Series: Action [#68]
SERVE THE LORD
Acts 20:13-38
Introduction:
We have talked several times about the difficulty of being in Ministry, (and it can be tough); but there is also a lot of joy and fulfillment serving the Lord. God could just take care of all of the ministry needed to be done; but He uses us instead. How do you serve the Lord?
Acts 20:13-18
Serve the Lord by being…
1. Available.
Not only did Paul travel all of the time, but there were many others following him and ministering with him. There have been many times that people have said that they are not able to do something for the Lord. My response is, “God does not need your abilities; He needs your availability”.
Acts 20:19-21
Serve the Lord by being…
2. Humble.
Paul preached the truth of the Word to them often. Paul cried when they cried and rejoiced when they rejoiced.
Acts 20:22-24
Serve the Lord by being…
3. A risk taker.
This point may surprise you; but there are many times that you need to do what God is asking you to do, and it requires taking risks. Paul knew that going back to Jerusalem could be the end; but he did not care. Notice his goal- Finish the race and complete the tasks that Jesus had given him.
Acts 20:25-31
Serve the Lord by being…
4. Real.
No one likes to hear things like Paul said. He was telling his friends that he would never see them again. He also told them that they were going to face many attacks. He even warned them that not everyone in their Congregation could be trusted.
Acts 20:32-38
Serve the Lord by being…
5. Committed to others.
He committed them to God. His commitment had nothing to do with money or things. One of the most important statements in the Bible is in Verse 35- ”It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Conclusion:
They prayed and cried. This was a very difficult moment for all of them- This wasn’t just goodbye for a while, this was goodbye until Heaven.
