Paul's Final Instructions

Chapter 20:1-6

Paul stops to encourage the Saints on his way to Macedonia and Greece in Route to Jerusalem.

If this were my last day as your Pastor and you would never see me again, what would I want you to know? What would be my final instructions to you?

Acts 20:1–3 ESV

1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

Paraklesis (Holy Spirit is Paraklete) to cause someone to be encouraged or consoled, either by verbal or non-verbal means—‘to encourage, to console, encouragement.

Philippians 2:1–2 ESV

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Mutual Encouragement

Romans 1:12 ESV

12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

These are the last words that Paul had for the church before leaving for Jerusalem and eventually Rome where he would have his head removed from his body and die.

“Paul sent for his disciples, and after encouraging them, he went through all the regions spending three months encouraging the brothers and sisters.”

Paul’s executed his plan to visit Jerusalem. We can fill in some of the gaps when we read 2 Corinthians and Romans. Paul went to give an offering to the poor in Jerusalem that no doubt brought them great encouragement.

You will Remember that in Acts 19:21 Paul resolved in his spirit to go to Jerusalem and eventually he must see Rome.

Paul wrote a letter to the Romans was a special inspired epistle yet he still wanted to visit the Roman church in person.

Romans 1:11–12 ESV

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

We read in 3 John that John had written to the church but had a great desire to see them in person.

3 John 13–14 ESV

13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

We must remember the value of encouraging other people in person.

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

There was a student at Mighty Oaks this week who came to the session not believing in God. I watched his posture and countenance change throughout the week.

He sought our program director and myself out before I left on Friday. He wanted to let us know that he had never seen such love and encouragement on display during his week at Mighty Oaks. He has not yet converted, however, he is much closer than he was before because of the example he saw in the Mighty Oaks brothers throughout the week.

1. How Are You Giving Spirit Empowered Encouragement?

*We Must Remember the Value of Encouragement.

Paul used the word encourage repeatedly in reference to the church. Wherever Paul met believers he saw it as part of his mission to encourage them.

Questions Every Believer Should Ask

How can I encourage the Saints this week?

First, we are a generous people? So, Paul is collecting funds and support for the church at Jerusalem.

Second, we need to meet with others regularly to encourage them. This is why we gather together on Sunday morning. We assume the worship on Sunday morning is just for us. No, its an opportunity to encourage other believers. We are made for Biblical community.

Third, we must serve alongside others in ministry. We are not saved to sit on the sideline and watch the other Saints work. We forge deep uplifting relationships going after a common goal. (join a team, come to mancamp, her Journey)

Why Am I Not Encouraging Other believers?

I think the bigger reason that believers do not seek to take the time to encourage other believers is that we think we are too busy.

We sit at home on Sunday mornings depriving the body of encouragement because we’ve had a long week, or, the kids are cranky, or ...... you fill in the blank. Shame on us. All I have to say is look at Paul!

Sunday Church is not all about you!

We must realize that our lack of encouragement of the body of Christ is a truer sign that we really do not care that much about our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Note: So, a threat came up from the Jews against Paul so instead of setting sail for Syria he returns to Macedonia.

Yet there remains a spirit of indifference to weekly gatherings among many professing Christians. Many feel they’re too important to make time for Jesus Christ and his people.

They think they should invest their time elsewhere. But gathering with the church is the best investment of time you could possibly make! If you aren’t prioritizing the assembly of the redeemed, beware! It may indicate that your relationship with Jesus isn’t what it should be.

The Vertical and Horizontal Dimension to Our Worship

Both have tremendous benefits for the individual and for the crowd. Every believer needs the encouragement that only comes from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords but also from the Kings people.

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

When you decide that you are either too tired or to busy to gather with the body of Christ you are depriving your brothers and sisters the encouragement that your presence has for their lives.

You have a significant role to play in the weekly assembling and gathering of the body of Christ. You com not to be entertained but, to encourage your brothers and sisters in their faith. For the good of our own soul, and for the good of the souls around us.

2. How Are You Engaging in Authentic Worship?

vs. 7-12

*We Gather to Remember

“On the first day of the week we gathered to break bread together.”

The way that Luke describes this gathering is in the sense of this was a normal every week occurence.

There is always more going on at a church gathering than meets the eye. They give us a glimpse of the great gathering to come. Revelation 4-5.

Gathering together reminds us that our greatest problem has already been resolved: death has been defeated.

The Lords Supper is about:

The Privilege: Notice that the Church celebrated the very privilege we have to gather as a body of Christ. Paul remembered and celebrated Christs death on the cross for you and me. It must have been an incredible thing to see former pagans to take the bread and the cup with their new brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Pattern: How often should we be taking the Lords supper? It appears that the early Church took the meal weekly.

The Power: While we do not go as far as to proclaim that the bread and the cup actually become the body and blood of Christ when we take them, it is also wrong to minimize their importance to the body.

