Respond Guide is a flexible guide for our church to use all week long, in personal study, with family, and in community groups. Its questions are designed for everyone and can be used multiple times, often leading to different conversations and fresh insight in each setting. The same guide can shape three distinct experiences as God meets you personally, in your home, and in biblical community.
RESPOND GUIDE
Surrendered to His Will | Acts 21–22
Summary
In this week’s message, Pastor Ueckert continues through the Book of Acts, following Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, where he encounters opposition, false accusations, and imprisonment. Despite uncertainty and suffering, Paul remains steadfast in his commitment to God’s will and continues to proclaim the Gospel. Through Paul’s example, we are reminded that surrender is not simply a one-time decision, but a daily posture of trusting God with every part of our lives. As we learn to release our plans, fears, and desire for control, we discover the freedom of following Jesus wholeheartedly and the opportunity to share His story wherever He leads us.
Key Verses
- Acts 21:10–14
- Acts 20:22–24
- Acts 22:1–21
- Matthew 26:39
- Psalm 143:7–10
Questions
- Paul was willing to follow God’s leading even when he knew suffering awaited him. What does his example teach us about the difference between trusting God’s will and trusting that our circumstances will turn out the way we hope?
- Surrender is not a single decision but a daily act of obedience. What are some areas of your life where you find yourself continually taking back control rather than trusting God?
- Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). What fears, expectations, or desires make that prayer difficult for you to pray sincerely?
- Paul did not allow his circumstances to distract him from his calling to share the Gospel. How might God be inviting you to see your current circumstances, even the difficult ones, as opportunities to make Him known?
- When Paul addressed the crowd in Jerusalem, he simply told the story of how Jesus had changed his life. How has Jesus changed your life, and what might keep you from sharing that story with others?
- Our testimony is not only about the moment we first believed, but also about the ongoing work of Jesus in our lives. Where do you see God working in you right now, and how might sharing that encourage someone else?
- Surrender often requires acknowledging our limitations and allowing others to walk alongside us. How has Christian community helped you grow in trust, obedience, or dependence on God?
- Jesus’ invitation to His disciples was simply, “Follow Me.” What is one specific area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to take a step of faith or obedience?
Life Application
This week, spend time reflecting on your personal testimony using four simple questions: What was my life like before Jesus? How did I come to know Him? How is He changing my life today? How am I living on mission because of Him?
Write down your responses and consider how God might use your story to encourage someone else. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring one person to mind with whom you could share what Jesus has done in your life.
As you pray each day, practice surrender with the simple words of Jesus: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Key Takeaways
- Surrender is a daily posture. Following Jesus means continually entrusting our plans, desires, fears, and circumstances to His will.
- Obedience does not depend on circumstances. Paul’s faithfulness reminds us that God’s purposes remain trustworthy even when the path is difficult.
- Our stories point to Jesus. Every believer has a testimony of God’s grace, and His ongoing work in our lives is worth sharing.
- We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. Christian community provides encouragement, accountability, and strength as we learn to surrender.
- A surrendered life is a life on mission. Wherever God has placed us, we have opportunities to make Jesus known through our words, actions, and faithfulness.
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the example of those who have followed You with courage and trust. Forgive us for the ways we cling to control, resist Your leading, or allow fear to shape our decisions. Teach us to surrender more fully to Your will each day. Help us recognize Your work in our lives and give us the courage to share the story of Your grace with others. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, make us faithful followers of Jesus, willing to go wherever You lead and obedient to whatever You ask. In Jesus’ name, Amen.