Not Holding Back -- February 13, 2009

17From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18And …he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials … 20how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, … 26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. …33I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. … these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. … you must support the weak. …remember the words of the Lord Jesus, … ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 36And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
Acts 20:17-36

Here is Paul’s summary of his ministry style. Especially at Ephesus where he had rented the school of Tyrannus and changed the whole region by discipling the city he lived in for two years. He knew by the Holy Spirit’s ministry it would be the last time he would see them before heaven. Time pressure to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost forced Paul decision. He couldn’t stop in Ephesus or he would have to spend time there because all the relationships he had. Paul called for the elders to meet him at his lay-over point so he could speak with them one more time. Paul was reminding them of the price he had paid to encourage them to use their lives in the same way. Paul worked through the hardships caused by the Jews in the city. He didn’t let the pressures against him affect what he taught. He taught all that God had given. He taught the popular message and the unpopular message. He taught the same doctrines in public and in homes. His teaching didn’t change to keep himself safe, make a group of insiders with special privileges, or to be popular. He taught what they would need to know to be effective believers. Paul wasn’t in it for the money either. He supported himself and the ministry team with him to demonstrate Christ’s teaching. Then Paul prayed with and continued towards Jerusalem.

I hope my life will reflect this kind of selfless ministry. It has been my aim to preach the word of God whether or not it has been popular. I have tried to be the same person in person and in the pulpit. I have shared all that I have learned of God with those around me. I have never been it for money’s sake. I have shared what I have with those around me in ministry. As much as possible I have carried them and not allowed them to carry me.

If you are a leader in Christ’s church, I pray the same for you. I pray that you don’t serve for popularity, comfort, or money. I pray that you teach God’s word when it’s easy and when it’s not. So that with Paul, we can say we are innocent of the blood of all men.

Not Holding Back,

Pastor Jason