The Death of Summer Lesson Three

The Death of Summer

LESSON THREE by Marcos Osuna

BIBLE READING
After watching the biblical teaching by Heath Ferguson, read the following portions of Scripture.

Acts 22:12-16
Acts 9:22-31
1 Timothy 4:12-16

The Acts 22 passage is Paul recalling his conversion to a group of people in Jerusalem after being arrested for preaching the gospel in the Temple. He uses the Hebrew language to gain respect and give himself the best opportunity to clearly communicate the implications of the gospel based upon the resurrection of Christ (he was arguing that He is the Messiah). In this description of his conversion, he mentions Ananias and his role in helping Paul as a new follower of Christ.

The Acts 9 passage is right after the conversion of Saul (later he became Paul - the great church planter, writer of New Testament epistles). He had been a violent persecutor of the church and converted to Christ after seeing the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. When he began to prove to the Jews in Damascus that Jesus was the Christ (the Messiah), they plotted to kill him. He escapes with help from his disciples and went to Jerusalem. They did not believe that he was an actual disciple, but Barnabas took him and helped everyone understand how he had boldly preached in the name of Christ.

Timothy was Paul's "son in the faith." This means that Paul probably led him to Christ and also trained him for the ministry. In this passage, Paul is instructing Timothy on how to be a leader and example. He would soon be part of the pastoral leadership in Ephesus, and Paul is using his relationship with him to help strengthen him for the journey.

PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.

Marcos focused on three kinds of relationships in the lesson, and all of them have been seen in the passages you were to read in connection to this lesson. As Marcos made it clear, you have to have the right relationship to thrive in the culture we live in today. As you read the passages, think about the following relationships:
  1. Ananias - this is the person who helps you grow as a new believer. This person gives you biblical instruction, encouragement and friendship. They help you take small steps that lead to a stronger relationship with Christ.
  2. Barnabas - this is the encourager and defender of your faith. This person will believe in you when other do not, defend you (even when your past is not good and you are still making mistakes as you try and grow in Christ), and help you in your spiritual formation.
  3. Timothy - this is the product of your faith and your obedience to the Great Commission. As you grow and live for Christ, you will make disciples and help them grow in their faith. You will give them the encouragement and instruction necessary for them to fulfill the will of God for their lives.

REFLECT
Prayer Guide
  • the desire to have the right relationships that strengthen your faith
  • ​to wisdom to recognize what these relationships look like
  • the ability to be an Ananias and/or Barnabas to other believers
  • the opportunity to have a Timothy in your life
Personal Evaluation/Actions
  • Think about your conversion to Christ. Who did God use to help you grow in your faith as a new believer? Who was your "Ananias." To whom could you be an "Ananias" to right now?
  • Who is a "Barnabas" to you? Thank the Lord for that person and determine who there is in your life who need encouragement and defending.
  • Do you know anyone who needs the Lord? Do you know anyone who needs to grow and mature in their faith? Maybe there is a "Timothy" in your life right now that could be used greatly of the Lord.
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