Paul’s Lessons On Ministry (Part 1)
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[SLIDE 1] Introduction
If you have your Bible, then please turn to Acts 20:17-35. I’m gonna read this entire passage for the sake of getting the context, but we’ll only be expounding verses 17-24 as part of a 3-part series on Paul’s Lessons On Ministry.
17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 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. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 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. 33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 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.’ ”
Illustration
As the school year is about to end for students, I want to begin this message by talking about the valedictorian.
In case you don’t know what it is, a valedictorian is chosen to speak on behalf of the graduating class at the high school graduation ceremony.
Typically, he or she is someone represents the years of hard work, dedication, and academic achievement.
Now, I don’t know how many of you have had the privilege of being a valedictorian at the high school graduation ceremony. (It’s really a one-time opportunity).
I certainly wasn’t one, but I remember my classmate named Chris gave a speech during the grad ceremony.
And his words carried weight and significance as he stood before their classmates, teachers, and families to deliver a farewell message.
Usually the speech is summarized in four general points:
Gratitude: Expressing heartfelt thanks to teachers, staff, and parents for their support and guidance.
Perseverance: Encouraging fellow graduates to never give up in the face of challenges and to seek help when needed.
Community: Emphasizing the value of unity, collaboration, and caring for one another.
Impact: Inspiring graduates to use their talents and education to make a positive difference in the world.
The reason why I bring up the farewell speech of the valedictorian is because we get to learn about the farewell message of the Apostle Paul.
Just as a valedictorian inspires their classmates to embrace the future, Paul's message exhorts the Ephesian elders (and us) to remain faithful, vigilant, and committed to the work of the Gospel.
Biblical Theology
Context
Last Sunday, we have learned that the Apostle Paul travelled to different churches that he planted in his missionary journey.
And I mentioned that his travel to those churches would be his final visit.
So, he encourages them so that he can edify and built them up in their walk with Christ.
Luke did not record the words of Paul’s encouragement to those churches. We may wish to know what Paul may have said to them.
However, Luke does record for us what Paul said to the Ephesian elders.
And this would be Paul’s farewell message as he travels from Miletus to Jerusalem. This passage contains powerful lessons on ministry from the life of the Apostle Paul.
Before I get into the exposition of God’s word, I want to highlight something about Paul.
Paul’s journey to Jerusalem is rather similar to Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.
Christ prepared the disciples for His death and absence in the Upper room discourse in John 13-17.
Similarly, Paul is preparing the churches for his absence because he is deeply concerned about them
He’s concerned about the spiritual health of the church.
So, churches must learn to carry on the ministry and be prepared to face trouble without the presence of Paul.
As we are about to listen to Paul’s farewell message to the Ephesian elders, I pray and hope that we will take in the inspired word of God to heart and respond appropriately to it.
Also, we should try to imagine Paul speaking to all of us, especially the elders of Oakridge Baptist Church.
Exposition
[SLIDE 2] Luke begins by noting that Paul and his companions arrive in Miletus, and he called the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him.
Now, I’ll get into more details about the office of an elder because that’ll be the focus in part 2 of Paul’s Lesson On Ministry as he charges them.
I would note that Paul spent three years in Ephesus, teaching and making disciples (Acts 20:31). He was serious about fulfilling the Great Commission in making disciples.
Furthermore, before he left Ephesus, it seems that he already raised up biblical elders to lead the church of Ephesus.
From this speech, we can draw out four lessons of how the Apostle Paul led the church in Ephesus that we can imitate.
[SLIDE 3] 1. Lesson Of Selfless Servanthood (vv.18-19)
Paul begins his sentence by telling them that the Ephesian elders themselves know something important about the Apostle Paul.
There are two general outlines of what the Ephesian elders should have known about Paul, and what we can learn from Paul.
First, they knew how Paul lived among them the whole time from the first day that he set foot in Asia (v.18)
Second, they knew how Paul did not shrink (v.20)
In verse 18, Paul explains that he was living among them.
Paul was not only a teacher, but he was a people person.
