Thank you for stopping by and taking to time to watch, listen, or read this week’s message, Successful Service.
I hope you find encouragement in your faith in Jesus, and maybe even learn something new along the way 🙂
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We have been looking at Paul’s missionary journeys. Last week we read how Paul, when heading to Jerusalem, chose to sail past Ephesus. He had spent much time in Ephesus and knew he did not have the time to stop to visit them.
Instead, after arriving in Miletus, Paul calls for the Ephesian elders to come to him. These elders made the trek to see Paul. This allowed Paul to speak into the people of Ephesus without disrupting his plans to make it to Jerusalem.
Paul’s interaction with these elders reveals some ways he went about his ministry. Following Paul’s lead in his missionary work can help us to be successful in our own service for the Lord.
1. Live on Purpose (17-24)
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
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As Paul shared with the elders, he shared how he was purposeful in how he lived. His life was an example for all with whom he had contact. He served the Lord with humility, even during opposition and hard times.
Paul was purposeful in how he spoke to the people. He chose to speak the truth to all. His message was not just for the Jews or the Greeks, but for all people. The message was simple… they were to turn to God, repent, and have faith in Jesus.
By living on purpose, Paul allowed himself to be led by the Spirit. Even when he did not know the outcomes, he chose to follow the Spirit’s lead. He was always warned of prison and other hardships, but his faith was in the Lord.
His ultimate purpose was to finish the race God had given to him. His desire was to complete the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. For a man who once attempted to destroy the church, God’s grace allowed him to become a builder and encourager for the faith.
What is our purpose as we walk this planet? How are we using our lives to bring glory to God?
2. Offer Challenges (25-35)
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
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The first thing Paul shared with the Ephesian elders was that they would never see him again. I’m sure it was a challenge for him to say this, but it had to be said. They had to realize the seriousness of the journey he was on.
There will be times when we will experience a similar challenge. No matter how hard it may be, we will need to share truth with others. These truths will come by giving instructions and warnings.
For the Ephesian elders, Paul gives them several warnings…
- Keep watch over yourselves and over your flock
- Be shepherds, protecting your flocks from attacks.
- Be committed to God and the word of His grace.
- Don’t covet the possessions of others.
- Work hard and freely give.
What a great list! These are things that Paul lived out. He was the example of one who followed these instructions and warnings. We, too, should follow these truths and be the example for those around us.
3. Show Compassion (36-38)
When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
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After spending this time together, they ended with prayer, love, and showing care for each other.
This is another aspect of our lives that will bring about successful service to the Lord. As we spend time together, we will grow closer to one another. When we pray together, we will connect deeper with each other and with God. As we grow closer together and with God, our love and care for each other will continually grow.
As we live out our faith in the Lord, let us…
Continually seek after God’s leading for our lives.
Be quick to encourage one another in faith and action.
Always show love to those within our sphere of influence.
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Have a Great Day!