The Pattern Of Faithful Service

Acts 20:17–30 KJV 1900

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

1. The Pattern Of Service

Consistent Service

Acts 20:18 KJV 1900

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

When its popular when it’s not

The place you serve should know you are consistent

All seasons - not just seasons of the year

A faithful man, who can find

Children’s church

Sunday school

Humble Service

Acts 20:19 (KJV 1900)

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

It is such a privilege to serve God

God resists the proud and only gives grace to the humble

We get as low as we can when we serve God

The Holy Spirit is not going to empower proud people

Pride quenches the Spirit

Think of the humility Our Lord Jesus:

Born in a manger

Submitted to earthly parents

Baptized as a pattern for us to follow - He didn't need to be baptized

Humble

To death and burial

If God gives you opportunity, Give thanks to God

Compassionate Service

vs. 19 ...and with many tears,…

The hurts of others should tough our heart

The state of the unsaved should touch our heart

The condition of our country should touch our heart

The suffering of those in bondage should tough our heart

Illustration of compassion:

Break my heart for others

Do you cry for those who you know are unsaved?

Difficult Service

vs. 19 ... temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Faithful service requires difficulties

Every area of faithful service will have an aspect of difficulty involved.

So thankful to faithful servants that are here

If something demands your time, there will be trials

fiery trials

Consistent, Humble, Compassionate, and it will be Difficult

Illustration of difficult service:

Difficulties - the devil will be after you for serving

The Method Of Service:

Acts 20:20 (KJV 1900)

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Every day we are a witness

Every opportunity with believers

We go fishing

Mark 1:17 KJV 1900

17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

I am determined, and by God’s grace, I am going to win a soul

House to house

The Message Of Service:

Acts 20:21 (KJV 1900)

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no prejudice in Heaven

Visiting in Chicago that is a diverse city

Asia

Africa

Mexico

People from all different countries we’ve seen come to Jesus

Would you go to Heaven or Hell - that is an eternal question

The Gospel is for all people, all countries

Acts 20:21 KJV 1900

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Repent: understanding sin

Commitment:

Acts 20:22 KJV 1900

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

I will not quit

The most tragic thing to do is quit

Your life is not your own - you owe it to Jesus

What God has called you to do don’t turn back

Illustration of thinking about turning back:

We all have failures and those failures

We need to finish this race together

The Mission:

Acts 20:24–27 KJV 1900

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Be stable in bad times

bad times shouldn't move us

We value us too much

The most miserable people live life for just them

Finish your course with Joy

circumstances will never bring joy

The joy of the Lord is your strength

Our Father is Worthy of us being Joyful in our trial

We have so much good to be thankful for

God has been good to all of us

Faithfully Testify Of The Lord’s Amazing Grace

Be pure From The Blood of all Men

Paul is in Ephesus

250,000 People in Ephesus

I will tell every person I can about Jesus

81000 people in Warwick

81,250 people in Cranston

28,000 People in West Warwick

Let’s be pure from the blood

Door to door

As we go everywhere

Every individual we meet needs to meet Jesus

We are bound to the gospel

Let’s finish well