Guard the Flock

We don't know much about shepherds today. I mean, really. Who do you know that actually lives with their sheep out in the open and leads them around to find different pastures and watering holes so they stay healthy and protected? No one, right?

That's why it's a bit of a stretch for us, living in America in the 21st century, to fully understand the biblical concept of a shepherd and how it relates to caring for God's flock, the local church.

This morning, we're going to get a glimpse into the final meeting of the Apostle Paul, one of the early church leaders, with the elders of the church in Ephesus.

These men were the leaders, the shepherds of the local church.

They were tasked with an important responsibility. 

In the early church, elders were not just leaders but shepherds of their communities, responsible for guiding, protecting, and nurturing their flocks, the local church.

I think of the account of the early Christian leader Polycarp, who lived in the first and second century, a disciple of the Apostle John, who appointed him elder of the church of Smyrna. Polycarp was known for his steadfastness and commitment to God’s word. 

Despite persecution, he remained faithful to his calling until the end.

While threatened with being burned at the stake, the proconsul gave him the opportunity to go free by swearing to the "genius" or "spirit" of the emperor.

This is what Polycarp said,

"If you imagine for a moment that I would do that, then I think you pretend that you don't know who I am. Hear it plainly. I am a Christian."

Polycarp demonstrated that true eldership requires courage to stand firm in faith. His life challenges us to consider how we answer the call to shepherd others with the same dedication today.

In the Bible, the term "elder" is synonymous with the words "bishop," "overseer," "shepherd," and "pastor."

The biblical responsibility of an elder is not simply to be a member of a board, but to shepherd, feed, lead, and pastor the flock.

We're continuing last week's message where Paul sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus. What we’re going to read today is his farewell speech to them.

In it, Paul challenges them with four responsibilities.

Verses 25-27 continue Paul's vindication of his life and ministry among them.

Beginning in verse 28 of chapter 20, we'll take a look at the first challenge and see how elders are supposed to be like that vigilant shepherd.

Acts 20:28 NKJV

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Now, I want us to pause right there because this is huge. Paul is talking to the leaders of the church, but what he says applies to all of us. He’s telling them—and us—to pay close attention to our own lives first.

The Greek word here for “take heed” means to be vigilant, to really watch over something carefully. "To guard."

It’s like when you’re driving and you see a sign that says, “Caution: Sharp Turn Ahead.” You know you need to be alert and ready to respond.

He starts by saying, "Take heed to yourselves."

So, why does Paul start with this? Because you can’t guard others if your own heart is unguarded.

I. Guard Your Own Life First (28a)

It’s like when you’re on an airplane, and they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. If you’re not spiritually healthy, how can you help someone else?

Paul knew that the greatest dangers to the church often start with spiritual drift in its leaders and members. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and let our spiritual disciplines slide. But Paul is reminding us that we need to be intentional about our faith.

To our elders, remember, guarding the flock starts with guarding your own heart. But this goes for every one of us.

We need to be vigilant about our own spiritual health so we can be ready to care for those around us.

What are you doing to care for your spiritual health?

Let's continue...

It's not enough for our leaders to guard their own lives. They have to...

II. Shepherd the Church with the Right Perspective (28b)

Acts 20:28 NKJV

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Here, Paul tells the elders to “shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” This is a powerful statement.

The word “shepherd” here means to guide, protect, and care for, just like a shepherd does for his sheep.

But here’s the key: Paul reminds us that the church isn’t just any group of people. It’s the church of God, bought with the precious blood of Jesus.

It's important that those who lead the church should have the right attitude about why they're doing it and check their motives.

It's not about control or being the one who helps make the decisions.

One who aspires to the callling of being an elder aspires to shepherd, teach, lead, and pastor the flock. Not just be on a board. That’s a legal, corporate position. That’s not what biblical eldership is.

In the early church, elders were known for their deep commitment to their congregations. This reminds us of the serious duty of elders to guide the church not just with authority, but with love and wisdom, ensuring that each member feels valued and supported.

Think about that for a moment. The church isn’t a business, nor should it be run like a business. Yes, for financial and legal purposes, we can borrow from sound business practice, but the church is not a business. Let's not try to make it one. It's not a social club or a personal platform. 

In a strictly biblical sense, it's not even an organization. The Lions Club, the Jaycees, and even ministries like Awana Clubs International are organizations.

The church is not an organization. It's an organism.

Why do you think the Bible always refers to the church, even the local church, as a body? Talking about arms, legs, feet, head?

Because that is exactly what the church is. A body made to work together synergistically to glorify God, take care of one another, and spread the gospel to the world.

