Opening: Ever been to a “Going Away” party? For a service man or woman? For a
retiring co-worker? For a pastor or church family that is moving away? What is
it like?
Scripture: Read Acts 20:17-38.
Insights:
- Verse 16 indicates that Paul was once again in a hurry to get back to Jerusalem for the Festival of Pentecost (the birthday of the Church). But he could not pass by without stopping to share one last time with his beloved congregation at Ephesus.
- Back in Acts 18:9-10, the Lord spoke to Paul, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”[1] Now in Acts 20:22-23, he has received a different message: go to Jerusalem and face incarceration. But Paul was undeterred. His single-minded purpose was to tell others about Christ (see Philippians 3:7-13). It is no wonder that Paul was the greatest missionary who ever lived.
- Paul’s solemn charge to the people of Ephesus in verse 28 was this:
1.
Be
alert. Spiritual leaders need first of all to guard their own spiritual and
moral purity.
2.
They
had a duty to shepherd God’s flock. Care for them, love them, teach them,
protect them – just as Paul had done.
3.
This
duty came from the Holy Spirit, and was purchased by Jesus’ very blood. It is a
big deal!
Life
Questions:
- Paul has absolutely clear about his purpose: evangelism. God is looking for more men and women who will focus on that one great task God has given them to do. Do you know what your task is? If not, have you prayed about it, studied and meditated on Scripture, talked with mature believers, learned everything you can to find out? If not, why?
- What would you say to your Christian mentor, pastor, teacher, if you knew that you would never see them again?
Prayer
Focus: That we would clearly know God’s purposes for our
lives and our church.
