all the CONTIN. Jews and the Gentiles (non-Jews). The stories focus on believers who want to spread the gospel of Christ. The book of Acts helps to bridge the gap between Jesus’ death and resurrection, and explain how the Good News spread throughout the known world at the time. It is an account on the work of the Holy Spirit in the church. While it does contain facts about the many acts of the early Christians, Acts is also meant to encourage the church of every age to be faithful to the Lord and spread the Gospel of Jesus.
BIBLE LESSON OUTLINE
I. Introduction to the Bible Lesson.
A. Jesus gives a “Preview” of what is to come. 1. How many people here have seen a movie preview? What are movie previews? (Movie previews are a “teaser” or a short description of the plot of a movie that will be showing soon). 2. A movie preview gives enough information to get us curious about the storyline. 3. Jesus gave us a “preview” in Luke 24 of what was going to happen to the future of Christianity. Like a movie preview He did not give too many details, but just enough to let His followers know that His death was not the end. 4. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised. But for now, stay in the city. Stay there until you have received power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 (NIRV)
5. This happened shortly after Jesus had risen from the grave. He had told His disciples at least three times that He would suffer death and then be raised from the dead. But, the disciples were still confused that His body was not in the tomb! 6. Why wasn’t Jesus’ body in the tomb? (He had risen!) How do we know this? (through the Holy Spirit). 7. The Gospel of Luke needed to bridge the gap between what happened after Jesus’ time on earth and how the early church was LARGE GROUP radically changed. The book of Acts then describes what 2 DAY 1 SECTION I happened after Jesus had risen, how He gave the Holy Spirit to His followers, and the birth of the early Christian Church. CONTIN. 8. In those days, Jews were concerned about an earthly kingdom. But, they needed to be taught about the spiritual kingdom for those who believed in Jesus Christ. Jesus came for everyone! We know this through the Holy Spirit!
II. The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 1-2).
A. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria. And you will even tell other people about me from one end of the earth to the other.” Acts 1:8 (NIRV) 1. This key verse explains that the power of the Church comes from the Holy Spirit, and not from man. When ordinary people face opportunities and obstacles, the Holy Spirit enables them to do extraordinary things! It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us the truth. 2. The book of Acts not only describes the life of the early Christians, it gives the key to helping us live a fruitful Christian life today.
B. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) 1. Do you what Pentecost is? Pentecost was one of the Jewish feast days that celebrated the beginning of the early weeks of harvest. Jews from every country came to Jerusalem, and they spoke many languages. 2. Jesus’ disciples were all together in one place, and were ordinary people. (Slide 3 in PowerPoint) 3. As they gathered together a sound like a strong wind filled the whole house. 4. Something that looked like flames of fire came to rest on each of them, filling them with the Holy Spirit. (Slide 4 in PowerPoint) 5. The Spirit gave them the ability to understand each other’s languages. (Slide 5 in PowerPoint)
LARGE GROUP
3 DAY 1 III. Peter Speaks to the Crowd (Acts 2: 14-41).
A. Then Peter stood up and spoke to the crowd. 1. Those who were speaking different languages were filled with the Holy Spirit, the helper who Jesus had promised to send. (Slide 6 in PowerPoint) 2. Peter spoke the words of the prophet Joel, who had spoken of the coming of the Holy Spirit. (Slide 7 in PowerPoint) 3. Then Peter spoke of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the promise God made to David of the coming Messiah. (Slide 8 in PowerPoint) 4. Peter said the people of Israel had nailed Jesus to the cross, but God had made
Him Lord and Messiah. (Slide 9 in PowerPoint) 5. How would you feel to know that you had nailed Jesus to the cross? Would you
feel sorry about it? B. When the people heard this, they were filled with shame. They asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” (Slide 10 in PowerPoint) C. Peter replied, “All of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you, your children, and for all whom the Lord chooses.” Acts 2:38-39 (NIRV) (Slide 11 in PowerPoint)
IV. Those Who Believe are Baptized, and Fellowship Together (Acts 2: 41-47). A. Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized. Around 3,000 people joined the believers that day! There are about 50 people in our group. That would be like 60 groups this size! (Slide 12 in PowerPoint)
B. In Acts chapters 2 and 4 we learn a lot about the early believers and the church. 1. Luke tells us they studied what the apostles taught, and ate and prayed together. They shared everything they had and no one was in need. 2. Daily they met together, ate meals together and had glad and sincere hearts. Every day the Lord added to their group those LARGE GROUP who were being saved. (Slide 13 in PowerPoint) 4 DAY 1 SECTION IV 3. One important verse says; “With great power the apostles CONTIN. gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 4:33 (NRSV)
C. The early believers were strong together because they were unified through the Holy Spirit. 1. They no longer had Jesus physically present, but they did have the Holy Spirit who now dwelled within them. 2. The believers did not keep this a secret; the Holy Spirit had given them the power and the ability to be bold and tell others!
