FAITHFULNESS

Acts 20:17-35

Faithfulness is authenticated through living and not through talking (18).

Be faithful to serve the Lord — without reservation. (19)

Be faithful to speak gospel truth — without hesitation. (20-21)

Be faithful to follow the Spirit — even without the destination. (22-23)

Faithfulness is more important than life. (24)

Faithfulness is not guaranteed; it must be guarded. (25-31)

Faithfulness is from God and will be rewarded. (32-35)

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Discussion Guide

Open Up
Have you ever experienced someone who talked about faithfulness but did not live out faithfulness? Explain.

Have you had an experience with a church leader that did not maintain faithfulness? What happened?
 

 
Dig In
In what ways is faithfulness authenticated through how we live?

Read Philippians 1:19-21. Is this consistent with what Paul states in Acts 20:24? In what ways?

Skim Matthew 25:14-30 and read v23. What does verse 23 tell us about why we should be faithful?

Do you agree that it is better to have a shorter life and be faithful than to have a longer life and NOT be faithful? Why or why not?

Would you then agree that is is better to have difficulty in your life if it causes you to remain faithful to Christ than to have an easy life and risk becoming unfaithful?

What are some issues against which we must guard as a church to maintain faithfulness?

Live Out
Which area of faithfulness do you need to work on this week — serving the Lord, speaking gospel truth, or following the Spirit?

Pray together for the faithful God to enable you to remain faithful … no matter the cost.