A. Invest in reliable people

B. Equip them to ________________________

C. Are needy people around me MY responsibility?

A. Do my actions give me a platform for __________________?

B. Will the way I live my life make others want to hear what I say?

A. Paul viewed himself as ________________________

“…when you have done everything you were told to do, [you] should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” Luke 17:10 (niv)

“…what is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”
Luke 16:15 (niv)

“…many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”
Matthew 19:30 (niv)

B. Do I feel like I deserve ______________________________?

4. PAUL’S ENDURANCE
A. Paul knew he needed “severe testing” (v. 19):
a. To strengthen his faith
b. To protect him from the dangerous pride in his heart
c. To prove the purity of his motives

B. Paul was tempted to _________________________________

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’ ” Acts 18:9 (niv)

C. Later Paul knowingly walked toward _____________________

22 “…now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Acts 20:22-23 (niv)

A. Paul’s aim (and ours):
a. Finish the race
b. Complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us

Some Suggested Applications

Please take the time to read and reflect on Acts 20:16-36. As you do, write out some of the things that impacted you regarding:

· Paul’s Approach to Ministry


· Paul’s Personal Testimony


· Paul’s Heart toward Those He Served


· Paul’s Endurance in the Face of Hardship


· Paul’s Eternal Perspective


· Paul’s Challenge to Those He Discipled

6. PAUL’S CHALLENGE

A. Watch out for your own ______________________________

B. Ministering to others involves _________________________

C. Beware of those who ________________________________