D. The book of Acts shows us God’s love and power, seen through the early believers. 1. Many miracles, signs, and wonders took place during this time. People were amazed, and many converted to Christianity. 2. Who would you think Jesus was if you witnessed these miracles? 3. However, the religious leaders at that time were hostile to the apostles and believers. Many were imprisoned and even killed for their faith. 4. The early Christians needed the Holy Spirit, and love and fellowship with each other. Just like those early Christians, we also need the Holy Spirit in our lives.
E. We all need the same things we read about in the early church. We need to experience Christian love and fellowship, prayer, a place of belonging, and a place to share our gifts.
V. Conclusion.
A. The Holy Spirit is available to everyone who believes; 1. We understand that we no longer have to follow the “old law”. 2. The Holy Spirit is available to lead us. 3. The Holy Spirit gives gifts that strengthens us when we are weak, and helps us pray to our Father to live out God’s will for our lives.
LARGE GROUP
5 DAY 1 VI. Day 1 Skit.
A group of 3-4 people are standing in a circle. The Bible lesson leader walks by. Leader: What are you all doing? Bob: We need to elect a leader for our service group. Leader: What is that you’re holding in your hand? Bob: Straws. We are going to draw straws, and whoever draws the short straw will be the leader. Leader: That’s not a very good way to elect a leader. What do you think you should do instead? Bob: How about this? (begins to point at group members) Eenie Meenie Miny Moe… Leader: Most of you have been in my Bible study group. Do you really think this is the way God wants us to make important decisions? Bob: Yes! Didn’t the apostles in the book of Acts draw straws to see who would replace Judas in their group? We read about it! Leader: That was before the apostles had received the Holy Spirit. When we studied Acts, do you remember what changed? We now have the Holy Spirit. Christians can call on the Holy Spirit for many things. Let’s go to the Summer Friendship Gathering and learn how we depend on the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in prayers for guidance, boldness, and for peace in our lives. Come on, it’s starting in a few minutes!
God, thank You for sending us Your Holy Spirit to guide CLOSING GROUP us in our lives. Help us to look to the Spirit for gifts, PRAYER strength, and for living out Your will in our lives. Amen.
LARGE GROUP
6 DAY 1 DAY 2 ACTS OF COURAGE Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-27)
DAILY BIBLE VERSE “So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am with you always, to the very end.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIRV) the Great Commission (The Great Commission
was where Jesus commanded people to go preach throughout the world)
1. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. Every believer can share the Great Commission right where they are. 2. God may ask us to do difficult things, but He walks with LESSON us in everything, through the Holy Spirit. OBJECTIVES 3. The Holy Spirit helps us overcome our fears.
4. Surround yourself with believers who will help you keep your eyes on Jesus.
5. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to influence others for Christ.
• SFG “Day 2” Power Point slides
• 4 people and 3 chairs for the Skit (it is optional to SUGGESTED PROPS/ include more adult friends in the Skit) • Option: Open front costumes to act out TEACHING AIDS Bible story
• Object Lessons (see video LARGE GROUP note pages) DAY 2 7
BACKGROUND
The main message of the book is found in Acts 1:8; "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." It is through the Holy Spirit that we receive two vitally important gifts. The first is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. The second gift is one or more special abilities, which are to be used for the purpose of unifying the body of Christ and for the growth of God's Kingdom. These gifts bring many attributes. In this lesson we will learn how the early believers received confidence in the message of Jesus, resulting in courage. Courage is not an absence of fear but a willingness to respond to God’s call in spite of fear. In todays’ story Ananias and his fellow believers in Damascus were called by God to minister to Saul, who had persecuted Jesus’ followers.
