9. Paul proclaimed the “whole will of God.” Can you name some modern preachers who don’t hesitate to proclaim even unpopular messages from God? Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: It’s Your Turn” 10. Why did Paul say he was “innocent of the blood of all Acts 20:13-38 men” (20:27)?

11. Who purchased the church of God (20:28)? 1. Did you find yourself spiritually “waking up” in any specific ways this past week? Describe. a. With what did he purchase it?

2. How much of a singular focus do you have in your life? b. Knowing this, how should we treat the church? What is it? 12. What did Paul believe was in his own future (20:22-23)? 3. Paul had just finished preaching all night. Why do you think Paul traveled to Assos on foot when the rest of his 13. What shows Paul’s courage (20:24-25)? companions took the ship (20:13)? a. What gives you courage in difficult times? 4. Paul decided to sail past Ephesus in verse 16. Why does it say he did that? 14. Paul wanted to finish well. What did he strive to do in order to accomplish this (20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7; and a. Have you ever avoided a certain place or person 1 Corinthians 9:18-23)? because you had someplace to be? 15. Paul was warned what would happen to him yet he went b. Are there times avoidance is good and times when it anyway. Discuss the thought: although we are called by is not healthy? Discuss. the Holy Spirit to go somewhere, we don’t necessarily have an easy path. See Matthew 10:22 and Luke 9:23. 5. At Miletus who did Paul send for (20:17)? 16. What final instructions did Paul give (20:28, 31)? a. Was this a wise move in light of what we read in verse 16? Why or why not? Review 19:23-41. 17. How important is it to take care of yourself spiritually before taking care of others? Explain. 6. What was Paul’s attitude when he was with the Ephesians (20:19, 26, 31)? a. How does Matthew 7:3-5 relate to this?

7. What method did Paul use to reach people (20:20)? b. Is this an area that you need to work on? What can you do? 8. What was Paul’s message (20:21, 27)? 18. How long did Paul persist for the salvation of the a. Who was his audience (20:21)? Ephesians (20:31)? 19. What dangers faced the church after Paul’s departure 28. Do you know people who really live by Jesus’ words, “It is (20:29-30)? more blessed to give than to receive” (20:35; Luke 6:38)? Describe. 20. What dangers face the church today? a. How is that statement true? a. Are there “savage wolves” today who “distort the truth” even among Christian leaders as Paul b. What can we learn from their example? predicted? Can you give some examples? 29. What can we learn by Paul’s example of ministry and b. How can we prepare and watch for these dangers? how can we apply it to our lives today?

21. Can the enemies from within cause as much damage to a 30. How do you think that Paul’s singular focus in ministry church as the enemies without? Discuss. affected those around him?

22. What was the word of God’s grace able to do for the a. How might those around us be affected if we put a church at Ephesus (20:32)? greater focus on telling others about the “whole will of God”? 23. How did Paul take care of his needs during his time of ministry (20:33-35)?

24. Who did Paul tell the Ephesian elders they were to support (20:35)? Next Steps: a. How does that continue to be true in the church today? GI will make it a priority (in my life and that of my family) to both start and finish well. 25. Why was the Ephesian church sad (20:36-38)? GI understand that my life needs to be a reflection of what I 26. Why do we wait until people are leaving or gone to believe about Jesus. appreciate them? GI pledge to love the church—for which Christ shed his a. Is there someone you need to tell today how much blood. you appreciate them? Try to list people you might not normally think of, but who are helpful to you, and send them a note of appreciation or thank them in person.

27. Are your actions or your speech most important? Discuss.