Week 3 | The Disciples' Goal is to Testify of Jesus

What is your life really for?

In this powerful message from Acts 20:24, Joel Smith, church planting resident at Connect Church, challenges us to rethink purpose. In a culture that disciples us toward personal success, achievement, and self-significance, Scripture calls us to something deeper: full devotion to Jesus Christ.

Paul declares, “I consider my life of no value to myself. My purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”

This week’s message explores five clarifying truths:

1️⃣ Personal Success vs. Gospel Purpose – The world measures achievement; Scripture measures faithfulness.

2️⃣ How Culture Shapes Our View of Significance – We are constantly being discipled toward self-centered ambition.

3️⃣ Denying Yourself to Follow Christ – True purpose begins with surrender.

4️⃣ Your Course Is Your Calling – Your career, gifts, relationships, and opportunities are the ministry field God has assigned to you.

5️⃣ Testifying to God’s Grace – Our ultimate aim is bearing witness to the transforming grace of Jesus.

Whether you are a student, professional, parent, retiree, or unsure of your next step—this message reminds us that our ultimate purpose is not achievement, but devotion.

Jesus is the significant One.

Our joy is finishing the race He has set before us.

💬 Reflect & Respond:

Are you building your life around personal success—or around finishing the course Christ has given you? What would it look like to reorient your purpose around the gospel?

If you’re considering your next step—salvation, baptism, surrender, or deeper obedience—we would love to connect with you.