Paul reminds the elders that the church belongs to God, and it was purchased at an incredible cost.

This means we need to treat the church as sacred, not as something we use for our own purposes. It’s easy to get caught up in our own agendas.

And remember, the church is not a building, or even an organization. We don’t go to church. We go to meet with the church. It’s the people. We are called the family of God.

The church is important to God the Father because His name is on it.

It is important to the Son because He shed His blood for it, and it is important to the Holy Spirit because He is calling and equipping people to minister to the body of Christ.

It's a serious thing to be a spiritual leader in the church of the living God.

So, how do we lead, serve, and disciple others with the awareness that the church belongs to Christ?

It starts with humility and a heart of service.

We need to ask ourselves: Are we putting God’s purposes first? Are we caring for others with the love and respect that Jesus showed us?

When we remember that the church is God’s treasured possession, it changes how we approach everything we do.

To our leaders, let’s commit to shepherding the church with the reverence and dedication it deserves, always keeping in mind the incredible price that was paid for it.

As we continue, let’s talk about something that Paul was very clear about: the reality of spiritual attack.

Acts 20:29–30 NKJV

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Paul is warning the elders to...

III. Recognize the Reality of Spiritual Attack (29-30)

When Paul talks about “wolves,” he’s using a metaphor for false teachers and harmful influences that can creep into the church.

These false teachers want to ravage the flock (Acts 20:29). These counterfeits are those who exploit the church for personal gain (Matt. 7:15–23; 10:16; Luke 10:3; 2 Peter 2:1–3).

Paul’s warning is twofold.

First, he says that these wolves will come from outside the church—false teachers who try to lead people away from the truth.

But he also warns that some will rise from within. 

Because there will be people within the church who are ambitious for position and power.

Church history, ancient and modern, is filled with accounts of people like Diotrephes who love to have the preeminence (3 John 9–11).

So, to prospective elders, what are your motives? Are you simply ambitious for position and power?

Are you ready to humble yourself and put the needs of others above your own? Are you ready to shepherd, pastor, and feed the flock of God, the local church?

There will be power-hungry individuals within the church.

Do you realize that more than one cult leader got his or her start within the Christian church family? 

Read 1 John 2:18–19 sometime and be careful.

That's why we need to be discerning and grounded in Scripture so we can recognize false teaching when we encounter it.

So, how do we prepare for this? It starts with knowing the truth ourselves.

Are we spending time in God’s Word? Are we seeking wisdom and understanding?

We need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17, who examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were hearing was true.

Let’s be vigilant, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the entire community. By staying grounded in truth, we can protect ourselves and others from the spiritual attacks that Paul warned about.

As we wrap up Paul's message to the Ephesian elders, there's one more thing we need to see.

Being an elder is not just about making decisions and leading. It's about staying alert and teaching.

Paul warns the elders to...

IV. Stay Watchful and Persevere in Teaching (31)

Acts 20:31 NKJV

31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Paul’s use of the word “watch” comes from the Greek meaning to stay awake, be alert, and be vigilant. It’s like being on guard duty, always ready and aware of what’s happening around you.

Paul didn’t just teach doctrine; he warned with passion and persistence.

He was deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of the people, and he didn’t shy away from speaking the truth, even when it was hard.

This is a powerful example for us. Being faithful in the church means more than just knowing the truth; it requires protecting the truth and being willing to speak up when necessary.

So, are you vigilant about the influences shaping your faith and the faith of those around you?

It’s easy to become complacent, but Paul’s example challenges us to be proactive.

We need to be intentional about teaching and guiding others, always with love and compassion.

As we come to the end of our time together today, I want to leave you with a picture of what it looks like to truly guard the flock.

Imagine a community where each person is committed to watching over their own heart and our leaders take seriously the call to shepherd the church with the love and dedication it deserves.

This is the kind of community Paul envisioned—a church that’s alive, vibrant, and strong because each of us is doing our part.

And here’s the best part: We’re not doing this alone. We have the Holy Spirit guiding us, empowering us to be vigilant and faithful.

We have each other, a family of believers who can support and encourage one another on this journey.

So, as you leave today, I want to challenge you to ask yourself: Where am I vulnerable? Who am I discipling? How am I protecting the church?

Let’s commit to deepening our faith and sharpening our discernment. Let’s be people who guard what God has entrusted to us, knowing that the church is not simply an organization—it’s a living body that must be protected and cherished.

Remember, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd, and He’s with us every step of the way.

To our leaders, let’s follow His lead, guarding the flock with love, courage, and unwavering faith.

Together, we can make a difference in our church and in the world. And may God bless you as you go out and live out this calling.