Sermon Recap
Pastor Justin Kendrick explored
Pauls’ farewell to the Ephesian church in Acts 20. From Paul choosing God’s
mission over his own safety, we discover that true security is found in being
at the center of God's will. Pastor Justin illustrated how Paul's perspective
was shaped by an unshakeable trust in the "word of grace" – the
transformative power of the Gospel – and the vital importance of community in
mission. He challenged listeners to wager everything on God's grace, surround themselves
with real life examples, and move forward together as a church family.
HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE
Ice Breaker Option:
Risk or No Risk? Quick
Round - Go around the circle and have each person answer one of the
following:
- Would you ever skydive—yes or no?
- Would you eat something unusual on vacation—yes or no?
- Would you travel to a country where you don’t speak the language—yes or no?
Follow-up: “What does this reveal about how you
approach risk in general?”
HEAD: Read Acts 20:22-24,
32-37
- Where is Paul going and why?
What does he expect to take place there?
- What does Paul identify as his life’s
purpose?
- Summarize Paul's final words to the elders. What
example is he leaving them with?
- Describe Paul's final moments with the elders. What
do we learn from this interaction?
HEART
- “Following Jesus requires us to take risks.” How
does this challenge our modern cultural emphasis on personal safety and
security?
- Defend mode tells us to avoid risks and retreat
to safety. What fears keep you in defend
mode?
- Being in discovery mode means being willing to
learn, explore, and step into the unknown. In what ways has Christian
community, or the lack of it, influenced your courage to take risks for God?
HANDS — Go Deeper Together (Choose one or two practices
below)
“This text gives us insight into the way Paul saw the world
that enabled him to follow Jesus with such a faith-filled danger accepting way
of life.”
1. Wager Your Life on the Word of Grace
Paul’s confidence didn’t come from his circumstances but
from the word of grace that shaped his entire identity and mission
Read: Ask a volunteer to read Acts 20:32 again slowly. Write down the one word that speaks loudest
to you.
Personal Reflection
• Where do you need the word of grace to reshape your thinking, fears, or priorities?
• What is one area of your life where you’re still “playing it safe” rather than trusting God fully?
Action Step: Write down one concrete risk you sense God inviting you to take this week—an act of obedience, generosity, mission, or vulnerability.
Group Option: Invite each person to share their next step aloud so the group can pray encouragement over them.
Pray together: “Jesus, help us wager everything on Your grace.”
2. Learn From Real-Life Examples
Paul provided an example to the Ephesian elders, and to us,
of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Reflection
• Who is one person—historical, biblical, or someone you personally know—whose faith-filled risk has impacted you?
• What specific characteristic of their life do you want to imitate?
Action Step
Take 10 minutes this week to learn from their example in a tangible way:
• Read something they wrote
• Revisit their story
• Reach out to thank them
• Ask them one question about faith or courage
Group Option: Have each group member name one quality of a faith-filled example they want to practice this week. Pray over the group that these qualities would grow in each person.
3. Move Forward Together as a Church Family
Paul’s farewell was marked by tears, prayer, and deep
connection. Courage grows in community.
Reflection
• How has community helped—or hindered—your willingness to take risks for God?
• What step could you take to deepen your connection to the people God has placed around you?
Action Step
As a group, choose one shared act of mission or courage to do together within the next month. Pick one simple, doable step that you can accomplish as a team. For ideas, speak to your campus outreach coordinator or explore the Impact Groups connected with your campus.
Group Prayer Option: End by praying for one another by name, asking God to make your group a courageous, grace-filled family on mission—just like the church in Acts 20.
Prayer:
- Pray for the courage to step out in faith and
take risks for God's mission.
- Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you
need to trust Him more.
- Pray for a deeper understanding of living a mission-driven
life.