The Acts 20 Reality

Acts 20 hits me hard every time I read it or hear it preached. I just want to list elements to prayerfully consider as they jump off the pages of Scripture

• Paul did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable.  This included house to house (ie personal) ministry
• Paul's focus was on the gospel and on sanctification
• Paul's ministry was cross-cultural (ie Jews and Greeks)
• Paul did not stay in comfort nor in safety, but followed where God led him (ie Jerusalem then Rome)
• Paul had a God-centered view of his own gifts and abilities and knew their true value was in the proclamation of the gospel
• Paul did not hang on to personal attachments at the expense of the call of God
• Paul had confidence that he had done the ministry task God had asked him to do
• Paul knew that proclaiming God's Word was what changes hearts and minds
• Paul entrusted the care of the church to faithful men
• Paul realized the church had been purchased by the blood of Christ
• Paul saw danger lurking ahead for the church and that danger would come from the inside 
• Paul was serious about caring for the people of God and wanted those who came after him to be just as serious
• Paul was confident that God and His Word, and His grace would be able to protect and sanctify the church
• Paul sees that a the key of both personal and corporate ministry is that it is not just inward but inward leading outward

As I said, it hits me hard every time. There is probably a dozen sermons (or blogs) in there, but all in God's timetable.  I would ask for a reflective, prayerful review of this list,. or better yet, Acts 20. Maybe the Spirit will press one or more of these into your soul.

To God Alone be the Glory