How Did We Survive?

How?

How did you survive?

How did I survive?

I’m 58, married 34 years.

We all have our stories...

I was the first in my family to graduate from college.

Get a job, career, I had no idea what that was like.

I had stayed in school to get a Masters in Ed.

All the doors closed.

Sitting in my apartment thinking, what am I going to do?

Undergrad bsns degree and no idea where to start.

Heard you don’t find good jobs in the newspaper.

Then, where do you find them?

I had a basic idea of budgeting. Just don’t spend more than you make. Beyond that, little clue.

How in the world did I end up married to Sara?

If she was looking for someone who had a clue, from a solid family, why in the world did she choose me?

My grandparents were married in the 1920s and stayed married for a long time and did well. They set a decent example, but that was a different era, a different culture for marriage.

But, my parents, not so much.

Others did, but not them.

My dad was unfaithful. They divorced when I was 2. I had no clue, I was 2. He split. No joint custody issues at all.

But, what does a good husband look like in the 80s and 90s?

What does a good dad look like? I am groping around trying to figure it out

Now, I’m 58. Toward the end of my career. And I end up in great place all you guys.

We’ve raised 3 kids, one is married. They all know Jesus and are on their way in life.

We are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.

But, how did that happen?

How did you survive?

Did you understand what it meant when you said something to the effect of,

“For better or for worse;

“Richer of for poorer;

“in sickness and in health;

“in sickness and in health;

“Till death do us part.”

Some of us married people who just didn’t get this.

How did you survive?

We went a year w/out a job and another year w/ 2 houses.

And now a diagnosis that’s not horrible, but a wake-up call.

Many of you have been there, too.

How’d we do it?

The series I’m in for the summer, His Old House; the book of Acts; how did the church survive? 2000 years.

Jesus died and left things to the apostles.

The apostles died and left things to a bunch of nobodies.

Throughout history, there have been eras and generations when the most powerful nations on earth had as their highest priority to eliminate the church.

Yet, here we are. And, so many others around the globe.

How does this happen.

The questions of how did we survive and how the church survived are related.

Related b/c, the church is made up of people just like us.

If we don’t survive, then the church won’t.

But, b/c we have, so has the church.

“Ekklesia” is a gathering of like-minded people who share a common purpose.

Not a place, but a people.

Not a monument, but a movement.

Acts chapter 20 is the story of how churches survive, marriages survive, families survive, and careers survive.

Paul is in the twilight of his career. He assumes he will never return to this region.

He led people to Jesus. Organized the church. Established a leadership structure so that as he leaves they have everything they need to survive.

Here is his message:

Connect the real Jesus to real people w/ real issues.

Be theologically sound and culturally relevant.

Begin w/ yourselves. Stay closely connected to the real Jesus. Don’t let anybody lead you away.

You are real people, w/ real issues. Let Jesus deal w/ them and lead you thru. Then, share your experiences.

The ppl around you will be dealing w/ many of the same things b/c they are residents of the same culture.

Do whatever it takes to maintain this mission.

God is building His house and He is using us to do it.

Here’s how.

This passage begins w/ a miracle and a very lucky boy.

Lucky One

Acts 20:7–12 NIV

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

Acts 20:

On Sunday

Paul is working his way back to Jerusalem. Back-tracking thru many of the places he had already been to encourage them.

Not he is back in Troas.

Commemorating key days had become important.

This is the first time a meeting like this occurs on Sunday.

OT and early Jewish worship was on the Sabbath, which is Saturday.

But, Jesus was resurrected on Sunday. So, the 1st day of the week becomes the day of worship for the church.

And, Paul is hustling to get to Jerusalem by the anniversary of Pentecost. He has about 5 weeks to get there.

He stopped here and made his farewell speech. The last thing you say is typically are among the most important. Answer questions. Repeat important lessons. And, love.

Then, here’s where we meet the Lucky One.

Comforted and confident

Eutycus. A boy between the ages of 10 and 14.

Small enough to fit in a window.

Where was this boy’s parents!

Paul spoke on and on; and on and on; and on and on...

All night long.

Eutychus fell asleep, then out the window. A 3-story fall to his death. He was dead.

Paul and the others ran to him immediately. He’s clearly dead.

However, Paul said, “Don’t be troubled. He’s alive.”

No big deal. No details. No mention of his prayer. Just, he’s okay.

And, he was.

