June 13, 2021

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1
Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passages: Acts 19: 1-41

Sermon theme: Ephesus: Breaking through misconceptions – Phil Carnuccio
● Acts 19 begins with the start of Paul’s third missionary journey in Ephesus which
became his “base city” where he would stay 2 1⁄2 to 3 years.
o What is unusual about the disciples that Paul first encounters in Ephesus
(v. 1-7)?
o Looking back to Acts 18:24-28; what might have led to their misconception
regarding baptism and their lack of knowledge about the Holy Spirit?
o In what way are you choosing to live awakened to the Holy Spirit forming
Christ in your life?
o Is the Cross merely The Way to salvation or is it also The Way we live?
● Read Acts 19: 8-10
o Even in the midst of resistance Paul recognizes God opening a door for
spreading the good news of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 16: 8-9)
o Compare the impact of this open door with the temporary closing of a door
in Acts 16:6
▪ Share an example where you have discerned God closing a door in
your life, or an example where an obstacle actually led to the
opening of a door.

● Read Acts 19: 11-20
o How can we encourage each other not to “box God in”?
▪ When are we tempted to underestimate His power?

▪ When are we tempted to view Him as a personal magician?

● Read Acts 19: 21-34
o When Paul’s ministry caused more and more Ephesians to begin
worshiping the one true God it infuriated some members of the community
– why?
o Do you have an example of someone in your life who was not pleased
when you committed your life to following Jesus?

● Read Galatians 2:20
o Our call is to be in God, awakened to the Holy Spirit, diligently working to
form Christ in us-------For what purpose?

● What disciplines can we build into our lives and routines to remind ourselves that
we are called to be “in God for the world” as opposed to “in the world for God”?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?

● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.