Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, July, 4.
Photograph by William Earnhardt
Key Text: “One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people’ ” (Acts 18:9-10, NRSV).
Read in Class: Romans 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:1.
Study: What two elements of Paul’s ministry are emphasized in these passages? (See also Gal. 1:1.)
Apply: Paul was called to be an apostle. What is your calling, and how do you know that it is your calling? If you don’t think you have one, why not go right now to God and ask Him to show you the work He chose you to do?
Share: Anyone can call themselves an apostle or a prophet. Share how you know if someone has really received the calling they claim to have received.
Read in Class: Acts 17:16-34.
Study: Where was Paul before going to Corinth, and what did he do there?
Apply: Read Acts 18:1-11. What can we learn from Paul’s missionary activity in Athens and Corinth? What makes sharing the gospel so challenging in our cities and communities today? How can we share the gospel with success in these difficult places? What strategies can we learn from Paul’s missionary activity about how to best do that?
Share: How has changing your environment changed the methods you use to share Jesus with those around you?
Read in Class: Acts 18:1-8, 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, and 1 Corinthians 8:4.
Study: What can we infer about Corinth’s economy, morality, and religious life? What were the results of Paul’s preaching?
Apply: In his missionary activity in Corinth, Paul faced the challenge of an idolatrous and licentious society. What challenges in today’s culture can make it hard to preach the gospel? How can we overcome them? How much difference, if any, is there between Corinth and our cities today?
Share: Read Acts 18:9-10. How did God encourage Paul with the challenges he faced? Share how God encourages you with the challenges you face when sharing Jesus with others.
Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 7:1, and 2 Corinthians 11:3.
Study: How do these passages help us understand why Paul wrote letters to the Corinthians?
Apply: Read 2 Corinthians 2:4. What does this verse tell you about how much Paul cared for these people? How much love is in your heart for others?
Share: How do you know when to be silent and when to confront or correct people’s behavior?
Mission: Can you reach out to someone this week and affirm their calling and ministry?
