Pay Attention (part 2)

One of my brothers used to work at a factory. One of the jobs at this factory was to make pallets. It was a very monotonous job. You grab the pieces, hold them up to the stapler and it shoots a staple to hold them together. Rotate the pieces and repeat.

One day we get a phone call from him saying that he is on his way to the hospital for a tetanus shot because he had stapled his finger to one of the pallets.

Basically, he quit paying attention. The job was the same thing over and over again and he zoned out. Before he knew it, BAM! His finger was stapled to the pallet.

We have to pay attention.

This passage challenges us to pay attention in three areas.

We looked at the first one last week.

We are going to look at the final two today.

It is important for us to pay attention because

Failure to pay attention leads to disaster.

Like stapling your finger to a pallet.

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.

In order to be effective for Christ we discussed the need to…

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

To have a reputation that reflects the character of Christ we need to take two actions.

One. We…

a. Serve without restraint vv. 17-21

This means there are no limits on our service.

Two. We…

b. Serve without reserve vv. 22-24

This means we hold nothing back.

This is how Paul served. This is the reputation he had.

When we pay attention to our reputation and serve in this way we will be effective for Christ.

As we continue examining Paul’s message to the elders of the Ephesian church we come to a second result of paying attention.

Do you want to defend against persecution? Then…

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

Persecution is a real thing.

Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it here in the US. In other countries churches are being burned, bombed, and destroyed. Christians are being harassed, beaten, and killed.

Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders to be prepared. Preparation is really the only defense we can offer. God defends us. All we can do is prepare to face whatever He allows to come our way.

There are three preparations that need to be made.

#1…

a. Prepare for changes v. 25

READ v. 25

Paul has just shared in v. 23 that he is going to face chains and tribulations.

In every city they have visited, the Holy Spirit has revealed Paul’s coming trials.

In v. 24 Paul passionately declared that the promise of suffering doesn’t move him. His life is not precious to him! He desires only to fulfill his God-given mission; the proclamation of the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s knowledge of coming suffering has made it clear to him that he will not see these believers again.

Paul has faithfully, boldly, and passionately communicated the truth about the kingdom of God.

Now those he has preached to will never again spend time with him.

Change is coming.

Paul, church planter extraordinaire, the persecutor turned apostle, the author of Scripture, Paul is going to be arrested and imprisoned.

What I believe Paul wants to communicate here is that their faith had better be the real deal. If their faith is grounded in Paul or his teaching, they are in for some rough times. Paul is going to be gone!

Faith founded in a teacher or preacher instead of Christ and His Word is a weak faith!

When that teacher or preacher fails you, and they will, your faith fails with them.

This is what lies at the heart of what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. (p. 1311).

(p. 1311)

1 Corinthians 1:12–17 NKJV

Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Our faith must not be in a teacher. Our faith must not be in our baptism. Our faith must be in Jesus! It must be in the Cross of Christ! It must be in the gospel of God's grace! To trust in anything else makes the cross useless!

Paul is telling the Ephesian elders that he isn’t going to be around. That means they need to trust in God and His Word. Paul emphasizes this as he reveals the second preparation.

#1. Prepare for change.

#2…

b. Prepare for choices vv. 26-28

READ vv. 26-27

Paul’s innocence is a direct result of his preaching.

He leaves nothing out.

He declares himself to be innocent based on his thorough approach to preaching the Word.

There is an implication here. Failure to preach the whole plan of God makes you guilty.

Paul has not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God.

Shunned – ὑποστέλλω (hypostello) shrink from; avoid; withdraw. To hesitate, shrink back. To pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness.

Shunned – ὑποστέλλω (hypostello)

Paul does not draw back, he does not avoid, he does not hesitate to give people the whole counsel of God.

Counsel – βουλή (boulē) purpose; plan. Thought-out plan, a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished.

Counsel – βουλή (boulē) purpose; plan. Thought-out plan n. — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished; especially as the result of intent consideration. Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, feminine.

Counsel – βουλή (boulē)

What does Paul declare? God’s whole plan and purpose. What does that mean? Where do we learn of the whole plan and purpose of God? In His Word!

Paul states that he has not hesitated to proclaim to the Ephesians everything God has revealed in His Word.

The comforting things and the hard things. The things that bring joy and the things that bring pain.