BIBLE LESSON
OUTLINE
I. Introduction: Skit.
Two friends are sitting and talking quietly to each other. (Adult friends with disabilities can be included as part of the larger group having a conversation). A third person comes in and sits alone.
Friend 1: What is he doing here? He isn’t part of our group. Friend 2: Maybe he came to check out the group. Friend 1: I don’t think he will fit in. Look, he’s got red hair! No one in our group has red hair. Friend 2: What does red hair have to do with anything? Friend 1: He’s different, so he doesn’t belong here. Friend 2: We are all different. The Bible says so. We all have different gifts, but we are the work of the same Holy Spirit. LARGE GROUP Friend 1: But maybe he doesn’t want to join us. He is sitting
by himself. 8 DAY 2 SECTION I Friend 2: We didn’t make him feel welcome, either. Why don’t CONTIN. we ask if we can join him? We can move our chairs. Friend 1: I don’t want to move. This is where I always sit. I think you should stay here with me. Friend 2: I think God would want him to feel welcome in our group. I am going to go sit with him and talk to him. Friend 2 carries his chair over to the person sitting alone. Friend 2: Can I sit with you? Narrator: Sometimes we need courage to invite new people into our group, even if we think they are different. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom and courage to do so. A. Discuss the Skit. 1. Why should we invite people who are sitting alone to join our group? (it is what the Holy Spirit wants us to do, and He gives us the courage).
II. Review of Pentecost (Day 1).
A. What did we learn about in the Bible lesson yesterday? 1. Answer: the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift His Father promised.
B. What was this gift Jesus was talking about? 1. Answer: the Holy Spirit. Jesus said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came to them. He said they would tell people about Him in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and from one end of the earth to the other.
C. Do you remember what happened to Jesus when He tried to tell people about His Good News? 1. Answer: Jesus was crucified. 2. Do you think the disciples were afraid they would also be crucified? While the Bible doesn’t say, they most likely would have been afraid. 3. To share the Good News with others, we need to have courage. Who can give us courage? (Holy Spirit)
LARGE GROUP
9 DAY 2 SECTION II D. The Bible says the disciples were together in one place, CONTIN. when suddenly there was a sound from heaven like a strong wind. It filled the whole house. Something like tongues of flame came to rest on each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. 1. The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak in languages they did not know. 2. Jews from every country who were there heard the disciples speaking to them in their own language. 3. Then Peter got up and shared the Good News. 4. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and around 3,000 people became believers that day. Was that crowd bigger than the group we have here? 5. The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the courage to tell others about Jesus.
III. Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9: 1-27).
A. Our story today is about the courage we get from the Holy Spirit to do the things God wants us to do. 1. Who has heard of the apostle Paul? Well, we are going to look at when he was still called Saul. He would later be known as Paul. B. Saul was a Pharisee who believed in God and followed the Jewish law. 1. Saul did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the promised Savior. He instead considered Jesus a rebel and a blasphemer (someone who claims to be God). Saul believed someone like Jesus needed to be crucified. 2. Saul participated in the persecution of one of Jesus’ disciples named Stephen. (Slide 3 in PowerPoint) 3. Saul wanted to find all of Jesus’ disciples, so he asked the priests for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, giving permission to persecute and arrest the disciples. (Slide 4 in PowerPoint)
