INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Paul’s Commitment To Ephesus
2. Paul’s Commission to Ephesus
3. Paul’s Character in Ephesus
Introductory Remarks.
1. This lesson outlines Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian church elders who came in haste to see him before his journey to Jerusalem. These elders had traveled from Ephesus to Miletus, some twenty miles away, to see him and hear his words of encouragement before he began his last missionary journey. This journey would take him from Jerusalem to Caesarea and then ultimately to Rome to appear before the seat of Caesar.
2. Paul speaks of his commitment to the church in Ephesus while he was among them some three and ½ years. He reminds them of his work of preaching Christ and the grace of God among the Jews and Gentiles and how God has granted them “repentance unto life, those that believed in Jesus.” He also tells them he had “kept nothing profitable to them; but taught them publicly and from house to house.” He did not forget his apostolic duties in declaring “the whole counsel of God unto them.” I think the same has been true of our work among you here in Baton Rouge.
3. Secondly, he commissions them to be unwavering in faith and devotion to the church. He explains that the Holy Spirit “had made them overseers” or to see over the flock and “to feed the church of God, which He had purchased with his blood.” He warns them of the pending invasion of “grievous wolves who would enter among them not sparing the flock; and how even some of their leaders would rise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” I want to think these are the things I reminded you of while I labored here with you in Baton Rouge.
4. Lastly, he reminds them of his character (manner of life) while he was among them in Ephesus. “How he had coveted no man’s silver, gold, or apparel.” He pointed out that there were times while there he had to “work with his own hands to provide for his necessities, as well as for those that labored with him.” Working, he says: “to support the weak and remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This farewell address ended with him and the elders on their knees, solemn praying and tears at the seaside. “Sorry, most of all, for the words which he spake; they would see his face no more.” I sincerely pray that God will grant Carolyn and me many opportunities to revisit you after our departure to reflect on the great joy of our time among you here in Baton Rouge. We shall surely miss you all, just as these elders were going to miss the beloved Apostle Paul. Let’s notice what he says regarding his “commitment to the church at Ephesus.”
BODY OF LESSON
I PAUL’S COMMITMENT TO EPHESUS
A. He sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the Church. These elders, Acts 20:17; are also called bishops, Acts 20:28. By the presbyters or elders, here, we are to understand that these were men of authority in the church; they were bishops or overseers in their work. The words are used interchangeably in this office of service. I should note that they are the same person (elder or bishop), 1 Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5-9.
1. One describes the person—the elder; the other describes their service (shepherd or tender of the flock)—the bishop. Those who were elders were also overseers of the Church of Christ. Paul did not have time to meet with them in Ephesus; he thought it best to have the church leaders meet him at Miletus so that he might present his farewell address to them.
2. He first reminded them of his “commitment” to them while laboring among them in Ephesus. This is the city where the “great goddess Diana” temple was erected. A metropolitan like the city of New York is today a place of banking, commerce, and trade. He advised,
B. After what manner I have been with you? He describes the manner of person he was among them: “From the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.” For three years, and even more, you know what type a person I was among you at all time, Acts 19:1ff, Acts 20:31. He said: “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,” verse 18.
1. This relates to his zealous and faithful performance of his Apostolic office and his private walk among them as a Christian. He explains how careful he walked, which would permit him later to write in his letter to them: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you brethren that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness…longsuffering…in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:1-3. Beloved, walk as I have done while with you. Observe,
2. He then describes how they were to walk among each other, which he could ask – for it was this same spirit he manifested with them while in Ephesus. He could now ask them to do – what he had done before them that they walk in balance among the saint and the world. Walk worthy of your “calling and election.” The saint's life must be in accord with their calling into the grace of God.
C. Kept back nothing. Paul affirms that he had preached the gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles, fully and faithfully, amidst all hazards, declaring what he terms “the whole counsel of God,” verse 27. Observe Paul’s message,
1. He was: “Testifying both to—Jews and—the Greeks: repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” His message was for all the saints at Ephesus.
a. He had begun his work in Ephesus among the Jews; in this case, he had preached to them for about three months, Acts 19:8-10.
b. Only leaving their synagogues when he found out through their rebellion and hardness of heart could he not persuade them concerning the Lord Jesus. Luke wrote: “When they opposed him (Paul) themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles,” Acts 18:6.
c. This has been my only desire to preach the entire gospel of Christ while among you. I thank God there were no requirements laid upon me to withhold anything that would benefit and strengthen you as the children of God. Paul reminds them,
2. Like Ezekiel, I was a “watchman over the house to warn the wicked and encourage the wayward,” Ezekiel 3:17-21. I have preached unto you the “whole counsel of God.” Like Paul: “Testifying the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Ephesians 2:8-9.
