Strengthening the Brethren

The Good Pastor

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Ephesian Elders Strengthened

Book of Acts Chapter 20

As God’s children and members of God’s Church what are the qualities that matter in a good Pastor?

*Act 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Act 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

1) A good Pastor will never hide the truth of God from his congregation, and neither will he ever water down the Word of God!

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

2) A good Pastor or preacher will watch for our souls!

Eze 33:8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Eze 33:9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

3) A good Pastor or Preacher will warn us of the sin in this world.

Paul was given the opportunity to preach his last sermon to these elders in Ephesus.

Few preachers get this opportunity because none of us can tell if we will live through the next day.

Every Sunday there are preachers who preach their last sermon, but they do not know they are doing so.

If they knew it, what would that particular sermon say? Would they acknowledge their responsibility to God?

The pure truth is, that as we witness and as a preacher preaches, should not we preach and witness as if it were the last words we would get to say?

If we love those souls as God loves those souls, we would, make every effort to reach those souls for Jesus Christ!

Any preacher who makes an unfaithful representation of the “Gospel” is guilty of treachery before God!

Any hearer who rejects the truth of God will increase his or her condemnation!

These are just facts according to the Word of God!

Every preacher who preaches the truth of God, can be free from the guilt of those who remain lost and remain condemned!

This is also a fact!

The Apostle Paul said he remained pure.

Paul did not preach what was popular, but he did preach what was essential to salvation.

4) Every good preacher will preach what is necessary for salvation!

All matters of the Doctrine of Jesus Christ must be preached!

Those that hear these things must believe and lay these things up in their heart.

These things are necessary to be declared.

These things will include all the truth of Creation.

5) Every good preacher will be faithful to obey God!

What man was and what man has become through sin, must be established.

The person of the Lord Jesus must be preached! Jesus was one hundred percent man while also being one hundred percent God!

The nature of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) and His saving operations must be taught!

The truth of the future judgment, the resurrection of Christ and the blessedness of Heaven, must be preached as real, for they are real.

6) Every good preacher will preach the “Grace” of God and God’s love.

The Bible is not about theories, the Bible is about the truth!

We must understand our sinfulness.
We must understand our need to repent.
We must relate to our faith.
We must understand our adoption into the family of God.
We must understand our regeneration.
We must feel the truth of our hope of eternal life.
We must know and feel the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

We must understand our duty to God!

Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

7) A Pastor or Preacher called of God will preach and teach all the council of the Holy Trinity!

This is the food that we need from our Pastors and preachers!

*Act 20:28 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.

God says we are like sheep in need of a shepherd.

The first duty of the Pastor or Preacher is to be that assigned shepherd to the flock that God has provided.

They must first guard their own lives.

This means his own life but also his character and conduct or he will not be able to look after the sheep God has given him responsibility for.

Every pastor and preacher is responsible before God for the congregation of sheep that God has made him an under-shepherd over.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the One True Shepherd of the Church because He gave His life for the Church.

He is to give his attention to concentrate upon, focus upon, and attend to his flock.

He is the first guard in place to stop any false teaching.

He is to guard against an unforgiving spirit in his congregation.
If Jesus Christ is willing to forgive all then, who are we to say we are not going to forgive all?

He is to guard against self-indulgence.
He is to guard against drunkenness.
He is to guard against the possessions of this life which we cannot take with us.

He must guard against fables, myths, ideas, and false doctrines of men and all useless knowledge of men, who do not know the Word of God.

He must study the Word of God and listen to the Holy Spirit.

He must especially give himself to Bible Doctrine and the Scriptures.

He must look after the flock! Why?

A) Sheep get lost.
B) Sheep can be seized by the false teachers in this world.
C) Sheep without a proper shepherd are left in a pathetic condition.

Mat 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

He must feed the Church that the Lord is building!

The Lord Jesus Christ came to die for His Church. “Jesus Christ paid the supreme price for each of His sheep!”

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

We must think of the “blood of Jesus” as the blood of God because no human blood has the power of His blood!

His blood is precious.
His blood is full of dignity.
His blood is very valuable. We are unworthy of His blood, but He has made us to be His own.