I believe the Lords supper is the clearest picture we have in our worship of the power of God displayed in His Son Jesus Christ on the cross.

*We Gather to Proclaim

Protect the Sacred Gathering of the Church as a Holy Time!

It is amazing how we will hold other things as Sacred or Holy times in our lives over gathering with the body of Christ.

We read in verse 7 that Paul talked with them, and had intended to leave however, his speech or preaching became prolonged until after midnight. This was apparently a more free flowing discussion or theological debate beyond what our typical sermon format tends to be.

There was a young man named Eutychus who was sitting in a window three floors up listening to Paul. Somewhere along the way he fell asleep falling out of the window to the ground causing his death. Paul then goes down and resurrects him from the dead so that he can hear Paul Preach longer.

Preaching and Teaching the Word of God should be taken seriously.

1 Timothy 4:13 ESV

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

We should not however, draw from this text that your pastor should preach a 10 hour sermon.

How should you Listen to a Sermon? Did you know there is a format for listening to a sermon.

Listen Humbly: Realizing that the message is for you. Be careful that you do not listen with a spirit of arrogance.

I know it is a tendency of those who have been in the church for awhile to tune out certain messages as being only for someone else.

You should daily be preaching the simple gospel message to yourself. I had the opportunity this past week to teach the legacy class at Mighty Oaks. It is a great privilege to be able to teach this class because it is where we get to unpack the good news of the gospel.

My good friend Neal, instead of teaching it himself he gave it to me. He told me that the reason is that he needed to hear the gospel presented to him again. (the gospel reminds us who we are, and who God is.

Listen Intently: Do whatever it takes to stay engaged with the message. Say “Amen,” sit in the front, take notes. Fight the urge to mentally check out.

We publish the full notes of every sermon on our app, we print the outline in your worship folder. We put cool slides up here to engage your mind.

When you are actively engaging in the sermon it is far less likely that your mind will wonder or you will check out mentally.

Listen Biblically: weigh what you are taught next to the word of God.

Listen Personally: do not listen just for someone else that you think needs to hear this message.

Ok, so don’t lie you are in church, how many of you have heard a sermon and said, I wish so, and so, was here, they really need to hear this message.

The word is living and active, sharper than a two edged sword, it has the ability to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Listen Communally: Listen for the good of your brothers and sisters.

Listen Missionally: Don’t merely be a receiver of the word; be a reproducer of the word.

Listen Practically: Think of ways you can apply what you have heard to your daily life.

Note: It is important that you get enough sleep before you come to worship every Sunday. Prepare for corporate worship as you would other important events in your life.

3. What Example are You Leaving?

Note: Paul has spent time worshiping with and encouraging the Saints. Now he brings the elders of the Church together. Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order not to spend time in Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem before Pentecost. He sent to Ephesus for the Elders to come to him so that he can give them some final instructions.

Acts 20:17–19 ESV

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;

*Identify with the Body

Many people today live lives that are isolated from other people. We are called to live among the people in faithful fellowship with the body of Christ.

What does it look like to live among the people? What happen’s when you live among a group of people for any amount time. You start to see the good, bad, and ugly in peoples lives. This scares many people to be that transparent with a group of people.

However, I believe that it is one of the most beautiful parts of the body of Christ. Why, because it is real, authentic, and genuine.

Something that is authentic has the quality of being something that is real.

Most people wear a mask most of their lives. Maybe they hide behind humor, sarcasm, search for beauty, career, our families ....

Have you ever truly had a heart level relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

*Serve with Humility and Tears

“with all humility and tears.”

We know that everyone serves something or someone. When we start serving the Lord and His flock it changes our position and status. Our position is now one of humility and our status is now one of brokenness.

We may think that things just role off the back of our Pastors however, Paul is broken over the ways the Jews were treating him. The true pastors heart weeps over his flock and people. Look at Paul’s posture before God and people.

Even the most mundane activity you do is an opportunity serve the Lord.

Colossians 3:23–24 ESV

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

You do not have to have a big platform to serve the Lord. The posture we have before God and people is a direct result of having a full grasp of the gospel. It humbles us because we do not deserve grace. You and I are beggars and paupers in the court of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Acts 20:20–27 ESV

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.

*Have a Ministry that is Public.

Paul modeled a public ministry that was in wide open spaces.

We must be bold in a Tolerant Age

One of the pet words that we hear and use in our culture today is the word “Tolerant.”

Jesus plainly offered the narrow way to Salvation and reminded people of the wide path that leads to destruction and death.

Christ was so intolerant of our lost estate that He left His lofty throne in the heavenlies, took on Himself the form of man, suffered at the hands of evil men and died on a cruel cross of shame to purchase our redemption.

So serious was our situation that He could not look upon it lightly. He could not be broad-minded about a world held captive by its lusts.

God is tolerant towards the sinner not giving us what we deserve, but intolerant towards the evil that enslaves the sinner. The intolerant sent his son to die for us.