3. I dealt with the not-so-pleasant issues that face our brotherhood in kindness and love. I dealt with the issues of marriage, divorce, and remarriage, Matthew 19:9.
a. I sought to remind you that we must also “accept” Jesus Christ's " exceptions.”
b. I wanted you to know that nothing can keep you from the love of God and the kingdom of Christ if you, from a sincere heart, obey the gospel of Christ.
c. I explained that there is no sinner; His grace cannot be forgiven. No person will be refused if they are willing to accept his terms of pardon and forgiveness.
d. He would say unto you as he did them long ago: “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30. Whosoever will! See Revelations 22:17.
4. I also clarified that we are just as guilty of sin when we “bind where the Apostles have not bound; or loose where they have not loosed.” I remind you,
a. This was made abundantly clear when we taught you the doctrines of days, diet, and drink, from Paul's Letter to Rome in Romans 14:10-23.
NOTE: You can download the lesson: “Let Every Man Be Fully Persuaded” by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, at SermonCentral.com.
b. I spoke where the bible speaks, and I was silent where it was silent.
c. To present “sound doctrine” or “healthy teaching,” Titus 2:1.
d. Regarding the “unsearchable riches of Christ,” Ephesians 3:8.
D. I go bound in the spirit. Paul finds himself under the strong influence of the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem to complete his work. He knew that, like elsewhere, “in every city where he proclaimed the Gospel, bonds and afflictions await him.” But he consoles them by saying, " None of these things move me,” verse 24. Notice Paul,
1. I consider them as nothing – to me. Neither count I my life dear—I am not my own; my life and being are the Lord’s; he has called me to his service and this work. I act under his direction and am not anxious about these issues. I’m not only willing to go to Jerusalem but to die there in service for the name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 21:8-15.
2. I only desire to finish my course with joy—to complete the work of my ministerial office, the ministry I have received of the Lord, with joy, verse 24a. And that is, to preach unto the Gentile nations “the manifold wisdom of God,” Ephesians 3:10. Nothing shall give me greater joy than to finish my course and to please and glorify God who had anointed me for this office. To the Galatians, he wrote: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen,” Galatians 1:15-16. To testify—of the gospel of the grace of God, verse 24b.
3. Contained in this gospel is: “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth to the Jews first and also unto the Greeks,” Romans 1:16. Ye all—shall see my face no more—here he informs them - that which he knows for sure; that they shall see his face no more. Herein lay the necessity for this meeting and his Apostolic commission to these elders. As far as we know, Paul revisited these parts, but not Miletus or Ephesus, by his promise to Philippi, in Philippians 1:25-27; Philippians 2:24 & Hebrews 13:19-23.
E. Finally, he told them that he was pure from the blood of all men. If any man, Jew or Gentile, perish in his/her sins, their blood shall be upon them; for they alone shall bear their perdition. I am blameless because I have not shunned to declare; I have not suppressed or concealed anything, through fear or favor, that which was beneficial for their souls. This is the meaning of the original words, Gr., "ouden upesteilaman ton sumpheronton," or "nothing I kept back of what is profitable to you," Acts 20:20. The apostle gave unto them,
1. All the counsel of God. All that God has determined, planned, and revealed concerning the salvation of humanity—the whole doctrine of Christ, repentance towards God, faith, and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, I have declared them unto you.
2. I planted the church on a firm foundation by declaring unto you the whole counsel of God, and that is that the Lord Jesus was not only the first messenger of this counsel, this plan, and gospel, but He was, in truth, the entire message of this counsel revealed to us throughout the scriptures, “i.e., the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms,” Luke 24:44-49; Hebrews 2:1-4.
3. He is the “Word” made flesh, which “tabernacle among us” who was the plan's originator – and the only means whereby the plan could have been accomplished, John 1:1-3, 14; 19:30.
4. Paul defines Christ's pre-incarnated state to the Philippian church, Philippians 2:5-11. Secondly, Paul gives them a commission.
