Overcoming Obstacles

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Cole Phillips discusses the importance of standing firm in faith and overcoming obstacles with courage and resilience. He explores the story of Paul in Acts 22-23, highlighting how Paul's Roman citizenship and his trust in God's plan helped him navigate intense pressure and opposition. Phillips emphasizes the need for confidence in God, trust in His control, and courage in the face of challenges. He also shares the example of Ken Wales, a film producer who stood firm in his faith and made the right choices despite facing threats to his career. The episode concludes with a reminder that standing for Jesus has a purpose and is never wasted when we trust in Him.

Keywords

faith, standing firm, obstacles, courage, resilience, Paul, Acts 22-23, Roman citizenship, trust in God, confidence, trust in His control, Ken Wales, film producer, right choices, purpose

Takeaways

Confidence in God, or 'Godfidence,' is a choice we make to trust in His strength and power, even in the face of our own weaknesses.

Trusting in God's control and plan gives us the courage to stand firm in our faith and overcome obstacles.

We can learn from Paul's example, who faced intense pressure and opposition but remained committed to being a witness for Jesus.

Like Ken Wales, we should be willing to make the right choices and stand firm in our faith, even if it means facing threats or challenges to our careers or reputation.

Standing for Jesus has a purpose and is never wasted when we trust in Him.

Sound Bites

"Godfidence is not trusting in my own strength, my own wisdom, my own abilities. It's trusting in God's strength."

"We know that God is working behind the scenes for our good and you can trust Him for that."

"What our world needs today desperately is people who are living under the control of the Lord so much that we know that what we're going through and that what is happening is something God is using."

Study Questions:

Here are ten Bible study questions based on the passage:

1. What is the primary theme or message of the passage from Acts 22:22 to Acts 23:11?

2. How does Paul demonstrate resilience and faith in the face of intense opposition and pressure?

3. What significance does Paul's Roman citizenship hold in the passage, and how does he use it to his advantage?

4. How does Paul navigate the conflict between the Pharisees and the Sadducees in the Sanhedrin, and what strategy does he employ?

5. What does Paul's response to the high priest's order to strike him reveal about his understanding of the law and his commitment to it?

6. In what ways does God's presence and guidance manifest throughout Paul's ordeal in this passage?

7. What lessons can we learn from Paul's example about standing firm in our faith amidst adversity?

8. How does Paul's interaction with the Roman commander and centurion illustrate the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?

9. Reflecting on Paul's experience, how can we apply the concept of "Godfidence" in our own lives?

10. How does Jesus' promise to Paul in Acts 23:11, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome," provide encouragement and assurance for believers facing trials and persecution today?