Why are all these things so important? Because the Devil also has his false disciples!

*Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Notice this attack by the Devil is on two fronts.

1) Grievous wolves outside the Church going after the flock of God.

2) Deceitful men who have made their way into the Church.

Satan’s disciples are hurtful, destructive, and cause mischief and this is what they will cause outside and inside the Church.

We have seen more attacks on the Church in the past few years than we ever have.

During the Covid years, our own government demanded that we not even attend church, but we could go places like Walmart without threats.

The Bible tells us not to forsake the assembling together for any reason.

Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Some of these dangers came by Judaizers and Gnostics.

Gnostics try to incorporate Christian, Jewish, and Pagan ideas into solving the problems of life.

This is like some new places that use the term “Chrislam” and this is false teaching.

This is like taking the Bible timetable in Creation to mean millions and billions of years when the Bible is specific. Every day was a twenty-four-hour day, Every week had seven days. A true year by the Sun was 365 days and by the Moon was 360 days as the Jews use it.

There was the teaching of the Nicolaitans: Who were followers of the ways of Balaam. These are those who cast a stumbling block before the Church.

Jud 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Jud 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jud 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

2Pe 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2Pe 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

There were also some from inside the Church.

How can we tell most of them?

2Ti 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Those that love this present world more than the Lord Jesus Christ will destroy the Church so, we must listen to these warnings from the Apostle Paul.

These are all those that are mentioned in the Book of Revelation who have lost their first love!

It is not only the Pastor or Preacher who is to watch for all these things, it must also be the congregation.

We must know what we are listening to and compare it to the truth of the Scriptures and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This must not just be a onetime warning.

When the Lord tells us to repeat a warning then, He is very serious, and we have seen the results of these things in our own lifetime.

Many mainline denominations have given in to the teachings of the world and have forgotten the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

*Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

What is one of the jobs of our preacher? To warn us using the truth of God!

If we listen to and obey the Word of God, we will not be caught off guard by the actions of this world.

In a real sense we can see the truth of God, like an open book on display in the actions of our nation and our world today.

The Church must be fed the truth, simply because the Word of God is the truth of our world today.

False teachers will come into any group of believers with just enough truth to deceive the congregation.

What did Paul teach the Colossians?

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

The Lord Jesus Christ is our only hope to make it to the glory world!

The Apostle Paul did not just warn the Church one time, but he warned the Church constantly and continuously!

False teachers pervert the truth.

They take of the truth and pervert its meaning!

1) They attack any believer who says they believe all the Word of God.
2) They either add to the Word of God or they take away from the Word of God.
3) They will severely attack Christian Leaders trying to defame their character, trying to stir up believers against them.

*Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

As Christians we will have far less trouble if we would just live for God and take an unmovable stand on the Word of God.

When we become wishy washy in our faith, it just helps our enemies.

The words “one mind” and “one accord” are used many times in the Bible and these words should describe the Church at all times.

Most of the time it seems that all denominations are at war with each other when the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of all the Church.

If He is not the Head of every, body of believers, then that body of believers are not part of the Church!

The era of Grace is slowly coming to an end and the Church will soon be removed from this earth.

We are in the Age of the Laodicean Church, and time is running out and it will soon be too late to worry about that family member or that friend, you have been putting off to witness to.

1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1Co 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

We will only gain a heavenly inheritance if we keep our faith till the end.

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Another duty of the Pastor or Preacher is “to give” of their time and determination. They are not to be ministers demanding a salary.

It is by the “Grace” of God that each church will support their Pastor.

Our example again the Apostle Paul.

*Act 20:33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Act 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Act 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul did not covet worldly wealth!
Paul was committed to the Gospel!
Paul labored at secular work as a craftsman, a tentmaker.

Why?

To meet his own necessities.
To help fellow preachers and teachers.
To support the weak.
To be more like Jesus Christ.

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul wanted to be free and independent of these new congregations.

He did want these congregations to feel like he belonged to them and had to do their bidding.

Many Pastors are caught up in this trap today!

Now every congregation should, as they are able support their Pastor without demands on his sermons.