II PAUL’S COMMISSION TO EPHESUS
A. Paul now turns his attention to them. Take heed therefore unto yourselves. Paul urges the leadership to take a self-assessment. They cannot impose upon the flock of God that they have not practiced themselves. They cannot teach what they have not performed themselves. They must be doers of the word and not teachers only. Next, he turns to their Appointment. The Holy Ghost has made you overseers, verse 28. The Holy Spirit has appointed them bishops over the flock of God.
1. This was a divine appointment. They are the ones who look over the spiritual state of the flock of God and take care to lead them in and out in fine pastures; they are the “episcopal” or bishops. The office of a bishop is from God; only faithful pastors can fulfill this office: it is an office of great responsibility. Few there are called to fill it, and of those who occupy this place of service, fewer still discharge their duties faithfully, 1 Corinthians 4:2.
2. There are bishops who, while honored by the calling, are also credited to their office through the providence of God. As Paul speaks elsewhere, they are “worthy of double honor.” “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine,” 1 Timothy 5:17.
3. The context of these scriptures set forth these essential facts regarding the elders or bishops:
a. The office of the bishops or elders are the same. Noticed "he called the elders," Acts 20:17, 28. That there was more than one bishop or elder.
b. There are "elders in every church." More than one! “And when they had ordained them elders in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed,” Acts 14:23, Philippians 1:1.
c. There were always bishops or elders in every church and every city. “Ordain elders in every city." To Titus, his son, he states: “For this cause, I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had ordered thee,” Titus 1:5. There was always a plurality of elders or bishops in the church or in the city. This was and is the New Testament pattern.
4. The text did not mention women elders or bishops. The Bible does not speak of women being “elders or bishops.” I know this is not a favorable subject to be mentioned here, yet it is the truth and, therefore, necessary. “And from among your selves (your eldership) (notice what he says) shall men arise, speaking perverse (wicked and vicious) things, to draw away disciples after them,” verse 30. Our instruction here and elsewhere mandates that the “bishop be a (man) and the husband of one wife,” 1 Timothy 3:1-2. Also, “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,” 1 Timothy 1:12. See also Titus 1:5-9. I cannot see how this directive can apply to the woman. Can she be the husband of one wife? I think not. Maybe so in the world, but not in the church of Christ!
5. That bishop does not mean minister. However, a minister may be a bishop. That is if he meets all the qualifications and characteristics outlined in the scriptures. And let me say one additional thing regarding these men and their relationships with the minister. They are not competing factions but complementing functions for the work of the ministry. Paul writes: “And he (Christ) gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-12. They work together to evangelize the world and strengthen the body of Christ.
B. Then, he reminds them of their divine assignment: to feed the church of God. The leadership's (elders) responsibility is to “feed the church of God.” While watching over the church, part of their task is to, in Gr., “poimainein” or “feed, tend, or shepherd the church (the people of God).”
1. If this is not done through their preaching and teaching, it must be done through a strong “oversight” “episkopos” of those who proclaim the gospel of Christ to the flock.
2. Peter urges that the elders are to: “Feed the flock of God which is among them, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” 1 Peter 5:2-4.
C. Their continued assignment was to watch out for grievous wolves. After my departing, Paul refers here, most likely, not so much to his death but after his departure from among them and the end of his apostolic work and oversight. Observe their threat,
1. First, from without. That evil and grievous wolves shall enter among them. Persons professing to be teachers, Judaizing Christians, who, instead of feeding the flock, would feed off of them, even to oppression and ruin of the church of Christ. Also, of yourselves, he notes wolves shall rise. Observe,
2. Further, from within. They will rise from among your assembly, your own office of service shall men arise, speaking perverse things, teaching for truth what is erroneous in itself, and perverse of the genuine doctrine of Christ. To what purpose: "to draw away disciples after themselves." They make schisms or rents in the church to bring parties or sects to themselves. Therefore, watch and remember, he urges. The only way to fend off these attacks is to abide in the truth, to watch out for evil, and to keep in mind that “form of doctrine” initially delivered unto you, Jude 1:3. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy and the church’s departure from the faith, 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Hebrews 2:1-4.
3. Finally, “During the last three years, I continually gave you a warning. I cease not to warn you night and day with tears.” Leaders who watch are destined to weep over the sin and neglect of some of the sheep.
4. Just like Jesus: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stoniest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold, your house is left desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,” Matthew 23:37-39.
