Proclaiming the Gospel in Chains
Study Guide
It is challenging to share the gospel because it is inherently offensive. Where does your drive to tell others about Jesus come from? If you lack that drive, why do you think that is the case?
Consider how your life is different from the culture—how you raise your children and teens, money, work, vacation, etc. Are these differences evident to those around you? If not, why?
When things don’t go well, what is your first course of action? What does that reveal about your trust and hope in God? What steps can you take to grow your trust in God?
How can you focus more on God’s mission? To whom do you need to tell your story, and how do you need to serve others?
As Paul continues to be tried by Roman officials, he uses the opportunity to share his story. Being a witness for Jesus is the most important thing for him.
Even though Paul is in prison for two years, his faith remains strong. When things don’t go well for us, it reveals where our hope is placed.
While the gospel is a message of hope, it carries inherent judgment. It’s both gracious and vital that we tell the full message of the gospel, including the reality of sin and judgment.
Just as Paul shares the gospel without fear and opens himself up to those around him, so must our lives be characterized by boldness and vulnerability.
Our lives should be oriented around God’s mission—part of that is living rightly and with credibility.
Scripture: Acts 24-27