Paul was a church planter.

Paul would not allow for any restraint, or any pressure put upon his right to move about and preach the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit leads every true man of God to move and preach as the Holy Spirit leads and it must be this way!

1) Paul did finally receive support from a few churches because there is immense value in being completely free from a financial burden so he could devote full time to the preaching of God’s Word. This is as it should be.

2) A true Pastor has a right to be supported by his congregation. When the Lord Jesus sent out the Apostles, He had these words.

Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: “for the workman is worthy of his meat”.

3) A Pastor and his congregation should agree on all things that pertain to the Word of God.

4) Every Pastor is to set the example in all things including giving to help others in need.

5) Every Pastor is to pray with his congregation.

*Act 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Act 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
Act 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, “that they should see his face no more”. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

If we go back to our first thought of “what would a last sermon be like” if that Preacher knew he would never see that congregation again.

What would he preach?

In reality, this is the way every sermon should be developed. None of us know when our last day will come!

The Holy Spirit must be allowed free will in the topic of each sermon, but that Preacher should decide what he would say if this was his last sermon to these particular people.

It should be the same for all who witness for the Lord.

The message of God desperately needs to be told to every living soul!

A person cannot study these letters written by the Apostle Paul and led by the Holy Spirit, without seeing the love that Paul had for the Gospel and those who believed the Gospel.

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Amen

Strengthening The Brethren

/ Bobby Mayfield / 4 Comments

Strengthening Brethren In Miletus

Book of Acts Chapter 20

No matter how successful our work may be, it will one day come to an end.

The ministry of “spreading the gospel” by the Apostle Paul in Ephesus, had gone on unto the entire region of Asia.

Today we will see Paul’s farewell address to the Elders of the Ephesians church.

Paul was going to Jerusalem and his ministry would take him away from Asia but he would always keep them in his heart.

The Apostle Paul had a great respect for all who spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

AND, We can see this great concern for the church in the book of Ephesians and the letters to Timothy.

The Apostle Paul is therefore our example of a church planter and of a missionary of the gospel of Lord Jesus Christ.

But before we get into Paul’s example let’s take a quick look at Paul’s farewell.

After the riot that had come about in the city of Ephesus, Paul left and headed toward Macedonia. Paul had expected to meet Titus at Troas, and to get a report of the things that were happening at the Church in Corinth.

The Apostle Paul had spent three years ministering the “gospel” in Ephesus but he had also requested a love offering to be gathered for the poor, excommunicated saints in Jerusalem. (Excommunicated by Judaism)

Under his direction, the churches of Macedonia and Achaia were to collect money to be used to help those that were in poverty in Jerusalem.

But Titus had not come and Paul would not see Titus until he reached Macedonia.

Our lesson does not begin today until we get to verse 18 but I think it is important that we take a look at a few verses before that verse.

*****Act 20:7  And upon “the first day of the week”, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Act 20:8  And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

Act 20:9  And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

In this verse we see the first mention of the church meeting on the first day of the week but it seems to have soon become a regular practice.

We can see this verified in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:

1Co 16:2  Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

The first day of the week was already kept sacred by Christians, because it was the day of the Lord’s resurrection. (John 20:1)

And, this day was referred to as the Lord’s day in the Book of Revelation!(Rev 1:10)

We should also realize that the first day of the week was the day that God began the physical creation of this world we live in. (Gen 1: 1-5)

But also the first day of the week represents the beginning of the Church and also the “Church Age”.

It is very appropriate that we remember the first day of the week as a day to gather in the Lord’ name.

If we remember that the Jewish day began at 6 PM, then the phrase “at evening time” helps us to understand how Paul preached the gospel until midnight.

When Luke wrote about this in verse 9, he said the Apostle Paul was “long preaching”.

Paul’s sermon was long because this was also his farewell address to these people.

At this time, Sunday, the first day on the week, was not a day in which people were free of daily employment.

So the church began with an evening service.

And, it was during the Preaching service that this young man Eutychus fell asleep and fell from that third loft, which would make this building a three-story building.

This the last instance of someone being raised from the dead, by an Apostle in the Bible.