4. Who here would have wanted to be a follower of Jesus when Saul was around?
C. The disciples were afraid of Saul. We will talk today about the courage of these disciples. LARGE GROUP
10 DAY 2 SECTION III 1. Saul’s hatred for the followers of Jesus came from what he CONTIN. believed, but he was still hurting the disciples. 1. God had a plan for Saul; He would use him to spread the Good News to people who were both Jewish and Gentiles. Gentiles were people who were not Jewish. 2. Most of us would be considered Gentiles, unless we came from a Jewish heritage. 3. God also had plans for Jesus’ followers who were afraid of Saul. They all received the same Holy Spirit we talked about yesterday. 4. They were afraid of Saul, but the Holy Spirit would give them courage as God transformed Saul into a man that would spend the rest of his life following the Great Commission. 5. Do you remember what the Great Commission is from our memory verse? (Recite memory verse together) D. Saul received letters from the high priest giving permission to arrest the followers of Jesus in Damascus. 1. Does it sound like Saul was living out the Great Commission yet? (No, because he had not yet received the Holy Spirit). 2. On his way to Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Slide 5 in PowerPoint) 3. Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.” (Slide 6 in PowerPoint) 4. The men traveling with Saul were speechless. They heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. (Slide 7 in PowerPoint) 5. The men led Saul by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. (Slide 8 in PowerPoint) E. Why was Saul traveling to Damascus?
1. Answer: to arrest the disciples. LARGE GROUP
11 DAY 2 SECTION III 2. If you were a disciple living in Damascus, would you want to CONTIN. meet Saul? F. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision. “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” Ananias replied. (Slide 9 in PowerPoint) 1. The Lord instructed, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man named Saul. He is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 2. Who thinks Ananias was afraid? 3. “Lord,” Ananias answered, “This man has harmed your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (Slide 10 in PowerPoint) 4. But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! I have chosen Saul to proclaim my Name not only to Jews but Gentiles (non-Jews) and their kings. I will also show him how much he must suffer for me.” 5. Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said to him, “Brother Saul, Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see. (Slide 11 in PowerPoint) 6. Saul got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus, the very people he had come to arrest. (Slide 12 in PowerPoint) G. Not only did Ananias need courage to go see Saul, but the other disciples living in Damascus needed courage to spend several days with him. 1. Not only did Saul receive his sight back, but he also received the Holy Spirit. 2. What do you think the Holy Spirit would do for Saul? (Help him to proclaim Jesus and endure suffering).
H. Saul began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. (Slide 13 in PowerPoint) 1. Those listening were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who caused so much trouble for Christians in Jerusalem, and LARGE GROUP came here to arrest them?’ 12 DAY 2 SECTION III 2. Saul powerfully explained to them that Jesus is the CONTIN. Messiah. A few days later some Jews who were against Jesus plotted to kill Saul. (Slide 14 in PowerPoint) 3. They kept watch at the city gates hoping to kill him. But Saul learned of their plans. 4. Saul’s followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall so he could escape. (Slide 15 in PowerPoint) 5. It would be later that Saul would be known as Paul, which was his Roman name. IV. Conclusion.
A. God’s Word is good for; “…teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what it right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIRV) 1. God has a purpose for all of us. We need the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s plan for our lives. 2. We need the Holy Spirit to understand God’s Word and live out the Great Commission. 3. Large Group Leader can share a personal story. B. Ananias was not an apostle, a prophet, a pastor, an evangelist, an elder, or a deacon. He was an ordinary person just like us. 1. God used Ananias because God loves to use people, and Ananias was a willing servant. God can use us, too! C. Ananias needed great courage. He had to overcome his fear and suspicion of Saul. The Holy Spirit will help us overcome our fears, as well. 1. Other disciples were also needed to help grow Saul’s faith, and later to help him escape certain death. 2. We need to be part of a Christian community. 3. The time we spend together with other believers strengthens our faith. 4. We challenge each other and keep one another accountable. 5. We can invite our friends to Friendship group, or to church.
LARGE GROUP
13 DAY 2
SECTION IV D. Just like in the skit, we can sit and talk with someone CONTIN. who is new at work, or in our home. We can also share our faith in God with them. E. Who gives us gifts and power to overcome our fears? 1. The Holy Spirit!
God, help us to look to the Holy Spirit for courage. We CLOSING GROUP want to joyfully share Your Good News with the world! PRAYER Give us wisdom in approaching others, and the boldness to share. Amen.
LARGE GROUP
14 DAY 2 DAY 3 ACTS OF WITNESSING Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-34)
Note: The Day 3 Bible lesson takes the place of the Day 3 worship message. This lesson will be taught during the worship service.
