Total Commitment - Acts 20:17-27

Introduction

Following Christ requires total commitment. The Rich Young Ruler asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-22). Although the Rich Young Ruler kept the commandments from his youth, he still lacked ONE THING. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give to the poor, then come, take up your cross, and follow me. He is sad at that saying and goes away GRIEVED because he has many possessions.

Note: The word Christian is used loosely today, but Christian is a Disciple of Christ!!

Disciple: A Student, pupil, or learner – A person who seeks out a teacher and follows him and his principles. In the process, one should transform one’s lifestyle to be more like one’s teacher.

Acts 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.

Paul lived among the Ephesians for three years

When you are around someone all the time, its hard to hide who you really are (happy, sad, angry, upset, etc..)

Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Question: What does it mean to serve the Lord?

To serve God is to follow after Him and keep his commandments – twofold (1) Love God and (2) Love Others.

Humility of mind – put others’ needs before him. He used his craft as a tent maker and did not add a burden on the saints.

He experienced a lot of pain and suffering (tears) and temptations because Jews were plotting against him.