This reminds of Jesus who raised 3 besides himself. Peter raised 1. And this episode had strong ties to Elijah and Elisha who each raised one from the dead. Their ministry was characterized as a strong warning to Israel to repent and return to God or else.

Which, is Paul’s message to Israel. Only, Paul knows the specifics of Jesus.

As w/ so many other miracles in the NT you’d think Luke the doctor would spend more time on it. But he doesn’t b/c the miracle isn’t the point.

The point is the power of God is clearly working thru Paul so it’s best to pay attention to what he is saying.

Afterward, they head back upstairs and get back to the fellowship and share a community meal, enjoying each other’s company probably for the last time.

Think about the atmosphere. Adrenaline. They were deeply troubled by Paul’s soon departure then Eutychus’ death.

Now, their comfort is enhanced and their confidence in what Paul is telling them is at its highest.

And, BTW, the name Eutychus in Greek means, “Lucky One.”

After this, Paul continues on his journey, avoiding big cities to avoid more trouble. He’s on a tight schedule to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost.

He’s going to call the elders from Ephesus together as he continues his farewell journey. This is his only recorded speech to a group of believers in leadership besides the letters he wrote.

He is preparing them to carry on long after he’s gone.

Strong words to rely on the Holy Spirit, remain faithful to Jesus, and hold to the whole truth of God no matter how difficult things get.

Lead by Example

Acts 20:18–24 NIV

When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:

Humility

There is nothing to be arrogant about.

Later, he’s going to remind them that God chose them and paid for the church w/ Jesus’ blood.

They didn’t do it nor deserve it.

Paul got beat up and beat down. He saw it, why couldn’t they?

Then, at least, why wouldn’t they leave him alone and let him share his experiences about Jesus w/ anyone who wanted to know.

They had to win. He had to lose. And, it’s going to continue just like this.

So, even though they hurt him bad, and at great risk for further pain and difficulty, he kept teaching.

Instruction

He taught them anything and everything that build them up. It helped them grow closer to Jesus and deeper in faith.

Publicly, privately, and w/out prejudice.

Throughout Acts.

Paul elevated the role of women.

Spoke to those w/ the darkest skin from N. Africa just like he did those w/ the lightest skin from N. Greece.

Regardless of ancestry, religious background, country of origin. gender, age, whatever. He taught them equally.

What did he teach?

Faith in the gracious and necessary work of Jesus

Repent to God. Nobody’s perfect. Own it, admit it, stop it.

Even though we are already forgiven, Holy God takes our sin seriously and so should we.

Follow the HS faithfully, no matter where He leads and what it costs. It will always be the best place to be.

Live faithfully to the end. Hit the tape at the finish line hard.

That is,...

Finish well

Death is the finish line, not retirement.

Don’t let up or veer off course. No immorality. No excuses.

Paul was not afraid to die as long as he was still in service to God.

He didn’t what was about to happen, only that it was going to get even harder. Pain was in his future.

But, that did not deter him nor cause him to consider changing course.

Finish the race, play by the rules, win and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

And, if he was able to do this, then he’d finish w/out any regrets.

No regrets

There would be nothing left unsaid or undone.

He taught the entire program of God while he was there.

Their theology was complete. There was no lesson they needed to learn that he hadn’t already taught them.

They had no excuse for not knowing Jesus intimately and knowing the complete character of God.

What to expect of Him and what He expects of them.

He’s saying, in effect, If I never make it back, I’ve said all that needed t/b said.

Paul is passing the torch. Handing the leadership of this fledgling movement in Ephesus to the next generation of leaders.

Would it survive?

Paul, in describing what he had done for them, he said, “I am leading by example. Now, follow my lead.”

Do for the church what I have done for you. It’s your turn.

He shifts from reminding them what he did for them to now, exhorting them to do for the church.

This is what he encouraged them to do.

Follow My Lead

Acts 20:28–32 NIV

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

:

Chalk circle

When you pray, think about drawing a chalk circle and kneeling w/in. Then, whatever you pray for, hope for and expect for anyone else, begin by praying for, hoping for and expecting for everyone inside the chalk circle.

Don’t expect anything for anyone else that you don’t also expect for yourself.

Lead by example.

Watch over yourselves first. No plucking splinters w/out dealing w/ the logs in your own eyes.

Once you’ve taken care of yourself, then take care of everyone else.

Paul uses the term, shepherd. Shepherd the sheep including yourself.