Whenever Christians assemble, the Word of God should always be heard and it should always include some reading of the Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul did not hesitate to stop preaching but went down to this young man and we can say that he raised him from the dead because that is exactly what happened.

In verse seven we saw that the Apostle Paul observed the Lord’s supper but in verse 11 we can see that this group of people took time to eat a meal and the Apostle Paul talked with these people until daybreak.

*****Act 20:11  When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Act 20:12  And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Act 20:13  And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

The Apostle Paul chose to walk from Troas to Assos which was about 20 miles. This gave him more time to spend with the saints.

It would take two days for a ship to sail this distance but probably only about 10 hours to walk this distance.

The Apostle Paul probably also needed some time alone with the Lord as we all do.

There are 50 days between Passover and Pentecost. Paul’s trip from Philippi to Troas had already consumed 12 of those days.

It took Paul 4 more days to get to Miletus so Paul decided he did not have time to make it to Ephesus.

So he invited the leaders of the church of Ephesus to travel the 30 miles to meet him in Miletus. This is where the ship would wait to unload its cargo.

And this is were we will pick up our lesson for today:

Verse 18:

*****Act 20:18  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,

Act 20:19  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: 

The Apostle Paul began his remarks to these elders by reminding them of his faithful service even in the face of adverse circumstances and much persecution.

The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel.

 

Paul had spent three years in Ephesus and had to endure fierce opposition much of this time. He had had much trouble with the Jews. He had battled with the labor unions and even had some problems with the local

government.

Despite all these things, Paul serve the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations.

The Apostle Paul did not exalt himself above others.

The Apostle Paul was a humble man in his life but very bold when preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There had even been many attempts on his life by men from his own nation.

*****Act 20:20  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,

Act 20:21  Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

In addition to his teaching in the synagogues, Paul had actually went house to house which led to churches being established in individual homes.

We know that the church in Corinth began in the home of Aquila and Priscilla.

We know that it is very possible that the Colossians church met in the home of Philemon.

And it is also very possible that the Laodicean church first met in the home of Nymphas.

Both repentance and faith were the central message of the Apostle Paul to all non-Christians.

Paul preached to whosoever would listen which included Jews and Gentiles.

Repentance toward God and faith in Christ are like two sides of the same bread.

Both sides are distinct but there can be no true repentance without true faith, one cannot exist without the other.

*****Act 20:22  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Act 20:23  Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

That phrase “and now” shifts the emphasis from the past to the present as the Apostle Paul opens his heart and tells his friends just how he feels.

He did not hide the fact that he was bounded his own spirit to go to Jerusalem and even though he knew that danger and possibly death awaited him there.

The Holy Spirit had witnessed this message to him in city after city.

*****Act 20:24  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.

Paul explained why he would not quit the gospel.

Paul had decided to put Jesus in front of everything in his life.

Paul was not a quitter and wanted to finish all the things that the Lord had given them to do.

Paul had received his ministry from the Lord and he knew that the Lord required his faithfulness and he also knew that one day he would have to give account for the message he preached.

Paul knew that the message of the gospel is a matter of life or death to those that hear it and Paul was a fighter, with both the life he lived and the message that he preached.

Paul was a preacher. He was commissioned and called by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul was a watchman. He had to be faithful and was not fearful, because the safety of many people rested with him.

Paul had to declare to sinners and saints all the counsel of God!

The Apostle Paul preached the entire Bible from cover to cover.

Those that do not preach the Bible from cover to cover are useless to the nonbeliever, but also to the believer.

The Apostle Paul had not allowed any of these things in Ephesus to distract him from his ministry.

*****Act 20:25  And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Again we see these words “and now”.

Somehow God had impressed upon Paul that this would be his last time to see these elders of Ephesus.

Remember Paul had met 12 of these elders when he first came to Ephesus.

The message Paul preached regarding the kingdom, referred to the Kingdom of Heaven and how to get there.

*****Act 20:26  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

The Apostle Paul was confident that he had done what God had sent him to do in that city to both believer and the unbeliever.

The Book of James teaches us:

Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Paul said “I take you to record” and what he was saying is that he was letting his actions be his testimony.

