Daily Reading Week 17
Sunday
Luke 10
DISCOVER
As a Gospel Patron there are times we have to surrender. What does this look like in your life personally? What are ways you can surrender?
Look at Luke 10:29. The lawyer wanted to justify himself. He wanted to show that he was worthy of eternal life by his own value or efforts. What are some ways that you try to justify yourself? Even if you are a Christian, how do you try to show how you’re worthy or more righteous than others?
In what ways does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge your understanding of “neighbor?”
How does the story of Mary and Martha address the question of balancing service and devotion in our lives? Are you more prone to sitting or serving?
RESPOND
Luke 10 portrays Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples to various towns and places where He intended to go. He instructs them to proclaim the message of peace and the arrival of the kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes the urgency of their mission, advising them to travel light, relying on the hospitality of those they visit and not to be deterred by rejection.
Amidst these events, a lawyer approaches Jesus, seeking to test Him. He asks about inheriting eternal life, prompting Jesus to reply with the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. This story highlights compassion, regardless of social or religious differences, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy and kindness to all in need.
Following this encounter, Jesus visits the house of Martha and Mary. Martha busies herself with household tasks, while Mary sits at Jesus's feet, listening to His teachings. When Martha complains to Jesus about Mary's lack of help, Jesus gently reminds Martha that Mary has chosen what is more important—learning from Him.
The chapter illustrates the disciples' successful mission, the challenge of showing compassion to everyone, and the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and learning from Jesus over worldly distractions. It encourages followers of Christ to actively engage in His mission, practice compassion towards others, and prioritize a deep relationship with Him.
Monday
Acts 13
DISCOVER
Who separated Saul and Barnabas to go out and share the good news with others?
When Saul gets to Cyprus he and his companions encounter some opposition? What does that opposition look like? How can you have the courage to stand up against those who oppose what is right?
In v13 we are told John Mark abandons the call to be on mission with Saul and Barnabas. We are not told why he abandons the call, but what are things that tempt you to abandon the call?
What/Who gave Saul the power to stand strong as he faced the opposition? Does this provide confidence and encouragement to you? How?
RESPOND
In Acts 13, the focus shifts to the church in Antioch, a bustling and diverse community where leaders gather for worship and fasting. During one such gathering, the Holy Spirit instructs the congregation to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a special task. These two men, deeply rooted in their faith, embark on a missionary journey, setting sail from Antioch to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Despite facing resistance on multiple occasions, Paul and Barnabas continue their mission, and the chapter ends with the people of Antioch eagerly asking them to return the following Sabbath to speak more about these teachings. Acts 13 showcases the beginnings of Paul’s missionary journeys, marked by challenges, miracles, and the fervor of spreading the Gospel to diverse communities.
Author Frederick Buechner once said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your greatest joy and passion meet the world’s greatest need.” Take a few minutes to reflect on what is your greatest joy and passion and how it might meet the need of the world. Then take time to share your reflections with your group.
Tuesday
Acts 14
DISCOVER
According to Acts 14:1-7, what two major effects did the preaching of the gospel have?
What is the result of Paul and Barnabas remaining a long time, speaking the gospel boldly? What is significant about verse 5 where the Jews and the Gentiles came together?
How does the journey of Paul and Barnabas from persecution in one city to bold proclamation in the next city show their reliance on God's guidance? How does this provide you with hope?
What are some practical ways we can follow the example of Paul and Barnabas in strengthening the faith of fellow believers?
RESPOND
After Paul and Barnabas were driven out of Pisidian Antioch, they came back to Iconium where they proclaimed the Word of the Lord, leading to a great many Jews and Greeks believing the gospel. However, once again, the unbelieving Jews stirred up trouble, yet Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly for the Lord for a long time, with the Lord bearing witness to the word of his grace in signs and wonders in the city.
Discovering that the leaders of the city planned to stone them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe where they continued to preach the gospel. The Lord testified to the power of the gospel by making a lame man walk, which led the people of Lystra to worship Paul and Barnabas, thinking they were Zeus and Hermes in the flesh.
Paul responded to this by declaring the gospel to the people, beginning with the truth of God as Creator and Provider. However, before he could finish, the mob of people moved from worship to anger/murder through the inciting of unbelieving Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium. Paul survived the stoning, and he and Barnabas continued in the gospel ministry, revisiting all the cities of the first missionary journey to strengthen, encourage, and prepare the churches. Upon returning to Antioch of Syria, Paul and Barnabas reported all that God had done on their journey.
Much like times past, we see Paul and Barnabas facing multiple kinds of rejection. However, Paul and Barnabas had a long memory when it came to the gospel and a short memory when it came to people’s rejection. By the power of the Holy Spirit they remained steadfast at the work to which they were called.
Wednesday
Acts 15
DISCOVER
What are some common, modern day misconceptions about salvation? What are some things that people would use to fill in the blank? “Unless you are ____________ you cannot be saved?”
How does Acts 15 challenge the many things that people often use to fill in the blank?
Was there anything in particular that really stuck out to you in this chapter? Was there something that really challenged your way of thinking about salvation?