DAILY BIBLE VERSE
The jailer brought them into his house. He set a meal in front of them. He and everyone who lived with him were filled with joy. They had become believers in God. Acts 16:34 (NIRV)
1. God wants us to witness to others. 2. The Holy Spirit gives us the boldness to witness. LESSON OBJECTIVES 3. Telling one person about God is just as important as sharing with a crowd.
4. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to influence others for Christ.
• SFG “Day 3” Power Point slides
• 2 volunteers to play in the Skit
• Optional: jail bars cardboard cut-out SUGGESTED PROPS/ • Chairs arranged in a square, like a jail cell
TEACHING AIDS • Gray colored paper chains, construction paper
• Open front costumes for 5-6 people
• Object Lessons (see video note pages) LARGE GROUP
15 DAY 3
BACKGROUND
Paul was on his second missionary journey at the time he and Silas were thrown into prison. Silas was a leading member of the early Christian church, and was chosen by Paul to accompany him on his second mission. Even though Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for doing good (freeing the slave girl of an evil spirit), we read that they sang praises to God in their jail cell. That night, Paul and Silas not only baptized the jailer and his entire family, but they also witnessed to the other prisoners in jail. This is how God wants our lives to be: joyfully witnessing and drawing people to Him. Paul’s promise to the jailer (if he believed in Jesus he would be saved) applies to us, as well. The Holy Spirit makes the promise of salvation available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
BIBLE LESSON
OUTLINE
I. Review Days 1 and 2.
Day 1: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. 1. The Holy Spirit is available to everyone who believes. 2. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to tell others about Jesus. How did He help the disciples on Pentecost? (He gave them the ability to speak in other languages). 3. The Holy Spirit gives gifts that strengthens us when we are weak, and helps us pray to our Father to live out God’s will for our lives. Day 2: Saul’s conversion, and Ananias shows courage by going to him. 1. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. Every believer has a part to play in the Great Commission right where they are. 2. God may ask us to do difficult things, but He walks with us in everything, through the Holy Spirit.
3. Surround yourself with believers who will help you keep your eyes on Jesus. LARGE GROUP
16 DAY 3 SECTION I Introduction: Skit.
CONTIN. Characters: Tom and Rita (friends) Props: broom, and a couple of boxes Two friends, Tom and Rita, are at workshop. Rita is sweeping, and Tom is packing boxes. Tom: ...So I bowled my highest game ever on Saturday! Rita: That’s great, Tom! Hey, are you going to Friendship group tomorrow night? Tom: You bet! I wouldn’t miss it. How about you? Rita: Definitely; I love Friendship group. Although… (pauses) Tom: What is it? Rita: (hesitates) Well, I really love going to Friendship group, but my housemate Susie doesn’t want to go. She likes to stay home and watch TV instead. I want to tell her how much fun it is being with friends and learning about God, but I’m afraid she will laugh at me. Tom: I used to be worried about inviting my housemate to Friendship group, too. Then I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me the boldness to share with him how much Friendship group meant to me, and how much I had learned about God. Then I invited him. Rita: Did he laugh at you? Tom: Nope! He was interested in finding out more. Now we go together every week! I’m glad I told him about Jesus; now he knows how much God loves him. Rita: You’re right, Tom. I shouldn’t be afraid to share God with Susie. I want to invite her to Friendship group right now! But, I’m still a little nervous. Would you pray with me before I go talk to her? Tom: Of course! Tom and Rita hold hands and bow their heads. Tom: Dear God, please fill Rita with Your Holy Spirit and give her the boldness to invite Susie to Friendship group. Please open Susie’s heart to want to learn more about You. Amen. Rita: Thanks Tom, you’re a good friend. (calls offstage) Hey LARGE GROUP Susie, can I talk to you? (walks offstage)
