1. Faith to Persevere Lesson 3 Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing,
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Colorado 80918
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Faith to Persevere
Lesson 3

2. Lesson Outline Introduction A. Misheard Lyrics B. Lesson Background
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. Misheard Lyrics B. Lesson Background

3. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Misheard Lyrics ?
Sometimes singers and songwriters make their lyrics deliberately vague, leaving interpretation to the listener.
Quite often, however, lyrics to famous pop songs are misheard.
Have you ever misheard some of these famous lyrics?
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4. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Misheard Lyrics ?
When performing “Purple Haze,” Jimi Hendrix did not sing “’scuse me while I kiss this guy.”
Hendrix was not about to kiss a person, but rather to kiss the sky!
Credence Clearwater Revival did not sing of a “bathroom on the right.”
They warned of a bad moon that was on the rise!
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5. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Misheard Lyrics ?
Johnny Rivers was not talking about a stealthy person from Japan, China, or Korea.
His song was “Secret Agent Man,” not “Secret Asian Man”!
Elton John’s tender tune was directed to a “Tiny Dancer.”
You did not hear correctly if you thought the song was about actor Tony Danza!
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6. ? Misheard Lyrics We all want to be heard.
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Colorado 80918
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Misheard Lyrics ?
We all want to be heard.
We do not like to be misunderstood, ignored, or misquoted.
But it happens!
Let’s look at how Paul responded during times when others suffered from spiritual deafness.
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7. Horizontal Visual
Display this visual and ask students to describe a time when they did not feel like they were being heard.

8. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
I. Miracle and Misidentification (Acts 14:8-11) A. Result of Faith (vv. 8-10) B. Conclusion of Crowd (v. 11)

9. Copyright © 2017
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Spiritual Deafness
During his ministry, Paul encountered spiritual deafness at times.
There were different reasons for people not hearing what Paul had to say, but he did not storm off.
Rather, he used some strategies to help himself be heard.
Read the assigned Scripture passages and learn how Paul earned a hearing.
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10. Spiritual Deafness Deafness of pagan ideas
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Spiritual Deafness
Deafness of pagan ideas
Case studies of culturally caused spiritual deafness: Acts 14:8-13; 17:16-18
Paul’s prescription: Acts 14:14-17; 17:22-28
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11. Spiritual Deafness Deafness of pagan ideas
Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Spiritual Deafness
Deafness of pagan ideas
In Lystra, the crowd interpreted Paul’s miracle as coming from their pagan gods.
Later, a very educated group in Athens interpreted Paul’s words as adding to the list of gods and goddesses they already acknowledged.
In both cases, Paul responded with a more detailed explanation, correcting their misconceptions.
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12. Copyright © 2017
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What Do You Think?
What did you learn about God from an occasion when you exercised your Christian faith publicly?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding surprising results and reactions
Regarding unsurprising results and reactions 12

13. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What can we do to correct misperceptions of what being a Christian implies?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
As perceived through the lens of pop culture
As perceived through the lens of former churchgoers
As perceived through the lens of science
Other 13

14. Copyright © 2017
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Lesson Outline
II. Attack and Aid (Acts 14:19, 20a) A. Opposition (v. 19) B. Support (v. 20a)

15. Spiritual Deafness Deafness of anger and jealousy
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Spiritual Deafness
Deafness of anger and jealousy
Case studies of jealousy-caused spiritual deafness: Acts 14:19; 17:5-7
Paul’s prescription: Acts 14:20; 17:10
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16. Spiritual Deafness Deafness of anger and jealousy
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Colorado 80918
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Spiritual Deafness
Deafness of anger and jealousy
In Lystra, jealous Jews stoned Paul and left him for dead.
In Thessalonica, jealous Jews formed a mob and started a riot.
Paul was supported by other believers.
In Lystra, they gathered around Paul, restoring him.
In Thessalonica, they protected Paul by sending him away.
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17. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
When was a time God called you to minister in a hostile environment? How did things turn out?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding ministry to a fellow believer
Regarding ministry to an unbeliever 17

18. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
III. Departure and Return (Acts 14:20b-23) A. To Derbe (v. 20b) B. In and from Derbe (vv. 21, 22) C. Selection (v. 23)

19. Spiritual Deafness Deafness of forgetfulness
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Spiritual Deafness
Deafness of forgetfulness
Case studies of spiritual deafness caused by forgetting what was taught: Acts 14:21, 22; Titus 1:10
Paul’s prescription: Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5-9
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20. Spiritual Deafness Deafness of forgetfulness
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Spiritual Deafness
Deafness of forgetfulness
In Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, Paul reminded the churches of what he had previously taught them.
Paul sent Titus to the Christians in Crete to remind them of the truth.
In both cases, Paul determined the need to appoint leaders to remind believers of the truth, even when he was absent.
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21. Copyright © 2017
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What Do You Think?
Whose experience with suffering inspires you? Why is that?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding one who suffered loss of health
Regarding one who suffered loss of job
Regarding one who lost a family member 21

22. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
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What Do You Think?
What specific situations call for prayer and fasting today? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Among fellow Christians
By Christians in the presence of unbelievers 22

23. Copyright © 2017
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. Power Seen in Suffering B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

24. Copyright © 2017
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Winning a Hearing
In 1 Peter 3:15, 16, Peter encouraged us to always be prepared to win a hearing for the good news of Jesus.
How does one prepare to do that?
Take a moment to evaluate yourself on the following criteria.
What can you do to improve?
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25. Copyright © 2017
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Winning a Hearing
I faithfully demonstrate that Jesus is in charge of my life.
Rarely Always
My personal growth in faith shows that Jesus is building my character.
People can see that my beliefs are unshakable, being rooted firmly in the teachings of Jesus.
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26. Copyright © 2017
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Winning a Hearing
I am a lifelong learner, constantly studying the Scriptures with reliable teachers.
Rarely Always
My expressions of thanks to God are obvious, showing others that I am grateful for all I have.
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27. Thought to Remember Speak up; speak out; speak clearly!
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Thought to Remember
Speak up; speak out; speak clearly!

28. FAITHFUL SEEKERS OF THE KING
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Next Week’s Lesson
FAITHFUL SEEKERS OF THE KING