Acts 20:32-38-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

The Apostle Paul’s final words of farewell begin, “And now I commit you to God and to the message of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified” (Acts 20:33). The Christian life is not merely difficult, it is impossible. It can only be authentically lived as the Holy Spirit graces (empowers) the believer. Ephesians 2:8 declares that we are “saved by grace.” Here in Acts 20:33 we observe that we are “built up” and receive our “inheritance” by grace. The entirety of the Christian life is an experience of grace.

Read Genesis 22:1-19. How was Abraham’s test an experience of God’s grace? (See also Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6.)

Read James 1:2-4,12. How does the “testing of your faith” build you up in Christ?

Paul ends his message quoting the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). How is generosity and service an experience of grace?

2 Corinthians 8:6-7, 8-9—

2 Corinthians 9:8—

Ephesians 3:7—

Ephesians 4:7—

1 Peter 4:10—

How are you growing in grace?