WEBVTT 00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:09.480 Okay, so that's Acts 20, 13-38. It's on page 1117, 1117. 00:00:12.460 --> 00:00:14.540 Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders. 00:00:16.120 --> 00:00:21.440 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. 00:00:22.519 --> 00:00:25.199 He made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 00:00:25.199 --> 00:00:31.059 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mytilene. 00:00:31.939 --> 00:00:35.420 The next day we set sail from there and arrived at Chios. 00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:42.159 The day after that we crossed over to Samos and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 00:00:43.420 --> 00:00:48.159 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, 00:00:48.920 --> 00:00:53.739 for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible by the day of Pentecost. 00:00:55.200 --> 00:00:59.340 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:01.900 When they arrived, he said to them, 00:01:02.420 --> 00:01:08.379 You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:12.320 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:15.820 although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 00:01:15.819 --> 00:01:20.739 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you, 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:24.139 but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 00:01:25.039 --> 00:01:30.059 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance 00:01:30.059 --> 00:01:32.280 and have faith in our Lord Jesus. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:37.659 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:40.159 not knowing what will happen to me there. 00:01:41.700 --> 00:01:45.140 I only know that in every city that the Holy Spirit warns me 00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:47.500 that prison and hardships are facing me. 00:01:48.399 --> 00:01:51.439 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me 00:01:51.439 --> 00:01:56.359 if only I may finish the race and complete the task that the Lord Jesus has given me, 00:01:56.859 --> 00:01:59.879 the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. 00:01:59.879 --> 00:02:06.759 Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom 00:02:06.759 --> 00:02:07.859 will ever see me again. 00:02:09.039 --> 00:02:14.060 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men, 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:18.560 for I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 00:02:19.579 --> 00:02:24.159 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:28.879 Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:34.479 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you 00:02:34.479 --> 00:02:35.799 and will not spare the flock. 00:02:38.019 --> 00:02:41.560 Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth 00:02:41.560 --> 00:02:44.299 in order to draw away disciples after them. 00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:46.060 So be on your guard. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:50.039 Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you, 00:02:50.340 --> 00:02:51.400 night and day, with tears. 00:02:52.840 --> 00:02:55.900 Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, 00:02:56.539 --> 00:02:58.939 which can build you up and give you an inheritance 00:02:58.939 --> 00:03:00.680 among all those who are sanctified. 00:03:02.419 --> 00:03:05.659 I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:10.340 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs 00:03:10.340 --> 00:03:11.960 and the needs of my companions. 00:03:13.039 --> 00:03:16.960 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:21.159 we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, 00:03:21.159 --> 00:03:25.359 It is more blessed to give than to receive. 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:29.699 When he said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 00:03:30.740 --> 00:03:33.740 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 00:03:34.639 --> 00:03:38.599 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:41.259 Then they accompanied him to the ship. 00:03:41.259 --> 00:04:04.539 I haven't got any sheets for taking notes this morning, 00:04:04.659 --> 00:04:08.399 but if you've got a new sheet, on the back of that there is a place. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:09.980 I'm not sure where the pens are. 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:14.960 If anybody would like a pen to take notes, you can put your hand up. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:17.040 Shane will give them to you. 00:04:18.280 --> 00:04:21.060 If you want a pen, I encourage you to do so. 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:26.019 This is part two of a two-part talk. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:31.819 One was from two weeks ago when we looked at Paul's first visit to Ephesus. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:05:01.800 This is part two. 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:06.860 Church, the spread of Christianity around the world. 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:12.560 We thank you for its record for us. 00:05:13.960 --> 00:05:17.620 But we also recognise that this is not just mere history, 00:05:18.160 --> 00:05:23.639 but it is words written for us today that change us and transform us 00:05:23.639 --> 00:05:28.959 and show us what it is to be church and what it is to be your people 00:05:28.959 --> 00:05:33.680 and what it is to live as your people in this world. 00:05:33.680 --> 00:05:39.660 So we pray that as we read and as we listen, 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:45.680 that you would create us to be more and more 00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:48.639 the kind of church you want us to be, 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:51.920 that we would be healthy in every way. 00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:56.560 And so we ask for your help in this. 00:05:56.680 --> 00:05:57.500 In Jesus' name. 00:05:58.340 --> 00:05:58.780 Amen. 00:05:58.779 --> 00:06:09.879 Well, imagine that you have been given an audience 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:13.000 with the church leaders of Ireland. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:17.819 Jermud Martin, Bishop Neil, they're your audience. 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:21.879 For one hour, you will get to say what you want 00:06:21.879 --> 00:06:26.360 to the bishops who lead our churches and congregations. 00:06:27.300 --> 00:06:30.240 Most of the time, we're having to listen to the church 00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:33.439 and what they think we should be doing. 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:36.300 But this time, on this occasion, 00:06:37.159 --> 00:06:39.219 they're going to be listening to you. 00:06:39.220 --> 00:06:44.660 What would you like to say to the church leaders of our country? 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:50.480 What would be the most important item on your agenda? 00:06:51.940 --> 00:06:54.180 For example, what would you like to say to them 00:06:54.180 --> 00:06:57.280 about how the church conducts its finances? 00:06:59.180 --> 00:07:02.420 Or what would you like to say about how the church leaders 00:07:02.420 --> 00:07:03.640 live their lives? 00:07:04.640 --> 00:07:06.440 Or what their message is? 00:07:06.439 --> 00:07:13.240 Well, the Apostle Paul, perhaps the most influential leader 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:15.139 in all of church history, 00:07:15.899 --> 00:07:19.800 responsible for writing almost two-thirds of the New Testament, 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:25.420 a pioneer in seeing Christianity spread all over Europe, 00:07:27.040 --> 00:07:30.120 well, he has the opportunity to speak to the bishops 00:07:30.120 --> 00:07:35.899 of a very influential church in a very influential city. 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:42.240 Paul is on his way home after a five-year trip around Europe, 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:47.360 that he's been travelling from one place to another, 00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:49.560 visiting all these local churches, 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:52.819 and his desire that each of these churches 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:56.180 would be healthy and would be strong. 00:07:57.100 --> 00:07:59.199 He's not just about starting a church, 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:01.100 but that each church would be healthy, 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:03.079 and that each church would be everything 00:08:03.079 --> 00:08:04.819 that God calls the church to be. 00:08:04.819 --> 00:08:10.860 So in Acts 20, Paul makes his last and final visit 00:08:10.860 --> 00:08:13.959 to the bishops of Ephesus. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:16.620 Look at verse 16. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:21.980 Paul had decided to set sail past Ephesus. 00:08:22.620 --> 00:08:25.240 If you could just flick the map up there. 00:08:25.339 --> 00:08:25.680 Thank you. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:26.219 There we are. 00:08:26.220 --> 00:08:29.820 So Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus 00:08:29.820 --> 00:08:32.620 to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:34.620 which is modern-day Turkey. 00:08:35.360 --> 00:08:38.259 For he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:41.800 if possible by the day of Pentecost. 00:08:41.860 --> 00:08:43.519 So he's been travelling all around Europe. 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:44.800 He's just been in Greece. 00:08:45.180 --> 00:08:47.399 He's on his way back to Jerusalem, 00:08:47.779 --> 00:08:50.500 which is south of Antioch, his home church. 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:53.820 And from Miletus, verse 17, 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:57.580 he stops there and he's sent to Ephesus 00:08:57.580 --> 00:08:59.639 for the elders, literally the bishops 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:01.820 or the leaders of the church, 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:03.580 because he has something really important 00:09:03.580 --> 00:09:04.899 that he wants to tell them. 00:09:05.740 --> 00:09:07.700 And as he speaks to these leaders, 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:10.720 he tackles three important issues 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:15.379 that, if followed, will lead to a healthy church. 00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:18.039 He tells them three things. 00:09:19.039 --> 00:09:22.019 He tells them what the church's message should be. 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:27.059 He says how the church leader should behave 00:09:27.059 --> 00:09:31.059 and where the church finances should go. 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:33.039 So what the church's message should be, 00:09:33.700 --> 00:09:35.700 how the church leader should behave, 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:39.600 and where the church finances should go. 00:09:39.600 --> 00:09:45.480 So first, what the church's message should be. 00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:49.120 He starts by reminding them and telling them 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:51.639 what his message was that he brought to the church. 00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:53.960 So in verse 20, he says, 00:09:54.040 --> 00:09:56.899 you know that I have not hesitated to preach anything 00:09:56.899 --> 00:09:59.259 that would be helpful to you, 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:03.080 but have taught you publicly in gatherings just like this, 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:04.920 and from house to house, 00:10:05.440 --> 00:10:07.920 which would have been privately in people's homes. 00:10:07.919 --> 00:10:10.199 Well, what did he preach? 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:11.419 What did he have to tell them? 00:10:11.479 --> 00:10:13.819 What was the content of his message? 00:10:14.439 --> 00:10:15.979 Well, look down at verse 24. 