Pay Attention

As we all know, it has been raining a lot. One of the things about rain is that it brings puddles. These great little pools of wetness are always waiting to attack the unsuspecting.

The other night we were running to the van when all of us splashed right through a deep puddle drenching the shoes of one of my children.

This came about because we were focused on running to get to the van and we were not looking at where we were putting our feet.

Sometimes in life we get so focused on the destination we fail to pay attention to the journey.

What we have read this morning is Paul’s plea to the church to pay attention.

We learn in this chapter that Paul has been told he will be arrested. He will not see the Ephesians again. It is likely that he believes this arrest will end in his death. This is a good assumption considering the things he has faced already in his ministry.

SO what we are about to study is Paul’s last words to a group of church leaders. When last words are spoken, people listen. We lean in, we call for silence, we don’t want to miss any part of what is said.

That is the attitude we need to approach this passage with. Paul is giving last words. Lean in, don’t miss what he is saying.

We are going to learn this morning from Paul’s conversation with the Ephesian elders.

This passage challenges us to pay attention in three areas.

We are only going to be able to look at one of them today.

Failure to pay attention leads to disaster.

However…

When we pay attention to these areas three things happen. We are able to be effective for Christ. We are able to defend against false teaching. We are able to encourage the body of Christ.

Do you want to be effective for Christ? Then…

Paul calls for the Ephesian elders to pay attention to three vital ideas.

????These ideas serve as the basis for Christian character and are the foundation upon which the Christian life is built.

Do you want to be effective for Christ? Then…

1. Pay Attention To Your Reputation vv. 17-24

My wife was telling me recently about a guy who made several youtube videos about various encounters where he worked while wearing a polo shirt with the company name on it.

Eventually he was fired because the company was being represented in a way it did not like.

They were concerned about the reputation of their company. This reputation is affected by every employee.

Consider what Paul reveals in (S).

2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

An ambassador is someone who “Acts as an authorized representative of one sovereign ruler or country to another.”

We are God’s authorized representatives! This means that our reputation becomes His!

In this first section Paul declares the two actions necessary to maintain a good reputation.

Action #1…

a. Serve without restraint vv. 17-21

READ v. 17

This sets the context of the conversation we will be examining.

Paul Travels to Miletus where he calls the Ephesian elders to him (S).

Paul summons them. This demonstrates his apostolic authority.

Also, remember from v. 16 that Paul is in a hurry to get to Jerusalem. However, he still takes time out to visit with the leaders of the Ephesian church.

We are never too busy or rushed to spend time in fellowship and encouragement with the body of Christ.

READ v. 18

This is an incredible thing to be able to say. Let’s break this down.

Paul claims that they know his reputation.

From the first day, they know how he always lived.

Paul is confident in his reputation, why?

Because Paul is a follower of Christ. And as a follower of Christ he has invited others to follow him. Paul does this several times in his epistles. We will just look at (S).

1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Paul lived in such a way that others could follow his example.

When you tell people to follow you it gives added incentive to follow Christ!

Paul details how he lived in v. 19

READ v. 19

Paul served with humility, tears, and trials.

At this point Paul has written Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians. These letters have begun to circulate and gain acceptance as authoritative.

My point is that, Paul could have been proud!

Look at what he says in (p. 1350).

(p. 1350)

Philippians 3:4–8 NKJV

though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Paul had the pedigree. He had everything the Jews required to be a leader. Yet he considers all these things as nothing compared to Christ.

Now turn to (p. 1134).

(p. 1134)

2 Corinthians 11:22–12:10 NKJV

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul could have been proud and boastful. He could have proclaimed to all the multitude of his accomplishments and all he had endured for Christ.

Instead he served with humility. Why? Because he recognized that all of his accomplishments were the work of Christ! It is the grace of God that works in us to make us useful and effective.

Paul was all in. He served Christ without restraint! He gave his all!

These passages we just read also reveal the reason for Paul’s tears and trials. The Jews continually plotted against him and tried to kill him over and over again. We will see more of that in the end of the book.

Despite everything that Paul did and everything he faced, he served the Lord with humility and without restraint.

READ v. 20

Paul didn’t hold back in his preaching!

Kept back – ὑποστέλλω (hypostello) shrink from; avoid; withdraw. To hesitate ⇔ shrink back v. — to pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness; conceived of as drawing or shrinking back from something. Finite verb, aorist, middle, indicative, first person, singular.

Kept back – ὑποστέλλω (hypostello)

Paul avoided nothing helpful in his preaching. It would benefit someone by hearing it, Paul said it.

Helpful – συμφέρω (sympherō) be profitable. To be advantageous v. — to be or become appropriate for achieving a particular end. Verb, present, active, substantive participle, plural, genitive, neuter.

Helpful – συμφέρω (sympherō)

When it comes to Scripture, some of the things that are helpful are also painful.

Being living, active, sharp, and piercing (); the Word of God sometimes causes pain in order to accomplish it’s work in our lives.

Like a surgeon wielding a scalpel, Paul delivered the Word of God to bring transformation even when pain was necessary to make that transformation happen.

This is Paul’s ministry model. He preached the truth even when it brought persecution, even when it brought pain. He preached because ultimately it was profitable.

Temporary pain should never outweigh eternal benefit.

