LEAVING A GODLY LEGACY
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: LEAVING A GODLY LEGACY
Scripture References: ACTS 20:2-38
Notes:
V. 2-6 Travels to Macedonia and Greece
Fun fact: During the apostle’s three-month stay in Achaia he wrote Romans (cf. Rom. 15:23–16:2) from Corinth. -Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 412). Victor Books.
The mention of these seven men implies what is stated elsewhere: Paul was concerned for the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. As representatives of various churches, they carried funds. -Toussaint, S. D. (1985).Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 412). Victor Books.
V. 7-12 The resurrection of Eutychus
This is the clearest verse in scripture that indicates the church met together for worship on Sundays. Together, they broke bread, meaning communion but they also broke bread as in ate together (see v.11).
Paul was teaching on and on, squeezing as much in as possible before departing. The home was crowded, there were many warm lamps, lights were flickering into the late evening, and Eutychus fell into a deep sleep. This could have happened to anyone.
We should give credit to Eutychus for even being present in the room. He could be out chasing girls or playing games. This young man was hungry to learn but still being trained on how to endure long teachings. God showed mercy upon Eutychus and Paul healed him much like Elijah and Elisha did in the OT.
Application point: Before you fall asleep Young people let me apply this now, JK! :) There is great value in knowing and understanding God and His Word. Grow an appetite for more by reading and digesting it more.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the Lord is pure enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward
V. 13-17 Quick details on Paul’s travels to get to the next destination.
V. 18-21 Paul’s farewell address with the Ephesian Church Leaders
Paul reflects on his commitment to the Lords work in Ephesus, how he did it with authenticity and faithfulness, amidst the many trials with Jews (and greeks).
V.20 Paul’s ministry from house to house (cf. 2:46) is contrasted with his public ministry and probably refers to house churches. If so, each elder was possibly the overseer of a house church. - Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 413). Victor Books.
V. 21 In Greek the words repentance and faith are joined together by one article. This may imply that these two words stress two aspects of trust in Christ (cf. 2:38). When a person places his faith in Christ, he is then turning from (repenting of) his former unbelief. - Toussaint, S. D. (1985).Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 413). Victor Books.
V. 22-27 Paul is at peace with his work for the Lord in Ephesus
V. 22 The Spirit of God has compelled Him to go even though he is aware from the Holy Spirit that suffering (prison and hardships) lied ahead. This communication was most likely given through prophetic words from God through the body of Christ.
Application: Verse 24 has become an inspiration and challenge for me as a disciple of Jesus. I am challenged to consider what and who I will give my life to. What we may not realize is: We communicate worth and value to whoever or whatever we give our life, time, energy, money, and love. Much like where your treasure is there your heart will be also. This is also how we determine what we worship.
Paul gave His life to serve God and to serve others by preaching the gospel because His loyalty to God and His compassion for the lost was worth spending his life on, even if it meant death. Paul wasn’t worried if he died because it was all worth it if it's for God.
V.25-27 Paul is at peace with how he handled his ministry. Paul preached the unpopular and inconvenient truth, being faithful to honor God and not fear man.
V. 28-31 Guidance to the elders for the future
Guard yourselves and the church. The elders are overseers. They must keep a watch on their own lives so they can be good examples and watch over others with a clear conscience.
Paul uses the analogy of Shepherds for the elders. As shepherds, they are to teach, protect, guide, and correct the people under their watch in the church. This is a role given to the church by Christ himself, who purchased the church by His own blood. Therefore, this role is sacred and endowed with authority from God that carries with it a heavy responsibility to faithfully fulfill these duties.
Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT
1 Timothy 4:12-16 NLT
Likewise, there is a responsibility on the church members to obey God by submitting to authority. This is not role pastors can take lightly. There are times where we as pastors, much like Paul did in 1 Corinthians have to confront sinful thinking or practices, confront worldly ideologies that have been adopted by church members, or even expel an immoral member of the church. This is not fun for us and now I understand why this is written…
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
V. 29-31 The heavy responsibility doesn’t stop there Paul adds more to the plate when he specifically warns them to look out for false teachers (wolves), from outside and from within. Paul urges them to be vigilant as he was with them. The pastors are not only there to feed, teach, guide and correct but also to protect. Paul’s constant care and watch over them also included tears.
“Luke does not give us all the details of Paul’s experiences in Ephesus. But in 1 and 2 Corinthians, written from Ephesus, he writes about his life being in danger every hour and even says, “I fought wild beasts in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:30-31)... In 2 Corinthians, Paul goes so far as to say about what happened in Asia: ‘We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death” (2 Cor. 1:8-9). FLBC, 640
Application point: We really don’t know what God’s leaders go through, local or abroad. Many situations are private and can not be known and others come to the light on their own. We don’t know what each of us could be going through. We must learn to live in the tension of grace and truth with one another. For there is no one perfect but we are pursuing perfection in Christ. In other words, we need patience and room for each other’s faults, as well as complete honesty and ownership for one’s faults. These must go hand in hand so it’s not all grace and no fault or all fault and no grace. What I’m referring to is a church that is all for being accountable to God, to church leadership, and to one another. This accountability holds us to be gracious and truthful, show grace, and take responsibility.
V. 32-38 Paul commits and releases them
V. 31-32 Paul commits them to God but also the Word of God so they will continue to be strengthened and set apart for their spiritual walk, as well as, their role as shepherds.
We do not have a record of Jesus saying these words in the gospels but it is believed Paul received this from Jesus during his time of transformation with Christ or it was orally passed down (FIND SCRIPTURES ABOUT THIS). Paul thoroughly enjoyed being a blessing through the giving of his life. To give certainly is a blessing
The emotional encounter shows the depth of their love and the double-edged sword of making friends in ministry. The multiplication of God’s kingdom was greater than staying together for life. More work was to be done and so Paul left.
Application:
Application for Today. I know we are not Apostles or in Paul’s situation but what we can consider is making an impact and leaving a Godly legacy to the circles around us.
Know God and your task as a disciple of Christ (v. 24).
Know your task as parents, Godly friends, as witnesses for Christ.
There's no greater or more important relationship than your love relationship with Jesus.
Follow and learn from Jesus and then live like Jesus. Point your family, friends, and community around you to Jesus in your deeds and speech.
Recent Barna statistic about youth.
Do all you can to complete your task (vs. 26-27)
Be faithful to that goal and task, not letting culture diminish your influence or sway you in another direction.
Entrust your efforts and loved ones into the will God (v. 32)
Do your part and have faith in God to do the hardest part, the salvation and preservation of their souls.
Be at peace because you gave your life to leave a Godly legacy (vs.19-32)
When that day comes to say goodbye you can be at peace that you did what you could with God's help.
Discussion:
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
What’s the value of being a part of a healthy church with healthy Biblical leadership?
What are some ways the sheep can help the shepherd?
What can we do to leave a Godly legacy around us?
How can we pray for you or someone in your life, today?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!