The Pilgrim Path---Acts 20: 33 – 38

“I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the LORD Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all, they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

EPHESIAN ELDER FAREWELL / Part Four

The fine Black Ministers I was fortunate to be around when I was starting out as a pastor gave me this advice: “Keep your hands off the money and the women---and that will serve you well---as you serve the LORD Jesus.” Please consider the sweet, strong guidance contained in that brief soul-preserving word. It works! The Holy Spirit closes out this loving look at Paul’s time with the Ephesian Elders with a bit of that home-spun reminiscence. Hear the lessons from the seasoned Apostle:

---Paul says he did not let covetousness get the best of him. Quite an accomplishment! Just recently I was going back over the tragic incident involving Gehazi in Second Kings Chapter 5. Gehazi was the assistant to God’s Prophet-- Elisha. The Prophet was used of the LORD to heal Naaman (a Syrian General) of leprosy. The Ole General wanted to “pay” for the miraculous benefit he had received. Elisha would “not” be compensated---and sent the General on his way home. The “text” of the narrative reveals that Gehazi figured this was a “total” waste. Naaman was willing to “pay” for a miracle---WHY not “take” the money? My---my. So Gehazi runs after the Syrian General---and tells a “made-up” story about some fellows in the “school of the prophets” needing clothes & a stipend. Well---Naaman is more than willing to supply the same! However---the LORD is not impressed and says through Elisha: “I was with you---when you joined your heart to that general. Is this the time to be stacking up money on earth? The leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your seed---from here on.” We do not use Gospel endeavors to make a name for ourselves---or to pad our pockets. The best treasures are eternal ones…

---Paul says he worked to “pay” his own way. He wanted to be above reproach while in Ephesus. Paul was a tent maker by trade. There is nothing wrong with legitimately “called” Gospel ministers being paid “in” their respective works---but Paul made his own way in Ephesus. He was not using his position for applause or for financial benefit. His position--- was for the Glory of God and the good of souls. No false teachers could claim otherwise…

---Paul says the LORD Jesus Christ wants us to remember those who cannot help themselves---And Paul wants us to remember this word of the Living Christ: “It is better to give than to receive.” Do not simply be a container of potential resources---be a channel of blessing in Jesus’ Name.

---Paul says a great deal---Then they all got down on their knees and prayed together. They cried---because this would be their last meeting---Paul moves on…always moving ahead for the sake of the Gospel---and the souls of men. One of the most moving scenes within the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul…

From John Duncan: Many of the Lord’s people have very little of the world in possession, but they have it all in property, in Christ…Christ gives you the whole world in property, and as much in possession as he sees is good and best.

From William Arnot: It was kind of Him to let us know that He values our gifts, although we render to Him only what we have received.

From Richard Baxter: Look to heaven, man, there is your home and hope. O blinded mortals that love to dwell on the earth like worms! You are immortal souls, made for God himself, to admire him, love him, serve him, and enjoy him. O beg God a heavenly light and mind to look often into heaven, and worldliness will vanish away in shame.

HYMN

Lord, thou lov’st the cheerful giver,

Who with open heart and hand

Blesses freely, as a river

That refreshes all the land.

Grant us then the grace of giving

With a spirit large and free,

That our life and all our living

We may consecrate to thee.

Robert Murray, 1898.

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