WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Do you flourish best in peace and comfort or when new things are happening? Ask God to tell you what you need to hear today rather than what you might like to hear.

Dangerous enthusiasm
Saul’s conversion is so thorough he seriously upsets his hearers. The Damascan Jews liked it when he was persecuting the new sect who called on the name of Jesus, but now that he has changed his tune they want to kill him.

His followers have to rescue him (v 25). Similarly, the disciples in Jerusalem were wary of this new enthusiast but they also end up rescuing Saul from death threats (v 29).

Strengthened and encouraged
Bold witnessing to our faith sometimes causes upset, but God uses these difficult experiences to strengthen our faith and to help us grow in Christ-likeness. The peaceful times will in all likelihood come back (v 31), and we will be the stronger for them.

Did you spot Barnabas and his role in bringing Saul into the fellowship (v 27)? Maybe there are people on the edge of your Christian group whose stories you could learn about and whom you could encourage to share their gifts for the group’s benefit?

Respond: Think of any Christians you know who are going through tough times and who need encouragement (v 27) or a complete break (v 30). What could you or your group do to help them?

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-05