Running The Race: Living A Life Of Purpose Acts 20:24 Series

Running the Race: Living a Life of Purpose Acts 20:24

Introduction:

Today, we will explore a powerful verse from the book of Acts that speaks to the purpose and passion with which we are called to live our lives. Our focus will be on Acts 20:24, where the Apostle Paul shares his deep sense of mission and dedication. Let's read this inspiring verse together from the New Living Translation.

Acts 20:24 (NLT): "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."

1. The Priority of Purpose

In Acts 20:24, Paul declares that his life’s value is tied to fulfilling the mission given to him by the Lord Jesus. This mission is to proclaim the Good News of God’s grace. Paul’s words challenge us to consider what gives our lives true worth and meaning.

Philippians 3:8 (NLT): "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ."

Imagine an Olympic athlete who has trained their entire life for a single race. Their focus, dedication, and sacrifices all point towards achieving that one goal. Similarly, Paul’s life is dedicated to a singular, divine purpose.

In Philippians 3:8, Paul is expressing the supreme value of knowing Jesus Christ above all else. The word "garbage" (sometimes translated as "dung" or "rubbish") starkly contrasts the infinite worth of a relationship with Christ compared to all worldly achievements and possessions.

Supreme Value of Knowing Christ: Paul considers everything else in his life—his heritage, accomplishments, and status—as insignificant compared to the priceless treasure of knowing Christ.

Sacrificial Perspective: This verse reflects a deep, sacrificial commitment to Christ. Paul willingly discards all that once held value to him because the gain of Christ far surpasses any earthly gain.

Think of a collector who sells all his prized possessions to acquire a rare, invaluable artefact. In the same way, Paul is willing to give up everything for the incomparable worth of knowing Jesus.

John Piper writes, "God created me—and you—to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion—namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life." This reflects Paul’s perspective on living a purpose-driven life.

2. The Commitment to the Gospel

Paul’s commitment to spreading the Good News is unwavering, despite the challenges and dangers he faces. His dedication serves as a model for us, illustrating the importance of prioritising the Gospel in our own lives.

Romans 1:16 (NLT): "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile."

Illustration:

Consider the story of missionary Jim Elliot, who said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Elliot’s life and martyrdom echo Paul’s commitment to the Gospel, showing us the profound impact of living for Christ.

In Romans 1:16, Paul boldly proclaims his confidence in the Gospel, highlighting its power to save everyone who believes, regardless of their background.

Unashamed Boldness: Paul is unapologetic about his faith and the transformative message of the Gospel.

Universal Salvation: The Gospel's power to save transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, offering salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

Imagine a doctor who has discovered a cure for a deadly disease and passionately shares this cure with everyone, regardless of their background. Paul, knowing the life-saving power of the Gospel, shares it with the same fervour.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay." This highlights the fervent passion we should have for sharing the Gospel.

Charles Spurgeon also said, "The gospel is like a caged lion. It does not need to be defended, it just needs to be let out of its cage."

3. The Power of God's Grace

Paul emphasizes the "wonderful grace of God" as the core of his message. Understanding and experiencing God’s grace transforms lives, and sharing this grace becomes a central mission for every believer.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

Think of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace," who was transformed from a slave trader to a passionate advocate for God’s grace. His life and hymn continue to testify to the transformative power of God’s grace.