Faithfully Serving

N.T.#867 "Faithfully Serving"

Sept. 29, 2026 

Acts 20-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Let me say that my Christian walk has been a challenge, not a bed of roses. And so it was for Paul. We think of him as a fantastic witness and missionary, but he spent a lot of time in prison, where he wrote most of the New Testament. How about you? Is life challenging you today. Join me as we take a closer look at Paul's ministry as he faithfully served the Lord Jesus.

Here we have Paul's farewell address or sermon to the Ephesian elders. 

First, Paul reviews his ministry in Ephesus (verses 18-21)

He overcame the test of:

• laziness (verse 18)
• pride (verse 19)
• discouragement (verse 19)
• fear (verse 20)
• inefficiency. (verse 20)

 Next, Paul's immediate future. (verses 22-27) He wasn't sure what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. Jews and Greeks want to kill Paul. He shared the grace of God with them. 

Last, Paul shared the future of the church in Ephesus. 

He warned them of the danger of:

•  personal compromise. (verse 28)
• external attack of false teachers (verse 29)
• internal corruption by apostasy. (verse 30)

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Acts]

LET IT GROW

Here are some things Paul told the elders:

• He served the Lord with all humility, many tears, and temptations. 
• He taught them publicly.
• His messages were of repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 
• He was determined to finish his course with joy. 
• He used every occasion to witness to those he came in contact with in his extensive travels.
• He challenged them to feed the church. (verses 19-31)       

What a challenge Paul gives to us. 

LET IT GO

What do you and I need to let go of so we can serve the Lord Jesus in the same way as Paul?