The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on February 2, “ 20/20 Vision and Acts 20” (Acts 20:26–31). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Main Point: Eldership is a call for careful watchfulness over the whole flock––including the shepherd himself.

Outline

1. A Call for Watchfulness (vv. 28a, 31 – be alert therefore!)
1. Pay Careful Attention
2. To Yourselves
3. To All the Flock
2. Reasons for Watchfulness (vv. 28b–30)
1. The Work of God – Positive Rationale
   • Divine Purpose (the Holy Spirit made you overseers to shepherd)
   • Divine Possession (the flock of God – the Father’s flock)
   • Divine Purchase (which Christ purchased with his own blood)
2. The Work of the Wolves – Negative Warning (vv. 29–30)

• Where? Come From the Outside and Arise From the Inside
• Why? Savage – Not Sparing the Flock
• What Are the Tactics? Deceitful (speak twisted things), Purposeful (in order to draw the flock away) 

Discussion Questions

• What is the main verb in verse 28? Why is it significant that Paul uses this particular verb when the normal word for shepherding already means to watch? In other words, what is the emphasis? 
• What are the two objects of the verb in verse 28? Why does Paul call the elders to watch themselves first? Why does Paul mention “all the flock”? How does the overall context of Acts help with this emphasis on “all”?
• What are the reasons for watchfulness that Paul identifies in verses 28–30?
• The central claim the elders are making in the 20/20 vision is that live preaching will strengthen the core on each campus. What are the two reasons they believe that claim? Where do they see those two reasons in this passage? 

Application Questions

• How do you experience the oversight of the elders? Do you feel known and shepherded or unknown and neglected? What can your small group do in order for you to feel better connected to a shepherd at Bethlehem?
• What part of the council of elders’ 20/20 vision is clear to you? What part is confusing? What questions have they answered? What questions or concerns still need to be addressed?
• What part of this message do you need to share with someone this week?

Prayer Focus

Pray for a grace to look to Christ and return to him as the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls