Final Thoughts

Acts 20:17-38

Paul was speaking to the Ephesian elders for the final time. In this conversation are several important things for believers to remember. Initially was his manner among the people. He served the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews. Humble must always be our manner among others. There is no room for arrogance or a know-it-all attitude. And then we must remember that there will always be trials and tears. God grows us through these sufferings. 

Secondly was Paul's eternal focus. He did not account his life of any value nor as precious to himself, if only he may finish his course and the ministry that he received from the Lord Jesus. Paul definitely had his priorities straight. In no way was he attached to anything that the world had to offer, even his own life. He valued his life as nothing compared to Jesus Christ and his Christ-given ministry. He wanted to finish the course no matter the discouragements or disappointments. No matter the trials or the tears.

Then he declared that he had not refrained from declaring the entire counsel of God to them. His conscience was clear. In keeping with this, he warned them about the fierce wolves that would come in among them, not sparing the flock, and from among them will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them. How soon for this to happen! As Jesus had taught in one parable, the devil came in and sowed weeds among the good seed. But how could disciples be drawn away? In another parable, Jesus taught that the sower sowed the seeds in different soils. On the rocky soil is the person who hears, receives the word with joy, yet has no root in himself. When tribulation or persecution comes he can only last a short while. On the thorny soil is the person who hears but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it never grows fruit. All of this within the local church. Those who appear to be disciples can be drawn away. The warning to be on guard is essential. False teachers abound!

Finally, he commends them to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. The entire Christian life can only be lived by the word of His grace! Paul exhorted them to help the weak and to remember It is more blessed to give than to receive. In this single paragraph there are so many crucial things to remember, things to incorporate in our thinking and in our living. 

Father,

Help me remember. Open my eyes to the truth around me. Saturate me in the word of Your grace. Strengthen me to withstand trials. Lead me into the relationships that You want me to share you and Your saving grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen