WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.820 Good morning, church family. So, like Adam said, Acts chapter 20, starting at verse 17, and we're going to read till the end of the chapter. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:13.800 Now, from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 00:00:14.359 --> 00:00:16.660 And when they came to him, he said to them, 00:00:16.660 --> 00:00:23.899 You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 00:00:24.560 --> 00:00:32.019 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews. 00:00:32.799 --> 00:00:40.879 How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable and teaching you in public and from house to house, 00:00:40.880 --> 00:00:50.460 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance towards God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:59.859 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 00:01:00.620 --> 00:01:08.840 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 00:01:08.840 --> 00:01:14.900 But I do not account my life of any value, nor as precious to myself, 00:01:15.219 --> 00:01:21.040 if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, 00:01:21.520 --> 00:01:24.760 to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:34.980 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 00:01:34.980 --> 00:01:42.540 Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:48.300 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 00:01:49.960 --> 00:01:58.100 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers 00:01:58.099 --> 00:02:04.359 to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 00:02:05.359 --> 00:02:11.079 I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:19.579 And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them. 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:29.720 Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. 00:02:30.720 --> 00:02:37.900 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up 00:02:37.900 --> 00:02:42.100 and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 00:02:42.099 --> 00:02:47.079 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 00:02:48.280 --> 00:02:54.280 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who are with me. 00:02:55.139 --> 00:03:02.039 In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak 00:03:02.039 --> 00:03:07.359 and remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, how he himself said, 00:03:07.360 --> 00:03:11.560 It is more blessed to give than to receive. 00:03:13.400 --> 00:03:17.120 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 00:03:17.980 --> 00:03:20.360 And there was much weeping on the part of all. 00:03:20.880 --> 00:03:26.840 They embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, 00:03:27.460 --> 00:03:29.600 that they would not see his face again. 00:03:30.200 --> 00:03:32.440 And they accompanied him to the ship. 00:03:32.980 --> 00:03:34.060 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:39.320 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:03:42.820 --> 00:03:45.180 Well, will you pray with me as we come to God's word? 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:54.960 Now, Father, as we come to Acts 20, I pray that your word would fill our minds and hearts 00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:02.040 so that, as we just sang, our hearts would rejoice afresh in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:02.520 --> 00:04:03.400 In his name I pray. 00:04:03.640 --> 00:04:03.920 Amen. 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:12.639 Well, how should we understand what we are even doing today, ordaining Martin? 00:04:13.339 --> 00:04:16.240 Now, I'm sure he's loving the spotlight today. 00:04:18.319 --> 00:04:21.339 Ordination sounds a bit institutional, doesn't it? 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:23.319 A bit over the top? 00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:35.579 Like, Martin is going to have the authority to preach and govern in the vast denomination we call Grace Evangelical Church. 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:49.219 Now, if it's only about the formal job as a staff member, we legally did that when we voted unanimously to appoint Martin. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:50.199 We've already done that. 00:04:50.199 --> 00:04:51.959 What are we doing today? 00:04:54.240 --> 00:04:59.000 And most people listening this morning aren't elders. 00:05:00.039 --> 00:05:02.839 What's your role in all this anyway? 00:05:03.099 --> 00:05:05.639 Like, have you already switched off? 00:05:05.639 --> 00:05:22.579 We got this flyer in our church mailbox this week and a certain Tom urges this. 00:05:22.579 --> 00:05:32.699 Prayerfully read the Bible, particularly the New Testament, by yourself, without any church influence. 00:05:33.779 --> 00:05:37.779 And applying what you read, there will be a blessed eternity for you. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:47.680 Now, it's a bit sad because this is obviously coming from a place of hurt, of religious authority. 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:52.079 Some people, when we talk ordination, might have their guard up. 00:05:53.560 --> 00:05:58.000 It sounds like we're over-investing authority and it's dangerous. 00:05:58.699 --> 00:06:04.740 But I'm guessing most people, most of us here today, we're probably more in danger of just being a bit passive. 00:06:04.740 --> 00:06:08.639 Something significant is happening to Martin. 00:06:09.340 --> 00:06:10.139 Good for him. 00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:13.439 The church is getting more staff hours. 00:06:13.699 --> 00:06:15.240 Good for this institution. 00:06:17.460 --> 00:06:20.939 But does it really affect you, us? 00:06:20.939 --> 00:06:29.199 If you haven't had a chance to read the vows you're going to make later this morning, 00:06:29.399 --> 00:06:32.040 can I just tell you what you're about to promise? 00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:34.920 I want to give you a bit of time to consider this. 00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:36.259 You might be a bit surprised. 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:43.120 Do you receive Martin, as from the hand of Christ, to be your elder? 00:06:45.899 --> 00:06:49.040 Not just elder of this institution, your elder. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:55.120 Do you promise to receive the word of truth from his lips with meekness and with love? 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:58.000 And do you promise to submit to Martin? 00:06:58.640 --> 00:06:59.980 There's that S word. 00:07:02.040 --> 00:07:07.420 As he discharges this Christ-given pastoral ministry among us. 00:07:10.780 --> 00:07:13.500 Do you promise to remember Martin in prayer? 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:17.700 To encourage him in his work and to cooperate with him 00:07:17.699 --> 00:07:21.519 for the extension of God's kingdom and Christ's glory. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:24.719 Now we're calling them vows. 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:26.019 These are promises. 00:07:26.539 --> 00:07:28.339 How many vows have you made recently? 00:07:28.899 --> 00:07:34.279 I signed up to some email marketing the other day 00:07:34.279 --> 00:07:36.300 to get some cheaper meals at a hotel. 00:07:36.819 --> 00:07:39.139 But I can opt out of that any time I want. 00:07:39.139 --> 00:07:44.339 Do you have a marketplace view of church? 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:50.680 While ever the elders are giving you the service you want, that's great, 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:52.339 but you can opt out whenever you want. 00:07:55.419 --> 00:07:57.019 Vows is a bit stronger than that. 00:07:58.779 --> 00:08:02.839 My wedding vows were much, much more binding. 00:08:02.839 --> 00:08:07.039 It's total self-giving until death do us part. 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:10.339 So I don't want to make too much of this on the other hand either, okay? 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:15.500 But I can only see one of two options for what we're doing today. 00:08:15.859 --> 00:08:20.779 Either we're about to play some games where none of us actually expect 00:08:20.779 --> 00:08:23.559 to believe what we're promising, 00:08:24.559 --> 00:08:27.120 all for the sake of religious ceremony. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:29.719 Either that's what we're doing, we're playing games, 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:34.360 or what's happening today is that we're all entering 00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:38.700 a deep relational commitment. 00:08:40.940 --> 00:08:44.220 Now, we've known and loved Martin as a brother for decades, 00:08:44.820 --> 00:08:50.220 but the relationship is changing 00:08:50.220 --> 00:08:53.860 because of what Christ is calling him to do amongst us. 00:08:53.860 --> 00:09:00.460 As we consider what God's calling is for elders in Acts 20, 00:09:00.620 --> 00:09:05.500 I think what we see there is deep relational commitment. 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:14.259 Now, to see this, I want to just compare, 00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:19.440 like have a think about what is the role of a pastor, of an elder? 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:23.940 What exactly are we expecting Martin to do? 00:09:24.560 --> 00:09:27.900 What image are we going to have in mind? 00:09:28.020 --> 00:09:28.960 What captures it? 00:09:29.000 --> 00:09:30.020 What's the job title? 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:33.300 Let me just list a few options. 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:37.180 It is a pastor's role to be the head of a charity. 00:09:37.380 --> 00:09:39.900 Some people will contact the church asking for money 00:09:39.900 --> 00:09:42.560 because that's what the church is for. 00:09:43.820 --> 00:09:44.860 We're a charity. 00:09:44.860 --> 00:09:49.759 Is the image we should have a political rally supporter? 00:09:49.899 --> 00:09:50.600 People will say, 00:09:51.060 --> 00:09:53.220 use your influence, pastor, 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:55.519 to get support in this community 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:57.720 for the latest social and political issue. 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:02.039 Is the image we should have a life coach? 00:10:02.419 --> 00:10:05.360 People will come to Martin with their goals for their life. 00:10:05.419 --> 00:10:06.639 I need your advice. 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:08.360 How do I reach these goals? 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:11.159 Is he a life coach? 00:10:11.960 --> 00:10:13.180 Is he a psychologist? 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:13.379 Is he a psychologist? 00:10:16.179 --> 00:10:19.879 Understanding all the mental health disorders? 00:10:21.639 --> 00:10:24.879 Is he a Christian online influencer? 00:10:25.559 --> 00:10:30.059 I read articles that if you're not posting online, pastor, 00:10:30.059 --> 00:10:33.299 you're not showing your people how to engage in this world. 00:10:33.799 --> 00:10:35.579 You need to be online and active. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:38.379 Is he a visionary for church growth? 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:44.139 Our evangelical friends of Reach Australia, 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:47.639 which we share so much in common, 00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:51.740 but their target is 5% conversion growth annually. 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:55.639 It's measurable, but if you don't reach that, Martin, 00:10:55.720 --> 00:10:56.500 have you failed? 00:10:57.679 --> 00:11:00.600 Sorry, I'm going to say it as strongly as I can. 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:02.759 Are you meant to be a visionary? 00:11:03.019 --> 00:11:04.960 Is he meant to be a visionary for church growth? 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:06.840 Is he meant to be an evangelist? 00:11:06.920 --> 00:11:10.000 Stop spending so much time at your desk preparing a sermon. 00:11:10.180 --> 00:11:11.080 Get in the community. 00:11:13.540 --> 00:11:14.980 Are you meant to be a people manager, 00:11:15.420 --> 00:11:17.139 like running the church, 00:11:17.560 --> 00:11:18.980 organising all the volunteering? 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:22.139 Are you meant to be a building developer? 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:24.340 How many pastors get caught up in, 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:26.580 let's build bigger buildings? 00:11:26.580 --> 00:11:29.259 Are you meant to be a prince of preachers? 00:11:29.540 --> 00:11:33.300 You will be compared to the best preachers 00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:34.940 everyone's listening to online. 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:38.020 Is that the main image? 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:41.120 Now, we could keep going. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:43.600 A funeral director, a marriage celebrant, 00:11:44.360 --> 00:11:46.620 a financial manager, a policy developer, 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:49.240 administrator, a networker with other church leaders, 00:11:49.379 --> 00:11:51.220 a missionary supporter, a discipler, 00:11:51.300 --> 00:11:53.440 a trainer of the next generation of pastors, 00:11:53.440 --> 00:11:56.600 a conference organiser, a marketing director, 00:11:57.420 --> 00:12:00.080 a chaplain visiting the sick and dying, 00:12:00.160 --> 00:12:02.920 a friend to the lonely, an author, a fundraiser. 00:12:06.100 --> 00:12:10.360 You haven't made your vows just yet, man. 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.580 The doors are open. 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:22.860 My point is, there's competing expectations. 00:12:23.100 --> 00:12:23.900 That's my point. 00:12:24.040 --> 00:12:25.840 I'm not saying pastors are more busy. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:29.080 We're all in the struggle in this life. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.060 That's not my point. 00:12:30.300 --> 00:12:31.960 There's just competing expectations. 00:12:32.200 --> 00:12:33.920 What even is the job of a pastor? 00:12:35.860 --> 00:12:40.520 I want to ask, what does God expect of pastors? 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:46.179 And this is where Acts, I love Acts 20, 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:48.819 speaking to the elders in Ephesus. 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:52.860 This is the only speech in Acts that's for believers. 00:12:54.419 --> 00:12:55.699 The rest are to unbelievers. 00:12:56.340 --> 00:13:00.740 And so it's giving us a model for a healthy church. 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:03.860 And I want to focus especially on verse 28, 00:13:03.980 --> 00:13:05.199 which is printed in your outlines. 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:10.620 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:15.140 in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers 00:13:15.140 --> 00:13:18.440 to care for the church of God, 00:13:18.520 --> 00:13:21.280 which he obtained with his own blood. 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:27.100 It helps us get back to the biblical roots 00:13:27.100 --> 00:13:30.659 of what God expects of elders. 00:13:31.579 --> 00:13:36.939 So what image best clarifies the relationship Martin 00:13:36.939 --> 00:13:38.539 is entering amongst us? 00:13:39.480 --> 00:13:41.240 God's image is shepherd. 00:13:43.740 --> 00:13:45.459 Shepherd this flock. 00:13:45.460 --> 00:13:53.560 Now we've got seven bishops in this church. 00:13:53.660 --> 00:13:54.860 I don't know if you knew that or not. 00:13:56.960 --> 00:13:59.300 The elders who are called in verse 17, 00:13:59.560 --> 00:14:01.940 in verse 28 are called overseers. 00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:05.879 It's just there's three terms for the one job. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:10.920 Elder, overseer, and shepherd. 00:14:10.919 --> 00:14:14.059 So elder suggests spiritual maturity. 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:17.439 Elsewhere in the New Testament, 00:14:17.699 --> 00:14:19.179 the church is called to respect 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:21.599 and follow the example of that maturity. 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:25.740 Overseer suggests the idea of responsibility 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:27.479 and there is authority. 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:29.339 Elsewhere in the New Testament, 00:14:29.459 --> 00:14:30.059 the church has said, 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:34.139 submit, obey their lead. 00:14:34.819 --> 00:14:37.659 But what is all that maturity and authority for? 00:14:38.599 --> 00:14:39.120 Shepherding. 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:42.639 That's the verb. 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:45.440 Pastor is the Latin for shepherd. 00:14:47.159 --> 00:14:50.980 Pay careful attention to all the flock. 00:14:56.519 --> 00:15:00.240 Now we elders are still in the flock. 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:02.139 I'm going to mix metaphors. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.480 I think it's significant. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:11.500 It doesn't say here over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:12.740 but in which. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:20.820 We're not just to pay careful attention to the flock out there 00:15:20.820 --> 00:15:22.139 as if we've got it all together. 00:15:22.340 --> 00:15:25.139 Pay careful attention to yourselves, elders. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:28.860 We're still sheep who can go astray 00:15:28.860 --> 00:15:32.399 and we need feeding and mending and encouragement. 00:15:32.560 --> 00:15:33.399 We're still sheep. 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:35.679 So to use a David Quarterwoodism, 00:15:35.819 --> 00:15:37.980 we're sheep with a high-vis vest on. 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:40.720 I don't know. 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:41.600 It's a weird image. 00:15:41.799 --> 00:15:43.379 Let's see if it resonates or not. 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:46.939 We're still sheep. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:51.439 And this flock doesn't ultimately belong to Martin or anyone. 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:57.600 God purchased each sheep with the blood of his very own son. 00:15:58.280 --> 00:16:00.900 This flock is that precious to him. 00:16:04.760 --> 00:16:09.240 And our God-given mandate is care for the faith of my sheep. 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:15.919 Know my sheep well enough that you can pay careful attention. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:21.899 Now, at this point, I'm quite, well, 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:26.460 I'm at least a little bit aware of my failures and limitations here. 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:34.519 But my main point is, here's God's mandate for Martin 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:35.919 and for all us elders. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:38.580 Be a shepherd. 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:43.659 1 Peter 5 says, 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:46.860 we will give an account to the chief shepherd when he appears. 00:16:48.700 --> 00:16:49.500 Here's the thing. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.820 If others think you're succeeding, Martin, 00:16:52.060 --> 00:16:55.419 building a bigger building or impressive online presence 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:58.500 or expanding ministries and numbers are growing here, 00:16:59.180 --> 00:17:03.639 that opinion may count for absolutely nothing 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:06.400 if on the last day the chief shepherd says, 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:08.920 why didn't you care for my sheep? 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:15.680 On the flip side, others might think you're failing 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:19.019 and their opinion might count for absolutely nothing 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:23.000 if the chief shepherd says on that last day, 00:17:23.859 --> 00:17:26.599 well done, you cared for my sheep. 00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:32.659 It's a shepherd. 00:17:32.659 --> 00:17:35.159 That's the image we need to have in mind. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:38.619 That's the kind of relationship we're entering here. 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:43.399 And I love Acts 20 because it's just, it's soaking, 00:17:43.699 --> 00:17:47.639 it's dripping wet with affection and concern. 00:17:47.640 --> 00:17:53.460 You can't be a shepherd following Paul's own example 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:55.980 without deeply loving your people. 00:17:57.800 --> 00:18:01.620 I listened to a famous US pastor say about his retirement 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:07.180 that people came up to him so grateful for his ministry in tears 00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:11.400 and he had no idea who they were. 00:18:13.620 --> 00:18:16.080 I don't want that to happen. 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:24.599 There's something deeply relational about the shepherd and sheep image. 00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:33.059 We're limited creatures. 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:38.299 We can't know each person equally and fully across the church. 00:18:38.379 --> 00:18:42.500 I think it's a gift to this church that we do have seven shepherds, 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:45.039 different personalities, different gifts. 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:54.639 But we're called to know our sheep that we can pay careful attention 00:18:54.639 --> 00:18:57.379 to each sheep's relationship with God. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:59.659 Notice in verse 20, Paul's example. 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:04.839 I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable. 00:19:06.079 --> 00:19:08.940 Paul didn't just simply have a curriculum he was teaching. 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:12.200 He knew his people well enough and we see this in his letters. 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:14.200 He knows what to feed them. 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:17.319 It wasn't just a curriculum. 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:25.200 He knew you need to hear this teaching in this situation. 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:29.559 And it wasn't just public ministry. 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:33.279 Paul taught publicly and from house to house. 