The Story Chapter 30

As we reflect on the end of Paul’s journeys and his final trip to Rome as a prisoner, reflect on these questions taken from the Adult Study Guide.

1. From his farewell speech, describe Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (p. 363-364).  Look up 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.  What did he teach about the responsibility of elders from his personal life, his farewell address and his letters?
2. In 1 Corinthians 4:16 and 11:1, and 1 Thessalonians 1:6, how was Paul an imitator of Christ throughout his ordeals and what are the implications for believers today?
3. Paul was a Jewish Pharisee and a Roman citizen (p. 366) who exercised his rights as either at various times in his life.  Discuss as a group the appropriate exercise of our civil rights in the light of our “heavenly citizenship”.
4. What evidence of God’s grace and sovereignty can you find in Paul’s arrests, trials and travels?
5. Look up Acts 28:30-31, Eph. 6:20, Phil. 1:7, Col. 4:10, 4:18 and Philemon 1.  How did Paul spend his two years while under house arrest in Rome (p. 373). What lessons can you learn about dealing with disagreeable and difficult circumstances?
6. Ephesians 1:1-10 (p. 373-374) teaches that as Christians we are “in Christ.”  What benefits and blessings does this status bring us?
7. Paul urged the believers in Ephesus to “live a life worthy of the calling” that they had received (Ephesians 4:1, p. 375).  According to Paul’s letter, what does that mean?
8. What makes the marriage relationship a good metaphor for the church’s relationship to Christ?  What does Christ do for the church (p. 376, Ephesians 5:21-33)?
9. Look up Romans 5:3-5 and 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (p. 378).  What has Paul’s life taught you about perseverance? What might perseverance look like for us today?
10. Paul reminded Timothy of his need to persevere in the work of preparing a future generation of Christian servants using the three illustrations of a soldier, athlete and farmer (2 Timothy 2:1-7, p. 377).  How does each one help Timothy fulfill his call while facing hardships?  Which of these traits do all believers need to fulfill their service to the Lord, even today?

The Story Chapter 30 Introduction

Do you remember the early airline industry? Does Pan Am mean anything to you?

I used to travel around the world in a previous job. I loved my job. I loved meeting the people of other lands and learning about their culture and lives. I loved eating their food! I was blessed to have been in the international circuit for five years, in fact I had so many “points” on Pan Am that I had two free 30 day world passes on Pan Am. (Which my husband and I subsequently used.) Those were in the days when you sat for every mile earned.

I also have shame in my previous life. That shame is that I met people from every land and country, and never once shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with them.  In fact I remember one time in particular when the conversation moved towards my religious beliefs I quickly changed the subject. Like Paul, I was on fire, but for the wrong things. Like Paul I was using my talents and gifts, not for bad things, but not for the purpose which God intended them to be used for.

Praise God that we serve a God of grace who says, “I have covered your past with my blood, now let’s move into the future together.” Praise God that God has taken me with all my brokenness and pain and created something new. We are new in Christ Jesus. Transformation is possible. A resurrection of new possibilities exist in this life and beyond.

God took Paul and created something new. Paul went on his “pan-am” journeys, when journeying was not so easy, and was willing to risk everything in order to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The message was so compelling that he was willing to forgo everything:  being stoned, beaten and imprisoned for the opportunity to share the Good News. New churches were planted all over the “known world” of the Roman Empire because of the work of Paul, who ultimately gave his life for the sake of sharing the Gospel message.

God has taken me too, and created something new. I would love a “do over” for  some of the missed opportunities, but I also recognize that there are new opportunities ahead. I pray I don’t miss those new opportunities that are placed before me.

How about you? What opportunities are you facing to be like Paul and risk everything to share the Good News of Jesus?

This song reminds me of the change God works in us, and how we are to be used for God’s splendor.