Reading: Acts 20, 21, 22
My Verse: "And now [brethren] I commit you to God. And I commend you to the Word of His grace. It is able to build you up and give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God's set-apart ones." (20:32)
Paul is saying good-bye to the Ephesian Christians. His words express his deep love and concern for their continued spiritual well-being.
First, he makes it clear to them that he gave them the whole gospel. "For I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God." (20:27) Paul did not gloss over any of God's revelation, no matter how unpopular. Also by telling them he told them "the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God." they were not to be looking for further revelation. This is one thing I do appreciate in our pastor, he certainly teaches us the whole gospel!
Then Paul warned the Ephesian church that they must, "Take and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd . . . "
First he tells them to take care and guard their own spriritual lives, then their flock, in that order. He tells them this because he further warns - "Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them." (20:30) One sees this today - churches falling apart from within. We are well warned here by Paul.
Finally, he commends us to the Word which "will build you up and give you inheritance. . ." Love this, Lord! You and Your Word are what keeps me from straying! You and Your Word are what nourishes me. Your and Your Word encourage and edify me!
"As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "And now [brethren] I commit you to God. And I commend you to the Word of His grace. It is able to build you up and give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God's set-apart ones." (20:32)
Paul is saying good-bye to the Ephesian Christians. His words express his deep love and concern for their continued spiritual well-being.
First, he makes it clear to them that he gave them the whole gospel. "For I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God." (20:27) Paul did not gloss over any of God's revelation, no matter how unpopular. Also by telling them he told them "the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God." they were not to be looking for further revelation. This is one thing I do appreciate in our pastor, he certainly teaches us the whole gospel!
Then Paul warned the Ephesian church that they must, "Take and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd . . . "
First he tells them to take care and guard their own spriritual lives, then their flock, in that order. He tells them this because he further warns - "Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them." (20:30) One sees this today - churches falling apart from within. We are well warned here by Paul.
Finally, he commends us to the Word which "will build you up and give you inheritance. . ." Love this, Lord! You and Your Word are what keeps me from straying! You and Your Word are what nourishes me. Your and Your Word encourage and edify me!
"As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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