There is never a bad place to teach and proclaim the gospel. Everyone needs the gospel.

*Serve the Lord With No Regrets

Note: Paul compelled by the Holy Spirit explains that he is heading to Jerusalem not fully knowing what is going to happen. He does no that imprisonment and afflictions are in the future for his journey.

He also declares that he does not account his life of any value or as precious to himself. His desire is to just finished his course that He is called to walk.

Paul proclaims that He is innocent of the blood of all because he did not shrink back from proclaiming the whole counsel of God.

The expression “whole counsel of God” refers to God’s counsels of eternity, in which He planned all things that will come to be. God knows the end from the beginning, and He knows what He intends to accomplish, which He has revealed in the Scriptures.

We need to know the fullness of the revelation of God to the church. This is why we need pastors who do not use the shotgun approach in their preaching and hope something sticks. This is why at The Journey we turn pages and go through whole books of the bible piece by piece.

Acts 20:28–32 ESV

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.

*Watch Your Life

“Paul tells us to pay careful attention to ourselves and our Flock”

Robert Murray McCheyne said it well: “My people’s greatest need is my personal holiness” (in J. I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness, 33)

Holiness is necessary for faithful ministry.

For your pastors and Elders Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3 that they must be men above reproach.

The epidemic in our culture today are church pastors who have fallen into disqualification morally and are no longer serving in the ministry. It is not just about being the most charismatic speaker or communicator but if their life is not matching up their speech. I’m not talking about sinlessness or perfection I’m talking about being above reproach.

Fierce wolves will come in among you.

The fierce wolves that come in among them those who are speaking twisted things to draw away disciples of Christ.

Matthew 7:15 ESV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Many liberal theologians and preachers come in and blend a mix humanistic ideas with scripture.

Paul’s purpose is to prepare the church for what is coming.

One of the methods bank tellers and merchants learn in order to distinguish real money from counterfeit bills is to examine genuine $100 bills over and over again so that they more likely to spot the counterfeit bills when they see them.  In the same way we can learn to recognize destructive people by knowing what to look for.

Some may object to any attempt to identify wolves among us because it sounds uncharitable and judgmental.  Only Jesus knows a person’s heart so who are we to judge?  

Yet, Jesus himself warns us that there are those who claim to be believers, they may even be leaders in the church, but they are vicious or ravenous wolves dressed up in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).

The apostle Paul warns Timothy that there will be people who act religious, but are puffed up with pride, who are unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, and cruel (2 Timothy 3:2-9).

Part of spiritual maturity is gaining the ability to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).  Why is this necessary?  Because Paul reminds us that even Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Evil pretends to be good, especially among church folk.

So, the call is to first watch after own holiness and maturity first and then we will be prepared to care for the flock.

Notice that Paul reminded them that for three years, night and day he stood watch over the church with tears in his eyes. The church needs good spiritual watchmen.

We Raise up Mature Believers and Then we Release Them....

First, Highlights the Word of God.

The word is central to the message of God’s grace which grants believers a share in the heavenly inheritance. Paul reminds the church of the power of the gospel which saves the lost and builds up the believers.

Second, draws attention that God Himself is the Ultimate Watchman.

Paul is reminding the shepherds that they do not shepherd alone.

Acts 20:36–38 ESV

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 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.

CONCLUSION

I know no sweeter end to this long section on Paul’s acts and instructions with the Church.

And there was much weeping as they embraced and kissed each other goodbye, being sorrowful most of all because of what Paul had to say to them when he said that they would not see his face again here on this earth.

Dr. Martin Luther King

“I still believe that standing up for the truth of God is the greatest thing in the world. This is the end of life. The end of life is not to be happy. The end of life is not to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. The end of life is to do the will of God, come what may.”

"End of the Spear": Ready for Heaven The movie The End of the Spear tells the true story of five missionaries who gave their lives to reach the violent Waodoni tribe in the jungles of Ecuador in the 1950s. Led by Nate Saint, the missionaries were eager to reach the Waodoni people before they all died off from their intertribal warfare and vicious revenge killings.

As Nate prepares for his adventure, his family gathers around him on the dirt airstrip in front of their house. As he kisses his wife goodbye, his son, Steve, looks at the gear in the plane and notices a rifle. Obviously worried, he turns to his father and asks, "If the Waodoni attack, will you use your guns? Will you defend yourselves?"

Nate looks his boy dead in the eye and responds, "Son, we can't shoot the Waodoni. They're not ready for heaven. We are."

Paul was ready for heaven. Notice that at the end of this chapter Paul is not concerned with living a longer life. His concern is finishing the race well.

2 Timothy 4:6–8 ESV

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.

How are you Encouraging well .... How are you worshiping well .... How are you leaving an example well ....?

APPLY THE WORD

You cannot encourage and be encouraged if you neglect the body.

You cannot experience Authentic Worship if you neglect the body.

You cannot leave a good example if you neglect the body.