Finishing Well

William Wilberforce was a British politician and a devout Christian who became a leading figure in the movement to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. His journey began in the late 18th century when he experienced a profound spiritual awakening that transformed his life and priorities. His newfound faith compelled him to use his position in Parliament to fight against the injustices of slavery.

Wilberforce's campaign against the slave trade was not an easy one. He faced immense opposition from powerful economic and political interests that benefited from the trade. Despite numerous setbacks and failures, Wilberforce was undeterred. He introduced anti-slavery motions in Parliament year after year, enduring ridicule and hostility. 

Wilberforce's singular focus on the mission of abolition was driven by his deep conviction that all humans are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and freedom. He was not swayed by personal gain or comfort but was "bound in the Spirit" to pursue justice.

At the heart of Wilberforce's mission was the gospel message of grace and redemption. He believed that true social reform could only come through the transformation of hearts by the gospel. His efforts were not just about changing laws but about changing society's moral compass to reflect the values of the kingdom of God. This aligns with Paul's commitment to "testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

After decades of tireless advocacy, Wilberforce's efforts ended in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which abolished the slave trade in the British Empire. His legacy continued to inspire future generations to fight for justice and equality.

As we consider the unwavering commitment of people like William Wilberforce, we are reminded that a life well-lived for Christ begins with walking in integrity, just as Paul exemplified in his ministry among the Ephesians.

Let's start with Acts 20 verses 13-16

Acts 20:13–16 NKJV

13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

Luke gives us some geographical information to get the group from Troas to Miletus, where the next major event will take place.

But we encounter a minor problem here. If Paul had gone immediately to Ephesus and immediately back, he could have made the journey in less time than it would have taken for a messenger to go to Ephesus, gather the elders, and bring them back to Miletus.

For whatever reason, Paul chose to walk from Troas to Assos, a distance of about twenty miles. We might wonder why? For one thing, he was able to stay longer with the saints in Troas while he sent Luke and the party on ahead (Acts 20:13).

It would take the ship at least a day to sail from Troas to Assos, and Paul could probably walk it in ten hours or less. Also, Paul probably wanted time alone to commune with the Lord about his trip to Jerusalem. The apostle must have sensed already that difficult days lay ahead of him. He may also have been thinking about the message he would give to the Ephesian elders.

Let's move on to verses 17-21

Acts 20:17–21 NKJV

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

These verses give us an example from Paul's life for us to...

I. Walk in Integrity (17-21)

Here, elders (presbuteros) refers to church leaders rather than simply a group of older Christians. These were the shepherds, overseers, and spiritual leaders of the church. They held the office of elder.

When they arrived, Paul talked about his life as a model before them (1 Thess. 2:1–5). The testament to integrity was not about his ministry, but his life.

We can assume that the Jews in Ephesus continued to poison the atmosphere there with attacks on Paul; so he begins his farewell address to the elders by establishing his credibility first of all in behavior.

Whatever we do, we should...

1. Serve with Humility (19)

In verse 19, he talks about serving the Lord with all humility and with tears. The Greek word for humility here means lowliness of mind. It’s about putting others above yourself, just like Jesus did.

Paul wasn’t in it for personal gain or recognition; he genuinely cared for the people he served. Imagine how different our world would be if we all approached life with that kind of humility.

Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to – “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

In a world that often promotes self-promotion, humility stands out and reflects Christ’s character.

Next, Paul endured with perseverance.

2. Endure with Perseverance (19)

He mentions the many tears and trials he faced. Paul’s ministry wasn’t a walk in the park. He faced opposition, persecution, and hardship, but he stayed faithful. Perseverance is about pushing through the tough times, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. It’s like running a marathon—you don’t quit when you’re tired; you keep going until you cross the finish line.

James 1:12 tells us that... "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Life’s challenges are inevitable, but perseverance in faith leads to spiritual growth and maturity.

Finally, Paul taught with boldness. You may not teach a class, but you can teach others.

We should be willing to...

3. Teach with Boldness (20)

In verse 20, he says he didn’t hesitate to proclaim anything that was helpful. Paul was committed to sharing the whole truth of the gospel, whether in public or private. He didn’t sugarcoat the message to make it more palatable.

He spoke with courage and conviction, knowing that the truth of the gospel had the power to change lives.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Don't be afraid to be bold in sharing the gospel. We live in a culture that often opposes Christian values. But they still need to hear the gospel.