Paul has declared it all.

Why does he bring this up?

Because they need to trust God and His Word! Not Paul. Paul won’t see them again. But God's Word will always be with them.

Paul reveals in the next verse that they will minister through the whole counsel of God.

READ v. 28

“Therefore” is very important. Paul is saying that in light of the whole counsel of God, this is their responsibility.

Paul is going to give them a directive and then break it down and give the application of it and the reasons for it.

Directive - Take Heed. Or. Pay attention. This is where the title for these messages came from.

Pay attention…

1 - To yourself

Those who serve as under-shepherds must be healthy if they are to be of any use to the flock.

An unhealthy shepherd will be unable to care for the sheep.

In this specific context Paul is dealing with shepherds who are falling prey to false teachers or who are building up themselves rather than Christ.

Pay attention to yourself. Be in the Word. Spend time with the Lord. Deal with sin.

This doesn’t just apply to leaders. All of us have a responsibility to pay attention to ourselves first.

What we must guard against is spending so much time to ensure we ourselves are “right” that we never get around to helping others.

Look at (p. 1118).

(p. 1118)

Matthew 7:3–5 NKJV

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Notice the order of events. Get rid of your plank, then help your brother or sister with their speck.

The goal of self evaluation isn’t to never help others. It is to ensure that when we help others it comes from a place of compassion and care because we know what it is like. We have had to deal with it in ourselves.

When Paul tells the Ephesian elders to pay attention to themselves, he follows that by telling them to pay attention to the flock as well.

Only as we keep ourselves in the Lords will are we able to pay attention…

2 - To the flock

In this context, the flock is the local church over which a team of elders serves as overseers.

The requirement is to pay attention to all the flock. No sheep are to be left without aid.

Why are elders to pay attention to the flock?

To Shepherd the church.

Why? To Shepherd the church.

Let’s back up for a second. Who is responsible for the placement of overseers? The Holy Spirit. I do not serve on my own whim. I serve because the Holy Spirit has called and equipped me. The Holy Spirit made it clear to Grace Church that this is where I am to serve.

This means that Ultimately elders answer to God. This infuses eldership with much responsibility. We serve with fear and trembling before an almighty God!

And our service is to shepherd the church.

We are to lovingly lead and guide our fellow believers. We bear in mind always that we too are sheep.

What is the church? Those purchased by the blood of Christ!

My favorite verse that deals with this is (S).

1 Peter 1:18–19 NKJV

knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Salvation is not something we can earn, merit, or bribe our way into. Salvation is a gift. Christ shed His precious blood and by that blood believers are purchased.

This is how we become part of the church.

The leaders of the Ephesian church have some choices to make. They must choose to imitate Paul and declare the whole counsel of God as they shepherd the flock.

The ability to shepherd well is determined by our choices.

What will we choose?

Will we proclaim all of God’s Word? Will we pay attention to ourselves and the flock?

Why does the church need shepherding?

That’s what Paul deals with next as he reveals the third preparation.

#1. Prepare for change.

v. 28 – Shepherd the flock.

#2. Prepare for choices.

#3…

c. Prepare for challenges vv. 29-31

We mentioned last week that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ().

Here Paul describes two sources for persecution.

READ v. 29

Source #1 - External attack.

How can Paul say that he knows this will happen? Because it always does.

This is something we can be absolutely certain of. Local bodies of believers will be attacked by false teachers!

The goal of these wolves is the destruction of the flock. Jesus makes this point in (S).

Matthew 7:15 NKJV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Why would a wolf pretend to be a sheep? To be welcomed into the fold! To have easier access to the sheep!

By the way, what sheep do wolves prey on first? The young and the weak.

This is why we shepherd the flock of God! We want to see maturity and strength in the body of Christ! We want to defend and protect!

The responsibility of the sheep is to be on the look out for wolves!

Don’t make it easy for the wolf to get you. Grow, mature, and be strong in the Lord.

There are three facts we need to observe about these wolves.

1 - They are savage.

Oppressive or severe.

Have you heard the expression “go for the throat?” That’s what they do.

2 - They come in.

As we mentioned earlier, they wear sheep's clothing to have access to the flock.

Beloved, when we consider the universal church, there are wolves in the flock.

3 - They show no restraint.

These wolves prey on the flock. They go for the easy kill. They will not spare anyone.

