The Right Attitude - Acts 20:17-38

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:17-38)

There is a well used illustration of defiance or a bad attitude.

You tell a child to sit down and they do but then they tell you that they are standing up on the inside.

I remember several instances in my childhood where my attitude ruined what otherwise would have been a great day.

As an adult, I look back and have no idea why I had such a poor attitude.

Our attitude about a circumstance or situation drastically affects our effectiveness as we endure it.

We see this lesson clearly on display in the life of Paul in the end of Acts 20.

Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, he is trying to get there by Pentecost while also encouraging as many churches and leaders along the way as he can.

While in Miletus the Ephesian elders gather with him and he shares his heart with them.

Let’s read verses 18 through 20.

Acts 20:18–21 ESV

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.

Paul had an attitude of humility!

He face trials, he shed tears!

He taught what was helpful even when it was hard!

What was his main message?

Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.

There it is.

The Gospel plain and simple.

Repent, change your mind about sin, and believe in Jesus.

This is what absolutely transforms our lives.

If we are to be effective in our presentation of the gospel, we must be humble and willing to face difficulties.

Paul tells these gathered elders that he expects to face opposition and imprisonment when he gets to Jerusalem.

He then explains his attitude toward this reality.

Acts 20:24 ESV

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.

This is the attitude we need.

The most important thing in our lives is to do what God has called us to do!

Life is about the Gospel!

God, in His grace, sent us His son!

We don’t earn salvation, we simply receive it.

Paul ends his time with the Ephesians elders by exhorting them to be on guard.

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.

Paul’s attitude here is one of care and concern.

He wants this church to be prepared for the trials that lie ahead!

He wants to see them strengthened in the grace of God.

This chapter closes as Paul prays for these leaders and gets on the ship.

Paul was humble. He understood the priority of the gospel, and he had a care and concern for the people he ministered to.

If we are to be effective at sharing the gospel, this is the attitude we need to have.

Be humble. - Remember that we are where we are by the grace of God.

Prioritize the gospel. - Be continually looking for opportunities to share.

Care about others. - This care fuels our work for the Lord.

A right attitude is a vital part of sharing the gospel.

Do you have a right attitude?