Sermon Recap
From Acts 20, Pastor Mike discussed the importance of living with a purpose aligned with God's vision rather than chasing personal ambitions or worldly achievements. By adopting a mindset of surrender to God's plans, believers can recognize their unique calling in every aspect of life and genuinely serve others. Although there are challenges, we are able to persevere by living with eternity in mind. Ultimately, Pastor Mike emphasized that living a life according to God’s purpose, leads to a life rich with meaning and divine fulfillment.
Ice Breaker Option
Name your low & high from this past week.
HEAD Read Acts 20:17-24
• How does Paul describe his past ministry in Ephesus in this text?
• What is Paul planning to do now and why?
• Explain Paul’s mindset. What has God revealed to Paul about what he is about to encounter? What is his response in this?
HEART
• What are some things people pursue for fulfillment? How does adopting God’s agenda for our lives change our perspective on these pursuits?
• Can you think of a time when you felt “constrained by the Spirit” to do something challenging? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
• What fears do you have about relinquishing this kind of control to God? What have you learned from this text that helps you overcome these fears?
HANDS
Pastor Mike challenged us to evaluate four areas of our life in relation to eternity. Which of these do you find the most challenging in your life right now? What specific steps will you take in surrendering to God in this area this week?
• Does the way I act in my relationships make sense in light of eternity?
• Do I carry God's spirit with me no matter where I go?
• Does my life reflect the holiness of God?
• Does the way I spend my time, my energy and my money make sense in light of eternity?
PRAYER
Use these four areas to guide your prayer time this week.
• Pray for grace to pursue deeper relationships.
• Pray for the ability to see his purpose in your “work”.
• Pray for a desire for greater holiness.
• Pray for wisdom in the how are you use your resources.
Going Deeper:
Read Hebrews 11:39-12:3. Think about those you have encountered in the book of Acts who are now part of your “cloud of witnesses”.
• What joy was Jesus pursuing?
• How do you see that same joy pursued by God's people in the book of Acts? How does the faith of these individuals encourage your faith?
• How well is this joy evident in your life? What do you need to lay aside to run the race with endurance?