A Leader Worth Following | Acts 20:17–27

Summary

Every follower of Jesus is called to be a minister, which means leadership isn’t reserved for people with a title. In Acts 20, Paul points to his own life as an example of leadership shaped by Jesus: character that matches what he believes, humility that comes from submission to Christ, genuine care for people, courage to speak the truth, and a commitment to finish the ministry God has given him. The invitation is to become a leader worth following by depending on the Spirit, becoming more like Jesus, and faithfully living out the ministry God has entrusted to you.

Key Takeaways

• A leader must have character. Paul could point not only to what he taught but to how he lived (Acts 20:18–21; 1 Corinthians 11:1). For a follower of Jesus, character is where Christ, his Word, and our actions align. The Spirit is at work in our lives to close the gap between our believe in Jesus and looking like him.
• A leader must be humble. Paul saw himself first as a servant of Christ (Acts 20:19). No matter how much responsibility or influence we have, Jesus is the one in charge. Humility flows from a life submitted and surrendered to the King.
• A leader must care about people. Paul spent years teaching publicly and going house to house, even admonishing people with tears (Acts 20:20, 31). Following Jesus changes the bullseye from productivity and profit to people. Our greatest opportunity for lasting impact is investing in people for the sake of the gospel.
• A leader must have courage. Paul did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:25–27). Courage means loving people enough to speak the truth while being led by the Spirit and rooted in the gospel.
• A leader must finish. Paul valued finishing the ministry he received from Jesus more than protecting his own comfort or control (Acts 20:22–24). Every follower of Christ is a minister, and every minister has been given a ministry. God has placed us among specific people for a gospel-advancing purpose, and faithfulness means following the Spirit wherever he leads.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• When you think about the five marks of leadership from this message—character, humility, care for people, courage, and finishing—which one most challenges you right now? Why?
• Where is there currently a gap between what you say you believe about Jesus and how you live? What would repentance and dependence on the Spirit look like in that area this week?
• Would the people closest to you describe you as a humble servant? Where might your desire for influence, recognition, comfort, or control be getting in the way of surrender to Jesus?
• Think about how you spend your time, energy, and resources. Are people getting your best or your leftovers? Who has God placed around you that you can intentionally invest in for the sake of the gospel?
• Is there a conversation where fear of someone’s response or desire for their approval has kept you from speaking truth in love? How can your community help you approach that conversation with courage, wisdom, and grace.