00:10:17.059 --> 00:10:17.639 He says, 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:19.879 I consider my life worth nothing to me 00:10:19.879 --> 00:10:22.159 if only I may finish the race 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:25.879 and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, 00:10:26.459 --> 00:10:30.879 the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. 00:10:31.719 --> 00:10:34.059 His desire, his life's ambition, 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:37.539 was to preach, to testify to the gospel 00:10:37.539 --> 00:10:39.000 of God's grace. 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:44.000 This is the message that the church should be declaring, 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:46.719 the gospel of God's grace. 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:50.860 Now, the gospel of grace simply means 00:10:50.860 --> 00:10:56.439 news about something that has been done for you. 00:10:57.339 --> 00:10:58.639 It's important we get this right. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:02.480 It's news about something that has been done for us. 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:07.940 Paul wasn't interested in the church giving people religious advice 00:11:07.940 --> 00:11:10.620 about how to be better citizens. 00:11:11.420 --> 00:11:14.100 This is what makes the gospel of grace so unique. 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:18.139 Every religion in the world gives people advice. 00:11:18.920 --> 00:11:20.659 They tell you what you must do, 00:11:21.200 --> 00:11:24.519 or what you must achieve if you're to have a better life. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:28.539 The gospel is in complete contrast to all of that. 00:11:28.539 --> 00:11:34.599 It is good news about a person who has achieved something for you. 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:37.919 Well, what has been achieved for us? 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:38.799 What has been done? 00:11:38.899 --> 00:11:40.319 Well, look down at verse 25. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:48.920 Now, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom 00:11:48.920 --> 00:11:51.379 will ever see me again. 00:11:52.280 --> 00:11:53.160 Verse 27. 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:58.240 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:00.500 Now, we've got two phrases there. 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:03.720 Verse 25, he talks about preaching the kingdom. 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:08.580 And in verse 27, he was proclaiming the whole will of God. 00:12:09.300 --> 00:12:13.200 Now, preaching the kingdom and proclaiming the whole will of God, 00:12:13.300 --> 00:12:15.920 they're not different to the gospel of grace. 00:12:16.660 --> 00:12:20.460 They actually explain what the gospel of grace is. 00:12:21.420 --> 00:12:24.639 The gospel of grace is all about God's will 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:30.100 to restore broken lives and renew this disordered world. 00:12:30.100 --> 00:12:34.399 It is God's plan to establish a new kingdom. 00:12:35.180 --> 00:12:37.120 A kingdom of peace and justice. 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:39.379 A kingdom of joy and happiness. 00:12:39.639 --> 00:12:41.180 Of harmony and unity. 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:45.680 Where there's going to be no more rocket attacks from one side or another. 00:12:45.920 --> 00:12:48.879 Where no longer will a mother and a baby die. 00:12:49.779 --> 00:12:54.759 There will be the absence of all evil and suffering for all eternity. 00:12:55.160 --> 00:12:59.139 It is God's will to establish this kind of kingdom. 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:01.840 That's what the gospel of grace is all about. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:06.600 And the way that kingdom is established 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:11.199 is not going to be through arms or fighting. 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:14.139 It's going to come through a person. 00:13:14.779 --> 00:13:17.399 Through God's Son, Jesus Christ. 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:19.980 So look back at verse 21. 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:23.279 He says there, well he says verse 20, 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:26.539 that he didn't hesitate to preach anything that would be helpful, 00:13:26.679 --> 00:13:27.879 which was the gospel of grace. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:29.379 And verse 21 he says, 00:13:29.460 --> 00:13:31.899 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks 00:13:31.899 --> 00:13:35.019 that they must turn to God in repentance 00:13:35.019 --> 00:13:39.639 and have faith in our Lord Jesus. 00:13:41.840 --> 00:13:46.679 The gospel is all about what God has done for us, 00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:49.799 but it does require a response. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:52.120 The response is repentance and faith. 00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:54.940 So he says to them, look, it's like, 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:58.159 it doesn't matter whether we're Catholic or whether we're Protestant. 00:13:58.379 --> 00:14:00.560 It doesn't matter whether we're black or white, 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:02.840 whether we are gay or straight. 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:06.200 This is the same message for all people, 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:10.179 and the response to the same message is exactly the same. 00:14:10.299 --> 00:14:13.220 It's about repentance and faith in Christ. 00:14:14.299 --> 00:14:16.940 Repentance being turning away from our own way 00:14:16.940 --> 00:14:19.960 and turning to Jesus as King of your life. 00:14:20.960 --> 00:14:26.820 And faith is all about our trust and our confidence in Jesus. 00:14:27.760 --> 00:14:31.500 In particular, faith in his death for us on the cross, 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:36.000 so that when Jesus died, it was a death in place of us. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:40.279 He was taking our guilt, our shame in place of us, 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:42.379 so that we could be part of his kingdom. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:45.779 And his resurrection from the grave 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:49.159 was a resurrection for you and for me. 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:52.000 It was a resurrection that defeated death 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.899 and destroyed evil 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:56.440 so that we could be part of a kingdom 00:14:56.440 --> 00:14:59.480 where there would be no more death or suffering. 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:01.539 It would no longer rule this world. 00:15:01.659 --> 00:15:04.700 It would be the absence of evil and suffering. 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:09.879 So the encouragement is that we would have faith in Christ 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:13.120 who can bring about this eternal kingdom. 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:17.520 That's why the gospel of grace is good news. 00:15:18.020 --> 00:15:19.920 It's not just advice. 00:15:20.900 --> 00:15:25.320 It's all about Jesus who has done something for you. 00:15:25.860 --> 00:15:28.420 And this is what the church's message should be. 00:15:28.520 --> 00:15:31.120 We're not telling people to live better lives. 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:34.540 We're telling people about something that Jesus has done, 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:37.360 that he's establishing a kingdom for us. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.639 Now this was Paul's experience 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:43.639 and it had completely transformed his life. 00:15:43.959 --> 00:15:45.000 So verse 22, 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:47.159 he says to them, 00:15:47.219 --> 00:15:49.039 and now compelled by the Spirit, 00:15:50.099 --> 00:15:51.879 I'm going to Jerusalem, 00:15:52.339 --> 00:15:54.919 not knowing what will happen to me there. 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:56.719 Now we know from reading through Acts 00:15:56.719 --> 00:15:58.779 that all sorts of things have happened to him. 00:15:59.500 --> 00:16:00.259 Verse 23, 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:02.459 I only know that in every city 00:16:02.459 --> 00:16:04.159 the Holy Spirit warns me 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:06.579 that prison and hardships are facing me. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:08.600 He's already faced stoning 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:10.439 to within an inch of his life. 00:16:10.679 --> 00:16:12.639 He's already been stripped and beaten. 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:16.419 But because Paul believes this gospel, 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:18.299 because he believes this message, 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:20.299 because he's experienced it 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:22.279 and it has so changed his life, 00:16:22.819 --> 00:16:23.779 look what he can say, 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.539 verse 24, 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:28.419 I consider my life worth nothing to me 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:32.039 if only I would be able to complete the task 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:35.740 of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. 00:16:35.959 --> 00:16:36.980 He's saying to them, 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:39.659 look, I would gladly die for you. 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:42.719 I would put my life on the line for you. 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:44.779 I'd give up my life for you 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:47.240 so that people can hear 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:50.639 this wonderful free offer of God's grace. 00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:53.559 And why could he do this? 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:57.740 Well, because he's already received everything 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:59.019 through the gospel of grace. 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:01.120 He already has the kingdom. 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:04.059 He has everything that he could ever possibly need 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:06.559 so therefore he could put his life on the line 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:09.779 so that other people could receive this grace. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:14.359 You see, the church only has one message 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:19.359 and it is the message of the gospel of grace. 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:22.979 God's will, God's plan 00:17:22.979 --> 00:17:25.279 to restore broken lives 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:27.500 and renew this disordered world 00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:30.059 through his son, Jesus Christ, 00:17:30.679 --> 00:17:33.579 establishing an eternal kingdom. 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:36.879 So first he's saying to the church, 00:17:37.659 --> 00:17:39.939 make sure that your message 00:17:39.939 --> 00:17:42.519 is about the gospel of grace 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:44.119 and nothing else. 00:17:44.119 --> 00:17:50.639 Well, first the message of the church 00:17:50.639 --> 00:17:52.500 is about God's grace. 00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:54.299 Second, he tells them 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:57.379 how the church leaders should behave. 00:17:58.479 --> 00:18:01.199 Now I have to pay close attention to this 00:18:01.199 --> 00:18:02.939 because I'm a church leader. 00:18:03.459 --> 00:18:05.399 Ralph, pay close attention, 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:07.059 but it's for everybody. 00:18:07.739 --> 00:18:08.599 Verse 28. 