This is the first source of persecution. But there is a second.

Source #2 - Internal attack.

READ v. 30

Source #2 - Internal attack.

Paul states that this will happen. Again, how can Paul know? Because it always does. Peter writes about it in his second epistle. (p. 1396).

(p. 1396)

2 Peter 2:1–3 NKJV

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

This is what Paul is talking about. False teachers who bring in perverse things, destructive heresies.

Paul gives us three facts about this threat as well.

1 - They are among us.

While the wolf attacks from outside, the false teacher comes from inside. The idea here seems to be that this person didn’t begin as a false teacher.

What often happens is that A teacher or preacher either gets sidetracked or they embrace a lie.

Let me illustrate. I have heard sermons preached about a minor doctrine. I have met people who have allowed pursuit and enforcement of a minor doctrine to take over their whole ministry! Every message deals with it, every week he climbs back on the same tired topic. Eventually this minor doctrine consumes them. It becomes the measure of spirituality. They may even elevate it a salvation issue.

One such issue would be women wearing pants. If you feel convicted by the Lord to only wear pants, that’s fine. It’s between you and the Lord.

But if you begin to teach that as the primary indication of spirituality, if you attempt to force or guilt others to hold your belief; you have become a false teacher.

The second way a person may become a false teacher is to embrace a lie. Here’s a popular one. The goal of a Sunday meeting is to bring lost people in and see them saved.

That is not why we gather on Sunday!

Do we want to see people saved? Yes! Is it ok if an unbeliever comes on a Sunday and is saved? Of course! But that’s not why we gather!

The purpose of our gathering is to equip the saints to minister. It is to strengthen and encourage the body of Christ!

Yet some have taken this idea so far that they change how the preach, they change their service, they change everything to make unbelievers feel comfortable. When you go that far, you become a false teacher.

2 - They speak perversely.

Perverse – διαστρέφω (diastrepho) pervert; make crooked. To be or become actively deviating from what is considered moral, right, proper, or good.

Perverse – διαστρέφω (diastrepho)

The classic example of this would be the twisting of Scripture. There is a really common example in (S).

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

I cannot even tell you how many times I have heard this used to say if Christians will do this America will be healed. That is a lie.

This verse is not for America, it is for Israel. Does that mean we should humble ourselves, pray, and turn from sin? NO! But we cannot expect doing that to make America turn to God.

This is what false teachers do. They twist Scripture.

3 - They create followers.

The goal of these false teachers is to have people follow them.

Paul says to follow him because doing so leads you to Christ. Hebrews says we are to look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

We do not follow men. We follow Jesus.

Men will let you down, they will lead you astray. Don’t become blindly devoted to any teacher. That includes me.

Always exercise discernment. Always keep your brain engaged.

READ v. 31

Paul urges them to watch. To be alert. Be on guard.

Paul had warned them. The false teachers are coming. Satan will attack from outside and inside. Be ready. Be prepared.

How did Paul warn them? By teaching the whole council of God! This brings us full circle.

Paul’s preaching and teaching of God’s word has given these believers all they need to be prepared.

Scripture saturation is the best preparation.

If you want to combat false teaching, know the Word!

Shepherd the flock, watch out for wolves, and guard against false teachers.

We must pay attention to our preparation.

To do this…

#1. Prepare for change.

#2. Prepare for choices.

#3. Prepare for challenges.

This is how we defend against persecution.

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

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

Obligation could also be called responsibility.

As believers in Jesus Christ we have a responsibility and obligation to point people to Christ in everything we do and say.

The society we live in tends to downplay the influence we have on others.

Scripture wants us to be aware that people will follow our lead. Therefore, we need to lead towards Christ.

Paul’s example in the end of this passage teaches us two important lessons.

Lesson #1…

a. Be a pattern vv. 32-35

READ v. 32

With the struggles and trials that lie ahead of them, Paul commits them to the Lord.

Ultimately this is where our peace and comfort needs to come from. The sovereignty of God.

He is in control. When we commit everything to Him, He works it all according to the good pleasure of His will.

Paul also commits them to the word, or message, of God’s grace. What is that message? The gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is the gospel, this message of God’s amazing grace, that strengthens us and gives us our heavenly inheritance.