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:38.579 And I don't think he was simply after numbers. 00:19:39.879 --> 00:19:41.500 Because verse 31, 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:46.740 For three years I did not cease night or day to admonish, 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:49.140 to warn everyone with tears. 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:55.359 He's crying for these sheep of his. 00:19:55.359 --> 00:20:01.139 It is deeply relational. 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.439 Pay careful attention. 00:20:02.659 --> 00:20:04.259 Know what truth to feed. 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:09.079 Private instruction as well as public. 00:20:09.959 --> 00:20:13.459 When anything is taking people away from faith in Christ, 00:20:14.459 --> 00:20:15.219 persevere. 00:20:16.159 --> 00:20:17.679 He's in tears for them. 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:18.679 He's not like, 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:20.779 Oh, well, we don't need them. 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:22.240 We can grow the church without them. 00:20:22.379 --> 00:20:22.619 No. 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:23.960 He's in tears. 00:20:24.139 --> 00:20:26.059 For three years, I'm warning you, 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.599 come back to faith. 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:37.500 Now, I'm thankful that this is a shared privilege and burden. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:41.259 At times I'm annoyed when other elders don't share my convictions. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:46.380 But so far, the Holy Spirit has brought me back to my senses that 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:51.920 it is such a good thing that this church doesn't rest on my wisdom alone. 00:20:52.099 --> 00:20:53.759 It would be in big trouble if it did. 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:57.599 There's another group here that we're called to shepherd, 00:20:57.819 --> 00:20:58.740 and that's yourselves. 00:20:58.740 --> 00:21:02.720 Each other as elders. 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:10.019 And we all know that it's all too common for leadership to be a power struggle. 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.440 Division. 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:16.579 But we're called pay careful attention to yourselves. 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:20.279 There's even deep relationship amongst the elders. 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:24.200 I need your correction, man. 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:25.220 I need your encouragement. 00:21:25.380 --> 00:21:26.299 I need your rebuke. 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:30.220 Don't you love the end of this passage? 00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:35.059 Instead of a power struggle, look at the elders. 00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:39.619 They're on their knees, in prayer, 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:44.740 knowing how dependent they are on God's wisdom and power, 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:47.220 and they're not co-managers of an organisation. 00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:48.240 They're brothers. 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.599 They're in tears together. 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:56.139 That vulnerable with each other, in tears together. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:22:02.960 The kind of shepherding God calls us to, it's crying for the sheep. 00:22:03.659 --> 00:22:07.119 It's that deeply invested, but it's crying together as shepherds. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:09.500 It's deeply relational. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:18.099 We haven't got to yet how a shepherd's supposed to care. 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:26.940 Our authority isn't inherent in our position, in us as a person. 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:32.460 Our authority is as much as we faithfully feed the word of his grace. 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:40.360 Paul, in this passage, says how he cared for his people multiple ways. 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:44.920 He proclaimed, he taught, he declared, he preached. 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:48.519 And there's different ways he describes the content of that. 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:52.299 Turn to God and repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, 00:22:52.860 --> 00:22:57.940 the gospel of God's grace, the kingdom, the whole will of God, 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:59.580 the word of his grace. 00:23:06.960 --> 00:23:09.420 When you visit someone in hospital, 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:14.799 or you stand with families at the gravesite, 00:23:14.900 --> 00:23:16.759 unable to look at the coffin, 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:24.619 when people come with very complex situations in their life, 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:29.920 when marriages are deeply hurting and losing hope, 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:32.420 and someone's doubting their salvation, 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:36.920 someone is just caught in sinful habits, 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:40.920 and they just don't have the strength to fight. 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:48.160 Some are finding joy in worldly things and strain. 00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:51.720 There is a proper sense of inadequacy, 00:23:51.820 --> 00:23:54.600 like what on earth do I have to say in this situation? 