17 DAY 3 SECTION I A. Discuss the Skit. CONTIN. 1. Why was Rita afraid to invite Susie to the Friendship group? (she was afraid Susie would laugh at her) 2. What did Tom say to encourage Rita? (he told her about praying for the Holy Spirit to help him invite his housemate) 3. Is it hard sometimes to tell other people about God? Why? 4. It can be hard to talk about God with other people. Sometimes we don’t know what to say, or how to say it. But you don’t need to be a pastor or use a lot of fancy words to tell others about God. Today we are going to talk about Paul and his friend Silas and how they told others about God, even while in prison! This is the last “Act” we will learn about this week; Acts of Witnessing. B. What is Witnessing? 1. Witnessing means to share the love of God with other people. As Christians, we all have a story to share! Telling others what God has personally done in your life can help others think about the impact God can have on their lives, if they do not know God’s love. 2. It’s ok to be nervous when witnessing to other people. Just remember that you are not alone! The Holy Spirit is present with you, and He will give you the boldness to share the Good News. 3. You might feel that witnessing only happens with big crowds of people, and you need to be a preacher to do it. We learned on Day 1 that Peter spoke to a huge crowd about Jesus Christ. That was a good example of witnessing. But, just talking to one person about God, or showing love to someone else is witnessing! 4. God wants us to share His love with everyone, whether it be to a crowd or just one person who needs to hear about Him. 5. What are some ways you can witness to others? - Sharing with people at work the blessings God has given you. - Inviting your housemate to church/Friendship Group. - Writing an encouraging note or Bible verse and giving it to your housemate/staff/co-worker. - Praying with someone who is struggling or doesn’t know God. LARGE GROUP
- Helping out a friend. 18 DAY 3 II. Paul and Silas in Prison. (Acts 16: 16-34)
A. Paul witnessed to many people during his ministry, including large crowds. But he also witnessed to individuals, like in the following Bible story.
B. Near the beginning of Acts 16, we read about Paul and his friend Silas in the city of Philippi, which was a Roman community. 1. Paul and Silas had been sharing the Good News in Philippi and were staying with a Christian woman called Lydia and her family.
C. Acts 16:16-24; Paul and Silas thrown in prison. 1. One day, Paul and Silas were going to the place of prayer. (Slide 3 in PowerPoint) 2. They were met by a female slave who was possessed by an evil spirit. Her owners made a lot of money from the evil spirit telling the future. 3. She followed Paul and Silas, shouting; “These men serve the Most High God. They are telling you how to be saved.” (Acts 16:17). She did this for many days. (Slide 4 in PowerPoint) 4. Finally Paul had enough. He turned to the girl and said to the evil spirit inside her, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” (Acts 16:18a). Immediately the evil spirit left the girl. (Slide 5 in PowerPoint) Now the girl wouldn’t be making money. How do you think her owners felt? 5. The girl’s owners were very upset, because the evil spirit was how they made money. They grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them to the Roman authorities. “These men are Jews,” they exclaimed. “They are making trouble in our city. They are practicing things which go against Roman law.” (Slide 6 in PowerPoint) 6. The judges ordered for Paul and Silas to be stripped and beaten with rods. The crowd also attacked them. They were thrown in prison and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. The jailer put Paul and Silas deep inside the prison and fastened their feet so they couldn’t get away. (Slide 7 in PowerPoint)
D. Paul and Silas were punished for sharing about God. How do you think they felt? How would you have felt? 1. Paul and Silas had just been beaten and thrown in prison. Do you think they felt like witnessing? Let’s find out! LARGE GROUP
19 DAY 3 SECTION II E. Acts 16:25-30; Paul and Silas released from prison. CONTIN. 1. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. (Slide 8 in PowerPoint) 2. How many of us would feel like praying and singing hymns if we were thrown in prison? 3. Even though Paul and Silas were in a tough situation, they still praised God! 4. The Bible says the other prisoners were listening to them. Do you think their praying and singing hymns was witnessing to the other prisoners? (YES!) 5. Suddenly there was a powerful earthquake. It shook the prison from top to bottom. All the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. (Slide 9 in PowerPoint) 6. The jailer woke up and saw that the prison doors were open. He grabbed his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 7. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all still here!” (Slide 10 in PowerPoint) - Why didn’t Paul and Silas escape? The Bible does not say; perhaps they knew this was an opportunity from the Holy Spirit to witness to the jailer. 8. The jailer rushed in, shaking with fear. He fell on the ground in front of Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out of the jail cell. He asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) - How amazing it was for the jailer to recognize the power of God! Paul and Silas’ answer to his question was an act of witnessing.