I says that I spent time with you and built relationship with you. You saw how I lived among you.
[SLIDE 4] Paul, living among them the whole time, reflects his lifestyle in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9.
7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
[SLIDE 5] In verse 19, we learn about Paul’s selfless servanthood. He elaborates his point by telling that he was serving the LORD while he was living among them.
What does serving the LORD mean?
This word, “serve,” carries an idea of performing the duty of a slave. That’s what the verb, “Douleuo” means. The noun is “doulos” which literally means slave.
Now, “slave” is a rather alarming word because it carries a stigma in the North American culture. But we should not read the idea of the American slavery into the Bible.
Paul served the LORD as a slave. Being a slave of Christ means that you are owned by Christ because He bought you out from the spiritual slave market of sin by His own blood.
Therefore, the implication of the Christian life is that Jesus is our Master, King, and Lord.
And we are to glorify God, love Him, and obey Him joyfully precisely because Christ - in His love and grace - died and purchased the salvation of unworthy sinners who have turned from sin and turned to Christ by faith.
And because of His sacrifice, His love ought to compel and control us. He died so that those who live might no longer live for themelves, but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
So, we learn that Paul was serving the LORD, and he qualifies it with three points. First, Paul serves the Lord with all humility.
Paul does not say with some humility. He says “ALL humility.”
Humility is the opposide of pride. Pride is a dangerous ingredient to church leadership and for Christians.
Paul could have been prideful based on his success and position as an Apostle.
While he may have been praised for his message and ministry, Paul did not seek glory and praise.
Second, Paul serves the Lord with tears.
Now, Paul could be speaking about shedding tears physically AND his internal suffering.
He experienced much grieve and pain when serving the LORD because he was mocked and accused.
Much like Jesus, Paul was a man of sorrow and man of tears.
Third, Paul serves the Lord with trials.
The Jews plotted to kill the Apostle Paul. Throughout his missionary journey, the Jews incited violence and anger against Paul.
He had to endure suffering for serving the LORD.
Paul had to sometimes escape from danger and threats while serving the LORD throughout his missionary journey.
Plus, his journey to Jerusalem, as we have saw in the previous passage, was met with threats by the Jews in Acts 20:3.
Why Paul may describe this to the Ephesian elders is because they also have the responsibility of serving the LORD in a similar manner.
The Ephesians elders knew about Paul’s suffering.
So, they are also to be ready to face trials and tribulations in their service for the King of kings and Lord of lords.
So, we have considered Paul’s 1st Lesson On Ministry. It’s a Lesson Of Selfless Servanthood.
[SLIDE 6] 2. Lesson Of Tenacious Teaching (v.20)
In other words, tenacious (strong, unyielding) teaching of God’s word.
In verse 20, to further the comment of what the Ephesian elders knew about Paul, they knew that Paul did not shrink.
The word, “shrink,” can also be translate as draw back, withdraw, avoid, or shrink back.
The Greek dictionary suggest that this word has something to do with being hesitant in regard to something...to be timid about something...or to keep silent about something.
Paul uses this word again in Acts 20:27
27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
For the Apostle Paul, when it comes to the word of God and the whole counsel of God, Paul did not hold from declaring and teaching them Scripture:
including texts that may be hard.
including texts that may be controversial.
including texts that may cause people to be upset and angry with him to the point of plotting against him.
including texts that may cause people to leave the church because he’s focused on preaching Christ and the Word.
We should also consider this question: what would cause a minister to shrink, especially from declaring and teaching the Word and proclaiming the gospel?
There may be many reasons, but I would boil it down to fear. Fear of losing people. Fear of offending.
Paul, however, had courage and boldness to answer his life’s calling, not shrink from it.
That’s why as a pastor, I’m very committed in not shrinking from declaring and teaching you the word of God.
I choose a book of the Bible. I explain the text beginning from chapter 1 verse 1…until the end of the book, until the final chapter and final verse.
I would draw out the meaning of the text in its context, principles and applications for the people of God.
