Lead by Faith

*Key themes: Authenticity, Conviction, and Self-Denial

Paul, formerly Saul, radically transformed from persecutor of Christians to apostle. His Damascus road conversion fueled his tireless missionary journeys, spreading Christianity across the Roman Empire. His letters, central to the New Testament, emphasize justification by faith, the unity of believers, and God’s grace. Paul’s life exemplified authenticity, unwavering conviction, and self-denial, enduring hardship to spread the gospel. His teachings profoundly shaped Christian theology and continue to inspire faith.

Week 7 Lesson Plan: Paul – The Apostle to the Gentiles – A Leader of Authenticity, Conviction, and Self-Denial

• Understand Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle.
• Characteristics of Paul’s leadership: authenticity, conviction, and self-denial.
• Reflect on how Paul’s example can apply to our lives.

Paul’s Dramatic Transformation

• Who was Paul (Saul)
  • Setting the scene: the Early Church and Saul
  • Discuss Paul (formerly Saul) as a significant figure in this period.
• Saul’s Persecution
  • Read Acts 8:1-3 and Acts 9:1-2.
  • Discuss Saul’s initial role as a persecutor of Christians.
  • What does this tell us about Saul’s character before his conversion?
• The Road to Damascus
  • Read Acts 9:3-19.
  • Discuss the dramatic encounter with Jesus and its impact on Saul.
• Reflection
  • What does this story teach us about the power of transformation?
  • Reflect on times you have witnessed or experienced significant life changes in others.

Paul’s Authenticity

• Introduction 
  • Discuss Paul’s authenticity as a Pharisee – Paul refers to himself as Pharisee, a son of Pharisees Acts 23:6.   
  • Review Paul’s conversion and his new role as an apostle.
• Paul’s Letters
  • Discuss selected passages from Paul’s letters (e.g., Galatians 1:11-12  II Corinthians 11:23-29).
  • What do Paul’s letters reveal about his personal experiences and struggles?
  • What does Paul’s willingness to share his weaknesses reveal about his character?

Paul’s Conviction

• Introduction
  • Examine Paul’s role as an apostle to the Gentiles.
  • What is conviction?
• Paul’s Missionary Journeys
  • Briefly trace Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 13:1-28).
  • Talk about some challenges he faced: persecution, imprisonment, shipwrecks.
  • Read Acts 16:22-25 (Paul and Silas in prison).
  • What motivated Paul to continue despite these hardships?

Paul’s Self-Denial

• Introduction
  • Review Paul’s commitment to spreading the Gospel.
  • What is self-denial?
• Paul’s Teachings on Self-Denial
  • Read Philippians 3:7-8, 2 Corinthians 12:10, and Galatians 2:20.
  • Talk about  Paul’s willingness to give up his desires for the sake of Christ.
  • What does Paul mean when he says, “I have been crucified with Christ”?
• Discussion
  • What does it mean to practice self-denial?
  • How did Paul exemplify self-denial?
  • How can we practice self-denial in our own lives?

Applying Paul’s Example

Consider writing a personal reflection on one aspect of Paul’s life that resonated with you, how can you apply Paul’s example in your own life?