And there was no one in this area that could hold the Apostle Paul accountable or responsible for eternal damnation.

The sermons that the Apostle Paul had preached in Ephesus were the messages that God has specifically revealed to him or what he had directly led His Apostle to teach.

Jesus Christ had commissioned the apostles to teach the disciples to observe all things whatsoever he had commanded.

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen

The Apostle Paul had done this very thing everywhere he preached.

*****Act 20:28  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.

Therefore, Paul told these elders that each of them should do the same thing.

That word “overseers” is the same as “bishops”.

These were the same as “elders” of the church.

These were the “pastors”!

In all these cases these are the “spiritual shepherds” of the church.

The job of the shepherd has always been to guard the sheep, to groom the sheep, and to gather the sheep, and to deliver the sheep to green pastures.

We can see all these things in Psalms 23.

*****Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

The Apostle Paul brought his message to a close by issuing a warning.

Each pastor and preacher, and each missionary and evangelist, need to recognize the dangers that they will have to deal with if they are to protect and lead the church.

We must never underestimate the great importance of the church to this world we live in!

The church is important to God because it has His name on it!

The church is important to the Son of God, because He shed his blood for it!

The church is important to the Holy Spirit, because He is convicting sinners to join the church and equipping the saints to minister to the church!

It is a serious thing to be a spiritual leader in the church of the living God!

There are many threats to the church from the world we live in, but there are also serious threats from within the church.

There are always wolves that want to destroy the church.

A Wolf  is crafty, greedy, and ravenous and kill sheep and other domestic animals without remorse.

In Scripture the Wolf is an emblem of treachery and cruelty.

Wolves are the dread of the shepherd!

Jesus said this about wolves:

Joh 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Joh 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Joh 10:12  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The Apostle Paul warned the church that there would also be false brethren come from inside the church who would also try to lead people away from the truth.

They would have, “distorted doctrines” that would contain some truth but more error, to lead people astray.

We know that this is true especially in our day as we get closer to the end of the Church Age.

*****Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

We must remember that the Apostle Paul was meeting with the pastors and preachers of this newly found churches. He warned them that they were to be vigilant in defending their flocks against false teachings.

But the Apostle Paul also said for them who would come after him to follow his example.

*****Act 20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

As Paul winds down his sermon he uses that phrase “the Word of His Grace” .

This phrase refers to the Scriptures in which we see the grace of God is prominent.

These words are the means for spiritual growth.

These words are the means for spiritual maturity.

And these words are the means for spiritual instruction which leads to good morals and holiness.

And then inheritance among all those that sanctified means, is being a part of the family of God, here on earth and especially in Heaven.

*****Act 20:33  I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

Act 20:34  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

When God gave the 10 Commandments, the very last one said “thou shalt not covet”. When we covet we will break the other nine Commandments because it will cause us to steal, and to lie and to murder to get what we want.

And it will also cause was to dishonor our parents and especially dishonor Our God.

Coveting is idolatry because it is always trying to find something greater than the Living God!

In the qualifications for the preacher in 1 Timothy the sin of covetousness is also mentioned.

But the apostle Paul also mentions laziness.

Even though Paul had some support, he was a working preacher as a tent maker.

The Apostle Paul could have demanded support that would’ve made his life easier and it is not wrong for Christian workers to receive salaries.

1Ti 5:18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

But every preacher should be certain they are really earning those salaries and Paul was!

It was a personal thing with Paul at this time of the early church to not be a burden to any church.

*****Act 20:35  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

A true pastor will always have the needs of his church in mind.

This verse implies that no pastor should burden any church that cannot meet the needs of it’s members!

True ministry is giving and not getting, and it definitely means following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.

*****Act 20:36  And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

This verse teaches us that every sermon should be followed with prayer!

*****Act 20:37  And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,

Act 20:38  Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

It is always difficult to say goodbye. Everyone that was at this location this day knew they would never see each other again.

But that’s not entirely true!

We have the blessed assurance that we will all one day see our Christian friends and loved ones in Heaven!

Jesus promises us these things when He returns:

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Questions?

Let’s Pray!