Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross so that you might experience the power of His resurrection in your life, both in this moment today and forever.

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KEY VERSES

ACTS 20:17-36 (NASB)

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them,

“You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

25 “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. 26 Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

UNDERSTANDING

• Why do you think Paul summoned the leaders of the Ephesian church? Was it simply to remind them about his character and actions when he had ministered among them for those three years, or was there a message behind the reminder?

• What fears, sadness, or uncertainties did Paul have during this time?

• How did Paul respond to those fears, sadnessess, and uncertainties?

• How do the qualities Paul demonstrated in this passage help you understand your mission, even today?

• From verses 22 and 24, why was Paul so determined to go to Jerusalem? Have you ever felt “bound” in your spirit to serve the Lord in some way? Explain.

• Based on Paul’s example, what would you say you should be bound in your spirit to do now in this pandemic?

• What warnings did Paul give these church leaders? Why?

• How does being in a small group help you “be on guard” (v. 28)?

• What fears in your life tempt you to feel insufficient to make a difference for Christ in these days?

• What principles about carrying out God’s mission can you find in verses 32-35?

• Are you living in such a way in this time that you’re contributing to other people or are you living purely for personal consumption? Why does it matter?

• What do you think Paul prayed here in verse 36? What are some things you should be praying for people in this time?

APPLICATION

• In this week’s message, you were encouraged to be courageous with the truth of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, contribute to God’s work (don’t just consume), and pray. In light of these points of application, how is God speaking to you personally?

• Jeff pointed out from Paul’s warning that we must stay alert to the lies that threaten God’s flock. What practical advice would you give someone who is struggling with fear and lies? What daily practices help you stay alert in the midst of those same temptations?

• What are some creative ways we can contribute to God’s work in this time and place?

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