To the Ends of the Earth, Part 31
Paul’s final encouragement to Ephesus
Acts 20:7-38
Introduction
- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”
-- Last week, we had several challenges to consider when it comes to being faithful
-- Ref: Christian life APP: Will we live with the certainty that God is able?
• Will be bold and share what we know with people who need it?
• Will we support those who are also attempting to share Jesus?
- Today, I’d like us to just dive in without much intro – let’s just unpack together
- Read Acts 20:7-38 / Pray
- TR: Two ways to look at this message:
1. For those who are faithful to Christ today, this is an encouraging message
2. For those who are not, it is direction/or a plan on how to refocus your life
Point 1 – Paul responds to God’s calling
- Don’t miss the incredible miracle that Paul performs!
-- He actually heals a man and bring him back to life! Fell 3 stories and lived!
-- What kind of testimony do you think he might have had later in his life?
-- Truly, this is Apostolic power, something Paul was gifted with from God
-- SEE: This happened while Paul was compelled to get to Jerusalem
- Paul had a desire to be alone; to find time of solace (preparation)
• The journey would be about 20 miles by land & 30 miles by sea
• See that he chose to go by sea - to recenter and draw close to God
- We can tell by the writing he was rushed to be there by Festival of Pentecost
• But before he left, the elders from Ephesus came to meet with him
• Believer: This is one of the most touching scenes of fellowship we have
- Paul’s testimony is that he has been devoted to them since Day 1 (v18)
-- In that, he demonstrated to them what it means to serve the Lord
-- Greek: douleuon toi kurioi; serving the Lord (how he spent his time)
-- There are three things that characterized his time there (RE: 2+ years):
• He served with humility (to share Jesus)
• He served with many tears (weeping for the lost)
• He served and endured many trials (esp. attacks from Greeks / Jews)
- His testimony to them is one of urgency, a desperate need for them: (vv20-21)
-- Pay close attention to how he summarizes his ministry to Ephesus; he …
1. Taught the whole gospel; keeping nothing back
2. Taught publicly and privately the importance of Jesus
3. Taught with power; as someone under an oath (compelled to obey)
4. Taught to both Jew and Greek; showed no favoritism
5. Most importantly, taught repentance and faith in Christ
- Even under persecution (v23) he had a willingness to suffer for the Gospel
-- His testimony is simple: the Holy Spirit bears witness to what he has done
-- APP: He walked so closely with the Lord that the Spirit always prepared him
- Read v24: “My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing …”
-- APP: Despite knowing what he would face (see v23), he still went
-- How? He didn’t count his life of value compared to what Jesus had done
-- TR: BIG QUESTION: How does someone do this for Christ?
Point 2 – Paul is focused on a simple mission: Preach Jesus!
- Paul wished to finish his life with joy, diligently running the race
-- Don’t forget his final words to Timothy, he proclaims his purpose & victory
-- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”
- KEY: His only desire is to finish the ministry Jesus had assigned him …
-- Acts 9:15, “But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”
- Consider this: His work in Ephesus comes from a humble heart
-- He is not serving to get recognition, nor to further his own personal gain/wealth
-- Another sermon: There is something to be said about using ministry for profit!
- His ministry summary (vv26-27) is truly without ambiguity
