The Pilgrim Path---Acts 20: 25 – 32

And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

EPHESIAN ELDER FAREWELL / Part Three

The Holy Spirit opens the heart and life of the Apostle Paul to us in Acts chapter 20. This is a sublime and wonderful gift. As we read this segment of Scripture, we find that Paul was “present” with the people he “served”---praying---feeling---knowing---sharing---loving---growing---weeping. It was intentional, costly---and rewarding. The way “life” in The Body is designed to develop. Please notice the highlights as the Spirit of God has arranged them in these texts:

---v. 25---This is my last time to be with you---Paul had “sent” for the leaders of the Ephesian Church to join him at Miletus. They came! This was to be the last face-to-face time together. Paul knew this to be the case. He had poured himself into their city---and they had been knit together in Christ’s work (three years). Never again---to be in fellowship. Hard to put all “that” emotion into words!

---v. 26---This is a matter in which I am not disturbed: Those near me---in Ephesus for three years---their blood is not on my hands! “They heard the Gospel from me in public or in private!” Wow---How many of us could give such a testimony? Paul saying, “I am free from the blood of all men.” Some way or other---people received the truth concerning their soul---and reconciliation to God---from me: they heard the truth about the God-Man Jesus!

---v. 27---This is clear to me---I gave you the whole counsel of God---My---what a testimony! Most of us get “stuck” on a few topics. Paul covered the whole counsel of GOD! John Stott says Paul, “shared all possible truth with all possible people in all possible ways.” No hobby horse riding with the Apostle Paul. Paul was not one issue focused…one issue driven…one issue captivated. He was surrendered to the LORD Jesus Christ and the Gospel of the Kingdom…”this” moved him…

---v. 28---This is important: Paul told these elders---Care for yourselves and the whole flock---that Christ has so designated you overseers. The LORD Jesus has bought this Church at Ephesus with His blood. All churches are “full” of Christ’s Sheep---and need to be tended to---by His Shepherd’s on earth (this is the grand function elders perform). Sheep wander off. Sheep hurt themselves…sheep need shepherding…

---v. 29---This is apparent---When I’m “gone” Paul says---Fierce wolves will “come” in among the sheep…

---v. 30---This is what will happen: From among your “own” number---men will arise drawing people---not to the LORD Jesus Christ ---but to themselves…

---v. 31---This is your task: Be alert! For three years, I (Paul) was in your midst admonishing you with tears (day and night). Abide in Jesus Christ and the truth of the Gospel. Relate to one another in the love of the Gospel of Jesus our LORD…

---v. 32---This is KEY: I commend You to God--- and to the Word of God----which is able to build you up! We pray this---apply this---and live this---by the grace of the Living Christ! Leaders do this…Parents do this. We know the precious Holy Spirit has the power to use the Word of God in people’s lives---to remove sin---and then add fabric to their souls!

From James Montgomery Boice: The third part of Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders is his prayer. We do not have it in so many words…He would say: Almighty God, I commit into your care these men who are the leaders of the church in Ephesus. Keep them by the power of your Holy Spirit and by the Scriptures, by which alone you speak to the church and through which you have chosen to operate. Keep them from danger. Preserve this church from evil within and without. Grant that it might be strong. Fill it with people who know your Word and because they know your Word live in close fellowship with you. Let them grow in grace and thus instead of succumbing to the temptations of the world, become strong in the knowledge of who you are and by the Holy Spirit determine to obey you and walk after you.

Do you think God heard this prayer? I do. I think God heard it and answered it, because the church in Ephesus was strong and survived to be an effective witness in Asia for many years.

From Watchman Nee: I do not consecrate myself to be a missionary or a preacher. I consecrate myself to God to do His will where I am, be it in school, office, or kitchen, or wherever He may, in His wisdom send me.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason