Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, February 19, 2023 Acts 20:17-38
A Farewell Speech

Introduction: Paul was finally taking his long-anticipated trip to the mother church in Jerusalem. He stopped in Miletus and from there sent to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet with him one last time. Goodbyes are not only a common part of our lives, but they also occupy a prominent place in our lives. Often last words are some of the most important. Here Paul offers advice to the church at Ephesus that is helpful to all of us.

1. Example to Follow: Paul’s Commitment to Ministry (17-27)

   ...serving the Lord with all humility and with tears... I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable... I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

   • He was committed to God: A life of commitment to God is a life of humility and service.

   • He was committed to sharing God’s Word: Our job as Christians is to grow together by

     deepening our knowledge of God and His Word.

   • He was committed to the mission: We should be determined to finish the course the Lord

     Jesus has given us no matter what the cost is.

     Father, please help us to be committed to You, to Your Word, and to Your mission.

2. Exhortation to Remember: Paul’s Final Advice (28-38)

   Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock... Therefore be alert... And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified... And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all...

   • Watch yourselves: Guard your hearts and lives that you may set a high bar for the flock in loving Christ and others.

   • Watch the flock: It is a privilege to shepherd the flock whom the Good Shepherd obtained with His blood. He loves His flock and entrusts it to shepherds to care for it.

   • Watch out for wolves: We must stand alert against those who will seek to deceive and destroy.

     After Paul commended them to God and to the word of His grace, they prayed and wept together.

     Lord, thank You for loving Your flock! Please help our leaders to love the flock, feed the flock, and protect the flock. Enable us all to live our lives by Your grace, trusting You to build us up and fulfill Your purposes for us.