D. Then he grants them his Apostolic acclamation. "And now brethren, I commend you to God," Acts 20:32. Notice into whose hands he places them – into God’s hands. The sheep have been placed into their hands, and the shepherd – the shepherds- have been placed into God's hands. As they watch over the church, God will watch over them. And to the word of His grace. The word will build them up, strengthen them, and sustain them for their work. Don’t rely upon anything else but the word of His grace, the grace of God.
E. Finally, he reminds them of this assurance. God would give unto them an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. In other words, “your labor will not be in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58. Consider,
1. Peter also reminds the elders: “That when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” 1 Peter 5:4. Our inheritance is in heaven, 1 Peter 1:3-5.
2. Paul encourages all the saints to “set their affections on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory,” Colossians 3:2-4. To the Ephesians, he wrote: “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:11-12.
3. My work and oversight are ending; I, too, encourage you to stand fast in the word and will of God. Through these, you will find strength, worthiness, and assurance of your "inheritance among the saints." Finally, let's consider his character among the saints at Ephesus.
III PAUL’S CHARACTER IN EPHESUS
A. Finally, Paul directs his attention to his character while laboring in Ephesus. I have coveted no man’s gold, silver, or apparel. This was a sign of the grievous wolves mentioned in our lesson. He points out his character as opposed to those who would seek to make merchandise of the church. The grievous wolves and the perverters of truth would have nothing but their interests in view, whereas the genuine servant of Christ neither coveted nor sought after worldly possessions. Paul’s account of his disinterest in these things is very similar to Saul's. The prophet Samuel noted. Observe, after being anointed by Samuel,
1. King Saul spoke to the people, saying:
a. First, “Behold, here I am; witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: who ox have I taken? Or whose mule have I taken? Or who have I defrauded? Who have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I received a bribe to blind my eyes in addition to that?
b. Further, “And I will return it to you.”
c. Next, “And they said, Thou has not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand.”
d. Finally, “I trust you can say the same of us this day: neither have I taken ought of any man’s hand – that it might blind my eyes among you.” And Saul,
e. Conclusion: “Said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.” 1 Samuel 12:3-5.
PRAYER: And for me and my house? And the church said: Amen!
2. The Apostle Paul states: "These hands have ministered unto my necessities, and them that were with me" Acts 20:34.
a. It was neither “a sin nor discredit” for the apostle to work with his hands to maintain himself when the church's circumstances were such that it could not support him.
b. Still, many eminent ministers of God are obliged to support themselves and their families, at least in part, in the same way, while steadfastly testifying of the gospel of the grace of God.
c. Our hands had minister unto my necessities that I might not be chargeable unto you. Instead, we have supported your minister and staff while laboring among you, as Paul did at the church in Corinth. By not charging them for his service, what was his reward? Observe,
d. He wrote Corinth: “What is my reward then? Verily, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. Though I am free from all men, I have made myself servant unto all, and I might gain more,” 1 Corinthians 9:17-18.
e. Conclusion: The church should not think light of his generosity, nor should the preacher feel slighted that he must work with his hands for a short while to care for his family and assist the church when times are hard for all men. But instead, thank God that he can!
3. However, it may appear to my critics that I bear no reproach as your minister to have supported myself and my household as I preach Christ among you. I look forward to the day that I, too, may enjoy the fruit of my labor from the church: “Even as the Lord hath ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:14. Paul was willing to work until support arrived from the church at Philippi, Philippians 4:15-18.
B. I have shown you everything. The phrase is to be understood as I was an example in deed and teaching. "That it is more blessed to give than to receive," verse 35.
a. The giver is happy and rejoices in giving to those in need. Where our Lord spoke, such is not found in the Gospels but demonstrated in His giving to the world, 2 Corinthians 8:9.
b. Paul’s mentioning of this truth is sufficient proof that such was stated and demonstrated by our Lord, though not recorded, John 21:24-25. The sentiment is worthy of Christ.
c. A generous man rejoices in every opportunity to do good and is blessed to have the means to give unto God out of a pure heart. And so should be the heart of the whole assembly, Galatians 6:9-10.
d. Paul asks that we do likewise, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
C. The leader and minister must be an ensample of faith, purity, service, and godly living. He cannot be “given to filthy lucre” or accused of “womanizing.” His life must be above reproach, 1 Timothy 3:2-3; Titus 1:6-7.
1. One translation says: “The bishop should not be a womanizer.” “He should not behave flirtingly or in a sexually alluring manner.” Can I help here? And the church said: Amen. These two things have hurt more ministers. “Having their hands in the church’s treasury and inappropriately handling the sisters.” Brethren, “keep thyself pure,” 1 Timothy 5:23. “Not offend anything, that the ministry be not blamed,” 2 Corinthians 6:3.