So, what does this mean for us? In today’s world, authenticity matters more than ever.

People aren’t just listening to what we say; they’re watching how we live. Are we walking in integrity? Do our actions match our words at home, at work, and in our communities? Let’s live lives that reflect Christ in every area, just like Paul did.

Now, let's turn our attention to the next aspect of finishing well. Verses 22-24.

Acts 20:22–24 NKJV

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Here, we see that Paul stayed focused on the mission. 

We see Paul’s unwavering commitment to the mission God gave him, despite knowing the challenges that lay ahead. Paul was laser-focused, and his determination is something we can all learn from.

II. Stay Focused on the Mission (22-24)

Paul starts by saying he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem. This phrase means he was compelled by the Holy Spirit, not by his own desires or comfort.

It teaches us that we should be...

1. Obedient to the Holy Spirit (22)

Paul wasn’t led by what was easy or safe; he was led by conviction. Imagine having that kind of clarity and purpose in your life, where you know exactly what God is calling you to do, and you’re willing to follow, no matter the cost.

In a world full of choices, being led by the Spirit is the only way to ensure we stay on God’s path.

Paul also knew that hardship awaited him. He was warned about the persecution he would face, but he didn’t let fear or the desire for safety distract him. Instead, he was willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.

Paul shows us a...

2. Willingness to Suffer (23)

This willingness to endure hardship is a powerful testament to his faith. It’s a reminder that following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

As a matter of fact, 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

Understanding that suffering is part of the Christian journey helps us prepare and stay faithful when persecution comes.

Next, Paul had...

3. A Singular Focus. (24)

In verse 24, he says, “None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.” Paul’s only goal was to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. He wasn’t concerned with personal success, status, or approval. His eyes were fixed on the mission, and nothing else mattered.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Just like blinders on a horse, we should stay focused on the race of our Christian life, looking ahead to the finish line.

Distractions are everywhere, but a singular focus on Christ keeps us aligned with our mission.

So, what about us? Life is full of distractions—fear, comfort, personal success—but what are we living for? If we’re more concerned with safety, status, or approval than obedience to God, we’re off track.

Let’s take a page from Paul’s playbook and stay focused on the mission God has given us. Let’s be willing to follow where the Spirit leads, even if it means facing challenges along the way.

Finally, let's take a look at Paul's third action step in finishing well.

Acts 20:24 NKJV

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

 Paul teaches us to...

III. Keep the Gospel Central (24)

In verse 24, Paul emphasizes that his primary goal is to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. For Paul, everything revolved around the gospel—it was the heartbeat of his mission and the foundation of his life.

The word "gospel" means "good news," and it’s the message of what Jesus has done for us. It’s not about our efforts or achievements; it’s about the grace and love that God has shown us through Jesus Christ.

What is the gospel?

It says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”

Paul didn’t just preach about grace; he lived it. His life was a reflection of the transformative power of the gospel. He never lost sight of what truly mattered, even when faced with distractions or challenges.

It’s easy for us to get sidetracked by lesser things—church programs, personal achievements, or even theological debates. While these things have their place, they should never overshadow the central message of the gospel.

So, what does this mean for us? At the end of the day, only one thing truly matters: Are we pointing people to Jesus? Are our lives a testament to the grace and love of God?

Keeping the gospel central means that everything we do—our words, actions, and decisions—should reflect the good news of Jesus. It’s about living in a way that draws others to Him, showing them the hope and salvation that only He can offer.

As we strive to finish well, let’s make sure that the gospel remains at the core of who we are and what we do. Let’s be intentional about sharing the good news with those around us, not just through our words, but through the way we live our lives.

So, how will you finish your race? What do you need to surrender today to ensure you’re on the right path?

Maybe it’s letting go of distractions that have pulled you away from your calling.

Maybe it’s committing to live with greater integrity or making the gospel the central focus of your life.

Whatever it is, know that God is with you every step of the way, ready to guide and empower you.

This week, I challenge you to take one step—just one—that moves you closer to finishing well.

Whether it’s reaching out to someone in need, spending more time in prayer, or sharing your faith with a friend, let’s commit to living lives that reflect the love and grace of Jesus.

Together, let’s run our race with joy, knowing that the finish line is not just a destination but a journey of faithfulness and purpose.