DISCUSSION For more resources like this, please visit mtbethel.org/media GUIDE Heroes of the Faith Adult Sunday School Lesson October 26, 2014 Rhoda Joy comes when we step out in faith and God answers. Instructions This Sunday school discussion guide provides background for your class. Through the deeper understanding of the Biblical message, our relationship with God may grow deeper, we may be transformed, and we may take action to make a difference in the lives of others in our community and our world. This study series is built on the relational method. Through study of God’s word, we grow in our relationship with God. By sharing our life ex- periences, we grow in our relationship with each other. This method of teaching adults came about through the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. Through putting our faith into action, we are able to learn from each other and spur each other on in our Christian walk! Scripture Take time to read through the scripture and meditate on the words. Pray for God to open your heart and mind to what He has to say to you through His words. key verse Acts 12:15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” Additional significant verses Acts 12:12-16 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. biblical background • This scene happened in Mary’s house; not the mother of Jesus, but rather John Mark’s mother. • Rhoda is the only female servant that is named in Luke’s writings. • Rhoda was a servant who spoke out when others considered her crazy. • Others thought that rather than Peter himself was outside the gate, that it must have been a guardian angel. • Rhoda not only knew what to do, but despite opposition, had the courage to follow through on her actions. • Her example reminds us to not be intimated by others but rather to go forth in confidence. • For additional study, read Acts 12. Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church / 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 / 770.971.2880 / mtbethel.org DISCUSSION For more resources like this, please visit mtbethel.org/media GUIDE SCRIPTURE STUDY KEY POINTS AND DISCUSSION We have an assurance from God when we are obedient to God. • We read in verse 15 that “she stuck by her story with determination.” When have you had an encounter where you were determined? What did others say about you? How did you act in the midst of the social pressure? What happened as a result of following through on your determination? Although some said Rhoda was crazy, she was insistent. • In verse 14, we see that “she recognized Peter’s voice.” In order to remember someone’s voice, she had to know him. How does this apply to our relationship with God? How do we recognize His voice? • She was so excited that rather than opening the door, she ran back to the people in the house and made the announcement that Peter was outside the door! Why do you think that she did that rather than just open the door? • In verse 16, we read that they went to the door and found Peter. What do you think Rhoda was feeling? • I told you so! • I am not crazy! • I was doing that God asked me to do! • In the meantime, Peter is outside the gate, continuing to knock. What do you think was going through his mind? • We have all seen the picture of Jesus knocking at the door. When you think of that picture along with Rhoda’s story, what insights come to your mind? How are the two similar? How are they different? The result of consistent persistence is joy. • Rhoda was overcome with joy. Recall a time when you knew in your heart of hearts that God was calling you to do something, and you were filled with joy. What was the situation? What actions were involved in the situation? What was the fruit of those actions? • Peter continues the story by quieting them down and then proceeds to tell them how the Lord let him out of prison. It was then that the room of people were able to experience the joy of hearing Peter’s miraculous story! Without Rhoda’s persistence, they would have missed the blessing. • Describe a time when you had consistent persistence. Who benefited from your insistence in the situation? What happened as a result of your persistence? What blessing did you and/or other experience because of your persistence? Additional Study. • For those who read the supplemental scriptures from Acts 12, what were the key insights you gleaned from your reading? • Where are these insights applicable? • How are these insights applied to your daily walk with Christ? • Who will you share these insights with this week? CLOSING PRAYER As a group, close in prayer. Ask for God to take the lessons learned from this study to more fully commit your life to be filled with His presence and His service to others. Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church / 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 / 770.971.2880 / mtbethel.org.