COMMIT
Acts 20:18–32
Commitment may be one of the most important keys to a life well lived. I do not know the source of this quote about commitment, but it has stuck with me: “The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs.
The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.” God calls Christians to be committed 365 days a year — plus an additional day in leap year. Our passage calls Christians to faithfully serve Christ all our days.
Truth Proclaimed (18–21)
Paul requested the elders of the church at Ephesus to come to him. Paul reminded them of several characteristics of his ministry in Ephesus. Paul was with them the whole time; in other words he had no distractions. Paul said that his ministry involved humility, tears and trials that had come to him.
In Paul’s case, these trials were due to the plots of the Jewish leadership. Whatever hardship Paul encountered, he proclaimed that which was profitable. He taught the truth publicly in the city center and house to house to families. In other words, he did not allow unpleasant circumstances to hinder his ministry.
He proclaimed a simple message of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are like two sides of a coin. Both are necessary in our response to the gospel.
What opportunities do you have this week to proclaim the truth of Jesus?
Testimony of Grace (22–27)
In his goodbye, Paul shared details of his commitment and his understanding of his destiny. Paul did not regard ministry as a vocational option. Paul viewed his ministry as God’s grace and calling and his life obligation. Paul was constrained by the Holy Spirit to travel to Jerusalem.
The Spirit forewarned Paul of the challenges that awaited him in every city on his journey. He knew full well the challenges that awaited him in Jerusalem, but his faithfulness was greater than the chains and afflictions he would encounter.
Paul was determined to finish his race and be faithful to his ministry to the end. An athletic race is one of several metaphors for Christian faithfulness in the Bible.
Paul reminded the church at Ephesus that he had preached to them the gospel of grace, the message of the Kingdom of God rather than mere feel-good sermons and the whole plan of God rather than sermons without gospel content.
What obstacles make it difficult for believers to faithfully serve God?
Be on Guard (28–32)
Paul’s final words were a warning about ministerial leadership. Paul commanded the elders to carefully guard themselves as well as the entire flock. Sadly, some pastors have lost their ministry because they did not guard themselves.
Pastors are to guard the flock and shepherd God’s Church. Jesus is the Great Shepherd and the ultimate role model for Christian service. Paul concluded this section with foundational teachings about grace. First, grace builds believers up. Second, God’s grace gives us an eternal inheritance. You may not receive a human inheritance, but as a follower of Christ you will receive an inheritance greater than any human inheritance. Third, God’s grace sanctifies believers.
What does it look like to be “on guard” for your faith and the faith of others?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
