Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- This is only a brief passage of scripture. What does it say to you about Paul, the man who wrote it?
- What can we learn from Paul’s example about how to live the Christian life today, or are his standards too remote for us to follow?
- In what ways do we suffer persecution today, in our own church life and throughout the world?
Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up. The following notes are for your interest and consideration.
Personal comment:
Although this is only a small passage, I believe it is necessary to face the important issues about Paul’s testimony. Some scholars feel that Paul’s comments about his own life are unhelpful because they suggest to Christians that they might speak in a similar way about their lives; and that would be boastful. However, just as we need the examples of David and Solomon, or Moses and Aaron in the Old Testament (although they are not perfect), so we need the personal example of Paul’s life and ministry in the New. Without it, there are few people (with the possible exception of Peter) who have a high profile in the New Testament and whose humanity has been visibly touched by Jesus.
Ideas for discipleship programme
- Reflect on whether your spiritual life is spiralling upwards or downwards, and what you feel, if anything, you should do about this. Read through this passage carefully to see if the Lord is saying something to you through it.
- Pray for those who find it hard to accept the prophecy of Christ that His disciples face persecution. Pray that God’s people will face this issue and come to understand how persecution works in the open and also in hidden ways, so that it may be overcome.
Glorious redeemer! You have taken my life from darkness to light, from death to new life and from despair to hope. Lead me on a path which reflects the new life, light and hope You have created in my soul; and fulfil the promise of these great gifts, I pray. Thank You, Glorious Redeemer! AMEN
