Acts #24 – Study Questions
It’s All or Nothing
Acts 19:21-20:6
INTRODUCTION: This scene recounts Paul’s final missionary swing through the Greco-Roman world. In Ephesus Paul has a face-to-face encounter with Greco-Roman religion. Luke is showing the great impact of faith on the lifestyle of those who believe. Paul is planning to move on to Jerusalem and Rome, and so he sends for Timothy and Erastus (vv. 21–22). Before he leaves, however, the city reacts. Many Ephesians become concerned about the economic impact of “the Way” and the affront to Artemis, the goddess of the city. Demetrius, who makes silver shrines to the goddess, tells the city that the tradesmen may lose their livelihood if things continue like this. His action stirs up a crowd and leads those present to praise the goddess. Only the town clerk’s insistence that they should bring their complaints legally or else face Roman reaction brings calm to the crowd (vv. 23–41). The entire scene powerfully presents the impact of the new faith when fully embraced. For believers, lives are transformed. Societal structures are challenged through those changed lives, not by force on others, but by their own personal lifestyle changes.[1] For believers today, we are challenged by the reality that our following of Jesus must also involve a lifestyle change. And with that new lifestyle comes new priorities. The simple truth is that if the gospel changes me, changed people have new priorities.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, review the Life Questions at the bottom of the study. Which one(s) stand out to you? As you think of your life, which one represents an area of growth or needs a reset in the priority department of your heart? Take time at the end of your study to discuss an application step this week and allow the Life Questions to help you apply the text to your life.
*If you have any questions about the Life Questions, Pastor Joseph would love to help you. Send him a note at: jscarfone@ccames.org
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above? Take time to allow the Life Questions to influence your application step this week.
My Life Questions
Attributes in the life of an individual that reflect a Defined Life*
Personal Question #1: Is the Spirit flowing through me?
A disciple is…
Character: Dependent upon the Holy Spirit
Competency: Actively trusting and obeying
Demonstrated by:
- I depend on the Holy Spirit, versus my own efforts, to make it through each day.
- I am joyful and at peace, despite my circumstances.
- I act and decide with wisdom, rather than impulsively and out of my own desires.
- All areas of my life are surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to do with them as He chooses (friends, career, job, health, loved ones, entertainment, recreation, etc.).
Primary Biblical references:
- John 7:37-39 – “… Jesus stood up and shouted out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, ‘From within him will flow rivers of living water.’” (Now he said this about the Spirit…)
- Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,
- Galatians 5:16 – “But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Personal Question #2: Did God make my day?
A disciple is…
Character: Biblically saturated and prayerfully minded
Competency: Biblically literate and prays without ceasing
Demonstrated by:
- I regularly consult with God before entering my day/week/month/year.
- I confer with God and allow Him to interrupt my plans.
- I regularly seek guidance from God through the Scriptures.
- I am regularly attended a Bible study.
- I am usually in a listening posture with God.
- I humbly obey the voice of God and seek His answer through prayer.
Primary Biblical references:
- Mark 1:35 – “Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.
- John 15:7 – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.
Personal Question #3: Who shares my tough stuff?
A disciple is…
Character: Intentionally relational
Competency: Involved in community
Demonstrated by:
- My closest friends challenge and encourage me to follow Jesus more passionately.
- My closest Christian friends say that I challenge and encourage them to live for Christ.
- I do not keep my darker secrets from Christian friends closest to me.
- My family would say that I am a growing Christian.
- I have someone to call at 2am.
- I am actively engaged in a connect group.
- I have people I live life-on-life with.
Primary Biblical references:
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works…
- James 5:16 – “So confess your sins to oneanother and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.
- Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to oneanother with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.
Personal Question #4: Who am I fishing with?
A disciple is someone who…
Character: Helps others follow Jesus
Competency: Reproduces disciples
Demonstrated by:
- I am intentionally ‘pouring’ Christ into others.
- I bring others with me as I follow Christ.
- I am actively engaged in making disciples.
- I ask others to help me serve Christ.
- I train others to serve in the way I serve.
- My family benefits from what I’m learning.
Primary Biblical references:
- Matthew 4:19 – “He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Personal Question #5: How worn is my welcome mat?
A disciple is…
Character: Compassion for the lost
Competency: Gospel-fluent
Demonstrated by:
- People in the community know that I am a strong Christian.
- I take regular initiative to meet or serve unchurched people.
- I regularly have spiritual conversation with individuals who don’t share my spiritual beliefs.
- I can confidently explain the Gospel to someone.
- I look for ways to share the Gospel.
Primary Biblical references:
- Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
- Further Biblical Support: 2 Corinthians 5:20; John 1:35-46; Matthew 5:13-16; Luke 19:1-10; Romans 10:14; Matthew 28:18-20
Personal Question #6: How are my investments doing?
A disciple is someone who…
Character: Focuses on eternity
Competency: Freely gives
Demonstrated by:
- I invest my time, talent, treasures for His purposes and Kingdom.
- I serve in Christ Community Church.
- I serve Christ in my community.
- I serve Christ in the world.
- I give generously.
Primary Biblical references:
- Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
- Matthew 25:23 – “His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
- Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
[1] Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 595.