2. Many have destroyed their lives, ministries, and families by failing to be above reproach in these two areas. I trust no one here could accuse me of either unto this day. I have neither coveted any man's gold, silver, apparel, or wives.
D. He kneeled and prayed. Kneeling is a supplicant's proper posture; it implies humility and submission. Anyone who prays to God should endeavor to seek the most significant measure of both, Micah 6:8. They fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, Acts 20:36-38. This was a true sign of godly affection from one to the other, Romans 16:16. Men crying without shame or scorn on the shoreline is a sure sign of true love and affection for this apostle. Even as our Lord Jesus Christ, they too will often weep sore, John 11:35.
E. Sorrowing, most of all, that they should see his face no more. This was a most solemn meeting and a profoundly moving and affectionate parting of the apostle from these elders. The man who had first pointed out to them the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom they had been brought into his grace and salvation, is now going away, in all likelihood, to be seen no more of them until the day in which the quick and dead shall stand before the throne of God. Observe,
1. Such a scene and its corresponding feelings are more easily imagined than described. Tenderness, compassion, and sympathy are not inconsistent with the highest state of God’s leadership and ministers. Paul warned these leaders night and day with many tears. These leaders now weep sore at the departure of this beloved brother and Apostle.
2. Congregations that could allow their ministers to leave with indifference and without sadness have either profited little under their ministry or fallen from God's grace. The minister and leaders should love the church as a father does his children. They should minister to them as their own and cause every member to feel like one family in their presence as they place them under the care and direction of that great Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ our Lord. Before I conclude, let me advise you of the sincere love and affection you showed me and my wife.
3. A true sign that things have not gone well for the minister or his ministry among the saints is when the members choose to have a church barbeque after he leaves, in a quiet celebration of his departure. Thank God I have not experienced such a thing from this church. I will leave knowing and experiencing your authentic expression of love, kindness, and thanksgiving for my labor and work among you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. For this, I will always be truly grateful. As I conclude, let me solemnly review what we have discussed with you regarding "Paul's farewell to Ephesus."
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Paul’s Commitment To Ephesus
2. Paul’s Commission to Ephesus
3. Paul’s Character in Ephesus
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, Paul spoke of his commitment to the church in Ephesus while he was among them some three and ½ years. He reminded them of his work of preaching Christ and the grace of God among the Jews and Gentiles and how God has granted them “repentance unto life, those that believed in Jesus.” He also told them he had “kept nothing profitable to them but taught them publicly and from house to house.” He did not forget his apostolic duties in declaring “the whole counsel of God unto them.” I think the same has been true of our work among you here in Baton Rouge.
2. Secondly, he gave a commission to the elders to be unwavering in faith and their devotion to the church. He explained how the Holy Spirit “had made them overseers” to see over the flock and “to feed the church of God, which He had purchased with his blood.” He warned them of a pending invasion of “grievous wolves who would enter among them not sparing the flock; and how even some of their leaders would stand up speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” I want to think these are the things I reminded you of while I labored here with you in Baton Rouge.
3. Lastly, he reminded them of his character (manner of life) while he was among them in Ephesus. “How he had coveted no man’s silver, gold, or apparel.” He pointed out that there were times while there he had to “work with his own hands to provide for his necessities, as well as for those that labored with him.” Working, he says: “to support the weak and remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This farewell address ended with him and the elders kneeling, solemnly praying, and crying by the seaside. “Sorry, most of all, for the words which he spake; they would see his face no more.” I sincerely pray that God will grant Carolyn and me many opportunities to revisit you after our departure and reflect with great joy on our time among you. We were truly blessed to have been in your company. Howard, I appreciate you so much for allowing me to share the pulpit with you without conflict or disagreement. This was a true sign of the unity of the faith among us. You gave us "the right hand of fellowship." For all these things, we (Carolyn and I) shall surely miss you all, just as these elders at Ephesus were going to miss the beloved Apostle Paul. Remember us in your prayers and your hearts. Indeed, we shall always do the same for you.
C. Invitation. Give the invitation to those outside the kingdom.
D. Motivation. Motivate all to obey and remain faithful to their “calling and election.” “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
E. Persuasion. Persuade them that it is high time to wake out of sleep, for our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Today is the day of salvation.
This sermon was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, on 9/17/2024.