When we are discouraged, we need the gospel, when suffering, we need the gospel, when rejoicing, we need the gospel, when content and fulfilled, we need the gospel.

The gospel is what brings us to maturity.

The gospel guarantees that we will spend eternity with Christ.

In light of the trials the Ephesians will face, in light of the false teaching they will endure, in light of the attacks that will come; they need the gospel!

Paul says, with everything you will face, I commit you to God and to the good news of His grace.

READ v. 33

Paul is an example to us all.

Paul often lived in deep poverty. Yet he never coveted. Paul had learned contentment. He talks about that in (S).

Philippians 4:11–12 NKJV

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Contentment is something that we learn!

Have we learned contentment?

READ v. 34

Paul wrote these words in (S).

2 Thessalonians 3:10 NKJV

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

This is a principle that Paul lived his life by. He earned his keep. He not only provided for himself, he provided for his companions.

Notice what he provided, necessities. According to , food and clothing are our only necessities. Everything else is extra.

Paul worked to provide for his needs. We saw this back in ch. 18. Paul was a tentmaker or leatherworker. He used that skill to provide for his needs.

READ v. 35

Through Paul’s actions to support his companions he has demonstrated that we are to support the weak.

The imagery here is of someone who is stumbling along, unable to support their own weight. We come alongside them, lift them up, and help them get to their destination. Those who are less fortunate than we are deserve our sympathy and help.

Paul states very clearly that they have learned this lesson from his example. We are to provide a pattern for others to follow.

If someone were to follow in our footsteps, where would we take them?

In the end of this verse Paul gives us a saying of Jesus that is not recorded in the gospels.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This is a very important principle. I don’t know about you, but I feel pretty blessed when I am given something. Paul says There is greater blessing for those who give.

This is the pattern of Paul’s life. He preaches Christ, he doesn’t covet, and he provides for his own needs as well as the needs of others.

This is a pattern we need to follow.

When our lives display a pattern of faithfulness we encourage the body of Christ.

What is the pattern of my life? Of your life?

Lesson #1. We need to be a pattern.

Lesson #2…

b. Be personal vv. 36-38

READ v. 36

I have found prayer to be one of the most encouraging things I can do.

Paul has given them difficult news. They won’t see him again. They are going to face false teachers attacking from outside and inside the church. How do you follow that up? You get on your knees.

Later, Paul would write these words in (S).

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Here Paul is demonstrating what he will later exhort these believers to do.

How is our prayer life? Does it always feature our wants and needs? Or do we pray for the requests of others?

No one will get to heaven and say “I wish I had prayed less.”

Paul has an obligation to be an example to these believers.

You cannot be an example without being real and personal.

READ v. 37

It doesn’t get more real than this. The love and the emotion displayed here are moving.

Christians are not meant to be emotionless! We are not meant to be unfailingly happy. We are meant to be real. To express emotions like sorrow, joy, and pain.

READ v. 38

Their sorrow is caused by knowing they wouldn’t see Paul anymore.

This is the impact he has made on them. They weep at his departure.

I can never avoid asking myself if people would weep if I left like this.

What kind of impact are we making on those around us?

Do we make people better?

What kind of pattern do our lives provide?

Are we accessible? Are we personal?

Lives are changed when lives are shared.

Paul shared his life with the Ephesian believers. The result was their transformation.

Paul gets on his ship and continues his journey to Jerusalem. What will happen when he arrives? We’ll find out, next time.

Conclusion

The reality of Christianity is that we face false teachers. We face wolves that come into the flock and seek to destroy it. We face people rising up inside the church and leading people astray.

We must pay attention to our preparation.

Change happens. How will we deal with it when it comes?

This means we prepare for change.

When life changes, trust in our sovereign God.

We prepare for choices.

Choose to shepherd the flock well.

We prepare for challenges.

What we choose determines our ability to endure.

Be filled with Scripture.

Challenges threaten to overthrow our faith.

We must pay attention to our obligation.

We provide a pattern that others will follow.

We must pay attention to our obligaiton.

Lead people towards Jesus.

People follow someone they know.

Be open and personal.

As we pay attention to our reputation, may we be effective for Christ.

As we pay attention to our preparation, may we defend against false teaching.

As we pay attention to our obligation; may we encourage the body of Christ.

Pay attention and we will change lives where God has placed us.

#379 “Take My Life And Let It Be”

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