Overview

The Lesson Overview is basically an outline . . . Think of it as the "nuts and bolts" of each lesson.

Biblical Passage While other passages often find their way into a lesson, the biblical passage is the main focus.

Supporting Scripture The supporting scripture often provides context to, gives additional insight to, or reiterates the message of the biblical passage in additional places of Scripture.

Memory Verse The memory verse is a key verse that illustrates the biblical truth of the lesson. It usually originates from the biblical passage but may be from an additional passage.

Biblical Truth The biblical truth is the central foundation of the lesson. It comes directly from the biblical passage and drives the formation of learning goals.

Context The context section gives the context of the current lesson in regards to its surrounding lessons. It may also provide a glimpse of the historical or literary context of the biblical passage.

Learning Goals The learning goals help teachers understand what the lesson seeks to accomplish. The first learning goal is the driving purpose of the Explore section of the teaching plan and is concerned with biblical knowledge. The second learning goal pertains is the Transform section and is concerned with life application.

Prayer Suggestions The prayer suggestions provide specific ideas for the teacher to pray during the week for his or her students. These ideas are based on the goals and truths of the lesson.

Biblical Passages

Acts 7:51–8:3; Acts 9:1–16

Biblical Truth

After meeting the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, Paul’s identity was forever changed.

Memory Verse

Galatians 2:20

Context

Paul was different after he met Jesus. Ultimately, everyone is. This lesson serves as an introduction to the Apostle Paul and the radical change in him after his encounter with Christ. Acts 7:54–8:3 recounts Paul’s role in the stoning of Stephen. Following Stephen’s murder, Paul, the chief persecutor of the new Church, set about “destroying” the church in Jerusalem. This background makes Paul’s miraculous conversion all the more amazing. Acts 9:1–16 describes Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. This event marked Paul’s conversion and the beginning of his ministry. From that moment on, he defined himself by his relationship with Jesus. These passages will help you introduce a discussion about the transforming nature of a relationship with Christ. They will also help you and your students explore what it means to find identity in Jesus alone.

Learning Goals
  • Students will understand that an encounter with Christ fundamentally changes a person’s identity.
  • Students will begin to examine their identity, identifying the elements that make them who they are.
Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students.

  • Pray that your students will know their identity should be built on a relationship with Jesus Christ, not on what they do or what people say about them.
  • Pray that your students will see themselves as Christ sees them.
  • Pray that your students will respond to God’s truth in their lives and, like Paul, allow God to alter their course forever.

Acknowledgments