This week, we saw that God invites us to experience freedom from our past when we trust Him with it.
1. Sometimes your past (the old you) has a way of affecting you today. What are some common ways people struggle with their past? Can you think of an example from your own life?
2. Read Acts 9:26-27. In what way was Paul’s past influencing the way people looked at him? How did Barnabas help people see the truth of his transformation?
3. Sometimes our greatest struggle with our past is the identity we had before. What actions were Paul known for before he came to Christ?
4. Read Galatians 2:20. What does this passage teach us about our new identity in Christ? Why do you think it is such a difficult thing to accept your new identity and move past your old one?
5. Read Ephesians 4:22-24. When it comes to our day-to-day life, what does this passage teach us about embracing our new identity in Christ? If we make this decision moment by moment, how should it impact our actions? In other words, how does our identity influence our behavior?
6. Read Acts 9:28-31. The early church went from fearing Paul to trusting him and being built up by him. How do you think this took place, based on reading this passage?
7. For Paul, God used his past actions to build the church even though he didn’t intend to, and God redeemed Paul to the point where He used him to preach and encourage the very church he persecuted.
8. Have you ever faced a mess you were responsible for creating that seemed hopeless? Looking back, how have you seen God work even in that messy situation?
9. When you think about the truth that God can work even in the mess you made, how does this help you surrender your past over to God?
10. As you process through these truths, what is one way God is calling you to trust Him more with your past? How can we as a group encourage one another to trust Him more in this way?