EBlast for Sunday, September 23, 2018

Paul: His Final Years

This week, while you meet with your Faith Formation Group you may want to reflect on our Scripture passage by reading Acts 28:30,31; Galatians 2:20 and 2 Timothy 4:6-13 (printed below) and discuss the questions as a way to begin a conversation. 

Acts 28:30,31

For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.

Galatians 2:20

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

2 Timothy 4:6-13    

I’m already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance. 

Do your best to come to me quickly. Demas has fallen in love with the present world and has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you. He has been a big help to me in the ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring along the coat I left with Carpus in Troas. Also bring the scrolls and especially the parchments.

Questions for Consideration:

1. Luke ends the book of Acts rather abruptly. Why do you think he ended it without sharing what ultimately happens to Paul?
2. After reading through the book of Acts and listening to this sermon series, what do you think about Paul? Does he deserve his reputation as the first missionary of the Christian church? Was he effective in his ministry? Did he live his life with integrity?
3. What do you think Paul’s view was on death? Was death something that he feared? What do you think he wanted Timothy to know about death?
4. How are you prepared for death? Are you at a place in your life where you think you would step in to do something that might save others at the cost to your own life? How do we get to the place where we welcome transitioning from this world to being with Christ in eternity?

As you meet this week, we encourage you to also take time to open yourselves up as a group and dialog on the following Wesley Challenge question:  Do I go to bed on time and get up on time? (Pages 67-70 in The Wesley Challenge)