Look Back | Look Down
Begin your time by reviewing the Scriptures and the important points of the sermon taught in The Row.
Welcome to week four of our series, Making Your Mark. This series explores a handful of people who played important roles in Paul’s ministry. These were people like Tychicus who was faithfully available, John Mark and Barnabas who carried the message of Jesus despite a sharp disagreement with Paul, and Nympha who opened her home to the church in the city of Laodicea. This week we look at Luke, a dear friend who Paul will have at his side for the long haul. At the end of Colossians, Paul gives a quick shout-out to this friend and fellow traveler.
Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings
(Colossians 4.14)
Describe a person in your life who you would call a “long haul” friend.
Look In | Look Around
In The Circle, consider together what God is asking you to do and encourage each other.
Several of the people Paul listed in Colossians 4 were important to his ministry but were not necessarily close companions to Paul. Luke, on the other hand, was someone Paul relied on consistently for many years. Let’s look at four vital roles Luke played in Paul’s life.
Assistant
Read Acts 16.1-10 together. As you read, note that Luke is the author of Acts. As he tells the story of Paul heading to Macedonia, how do the pronouns change during the story? Why does this matter?
In Colossians 4, Paul lets us know that Luke is a doctor. Read 2 Corinthians 11.23-27 together. After 10-15 years of this type of ministry, what do you think Paul’s physical condition was like? How important do you think Luke’s medical background was to Paul and his ministry? Tell why.
Luke had an important skill that happened to be in the medical field. What skill set do you have that can be offered to God? Use this list to help you think: Good with kids, construction, organization, cooking, planning, encouragement, writing, creative arts, computer/technology savvy, home/car repair, ____________________.
Often we only think of our skill set as a way to build a career. That’s great, but what are some practical ways you can use your skill redemptively?
Note Taker & Researcher
As Luke travels with Paul, he records what he experiences. He is the author of the Gospel of Luke as well as the Book of Acts. Word for word, Luke is one of the largest contributors to the writing of the Bible. His style of writing indicates he was probably a very good interviewer and paid close attention to the details. Read together the opening words of the Gospel of Luke in Luke 1.1-4. What do you see as Luke’s intent in writing?
Luke’s writings bring credibility and reliability to the stories of Jesus, the disciples, and Paul. He cares that people know the truth and the details of what was witnessed. Why is this so important to us today?
Faithful Friend
Toward the end of Paul’s life, we find him under house arrest in Rome. Paul doesn’t know if he’ll ever get out. At the end of the letter he writes to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, Paul again acknowledges Luke’s presence in his life. These are some of the final words we have from Paul. Read 2 Timothy 4.10-11 together. What do we learn about Luke in Paul’s final comments to Timothy?
List the qualities required for someone to be considered a faithful friend. Do you find this type of person hard to come by in our day and age? Tell why.
Small groups can be places where faithful friendships are forged. What steps—big and small—can a small group take to help friendships endure for the long haul?
Luke and Paul share life and pursue God’s mission together. Two of the relational values we have at Ada Bible Church is for people to share life and pursue God together in small groups.
Take a few minutes to read the following statements. Give your group a grade (A, B, C, D, F) on how well you are doing in these important areas. Spend time talking about some next steps your group can take to further engage these values.
Share Life
- We know and value each other’s story.
- When care needs in the group arise, our group responds in meaningful and helpful ways.
- Our group is a safe place to share our hopes and struggles in life.
Pursue God
- Our small group helps each person take positive next steps in their spiritual journey.
- We actively pray together and encourage each other in our personal Chair time.
- Our discussions are centered on God’s Word.
Look Forward | Look Out
This coming week, spend time in The Chair with God and go engage the broken world around you.
In the Chair this week…
Spend some time this week praying for each person in your group. Ask God to meet their individual needs and bring them strength for their week. Ask God to show you ways to bring tangible care and encouragement to them this week.