April 19, Acts 2:42 Questions

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of
bread, and in prayers.” as explained in (Acts 2:46) “And continuing daily with one accord in
the temple (corporate Sunday/Wednesday gatherings at HCF), and breaking bread from
house to house (Acts 2:42 home fellowships), they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.” Resulting in (Acts 2:47) “. . . and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

To be used in one-on-one, group, or family settings. We encourage the enjoyment of a meal or refreshments together (breaking of bread), spiritual conversation (fellowship), time discussing how the Word applies to our lives, and time of praying together during these simple gatherings.

Simply do life as believers should, and invite others to join you.

Bible study dates: 4 – 19 - 26
Bible study Themes: 2Corinthians 12:1-10 - - “Boasting in weakness” 
APOSTLES DOCTRINE(WORD)

• THROUGH THE BIBLE READING

1. Do you have any thoughts or questions on your “Through the Bible” reading plan?

• APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS FROM BIBLE STUDIES:

1. Have you yourself ever seen yourself as too weak to be on God’s team or to be used by Him?  Explain your weakness and what you did about it?

2. In (Vs 1-6) we see Paul refrain from boasting in a way that would exalt his spiritual state above that of the other believers. It is hard to admit this but have you ever had the temptation to boast in your own spiritual experiences that drew attention to yourself?  Explain and praise God for His grace.

3. In (Vs 7) we saw the reason for Paul's thorn in the flesh was that he would not be exalted above measure.  Do you currently have a “thorn in the flesh” in your life that God is using to keep you close and dependent on Him.  Explain how this is working in your life currently, and how you are responding?

4. In (Vs 8) we see Paul's struggle in prayer over this “thorn in his flesh”.  Have you ever prayed and prayed for relief from a difficulty and thought “God isn’t answering my prayer”?  Is it possible that God gave you something better than relief;  a closer relationship with Him.  Explain how this worked out in your life?

5. In (Vs 9a) we see that God gave Paul a promise, not an explanation for his thorn in the flesh.  How does this promise minister to you in your personal thorns?  

6. In (Vs 9b-10) we see Paul embrace his weakness because of the promise in (Vs 9a).  He says “most gladly” and “I take pleasure”.  Knowing the great benefits of your weaknesses, reproaches, needs, persecutions, distresses, can you say you have embraced your thorn as a messenger of God’s love to you?  Explain.

7. Discuss the statement? “Your weakness is your greatest strength and your greatest strength may be your greatest weakness” in light of today's study?

• MEMORY VERSE: (2Corinthians 12:9a) – “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

FELLOWSHIP
o SENDING/ SERVICE – (Acts 1:8)
1. What ministries have you been participating in this week, and what ways do you as an individual or a group want to pray about participating in in the weeks to come?

PRAYER – (1 Peter 5:7, Gal 6:2)
1. In what ways has God answered your prayer requests from your last Acts 2:42 meeting?

2. Share your prayer requests with one another, and write them down. Pray for one another and bear each other’s burdens to the Lord.