NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Acts 1
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it sometimes hard to be obedient to Jesus?
- How does believing the Word of God is true affect how we live?
- When making a major decision, what are some helpful tips to help make the right decision?
Food for Thought:
No one likes to wait for God to move. We are an impatient, impetuous people. But waiting is often a necessary step for our growth and ability to receive God’s blessings. Waiting goes against our fallen human nature, which is why there is a spiritual gift of patience (Galatians 5:22). But waiting need not be idleness, nor does patience need to be marked by inaction.
We are instructed to wait for the Lord and keep His way (Psalm 37:34). Like a farmer who plants seeds and awaits a crop, we are to wait for the Lord’s second coming with patience, trusting that this promise will come true. Farmers are not known for idleness, and neither should believers be as they wait upon the Lord.
After Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, the 11 disciples followed Jesus’ instruction to wait in Jerusalem. There, they hoped to receive the Holy Spirit and begin the task assigned to them – the Great Commission. Waiting, they were not idle. The disciples prepared themselves to discern God’s will and effectively carry out the work prepared for them. They prayed continually, followed God’s Word and trusted the Lord (Acts 1:12-26).
Because of the disciples’ example, we too can know how we should use times of waiting to obey God’s will for our lives. Our waiting should be marked by prayer, Bible study, and acting in faith.
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
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