Welcome to the fifth week of Weekly Word!
Below, you’ll find your readings for this week, along with discussion questions and a short devotional for you to enjoy at the end of the week.
Readings:
- Acts 9-10
- Luke 6:24
Devotional:
Readings: Acts 9-10 | Luke 6:24
The conversion of Saul in Acts 9 is the ultimate turnaround. A man who thought he had all the religious wealth and power realized he was spiritually bankrupt until he met Jesus. In Acts 10, Peter’s world is turned upside down again as he realizes that the gospel is for everyone—even the Gentiles he once avoided.
Jesus warns in Luke 6, “Woe to you who are rich… for you have received your consolation.” He isn’t just talking about bank accounts; He’s talking about self-sufficiency. Saul had to become blind to see, and Peter had to become hungry to hear God’s new direction!
This week, consider what “wealth” of your own—your pride, your certainty, or your comforts—might be standing in the way of a radical move of God. Turning toward Jesus means turning away from the things we think we need. Be encouraged: when we let go of our own “consolation,” we gain the unimaginable riches of a life lived in the center of God’s grace.
Discussion Questions:
- Saul’s conversion was a radical shift in status and power. How does his story illustrate Jesus’ warning to those who are “rich” or “well-fed” in worldly terms?
- Peter had to overcome his bias to visit Cornelius. What “boundary” is the Spirit asking you to cross to show God’s love?
Dig Deeper
What united the first-century believers—and what unites us today? In this message from the 2020 Live series, Pastor Stephen examines generosity, mission, and our own preferences in light of Acts 2 and 4.