07 A Minister of God

A Minister of God,  Paul, An Example

Paul, in Acts 20:18-29, sets an example for the minister of God.  To be like Paul or even come close, may be a stretch for most of us, but it is worth the effort.    

1. His Humility is Obvious in verses 18-19.

18. And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19.serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

What an example!  God is not looking for great men.  He sent Samuel to the house of Jesse for Saul’s replacement.  The first son of Jesse was Samuel’s choice, but God said no.  One by one they came, but they all failed the cut.  “Do you have any other sons?”  “Yes, but he could not possibly be the one you are looking for!”  The lesson for Samuel and for us, God looks on the inside, we look at the outward appearance. 

God is looking for men who can stand the fiery test and serve with humility

2. His Message of Repentance and Faith was both public and private.  Verses 20-21.

20. how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21. testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

More than a few lines are needed to comment on these 2 verses. The core of the Gospel message is here: repentance and faith in God.  The Great Commission is three fold, go, teach and baptize.  The going necessarily comes first.  Then after the milk of the Word comes the meat.  Meat is needed to develop the man of God.

3. Paul’s Dependence was upon the Spirit.  vs. 22-23

22. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23. except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

A Spirit led man will not fear the consequences.  If you thought your call to the ministry was caring for the social needs of the community, you may well be in for a surprise.  It’s not an easy road.  This very day there are Christians, born again ones, who are suffering for their commitment to the Lord.  

4. His Ministry was to testify of the Gospel of the Grace of God.  Verse 24.

24. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul was not afraid to put his life on the line.  He shared his faith in God.  He experienced the unmerited favor of God and was determined to proclaim it to both Jew and Gentile even under arrest.

5. His Innocence before God.            Verses 25-26.

25. And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

“He that winneth souls is wise.”  Do we take advantage of the opportunities that come our way?  Will there be anyone who points at us for not hearing the Word of God?  This is a hard one.  We are responsible.

6. His Declaration of the whole counsel of the God.  Verse 27.

27. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Here we go back to verses 20 and 21.  The church today has been accused of preaching  “the Gospel lite,” that is ‘containing a low amount of something, such as calories’.  There need to be meat on those bones!  There’s more to the whole counsel of God than “Jesus! Jesus!”  It seems natural that Romans should follow after the Acts of the Apostles.  It’s the book of theology. It’s the book of doctrine or teaching.  You need to understand these great truths before delving into the epistles Paul, Peter and John.  

7. His Admonition was to Shepherd/pastor God’s sheep, the Church.  Verses 28-29

28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

 We are responsible for our flock.

           Titus 1:7

7For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account,  Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.  

It’s an awesome responsibility!  May God bless you as you serve both God and His people!