Shepherd

A shepherd cares for, protects, feeds and leads his sheep.

Be the guardian of the church.

Don’t drive them like cattle. Don’t prod them, guide them.

God chose you for this. You didn’t choose it for yourself.

And, Jesus paid for the sheep w/ His blood. If they are this valuable to Him, they should be as valuable to you.

The picture Paul draws that they would have understood is the picture of Abraham raising the knife over Isaac. Only this time, God followed thru and carried out the sac for the benefit of everyone else.

The sheep are not yours, they are God’s. Care for them accordingly.

A good shepherd never takes a break. The watch is constant.

Keep constant watch

Day and night. Keep watch. Expect attacks. The most surprising may come from w/in.

The will twist the truth. Contrast w/ those who keep things straight and true.

Later, Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians, wrote 2 letters to Timothy who was the pastor of the Ephesian church, and John wrote in a passage of Revelation about the Ephesian church.

These confirmed Paul’s fears of wolves rising up from w/in the church and others attacking from w/out.

The wolves push people away from God. The Ephesians eventually “left their first love, Jesus.” They were good at keeping rules, but lost their relationships.

Wolves deny the work of Jesus. They deny the uniqueness of Jesus. They say:

“There are many ways to get there. All roads lead to God and heaven.”

“Jesus didn’t really exist as a perfect man, maybe he died, but he really didn’t rise from the dead. “

Fearing this would happen, Paul told them to prevent this at all cost.

Turns out, they didn’t. And, a false narrative leaked in.

But, he assured them, in their work, they were not alone. Just like God was w/ Him, the HS will be with the leaders in their efforts to lead.

You’re not alone

Not only did they have the HS as Paul did. They also had the Word of God to study and teach.

The Word of God would teach them all about the work of God.

Know it, live it, teach it.

Discover His character. They would learn what to expect of God and what He expects of them.

That, combined w/ the HS would be more than enough to guide them thru the rocky water and difficult journey that the believers would inevitably encounter.

Grace. God would protect them and strengthen them using the Spirit and the Word. No, they didn’t deserve it. But, God chose them for this service.

They would grow in their faith if they pray and study diligently. God would provide more than they could ever earn.

They needed each other. When one was weak the others could be strong. God would speak thru them to each other.

Paul equipped them to continue. They were to equip others.

This involved developing a theological understanding that reflected exposure to the entire counsel and program of God.

Equipping at its most positive is a genuine understanding and knowledge of God that brings discernment.

Discernment is a requirement in a culture that regularly and consistently pushes people away from God.

Culturally aware and theologically accurate to the whole program, all found in God’s grace and God’s word.

How did the church survive?

How did we survive?

By being theologically sound and culturally relevant.

Connecting the real Jesus w/ real people w/ real issues.

Beginning w/ ourselves and sharing our experiences w/ everyone around us.

Applications

Journey’s end?

Don’t know.

Paul knew in general where he was headed and he kept going that way.

But, he didn’t know exactly where or how it would end.

He did know there would be hard times ahead, and he kept going anyway.

Keep going. There will be hard times. But, no only has God prepared you, He will be w/ you all the way thru.

Don’t be afraid to keep going. You have the courage. Go.

Finish well

Many of us are in the twilight of our lives. Just b/c you retire from work does not mean you retire from your walk w/ God.

Finish well.

The finish line is at the end of your time on earth.

Do veer off course. Don’t let up.

We need for you to finish. You kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews need to see you finish what you started.

If your walk w/ Jesus was important when you were young, it’s still important now.

Finish well.

Survive

When you face circumstances and you fear you won’t, recommit to what Paul told the Ephesian elders so you will.

Have total faith in the gracious and necessary work of Jesus.

Repent. Admit your mistakes, own them, stop doing them.

Follow the HS wherever he leads no matter how tough it gets.

That place will always be the best place to be.

You will survive, your family will, your finances will, and this church made up of survivors will, too.

Never lose sight of the mission.

Connect the real Jesus to real people w/ real issues.

Be theologically sound and culturally relevant.

Begin w/ yourselves. Stay closely connected to the real Jesus. Don’t let anybody lead you away.

You are real people, w/ real issues. Let Jesus deal w/ them and lead you thru. Then, share your experiences.

The ppl around you will be dealing w/ many of the same things b/c they are residents of the same culture.

Do whatever it takes to maintain this mission.