The preacher ought to be compelled by God to deal and wrestle with complicated, obscure, and even offensive texts faithfully and not skipping them out of inconvenience.
Paul’s example demonstrates that declaring the whole counsel of God’s word is the obligation of the preacher of God’s word.
[SLIDE 7] Paul said this to his protoge, Timothy, in 2 Timothy 4:1-3
1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
Paul doesn’t just command Timothy, but he sets an example here in this passage.
[SLIDE 8] He says that he did not shrink from declaring to the Ephesian elders anything that was profitable to them. Paul had their best interests.
The word of God will always be profitable because it is the inspired by God. It’s profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
Paul did not withhold any teaching that might be profitable for his hearers even though it is unwelcome.
Paul did not twist the word of God in order to please his hearers. [SLIDE 9]
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
[SLIDE 10] Paul did not shrink from teaching them in public and from house to house.
There were two outlets whereby Paul was teaching the Ephesian elders (and the Ephesian church).
There’s the public. this could have been in the hall of Tyrannus. It could have been in the Jewish synagogue (Acts 18:28). It could have been in the church.
There’s house to house. This was more in a private setting whereby Paul went to individuals house to teach them.
Paul did not view himself as a great preacher and scholar and that he stand before masses of people.
He would stoop down in humility try to help Christians on a one-to-one basis or in a smaller group.
Paul spoke the word of God to Christians during meals. Gathering together in a house also provides a space for believers to know one another more intimately.
While I think preaching is of utmost importance in our gathering, it is equally significant for pastors/elders/ministry leaders to meet in a smaller and private setting so that the word of God can be discussed and dispensed.
Oftentimes, it is through private conversations that I’m able to specifically apply God’s word into people’s life circumstance because I get to hear the struggles and concerns of the congregation.
So, we have considered Paul’s 2nd Lesson On Ministry. It’s a Lesson Of Tenacious Teaching.
[SLIDE 11] 3. Lesson Of Evangelistic Endeavour (vv.21)
In verse 21, Paul further elaborates that he did not shrink from testifying both to Jews and Greek of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Namely, Paul did not shrink from proclaiming the gospel even though he could be in trouble for it.
Repentance means the change of mind. A 180 degree turn from sin and towards God.
Faith means to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation.
[SLIDE 12] This parallels with Jesus’ words in Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
So, if you haven’t trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, the One who died to save sinners from the wrath to come, then like Paul, I call upon you to come to faith in Jesus this morning.
Preaching the gospel was Paul’s life and the Lord’s calling in his ministry.
John Stott once said this about Paul’s work. He’s an example of “evangelism in depth...” meaning… “he shared all possible truth with all possible people in all possible ways.”
A Faithful Servant does not shrink from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When was the last time you were given the opportunity to declare the gospel?
The opportunity was open, but you may have shrinked and avoided from testifying to non-believers about the gospel.
If you did shrink out of fear, then there is forgiveness of sins when you confess it before God. And pray and ask the LORD to give you the courage and boldness not to shrink, but to tell that person about Jesus.
So, we have considered Paul’s 3rd Lesson On Ministry. It’s a Lesson Of Evangelistic Endeavour.
[SLIDE 13] 4. Lesson Of Sacrificial Steadfastness (v.22-24)
Now, Paul continues with his farewell by starting a new section regarding his journey to Jerusalem and also how he perceives it in light of the suffering and persecution that he will face.
Paul is going to Jerusalem because he’s contrained or bound together by the Spirit.
And he doesn’t know definitively and exactly what will happen to him in Jerusalem.
HOWEVER, the Holy Spirit gave him a revelation, which is a general idea of what will happen to him.
God the Spirit the testified to Paul in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
Imagine you were travelling for a missions trip, and the Holy Spirit told you that when you get arrive in that designated city....you will be persecuted in prison.
Would you cancel the mission trip?
Oh how often we are like Jonah that when God tells us to go north, we go south.
When the LORD tells us to obey Him in Scripture, we often disobey and dismiss His word.
