Paul’s Final Instructions

PAUL’S FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Acts 20:17-38
– Paul knew his time with the Ephesians was short.
– Paul gave final instructions and exhortations on how to go forward – to endure and to remain faithful to Christ even after he is gone.
– We ought to take these exhortations seriously – whether as elders or the church as a whole.
– This is applicable to all those who seek to be useful in building others up in faith.
1. Paul’s EXAMPLE in ministry
A. Humility
– This doesn’t come naturally for us.
– Acknowledging that all giftings, successes are from God.
– Paul perhaps had more things to boast about, and yet his example is one of humility.
B. Tears
– His is a ministry that is characterised by tears.
– A minister is supposed to be emotionally invested in his ministry (i.e. empathy).
– His is a heart that is burdened to care for others.
C. Teaching
– Necessity of teaching and preaching as pillars of the church is undisputed.
– Apart from his care for people, his motivation in being steadfast in teaching was to not be guilty of people’s blood (for not warning them enough) Eze. 3:20-21.
2. Paul’s INSTRUCTIONS for ministry (v. 28-32)
A. Pay careful attention to yourselves
– The first thing that he tells them to do is to mind their own soul.
– An encouragement to prioritise feeding one’s self on the Word.
B. Pay careful attention to the flock
– To care for the church of God because it was purchased at the highest price (Christ’s blood).
– Recognising the infinite value of what God has done for the church’s redemption.
C. Pay careful attention to God and the word of His grace.
– The place that Paul wants to leave them at was not just with the sense of responsibility but with the word of His grace.
– Every Christian that was ever saved was saved not by a good pastor or teacher but by the pouring of God’s grace.