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:56.940 Well, this passage says, 00:23:57.080 --> 00:23:59.120 you have a wonderful, powerful message, 00:23:59.560 --> 00:24:01.400 the gospel of the grace of God. 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:03.700 That's what we all need day in and day out. 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:10.720 A shepherd and flock is a deep relationship, 00:24:11.100 --> 00:24:15.140 but it's a relationship where you're constantly pointing us 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:17.039 away from yourself. 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:23.319 We need the grace of God. 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:26.259 And God's sheep will love it 00:24:26.259 --> 00:24:30.740 when you continually point to his sufficient grace. 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:34.220 They will recognise their chief shepherd's voice. 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.039 That's him. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:37.599 That's the one who died for me. 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:44.359 So Martin, feed us with the word of his grace, 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:46.859 publicly, privately. 00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:53.740 Fight for us when anything false 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:57.559 is taking our hearts away from the word of his grace. 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:03.240 And fight with the word of his grace. 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:10.900 I love how Paul explains his aim in ministry 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:14.019 in Philippians 1.25. 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:20.180 He wants his fruitful labour to be for his people's progress 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:22.680 and joy in their faith. 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:27.259 In 2 Corinthians 1.24 he says, 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:29.299 not that we lord it over your faith, 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:32.259 but we work with you for your... 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:34.680 And you expect him to say faith, 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.700 but he says joy. 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:38.519 We're working with you for your joy. 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:45.359 I don't think biblical knowledge on its own 00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:48.220 is the end point. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.859 That could just create pride. 00:25:49.859 --> 00:25:55.399 We're not after a church full of activity and volunteering. 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:57.759 That's not satisfying enough. 00:25:57.899 --> 00:26:00.019 That's not the job description. 00:26:00.459 --> 00:26:03.199 We're not content with an external appearance, 00:26:03.379 --> 00:26:04.379 like dressing up well 00:26:04.379 --> 00:26:08.339 and an external appearance of obedience. 00:26:08.899 --> 00:26:12.119 We want ourselves and all the flock 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:15.299 so profoundly satisfied by the grace of God 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:18.720 that joy just takes hold of us 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:21.419 and gives us hope in trials 00:26:21.419 --> 00:26:25.700 and the taste of joy makes us want to be hungry, 00:26:25.859 --> 00:26:27.200 to know his word more 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:30.720 and that joy creates a grace-filled community. 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:37.299 That joy that gives us... 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:41.740 shows how the idols and the false satisfaction in this world goes, 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:45.279 oh, that's nothing compared to what the grace of God can give me. 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:50.660 We want joy that overflows in sacrificial service. 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:54.299 We want joy that takes costly risks for the kingdom of God. 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:59.200 As shepherds, I think we're called to our people's joy. 00:26:59.380 --> 00:27:01.779 Our joy as shepherds and the flock's joy 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:03.099 in the grace of God. 00:27:03.099 --> 00:27:14.179 Well, how can we all love Martin as our shepherd 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:16.000 as from the hand of Christ? 00:27:18.899 --> 00:27:21.099 Receive Martin with thankfulness 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:25.480 that he's proclaiming Christ for your joy. 00:27:28.219 --> 00:27:30.379 Can you pray for us as elders? 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:35.240 Pray for our personal walk with the Lord. 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:38.900 Pray for us as a team of shepherds 00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:40.800 that would actually show grace to each other. 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:48.300 You can love Martin by holding him accountable 00:27:48.300 --> 00:27:50.980 that he's faithfully teaching 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:54.000 and refuting anything that contradicts 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:55.900 with the gospel of the grace of God. 00:27:55.900 --> 00:28:00.500 And you can love him. 