No Retreat

“I did not shrink” (Acts 20:20, 27).

BLUF: While I am gone, continue in the faith.

Introduction

Anytime we leave the kids at the house, we issue parting instructions.

Don’t eat in the living room.

Change Lina’s diaper.

When Paul said “goodbye” to the Ephesians, he issued them some parting instructions. After all he’d said and done with them, he wanted them to remember some things of first importance.

The main reason I’m drawn to preach some of this passage today is because I feel a little like Paul felt. Paul was worried, not really for himself, but for those he was leaving behind. Before Paul left them, he charged them to do some things. In essence, he charged them with the words, No Retreat. He recognized that dangers would threaten their young church, and he wanted them to stand firm. Though this church is not in its infant stage, while I’m away, I want you to stand firm. No retreat.

No retreat from the gospel.

The whole of Scripture is about Jesus. Luke 24:27

People need to hear that their lives are in ruins because of sin, and that Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice is their only hope. They need to hear that God loves them in spite of their sin, and would save them from it.

Church should be about the Bible and pointing people to Jesus.

Sunday School and Preaching, obviously

Wednesday night

Youth events

Special events

The moment we start treating the church as a club for Christians, we’ve lost the plot.

No retreat from the truth.

Paul could say he had preached “the whole counsel of God” to the Ephesians. As one commenter put it, “He had given them the whole truth about God’s salvation.” 

The whole truth? I think that means, among other things, that the gospel affects the way you view everything.

The truth of the gospel will change the way you think about everything. But it’s hard to tell with many. There are many people in the SBC who would sign statements saying they believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, and even the Baptist Faith and Message. Nevertheless, they have departed from the truth.

Always allow the Scripture to determine your understanding of the world.

When events happen in politics, in the classroom, or in the bedroom, the Bible must direct your thoughts.

Global warming

Abortion

Sexuality and gender

How you spend your money

Civic duty

Littering

Cleaning your room

Pornography

Tithing

Evolution

???

No retreat means being willing to be “the bad guy.”

When you stand up to the bully, you’re often accused of bullying.

Jesus was hated by polite society, as was John the Baptist and the Apostles.

Be willing to say hard things that offend people. “Speak the truth in love” doesn’t mean never offend. It does mean the message, and not the messenger, should be the offense.

No retreat if false teachers come in.

In Ephesus

Paul predicted that false teachers would arrive from outside the church.

Paul predicted that false teachers would arise from their own ranks inside the church.

This happened some time later after Paul had been imprisoned the first time in Rome (1 Timothy 1:3).

In Lake View? It could happen.

Conclusion

I plan to return. Until then, don’t shrink back from these things. Fear not! Be bold! Love Christ and live for him, standing firm in the faith until we see one another again.