Sermon Tone Analysis
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Last and final words tend to carry more weight… they are chosen with great care, intent on leaving a lasting impression.
The words we are looking at today from Paul carry that weight and impact.
Understanding that he is on his way to Jerusalem and that what lies ahead is very uncertain Paul gathers the elders of Ephesus together for one last final instruction and challenge.
These Men
Years of companionship
Mentored, taught and discipled
He had poured into them, loved them, wept with and rejoiced with these men
Here is what he spoke to these elders (recognize our elders)… Acts 20:17-35
Encouraged to Remember...
“You yourselves know” In verses 17-21 Paul has them remember the years with him and challenges them to emulate his example!
Despite the hardships, threats, difficulties, trials and griefs...
Paul served them in humility… but even more so...
Paul was faithful to teach the whole purpose and council of God
Twice in this speech Paul uses the phrase “I did not shrink”
He did not hold back or avoid because of fear or concern...
Sometimes teaching God’s truth is tempting to avoid at times...
He taught publicly and in private
Why remind them of these things???
These are the elders… Paul wants them to follow in his example!
Now be the example for others as well!
You as elders teach these things… publicly and privately!
A Clear Conscience
“Behold” How God is currently working in Paul’s life...
A course that leads to discomfort, afflictions, sorrow...
Paul expresses to them his willingness to suffer for Christ (to keep the course, finish the race)
God does not need super humans, amazingly talented gifted individuals… He can supply those things when needed.
God is looking for faithful men and women to serve Him, follow Him, regardless
Paul understood the importance of “testifying solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul as he shares with these beloved men expresses he will not see them again.
(we know later he would have one last time to visit, but Paul genuinely felt this was his last time.)
THEREFORE… he is innocent of the blood of men, a reference to Ezekiel 33:1-6
A clear conscience… Paul had sounded the alert, “declared the WHOLE PURPOSE OF GOD”
As elders they were being charged to do the same...
Don’t just declare the things that will tickle the ears of people, win favor, or be easy
Don’t just teach the things that are comfortable… Teach and preach the whole purpose of God!
This is hard to do!
This is not always enjoyable.
Truth can hurt and at times it is not pleasant to be the deliver of God’s truth!
What a wonderful way to live life… knowing you have declared to truth to ALL who God has desired you to!
To not shrink… hold back or Avoid!
Be on Your Guard!
For yourselves and the Flock!!!
Verse 28 delivers with it the weightiness of their role as overseers...
Holy Spirit made them overseers (commissioned them)
Shepherd God’s church/people/sheep
Purchased with the blood of the very Son of God Jesus Christ!
Warren Wiersbe: Never underestimate the great importance of the church.
The church is important to God the Father because His name is on it—“the church of God.”
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 church.
In light of the weightiness, Paul delivers a warning… “wolves will come!”
It is NOT a possibility it is a fact
They will come from outside and within the church!
They will teach contrary to the authority of God’s Word, contrary to truth
D.L. Moody: The elders have a twofold responsibility.
They are to feed the sheep by teaching them the Word of God, and they are to protect the sheep from false teaching.
The warning about false teachers is prophetic.
The epistles reveal that false teachers were not always outsiders; often they were insiders (See 2Pt 2:1–3).
False teachers are ruthless and pose a twofold danger.
They will attempt to pervert the truth and persuade believers to follow them.
THEREFORE BE ALERT!!!
Day and night… never ceasing
This is something to never let ones guard down on
Admonishing with tears… he was advising them concerning the dangerous consequences of these actions...
Paul closes with commending them to God and the Word of His Grace...
These will build you up
Look to the inheritance to come from Him
Don’t fall trap of doing this for sordid gain, but rather give your all to His church and allow Him to reward you!
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