Review / Introduction:
Matthew 10:16-18 - "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles..."
How to be a Fearless Snake / Dove:
- Be wise! Think Defensively. (Acts 22:22-29)
- Be innocent! Live Blamelessly. (Acts 22:30-23:5)
- Be wise! Strike Deliberately. (Acts 23:6-10)
- Be innocent! Trust Fearlessly. (Acts 23:11)
Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 22:22-23:11
What does it mean to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16-18)? Restate this in your own words. What is the danger of being just one or the other?
What are ways Christians can “use the world to our advantage” as Paul did in Acts 22:25?
Re-read Acts 23:5. What does this say about how we should regard OUR leaders, even if we don't particularly like them?
How did the Lord's promise of Paul testifying in Rome give Paul courage? What promises of God give YOU courage?
What is your one big "take-away" from Paul's ordeal in this passage?
Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves".