Micro-Group Reflection Week Four:
The life of Paul as an example
of participating in Micro-Groups
Have you had any biblical instruction or training about religious fasting? When and where have you been encouraged to fast in your Christian life (with prayer, in Lent, etc.)?
Today’s description about the Apostle Paul’s MG life has a connection to an episode of fasting that occurs in the church. Let’s revisit that story in Acts 13.
Acts 13:1-5
1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
On Cyprus
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
~ Luke
- Who put together this traveling micro-group? Who were the participants? From what kind of group did they come out of?
- How do you imagine that the Holy Spirit communicated His desire to this group? How might God communicate with you?
- How would you react to being set apart by God to join a group of people called to carry out a ministry task?
Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would remind them of everything He had taught. He also said that His sheep would recognize His voice. We will close this IMMERSION devotion with a prayer about recognizing the teachings of Jesus -- and His voice – through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer for the Week
Holy Spirit, it is my desire to "hear" – to recognize the voice of Jesus my shepherd – the Good Shepherd. Lead me to the truth about Him and my place as His sheep. So I pray. Amen.
This is the start of the fourth week of the Micro-Group lessons.
The start of the first week is available here.
The start of the second week is available here.
The third week starts here.
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