Passing the Baton
Jay Haugh
Acts 20:13-38
May 9, 2021
We’re seeing Paul raise up disciples.
He doesn’t retire, but he does replace himself.
Paul carves out time to pray, process and be purposeful
But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. —Acts 20:13
Paul says “No” to some good things
And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. —Acts 20:15-16
Elders are the overseers. They govern the church.
Servanthood
And when they [elders] came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I [Paul] lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews. —Acts 20:18-19
Humility
Vulnerable
Courage
how I did not shrink back from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house. —Acts 20:20
Biblical truth
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ —Acts 20:21
Everyone needs Jesus. Everyone needs to repent.
Obedience
And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. —Acts 20:22-23
The measure of God’s love toward us is not determined by our wealth, health or comfort.
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. —Acts 20:24
Care doesn’t mean carry
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. —Acts 20:26-27
Paul passes the baton
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. —Acts 20:28
Accountability
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. —Acts 20:29-31
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified —Acts 20:32
BIG IDEA
Be on guard to apply the Word of God, but also be faithful to pass it on to others
SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE
Passing The Baton
Acts 20:13-38
Open Sharing 3
This spiritual practice is adapted from a group structure implemented by the Samson Society. The Samson Society is a fellowship of Christian men who are serious about authenticity, community, humility & recovery. You can discover more or participate in an online meeting at their website: samsonsociety.com The goal of this practice is to allow space for open, honest sharing of how God is getting your attention. Sharing how you see God at work in your life aids in connection and growth. A specific topic is given in order to help direct and guide the process.
Step One
Select one person to read Step 2 and Step 3. The steps below are taken directly from the Samson Society meeting format so some of the language may feel new. The discussion topic was selected from Andrew’s message on Sunday. Feel free to use this topic, select your own topic, or discuss the passage specifically.
Step Two
As Christians, we meet at other times for worship, for teaching, or for corporate prayer. Today, however, we meet to talk. Our purpose is to assist one another in our common journey.
We do so by sharing honestly, out of our own personal experience, the challenges, and encouragements of daily Christian living in a fallen world. Our faith rests in the love of God, as it is revealed in His Word and in the life of His Son. This is the Great Fact of the Gospel, which is the foundation of our Charter.
The Fact
God exists. In the timeless mystery of the Trinity, He is perfectly harmonious, perfectly whole. God is our Creator. He designed us to live in eternal harmony with Him and each other, and to care for the rest of His creation. Spurning God’s fellowship, we all have sinned, forfeiting our created place and losing our spiritual lives. I myself have personally defied God’s law and rejected His love. Alienation from Him has produced darkness and chaos in my life, for
which I have often blamed others. God has continued to love me, even in my active rebellion, and in Christ has done everything necessary to restore me perfectly to Himself. As I accept responsibility for my sin and find forgiveness in the finished work of Christ, I experience reconciliation with God and am progressively restored to harmony with myself and others.
Despite the lingering effects of sin, I am a restored son of the sovereign Lord, whose Spirit is at work in my weakness, displaying His glory and advancing His kingdom.
Step Three
In sharing, we speak honestly out of our own experience. We tell the truth about ourselves, knowing that our group will listen to us in love and will hold whatever we say in strictest confidence. We try to keep our comments brief, taking care to leave plenty of time for others. We address our statements to the group as a whole rather than directing them toward any one person. As a rule, we refrain from giving advice to others or instructing them during the meeting, believing that such conversations are best reserved for private moments between friends. The suggested topic today is serving the Lord with all humility. But we are not confined to that subject. You may speak about any issue that is currently commanding your attention. The floor is now open for anyone who wishes to speak.
Next
Process this experience as a group. Are there ways God is trying to activate you or your group? The “Activated” Group Process questions on page 6 may be a helpful guide as your group engages with this material and with God.
ACTIVATED: GROUP PROGRESS
How is God activating your group this week?
Share how you are sensing God’s call on your 2 life this week. Listen as others share with you.
Lean into the Holy Spirit and spur one another on. This may include encouragement or asking questions.
Pray over these specific activations in the lives of one another.
What did you enjoy about this group experience?
What was uncomfortable?
How do you think a regular practice of this could
benefit our group?
SELF-REFLECTION
How did God get your attention during your personal rhythms with Him this week?
What is one thing God brought to your attention while listening to the sermon this week?
How do you think a regular practice of this could benefit our group?