Paul was so passionate about teaching them God’s truth, that he spoke publicly and from house to house.

The idea is that he took advantage of every opportunity.

This also gives us a glimpse into the dedication of the Ephesians. They came to church, and they had small group Bible studies.

These were not mere token Christians who attended church only when it was convenient. These were dedicated students of God’s Word.

In v. 21 we learn the message Paul proclaimed.

READ v. 21

No one is excluded from Paul’s message. He preaches Christ to both Jews and Greeks.

What is Paul preaching? Repentance and faith.

They need to change their minds and their direction, repentance. And they need to believe in Christ!

This is Paul’s message.

Christ died for our sins. If we commit just 1 sin, we have make ourselves a violators of God’s perfect standard. This means we deserve death and eternal punishment. Why? Because Sin committed against an eternal God require an eternal consequence.

We have to place our faith in Christ’s Sacrifice. Believe that He died for you personally, for me personally.

Believe that He rose again.

This is Paul’s message.

This is Paul’s reputation that the Ephesians knew.

They knew that He served without restraint. They knew that he served in trials and difficulties. They knew he preached hard truths. They knew he preached the gospel to anyone and everyone.

What kind of reputation do we have? Are we serving without restraint?

Do we have limits to our service?

What will we do when the persecution starts?

Will we give people truth even when they don’t want to hear it?

Will we preach the gospel to anyone and everyone?

Unrestrained service means we serve without limits.

This is the first action we must take if we are to have reputations that reflect the character of Christ.

vv. 18-21 – This is Paul’s testimony. Very interesting as we get a glimpse into his ministry model.

Action #2…

b. Serve without reserve vv. 22-24

“Reserve” means that we hold something back. As we look at the life of Paul it is clear that he held nothing back.

READ v. 22

This is one of those circumstances that would cause many of us to hold back. Paul’s example challenges us to Serve when the future is uncertain.

Serve when the future is uncertain.

When there is uncertainty, we doubt. Paul says that he is going to Jerusalem, but he doesn’t know what will happen there. He just knows that is where he needs to be.

Luke mentioned in v. 16 that Paul had a strong desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

Yet Paul is uncertain what will happen when he arrives. His uncertainty stems from what the Holy Spirit has revealed.

READ v. 23

Chains and tribulations await.

vv. 22-23 – Chains and tribulations await.

While Paul doesn’t know exactly what will happen; he knows there will be suffering.

Here Paul’s example challenges us to Serve when opposition is certain.

Paul’s attitude here is incredible. The Holy Spirit has revealed that when he arrives in Jerusalem, there will be imprisonment and suffering. The way this verse is worded leads us to believe that in every city Paul has stopped in on his journey back to Jerusalem the Holy Spirit has made this clear. Yet, Paul keeps going.

Imagine this with me. Every stop you hear that when you get to your destination, you will be arrested and suffer. How many of us would keep going?

Later in Paul’s life he will write to Timothy about the reality of suffering. (S).

2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Paul doesn’t know exactly what will happen in Jerusalem. But he knows he will suffer. That’s okay. Suffering is to be expected!

There is uncertainty and there will be persecution, but Paul is going to go where God has called him to go and do what God has given him to do! That is what Paul makes clear in the next verse.

READ v. 24

I want to take this phrase by phrase because there is a lot here.

Paul is unmoved by these things.

This always brings a memory to my mind. Every year my family used to travel to the coast for a family vacation. At one of viewing areas there was this large rock out in the ocean that just stood there. Storms or sun, rain, wind, thrashing waves. It didn’t matter. This rock stood. That is Paul. Bring on the suffering, bring on the imprisonment, bring on any opposition; he remains unmoved.

Why?

He’ll get to that. But first he gives us another incredible statement.

Paul’s life is not precious to him.

Conclusion

This is how you get a reputation that reflects the character of Christ.

Serve Christ without restraint.

Do we have places we won’t go? Things we wont do? People we wont talk to?

To be effective for Christ, don’t set limits on your service.

Serve Christ without reserve.

When there is uncertainty, do we hold back?

When suffering is a reality, do we hold back?

Effective service requires giving our all.

A reputation that reflects the character of Christ is built through service for Him.

May we serve without limit giving our all to Christ.

May we represent Christ well.

There will be trials and there will be difficulties, may we run our race with joy.

“Blessed By Your Name”

Pay attention to your reputation. In doing so you will be effective for Christ.

Do you want to defend against persecution? Then…

2. Pay Attention To Your Preparation vv. 25-31

a. Prepare for changes v. 25

b. Prepare for choices vv. 26-28

v. 27 – Declare the whole council of God.

v. 28 – Shepherd the flock.

c. Prepare for challenges vv. 29-31

v. 29 – wolves are coming from outside.

v. 30 – False teachers from inside.

To be effective, pay attention to your reputation. To be able to defend, pay attention to your preparation.

Do you want to encourage the body of Christ? Then…

3. Pay Attention To Your Obligation vv. 32-38

a. Be a pattern vv. 32-35

v. 35 – Support the weak. More blessed to give than to receive. This is a saying of Jesus not recorded in the gospels.

b. Be personal vv. 36-38

Conclusion

Our reputation is important because we represent Christ.

Acts 20:17–38 NKJV

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 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, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 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. “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 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. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

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