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:03.900 There's going to be times when what Martin says 00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:05.580 when he speaks into your life 00:28:05.580 --> 00:28:07.060 is going to hurt a little bit. 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:08.640 Or maybe a lot. 00:28:08.780 --> 00:28:09.200 I don't know. 00:28:10.620 --> 00:28:12.980 Now, it may come from selfish motives. 00:28:13.160 --> 00:28:13.560 It might. 00:28:14.340 --> 00:28:16.120 It might come from error. 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:18.259 He may just misunderstand the situation. 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:22.060 But you can love him by pausing and considering. 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:24.880 He might be fighting for your joy. 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:29.740 He wants you to be totally satisfied 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:32.140 in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:43.480 There's many things I admire about you, Martin. 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:46.720 your model as a husband and a father. 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:49.079 Your humility. 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:57.099 Your care in studying and teaching the word of his grace. 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:58.960 Your prayerfulness. 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:03.980 Your REM cover band. 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:12.880 But the most important things as a shepherd, 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:14.660 you can't do. 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:21.059 You can't lay down your life for the sins of your sheep. 00:29:23.839 --> 00:29:25.880 You're not asked to do that, but you can't. 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:29.160 You can't change a single attitude. 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:31.220 You can't bring conviction of sin. 00:29:31.340 --> 00:29:34.600 You can't reveal the glory of Jesus Christ 00:29:34.600 --> 00:29:36.019 to our minds and hearts. 00:29:36.120 --> 00:29:38.900 You can declare it, but you can't reveal it. 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:44.400 You can contact straying sheep. 00:29:45.120 --> 00:29:46.019 You can pray for them, 00:29:46.100 --> 00:29:50.740 but you can't satisfy their hearts afresh 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.960 to bring them back. 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:57.299 You can't ensure that anyone perseveres in their faith. 00:29:58.000 --> 00:30:00.900 You can't sustain your own joy and faith, 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:04.400 but our good shepherd can. 00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:10.460 So verse 32. 00:30:12.960 --> 00:30:15.440 We commend you to God 00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:19.420 and to the word of his grace, 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:23.080 which is able to build you up 00:30:23.080 --> 00:30:25.900 and to give you the inheritance 00:30:25.900 --> 00:30:28.480 among all those who are sanctified. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:40.460 George Mueller, who founded orphanages in England, 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:43.160 over 10,000 children went through. 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:44.000 He once said, 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:45.700 my first task every morning 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:48.460 is to get my heart happy in Jesus. 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:50.900 I'm of no use to anybody 00:30:50.900 --> 00:30:53.160 until I get my heart happy in Jesus. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:57.200 So I'm going to just finish by 00:30:57.200 --> 00:30:59.220 suggesting mine. 00:30:59.620 --> 00:31:01.680 Get yourself happy and joyful 00:31:01.680 --> 00:31:03.779 in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:08.779 and then pay careful attention to this flock. 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:13.360 It's a fight for our joy in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:16.980 So we commend you to the word of his grace. 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.840 How about we pray together? 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:34.080 Lord Jesus, we praise you 00:31:34.080 --> 00:31:36.660 that this is your church 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:41.480 and that your sheep hear your voice 00:31:41.480 --> 00:31:45.019 through the word of your grace. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:47.620 We thank you for your great promises 00:31:47.620 --> 00:31:51.120 that he who began a good work in you 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.259 will bring it to completion. 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:55.319 So we pray that you would use Martin 00:31:55.319 --> 00:31:58.099 to faithfully declare 00:31:58.099 --> 00:32:00.220 the glory of your son 00:32:00.220 --> 00:32:03.740 and I pray that you would help all of us 00:32:03.740 --> 00:32:06.079 to receive your word from his lips. 00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:08.819 And I pray that you would make us 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:10.279 a church that's 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:12.480 deeper and deeper joyful 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:15.079 in the knowledge of 00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:17.299 the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:32:17.859 --> 00:32:19.200 So we commit Martin to you 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:19.900 in Jesus' name. 00:32:20.140 --> 00:32:20.400 Amen. 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:20.500 Amen.