F. Acts 16:31-34; Paul and Silas witness to the jailer and his family. 1. Paul and Silas replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus. Then you and everyone living in your house will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) (Slide 11 in PowerPoint) 2. What a simple, yet powerful, message! This is true for us, as well. You don’t need to have fancy words to share Jesus Christ with others; you just need to speak from your heart. 3. How do you think the jailer responded to Paul and Silas? LARGE GROUP (He wanted to be baptized.)
20 DAY 3 4. The jailer took Paul and Silas and washed their wounds. Then SECTION II he and everyone living in his house were baptized. He brought CONTIN. them to his house and prepared a meal for them. Everyone was filled with joy, for they had become believers in God. (Slides 12 and 13 in PowerPoint) 5. Paul and Silas weren’t afraid to tell others about God, even though they had been beaten and thrown in prison. 6. What could you do when you are afraid to share God with others? 7. Witnessing to others is contagious! Through Paul and Silas witnessing first to the jailer, his entire family came to know about Jesus and were baptized. 8. This is an important reason why Christians should witness to others; God wants everyone to know about Him! Our love for God is like a ripple, and when we share about Him it will result in more people hearing about Jesus. 9. Who are some people in your life that your love for God can touch? 10. It can be scary to witness to others, because we are afraid people will reject us. Paul faced lots of rejection during his ministry, but it didn’t stop him from sharing about Jesus Christ. Remember that the Holy Spirit is with you and pray that He will give you the gifts and ability to share your love for God. 11. Have you ever been afraid to witness to someone? Why or why not?
III. Conclusion.
A. Remember the skit at the beginning? 1. Rita was nervous about inviting her housemate Susie to Friendship group. Then she and her friend Tom prayed together, and the Holy Spirit gave her the boldness to talk to Susie. Whenever you are nervous about witnessing to someone, say a prayer for the Holy Spirit to help you!
B. God wants us to witness to others. 1. Witnessing means to share the love of God with other people. As Christians, we all have a story to share! Telling others what God has personally done in your life can help others think about the impact God can have on their lives, if they do not know God’s love. LARGE GROUP
21 DAY 3 2. God wants us to share His Good News with everyone. Sharing SECTION III about God makes a ripple effect, and results in more people CONTIN. hearing about Jesus. C. The Holy Spirit gives us the boldness to witness. 1. It’s ok to be nervous when witnessing to other people. Remember that the Holy Spirit is present with you, and He will give you the boldness to share the Good News.
D. Witnessing to one person is just as important as sharing with a crowd. 1. You might feel that witnessing only happens with big crowds of people, and you need to be a preacher to do it. That’s simply not true! 2. God wants us to share His love with everyone, whether it be to a crowd or just one person who needs to hear about Him. E. Can you think of someone you can witness to, and share all you have learned about the Holy Spirit from the Gathering this week? 1. What are some ways you can witness to others? Examples: - Sharing with people at work the blessings God has given you. - Inviting your housemate to church/Friendship Group. - Writing an encouraging note or Bible verse and giving it to your housemate/staff/co-worker. - Praying with someone who is struggling or doesn’t know God. - Helping out a friend who is struggling.
2. Recite the memory verse: The jailer brought them into his house. He set a meal in front of them. He and everyone who lived with him were filled with joy. They had become believers in God. Acts 16:34 (NIRV)
God, give us boldness in our acts of witnessing and CLOSING GROUP remind us that the Holy Spirit is with us. Help us to PRAYER remember that we can witness to anyone, whether it be a large crowd or just one person. Amen. LARGE GROUP
22 DAY 3
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Readers-Version-NIRV-Bible/
New International Readers Version (NIRV) Bible
Equip Christian congregations to minister with adults with intellectual disabilities
Connection Ministries P. O. Box 29495 Indianapolis, IN 46229 317-646-5067
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