A Dying Man’s Charge: Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon from Acts 20:28-38, Pastor Mike examines Paul's final words to the Ephesian elders as a dying man's charge about the value and care of the church. Paul emphasizes that the church is not merely a preference or service to attend, but God's treasured possession purchased with Christ's blood. The sermon addresses why Christians should care deeply about the church despite its imperfections, calling believers to see the church as God sees it.
Paul's farewell reveals three essential truths:
the church must be treasured because it belongs to God and was bought at the highest cost
it must be guarded against threats from within and without
believers must rely on God's grace rather than human strength to fulfill this calling
Intro Prayer
Father, as we gather together to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to see Your church through Your eyes and understand the precious value You place on Your people. Remove any indifference or casual attitudes we may have toward the body of Christ. Holy Spirit, guide our conversation and help us to be receptive to the truths You want to reveal to us through this time together. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one of the most valuable possessions you own, and what makes it so special to you?
Key Verses
Acts 20:28-38
1 Peter 2:9-10
Hebrews 13:17
Questions
How does understanding that the church was 'obtained with Christ's own blood' change your perspective on church commitment and involvement?
Paul warns about 'fierce wolves' coming from outside and 'twisted things' arising from within the church. What are some modern examples of these threats that we should be aware of?
The sermon mentions that many people say 'I love Jesus but don't really care for the church.' How would you respond to someone who expresses this sentiment?
What does it mean practically to 'pay careful attention to yourselves' as Paul instructs the elders? How can this apply to all believers?
How does church membership provide protection and clarity for both believers and church leaders, according to this passage?
Paul commends the elders, 'to God and to the word of his grace.' Why is relying on God's grace essential for church leadership and Christian living?
What are some ways we might treat the church 'casually' or with 'indifference' in our current culture?
How does the promise of our eternal inheritance help sustain us through the difficulties of church life and ministry?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific way you can demonstrate that you treasure the church as God's precious possession. This might involve deeper commitment by pursuing church membership, volunteering in a ministry, praying regularly for your church and its leaders, or having a conversation with someone who has become distant from the church. Take one concrete step to show that you value what Christ died to obtain.
Key Takeaways
The church is God's treasured possession, purchased with the blood of Christ, not a casual preference or optional add-on to faith
Church leaders must guard the flock by watching their own hearts, protecting against external threats, and addressing internal distortions
Human strength is insufficient for supernatural work - we must rely on God's grace to build us up and secure our inheritance
Church membership provides important protection and clarity for both believers and leaders in fulfilling biblical accountability
You cannot truly love Jesus while being indifferent to His church, as Christ doesn't treat the church as optional but as precious
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for opening our eyes to see the true value of Your church. Help us to treasure what You treasure and guard what You have entrusted to us. Forgive us for times when we have been casual or indifferent toward Your bride - the church. Strengthen our commitment to one another and to the local body of believers You have placed us in. Give our leaders wisdom and grace as they shepherd the flock, and help each of us to rely on Your grace rather than our own strength. May we live as those who truly understand the cost of our salvation and the preciousness of Your people. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.