Pauls Last Words to the Ephesian EldersActs: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [39]Acts 20:17-38December 16, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim

THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS FAREWELL MESSAGEIts audience is Christians (first time in Acts sermons).

Its message is specifically for the leaders of the Ephesian house churches.

Its style is testimonial and confessional about Pauls own life and ministry.

Its nature was prophetic about what lies ahead for Paul and the Ephesian church.

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. (v.17)

* Source: ESV Study Bible Online (www.esvbible.org/)PAULS THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY* Source: ESV Study Bible Online (www.esvbible.org/)

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PAULS LAST WORDS TO LEADERS?1) Learn from how I lived among you and taught you (vs. 18-21).

18And when they came to him, he said to them: You yourselves knowhow I lived among you the whole timefrom the first day that I set foot in Asia,19serving the Lordwith all humility and withtears and with trials that happened to me throughthe plots of the Jews;20how Idid not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks ofrepentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (vs. 18-21)

Pauls farewell charge begins with his weaknesses as the true mark: (1) humility, (2) tears, and (3) trials/suffering.In all this, Paul gave it all sacrificially in teaching everyone, any where, and any time about repentance and faith.We must also learn and follow the true marks of a spiritual leader in Pauls example in humble life and selfless teaching.

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PAULS LAST WORDS TO LEADERS?2) Learn from how I am finishing my course in Christ, faced with suffering that awaits me (vs. 22-27).

22And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained bythe Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,23except thatthe Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment andafflictions await me. (vs. 22-23)

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PAULS LAST WORDS TO LEADERS?2) Learn from how I am finishing my course in Christ, faced with suffering that awaits me (vs. 22-27).

24But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if onlyI may finish my course andthe ministrythat I received from the Lord Jesus,to testify tothe gospel ofthe grace of God. 25And now, behold,I know that none of you among whom I have gone aboutproclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.26ThereforeI testify to you this day thatI am innocent of the blood of all, 27forI did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.(vs. 24-27)

Paul has been warned about future suffering but this doesnt stop him from the Spirits leading to go to Jerusalem. Why?Pauls goal and passion is to finish the course Christ gave him. Like Paul, we must also be willing to suffer in order to finish the course that Christ has given us for the Kingdom of God.

7I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there islaid up for methe crown of righteousness, which the Lord,the righteous judge, will award to me onthat Day, and not only to me but also to allwho have loved his appearing.2 Timothy 4:7-8

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PAULS LAST WORDS TO LEADERS?3) Remember my words about your role and responsibilities as leaders/shepherds (vs. 28-30).

28Pay careful attention to yourselves and to allthe flock, in whichthe Holy Spirit has made you overseers,to care forthe church of God, which heobtainedwith his own blood.29I know that after my departurefierce wolves will come in among you,not sparing the flock;30andfrom among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (vs. 28-30)

Pauls first charge for a leaders role is twofold: (1) pay close attention to yourself first and the flock; (2) shepherd them.Paul warns them about two dangers: (1) false teaching from outside (wolves) and (2) divisive leaders within.In following Pauls charge, we are to lead those who are under our care well by teaching the Word, protecting from the lies.

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PAULS LAST WORDS TO LEADERS?4) Remember my example as a leader/shepherd when I was with you all (vs. 31-35).

31Therefore be alert, remembering thatfor three years I did not cease night or dayto admonish every onewith tears.32And nowI commend you to God and tothe word of his grace, which is able tobuild you up and to give youthe inheritance among all those who are sanctified.(vs. 31-32)

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES OF PAULS LAST WORDS TO LEADERS?4) Remember my example as a leader/shepherd when I was with you all (vs. 31-35).

33I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.35In all thingsI have shown you thatby working hard in this way we musthelp the weak andremember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said,It is more blessedto give than to receive. (vs. 33-35)

Pauls second charge to the leaders is his threefold example: (1) shepherding with love/tears, (2) entrusting people to the Word & the Spirit, and (3) selfless giving to the flock.This threefold example was Pauls following Jesus words.In our own leadership, we are to cultivate godly character, relentless commitment to the Word/Spirit and selfless giving.

36And when he had said these things,he knelt down and prayed with them all.37And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul andkissed him,38being sorrowful most of all because ofthe word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. Andthey accompanied him to the ship. (vs. 36-38)

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFEHow can I follow Pauls example in how he lived among the Ephesians?

How can I follow Pauls example in finishing the course that Christ gave me?

What specific exhortation of Pauls charge for spiritual leadership hit home for me? What will I do about it?

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