In Acts 22:22-23:11, the Apostle Paul is nearly flogged, actually slapped, and then starts a fight between the Sadducees and the Pharisees over "hope in the resurrection." God showed immense love for Paul, even though it often wasn't easy. No matter your emotion or state, God is there and God is working.

SASHET:
S - Sad
A - Angry
S - Scared
H - Happy
E - Excited
T - Tender

Cornerstone's YouTube (Please Subscribe!):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uBmClk1J_9xRY9OYblJgw

Cornerstone's Website:
https://cornerstonewestford.com

Sermon Manuscript:
https://cornerstonewestford.com/sermons/gods-work-in-emotions-acts-2222-2311/

Full Service:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=523772279079503

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Upward – What does this story of Paul’s near flogging and testimony tell us about God’s love for Paul, his direction over his life, and his plans for the good news about Jesus (gospel)?

Inward – When you think of God’s love for you and direction over your life, do you feel sad, angry, scared, happy, excited, or tender (SASHET)? Why do you feel that way?

Outward – Think of the people in your life. Is there anyone who, due to their current state or emotions, might be open to the hope of the resurrection? What’s one step you can take?

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

Reflect – Ask God to examine your heart. Ask him to reveal where you’re at, and to meet you in this place. Don’t ask God to change you quite yet. Simply ask him to be present and trust him.

Confess – Ask God to reveal any recent sinful action, state, or emotion? Emotions aren’t inherently sinful, but good, but it is easy to let them control us. Does the Spirit bring anything to mind?

Worship – Quiet your heart and ask God to meet you in worship. Listen and sing along to How Great Thou Art with lyrics performed by Chris Rice. YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cc0QVWzCv9k

CONTENT CURATION

Sermon #1 – Back on November 4th, 2019, I preached a sermon called “Wise Emotions” from the book of Proverbs. You can watch, listen, or read it here: https://cornerstonewestford.com/sermons/wise-emotions-proverbs-1911-12/

Sermon #2 – There’s a lot of different themes we could focus on in Acts 22:22-23:11. We could have talked about authority, and submission to those in charge. We could have talked more about the hope we find in the resurrection. We could have even talked about politics! But I thought we needed a breather from that due to our recent series. However, I did listen to one sermon on our passage that does a nice job explaining the text and applying it to… you guessed it, politics. For any interested, you can listen to “Redeeming Politics (Acts 22:22-23:11)” from Poquoson Baptist church in Virginia.

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