TITLE: Paul's Farewell Address
TEXT: Acts 20:17-35
PROPOSITION: Final opportunities are given more thought.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Messages
READING: Acts 20:31-35
So long, Farewell, Goodbye, See you soon (later)
More thought in last opportunity to encourage – teach.
Some preachers - use this to blast the church, gripe about everything.
Some preachers burn bridges behind them – not me.
Today - Opportunity to teach and encourage.
You know me. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, You know how I was with you at all times, from the first day I arrived in Asia,
My life is an open book, up and down, good times and bad times
Sad, happy, teaching, preaching, work and play
Joys and sorrows, challenges and obstacles
Humbled me. 19 serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and many tears and temptations happening to me through the plots of the Jews;
Preaching 43 years. Still have a lot to learn.
You helped me to know that I could work and encourage you.
You were gracious in your help following my accident.
Kept back nothing. 20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable, but have shown you and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Preached 88 sermons a year X 3 years = 264
Taught 48 Sunday classes X 3 = 144
Taught 48 Wednesday classes X 3 = 144
TOTAL = 552 opportunities to preach and teach here
Now I leave. 22 And now, behold, I am going bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall happen to me there,
My decision – You did not “drive me away” - It is time
Preachers – move – some stay too long, some move too soon
We do not know what challenges, problems lie ahead.
None of these things move me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify fully the gospel of the grace of God.
Not worried about the economy – I hope it improves
Not worried about moving to a new location.
No concern about how we will occupy our time, keep busy
I have a clear conscience. 26-27 Therefore I testify to you on this day that I am pure from the blood of all. 27 For I did not keep back from declaring to you all the counsel of God.
I tried to clearly communicate the teachings of Scripture.
I tried to cover a variety of topics, texts, vary depth, OT & NT
I preached what was needed – even if not popular
Final Words. 32 And now, brothers, 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 those who are sanctified.
Stay close to God.
Continue to study His Word.
Be edified (build you up) in faith.
Do not let discouragement rob you of your inheritance.
Conclusion - - -
Pray for us in our work.
Receive the new minister as you accepted Janet and I.
Keep on keeping on in the Lord.