Paul’s Parting Instructions
Steve McKenzie March 17, 2019

Acts 20:17-38

Paul’s Parting Instructions

LINK: Study Guide

Series Big Idea: The gospel will be proclaimed among all peoples through witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit.

VALUE OF THE CHURCH | Acts 20:28

  • “… the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood …”
  • This should humble us as leaders in the church to know that God is entrusting to us something so valuable that he would purchase it for himself with his own blood.

CARE FOR THE CHURCH | Acts 20:28-32

  • PERSONAL CARE – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock…”
    • The gospel brings proportion to our examination (2 Corinthians 3:18)
    • The gospel brings pardon to our examination (Psalm 130:10)
    • The gospel brings power to our examination (Philippians 1:6
  • PROTECTIVE CARE – … be alert … fierce wolves will come in among you … and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things…”
    • God has provided his church with various means of protection:
      • Himself – Jesus the the Good Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd (John 10:27-28, 1 Peter 5:4)
      • His Word – (Psalm 119:05, 2 Timothy 4:3)
      • Elders / Pastors (Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3)

COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS

  • If you can instantly become a master in anything, what would it be and why?
  • How do the people in your life see church? What aspects of our view of church are healthy and what aspects fall short of the value God has given her? (Acts 20:28 “he obtained with his own blood”
  • Do you tend to be be more self-reflective or not? Do you ever fall into self-condemnation or self-righteousness,  when you examine yourself?
  • How does examining ourselves through the lens of the gospel change the way we process our faults?
  • Are you actively aware of the threats this passage warns against (fierce wolves and twisted truths)? Have you are people you know experienced this reality?
  • God has provided us protection from these threats in himself, his word, and through his shepherds (pastors/elders)? How have you or someone you know experienced this reality?