January 9, 2022

Ridgeline Study Prompts

 Acts 20:1-16

Prayer and Preparation

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Following Jesus faithfully can never come solely through our own efforts. It is a sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Before you study, spend a few minutes asking God to work in you - as He takes you from where you currently are to where He would like you to be next in your sanctification.

Study

This short passage of Scripture mentions a lot of people, covers over a thousand miles of journey over many months, and records visits to many places*. How would you summarize, or what are some themes, from the details Luke decided to include?

*map link: https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/pauls_third_missionary_journey1.jpeg

Encouraging or encouragement is mentioned twice in the first two verses. In the time covered in these two verses, Paul wrote the book of 2 Corinthians. Given what you know of Paul’s writings to the churches, what does biblical encouragement look like? How does it compare to worldly encouragement?

The story of Eutychus falling is another passage we can laugh about (since we know there was a happy ending), yet we know God must have a good purpose for it being included in our Bibles. What do you think we can learn from this story?

Application

Other than not sitting in the window during sermons, what is one truth you can apply to your life from this text? Write it out and share your response with a spiritual partner.