Reference

Acts 20:17-38

Sermon Notes

I. What really __________ (v. 18-35)

A. __________ ministry (v. 18-21)

B. Finish __________ (v. 22-27)

    1. Be __________ to the Holy Spirit (v. 22-23)
    2. Testify to God’s __________ (v. 24)
    3. Declare the __________ plan of God (v. 25-27)

II. Charge to __________ (v. 28-35)

A. Shepherd the __________ v. 28)

B. __________ the church (v. 29-31)

C.  __________ the church (v. 32-35)

III. Paul __________ (v. 36-38)

A. __________ (v. 36)

B. __________ (v. 37-38)

Going Deeper

  1. Read v. 17-20. How can we learn from Paul’s example? What did he not hesitate to do? What will you do this week to not hesitate?
  2. Read v. 21. To whom did Paul preach? Read 1 Cor. 10:32-33. What is the point made in this passage? What is the goal? How might this apply to your life?
  3. What is repentance? What is faith? How are they different from one another? How are they related?
  4. Who compels Paul in v. 23? He is about to enter into a season of hardship. William Larkin Jr. says: “No matter the outward circumstances, even if they include impending threats, our conduct should consistently fulfill our one calling as servants of the Lord Jesus who testify to his one message: the gospel of God’s grace.” What does this mean for your life?
  5. Why does Paul consider his life of no value to himself (v. 24)?
  6. What is grace? How has God shown it to us (see Eph. 2:8-9)?
  7. What are elders of a church called to do in v. 28? Good shepherds guard the flock, a flock that has been purchased by the blood of Jesus.
  8. In v. 28-29 Paul charges the elders to guard the flock against false teachers. Darrell Bock says: “The threat is of teaching that takes one off the ‘straight’ path and draws disciples away from God’s direction and leading.” What false teachings are prevalent in the church today? How can we guard ourselves against these false teachings?
  9. Read Romans 15:14; 1 Cor. 4:14; 1 Thess. 5:12, 14. What does Paul desire for God’s people?
  10. At the end of v. 35 Paul quotes Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” How will you apply this word this week?
  11. Read v. 36. Now read Acts 1:24; 6:6; 13:3; 14:23. What do we see the early believers doing? How will you increase your prayer life this week?
  12. If you had to share what is most important with your friends and family, what would you share?