Acts 20:17-38

Elders’ should be devoted to their work because the church is valuable to God.

Main Points: The Ministry of Elders’ in the church reflects…

1.      The Value of God’s Word (and the nature of Eldership, vv. 17-27)

2.      The Value of the Church (and the importance of Eldership, vv. 28-31)

3.      The Value of Our Eternal Reward (vv. 32-38)

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Read Acts 20:17 - 20:38. What is the main point of this passage of Scripture?

2. Consider vv. 17-27 and the similarities between v. 20 & v. 27. What is Paul trying to model for the Ephesian Elders?

3. What is “the gospel of the grace of God” (v. 24) and what is its relationship to the message of “repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 21)?

4. What do you think the relationship between “the whole counsel of God” (v. 27), “the gospel of the grace of God” (v. 24), and the message of “repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 21)? Should the church only preach the gospel? How valuable are the other teachings and messages of Scripture? How do they relate to the gospel? Explain.

5. Consider vv. 28-31. Look at v. 28. How valuable is the church to God? How much worth did he assign to it? How does this compare to the way that the world values the church? How does this compare to the way that you value the church?

6. Look at v. 28 carefully. Is Paul talking about the universal church here or the local church? Why? How should this impact the way you think about Sellwood Church?

7. It is in light of the church’s immense worth that the Elders, in particular, are called to care for it. But how are you called to care for the church? Explain.

8. Consider vv. 32-38. Is it right or wrong to live in light of eternal reward? Explain.

9. How is God calling you to respond to this message from Acts 20:17 - 20:38?