Bible ReadingActs 16:1-10 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
[29:23] [31:47]Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
[55:52]John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
[01:05:38]Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
[01:05:52]Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
[01:09:47]James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
[01:11:05]Observation questions- What details in Acts 16:1-5 show why Timothy was a wise person for Paul to bring along on the journey?
- What had Paul recently experienced with John Mark and Barnabas, and how did Paul’s choice to enlist Timothy show that he did not retreat into isolation? [37:53]
- According to Acts 16:6-8, what were Paul and his companions trying to do, and what did the Holy Spirit prevent them from doing?
- What three parts of discipleship are described: showing someone how to serve, guiding them as they serve, and releasing them to serve on their own? [43:15]
Interpretation questions- Timothy’s circumcision was not presented as a requirement for salvation, especially since Paul was delivering the Jerusalem council’s decisions. Why was it wise for Timothy to remove this potential distraction for the sake of ministry? [46:54]
- Acts 16 shows the Spirit stopping Paul from preaching in two places, even though preaching the gospel is always good. What does this reveal about the difference between a good opportunity and the right assignment for a particular person? [52:30]
- How do Isaiah 55:8-9 and Acts 16 help believers understand a closed door that seems illogical, inconvenient, or disappointing? [55:52]
- Why is a relationship with Christ the foundation needed for a person facing disappointment, brokenness, and uncertain detours? How do John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10 describe that relationship? [01:05:24]
Application questions- Is there someone God may be inviting you to bring alongside you in service, work, ministry, parenting, or another area of life? What could it look like this week to show them how to do something, guide them as they try, or give them room to lead? [43:15]
- Have past disappointments with people made you hesitant to trust, serve with, or invest in others? What would it look like to follow Paul’s example and remain open to enlisting the next Timothy God places in your path? [38:01]
- Is there a minor distraction, preference, habit, or concern that has kept you from deeper commitment to God’s work? What adjustment might help remove that obstacle so that Christ—not the distraction—receives the attention? [48:07]
- Think about an opportunity, relationship, job, plan, or direction that seems logical simply because it is close, familiar, or convenient. Have you been trying to pry open a door that may be closed? What would trusting God’s direction look like instead? [56:22]
- Can you identify a closed door from your past that you can now see may have guarded you from something you were not ready to carry? How have the scars, experience, or detours from that season prepared you for where you are now? [01:02:39]
- Where do you need the support of a local church family right now: using your gifts, growing in obedience, receiving encouragement, or asking for prayer? What is one specific step you could take toward that support? [01:08:28]
- If you are carrying a burden connected to a closed door or uncertain future, who is a trustworthy believer you could ask to pray with you this week? [01:10:38]