We walk by the flesh, and not by the Spirit.
We choose comfort, not discomfort.
We choose convenience, not inconvenience.
We choose safety, not suffering.
We choose our own way, not God’s way.
We choose independence, not dependence upon God.
We choose rebellion, not obedience.
We may say that we’ll go where God wants us to go, but when we go through the road gets thick and hard, we can be like Peter that denies Jesus three times.
However, Paul wasn’t like Jonah. The Holy Spirit tells him to travel east to Jerusalem, and Paul did go east, and did not go west.
We’ll learn later in Acts 21 when Paul arrives in Caesarea, many believers were telling and urging Paul NOT to go to Jerusalem, perhaps including Luke himself.
[SLIDE 14] But it says this in Acts 21:12-14
12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
In our minds, we may view Paul as an insane, unreasonable, and crazy man.
However, Paul was essentially imitating Jesus Christ.
When you read Paul’s speech here and what he’ll experience, his life parallels closely with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Three times Jesus said that He would suffer many things in Jerusalem. He knew that He’ll be persecuted by the Jewish leaders.
Peter even stopped Jesus and told him that nothing bad would happen to Him in Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21-25).
While Paul knew that he would suffer, persecution will not move him. His remains steadfast for the LORD even if it means sacrificing his life for the sake of Christ.
[SLIDE 15] Take a look at Acts 20:24
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
I wonder how many of you can say that. Do you have the boldness and sincerity to recite this for your life?
I don’t know care what’s going to happen to me.
My purpose in life is to glorify God in whatever I do.
For Paul, the Christian life and mininistry are a marathon race.
His focus is on finishing the race and ministry that Jesus gave to him, which is to testify to the grace of the grace of God.
Paul is willing to suffer for the sake of proclaiming the gospel and finishing his ministry, regardless of what awaits him in Jerusalem.
He doesn’t care about his own life. He was ready to die for the sake of Christ. He views his life as a sacrifice. He believes living for Christ is worthy dying for. [SLIDE 16]
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
So, we have considered Paul’s 4th Lesson On Ministry. It’s a Lesson Of Sacrificial Steadfastness.
[SLIDE 17] Application / Conclusion
So, brothers and sisters, the challenge you should consider from this part of Paul’s farewell message is that your life here on earth is rather limited.
How will you live your life?
Is it a life that is all about living for Christ no matter what happens?
Or is it a life wasted not living for Christ?
Sadly, many who profess Christ don’t finish their race, whether it be their ministry OR even worse…giving up and abandoning Christ and walking straight into eternal destruction.
Many may be coddling or overprotective of their lives.
They may never have been challenged by the claims of Jesus and the cost of following Him.
They make excuses for not finishing well.
They fall into the guilt of sin.
They fall into laziness and slothfulness.
They fall into busyness with their secular jobs.
They lost their passion and love for their Lord which they had at first.
They view Sunday at church like their small little spiritual vacation, and then they return to their secular work on the week and end their spiritual growth.
[SLIDE 17] But that’s never Christianity for the Apostle Paul. At the end of his life, he finished the race.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
My heart for all of you is that you finish the race well that Christ has placed before you.
If you have forgotten that you’re in a spiritual race and you have walked away from the track,
It’s time to repent, come back to the Lord Jesus.
Confess your sins. The blood of Christ can cleanse you from your sins.
Walk in newness of life.
I would also encourage you to look to Jesus. Why? IT’s because Jesus demonstrated an example of what it looks like to finish a race given to Him for His Father.
If our Lord ever shrinks back from doing what His Father commanded Him to do, His Father would take no pleasure in Him.
However, Jesus obeyed the Father perfectly without sin.
[SLIDE 18]
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
So, Jesus finished His race by dying on the cross for sinners like you and me, and by being raised from the dead to offer eternal life to those who would turn away from their sins and unbelief and trust Him for salvation.
And by looking to Jesus as our supreme example of faithful ministry, may the LORD enable you not to grow weary or fainthearted in serving Him.