Commit

Session 10

Acts 20:18-32

Believers must resolve to faithfully serve Jesus all their days.

ENGAGE

Introduce:

Read the following oath of enlistment taken by those entering the military: “I, ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm)
that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me,
according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Encourage adults who have taken this oath to share what it means to them.
Lead the group to discuss the significance of the commitment represented by the oath.

Explain:

Read the introductory paragraph on page 85.

People who serve in the military know devotion to duty may mean going into harm’s way.
Serving requires bravery and commitment, especially during periods of warfare.
Similarly, believers serve the Lord in the midst of ongoing spiritual warfare.
Sometimes the enemy uses human opponents or life situations to attack followers of Christ.
Behind all opposition lies the schemes of Satan.
Being Jesus’s disciples requires commitment and faith. (PSG, p. 91)

Ask:

• What lessons about commitment can believers gain from persons in military service?
• How does our allegiance to Christ compare with other kinds of loyalty? (p. 85)

Transition:

In today’s study,
we will look at the example Paul set for remaining committed to the gospel throughout his life.