Week of January 4, 2025 – To Be Continued: Trust and Obey
Description:
This week, we begin a new series called To Be Continued, rooted in the truth that God’s work does not stop when seasons change. In Acts 20, the Apostle Paul meets with the elders of Ephesus for a final, emotional farewell. He knows he is being led by the Holy Spirit into a difficult and uncertain future, yet he walks forward in obedience and trust.
This passage reminds us that faithfulness—not comfort or visible results—is how God defines success. Paul trusted God’s sovereignty, obeyed His call, and entrusted the church to the Lord rather than to himself.
We are studying this passage in a moment where change is present and emotions are real—but our confidence remains the same: God is still leading His church, and His good work is to be continued.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What helps you trust God most when life feels uncertain?
- When you think about obedience, what makes it hard?
- What’s one example of a time God used a difficult season to grow your faith?
Read Together
Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:
Main Passages:
Primary Text
Acts 20:17–32 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
FAITHFUL WHEN PAINFUL
“I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears…”
Discuss:
- Why do you think faithfulness often includes hardship and emotion?
- How does this challenge the idea that God’s will should always feel easy?
- Where have you seen God grow you through difficulty?
Dig Deeper:
FAITHFUL AND FOCUSED
“I have had one message… repent and turn to God and have faith in Jesus.”
Discuss:
- Paul did many things, but he stayed focused on one message. Why does that matter?
- What distractions make it hard to keep the main thing the main thing?
- How does this help us stay grounded during change?
Dig Deeper:
FAITHFUL BY FOLLOWING
“I am bound by the Spirit to go… I don’t know what awaits me…”
Discuss:
- What does it mean to follow the Spirit without knowing the outcome?
- How does Paul’s example shape how we approach big decisions?
- What role do prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel play in discernment?
Dig Deeper:
FAITHFUL IS PERSONAL – BUT NEVER ISOLATED
“My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me…”
Discuss:
- Paul’s calling was unique, but the mission stayed the same. What does that mean for us?
- How does entrusting the church to God (v.32) bring peace?
- Where might God be inviting you to deeper trust and obedience?
Dig Deeper:
Action Steps
- Pray: Ask God where He’s inviting you to trust Him more deeply this season.
- Reflect: Identify one area where fear or uncertainty has held you back from obedience.
- Seek Counsel: Talk with a trusted believer about a decision you’re discerning.
- Stay Engaged: Commit to serving, praying, and showing up—especially during transition.
Closing Prayer
God,
Thank You for being faithful in every season.
Help us trust You when we don’t have all the answers,
obey You when the path is hard,
and remain faithful to Your call.
Guard our unity, deepen our trust,
and remind us that the work You began, You will finish.
We entrust ourselves—and this church—to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
GROUP LEADER NOTE:
This week, emotions may be present—and that’s okay. Our goal is not to avoid them, but to process them through Scripture, prayer, and trust in God’s sovereignty. Let’s keep our focus where Paul keeps his: on Jesus, the gospel, and faithful obedience.
