August 22, 2021

The Blessing

Paul is leaving one of his most loved and cherished churches.

Note: vs. 24 NIV  However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

1. Paul’s heart for the church (vs. 21-26)

• He encouraged repentance
• He never looked at this as a job
  • He was willing to lay it all out for them
  • Note: vs. 24
    • Being a servant means giving it all
    • Finishing well
    • Completing the task that God gives you
    • Testifying to the truths of the gospel of grace

Note: vs. 25-26 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.

Paul is in prison when he writes to the church at Ephesus. 

1. Paul’s warning for the church (vs. 27-31)

In the midst of God doing great things, evil will raise its ugly head.

• “savage wolves”
  • Stern, burdensome
  • Greedy, cruel, destructive
• “They will not spare the church”
  • They will poison minds and hearts

It happens even with the people we call our friends in the church.

Note: vs. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

“Be on guard”

• Eph. 6:10-11 NIV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

1. Paul’s prayer and hope for the church (vs. 32)

• Note vs. 32 NLT And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
• Note vs. 35 NIV In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

3 take a ways

1. As we enter the book of Ephesians, remember Paul’s heart for this church.

• Do we have such a heart for ours?

1. Be aware of what is being taught.

• It is vital that we stay true to God’s word

1. Have a servant’s heart like Paul’s and Jesus’

• “More blessed to give than to receive”
  • Care for those around you
  • Help out whenever you can