Are there any ways that you have turned Christianity and your relationship with Christ into a religion that’s defined by some set of expectations?
RESPOND
Even though the church in Jerusalem had come to the conclusion that Gentiles could be saved, some still believed that, “the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” The decision that was soon to be made here in Acts 15 would have huge implications for the understanding of the life of a Christian in relation to the law of Moses.
The dilemma begins with some men who have traveled down from Judea to Antioch. They were teaching that in order for the new believers to be saved, they must follow the law of Moses, specifically with circumcision. The church realized that this was a serious issue that needed to be discussed and debated with Paul and Barnabas regarding this issue. This problem was so serious that a formal decision needed to be made. Paul and Barnabas were appointed as leaders to head for Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders. On the way, they stopped at Phoenicia and Samaria to share about the conversion of the Gentiles. This news made everyone glad, including those in Jerusalem as well!
Jesus wants you to be free, to serve Him, and to live for Him. As followers of Jesus, we need to surrender our lives to Jesus and join God as His children and be a part of His redemptive work. When we understand this freedom, we don’t have to clean up before we follow Jesus, act like a Jew, or even follow a set of cultural restrictions. We can come to Christ just as we are. We are free to be His.
Thursday
Acts 16
DISCOVER
What does Lydia’s conversion and subsequent hospitality tell us about the effect of the Gospel on a person?
According to verse 19, why did the masters of the slave-girl get angry with Paul and Silas; what was their motivation? What did they do to Paul and Silas? (19-21)
Verse 25 states Paul and Silas were praising God in prison after all these things had been done to them. How do you think Paul and Silas were able to praise God in these circumstances?
From verses 31-36, who or what changed the jailer’s life? What did the jailer do after he believed in the Lord Jesus, to show evidence of his new faith?
RESPOND
In Acts 16, the narrative follows Paul's second missionary journey. He begins by recruiting Timothy, a young believer highly spoken of by the local Christians. Timothy, whose mother is Jewish and father Greek, joins Paul and Silas as they travel through the towns, delivering the decrees established by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, which strengthen the churches in faith and number.
In the midst of their journey, they are thrown into prison. Instead of despairing, Paul and Silas chose to sing hymns and pray. Suddenly, an earthquake shakes the foundations of the prison, opening all the doors and loosening everyone's chains. The jailer, fearing the prisoners have escaped, is about to take his life when Paul assures him they are all still there. Astonished by this, the jailer seeks salvation from Paul and Silas, who preach the Gospel to him and his household. They are baptized immediately, and the jailer tends to their wounds, showing kindness and gratitude.
Acts 16 demonstrates Paul’s missionary efforts, encourages us with diverse individuals, and the unexpected ways in which God’s providence unfolds, turning adversity into opportunities for spreading the Gospel and touching lives.
Friday
Acts 17
DISCOVER
While modern day idolatry may not look like making sacrifices in front of different statues or on different altars, that doesn’t mean that idolatry doesn’t exist. How do you notice in modern America? Have you noticed this in your own life?
Paul began his message at the Areopagus by talking about the many attributes of God. Look over this passage again (beginning in verse 22). Is there a certain attribute of God that really speaks to you?
What does Paul open his message with to get their attention and open the door for their heart (verse 22)?
How does knowing who God is help us better understand ourselves?
RESPOND
Acts 17 continues Paul’s second missionary journey. This chapter encapsulates the Gospel’s ability to interact with diverse cultures, contexts, and intellectual traditions. Paul’s approach, whether appealing to Scripture with Jews, engaging with the intellectual tradition in Athens, or encountering openness in Berea, shows a nuanced understanding of each culture. This chapter reminds us to engage thoughtfully with the world around us, using every opportunity to point people to the God they may unknowingly seek.
This chapter takes us on Paul’s missionary journey through Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. As Paul brings the Gospel to different cultures and backgrounds, we see a range of responses - from violent opposition in Thessalonica to enthusiastic reception in Berea, and intellectual curiosity in Athens. In the midst of varied reactions, Paul exhibits a remarkable ability to connect with each culture, showing us that the Gospel message can resonate in every context.
Saturday
Acts 18
DISCOVER
In the midst of fear and possible discouragement what great promise did the Lord give Paul in verses 9-10? How will this truth impact you this week?
Priscilla and Aquila are apparently pretty important in the early church. They are mentioned seven times in the New Testament. How did Paul meet them? What happened after he met them?
Paul ends up leaving Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus. Why?
How does Apollos’ willingness to learn and improve illustrate the importance of humility in our Christian walk?
RESPOND
Acts 18 underlines the power of connections, teaching, and divine guidance in the expansion of the Gospel. The mutual support between Paul and the Corinthians, the nurturing of Apollos by Aquila and Priscilla, and God's encouraging vision to Paul, all intertwine to unfold God's work. The chapter inspires us to value our Christian community, continually deepen our understanding of the Gospel, and rely on God's assurance amidst adversity.
This chapter allows us to follow Paul's journey to Corinth and Ephesus, places where he forms profound connections and strengthens the early Christian community. The chapter unfolds the power of fellowship, the joy of divine encouragement, and the significance of theological understanding for effective Gospel proclamation.