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:13.379 Keep watch over yourselves 00:18:13.379 --> 00:18:14.879 and all the flock 00:18:14.879 --> 00:18:17.240 of which the Holy Spirit 00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:18.819 has made you overseers. 00:18:18.939 --> 00:18:21.459 Literally, bishops or elders 00:18:21.459 --> 00:18:23.139 or leaders, elders. 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:25.119 It's all interchangeable. 00:18:25.439 --> 00:18:26.219 We take elders. 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:27.659 We don't call ourselves bishops, 00:18:27.899 --> 00:18:29.619 but it's the same thing. 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:32.599 Now leadership in the church 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:35.179 is not power over people, 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:38.460 but it's protection for people. 00:18:39.120 --> 00:18:41.100 Look at the imagery that we have here. 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:43.420 It talks about, look, verse 28, 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:46.400 be shepherds of the church of God. 00:18:47.160 --> 00:18:49.600 The church is seen as the flock. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.960 In other words, the people, 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:52.400 people like you and me, 00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:54.539 were like sheep who need looked after 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:55.600 and watched over. 00:18:56.580 --> 00:18:57.720 And the leaders, 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:59.060 well, they're the shepherds 00:18:59.060 --> 00:19:01.060 who have been given the responsibility 00:19:01.060 --> 00:19:04.420 by God to provide the protection 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.580 that people need. 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:08.920 But why is there such special care 00:19:08.920 --> 00:19:09.640 for the flock? 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:11.259 Well, look at the rest of verse 28. 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:12.840 He says, 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:14.779 be shepherds of the church of God, 00:19:15.100 --> 00:19:18.200 which he bought with his own blood. 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:21.500 Jesus died for us. 00:19:22.120 --> 00:19:24.360 He gave up his life for us. 00:19:24.660 --> 00:19:26.080 He gave up of his riches 00:19:26.080 --> 00:19:28.180 to enter into our poverty 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:30.000 so that we could have his riches. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:33.140 So that we could belong to God. 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:35.860 That means the people in the church, 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.020 people like you and me, 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:38.480 we're precious to God. 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:41.000 We're his treasured possession. 00:19:41.540 --> 00:19:44.920 We're of unlimited and ultimate value. 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:47.700 And because we are so valuable, 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:51.800 we need special care and attention. 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:57.639 Now, when we think about shepherds and sheep, 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:59.599 we need to get away 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:02.059 from modern farming techniques. 00:20:03.399 --> 00:20:05.000 The first century shepherd, 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:08.519 well, he stayed with his sheep 24-7 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:11.039 out on the mountains all alone. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.899 By day, he would take the sheep off 00:20:13.899 --> 00:20:16.319 to new places where they could feed 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:18.659 and down to streams where they could drink 00:20:18.659 --> 00:20:20.000 and get everything that they needed. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.339 And then at night, 00:20:21.400 --> 00:20:22.759 he would bring them into a fold, 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:24.579 maybe something made out of stone 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:25.559 or something like that. 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.920 They would be inside 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:29.299 and he would literally sit at the entrance 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:31.859 as a means of protecting them 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:33.180 from all the wild animals 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.259 that could get in at them. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:36.599 He would put his life on the line. 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:38.319 He would put himself between the sheep 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.619 and the danger, 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:42.480 willing to give up his life. 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:45.160 So, verse 29, 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:48.600 I know that after I leave, 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:49.140 he said, 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:51.980 savage wolves will come in among you 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:54.380 and will not spare the flock. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:57.600 Even from your own number, 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:01.860 people will arise and distort the truth 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:06.080 in order to draw away disciples after them. 00:21:07.100 --> 00:21:09.259 Now, Paul was a good shepherd. 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.960 He had been teaching them 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:13.120 the true gospel of God's grace. 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:14.539 But he's saying to them, 00:21:14.599 --> 00:21:16.419 guys, you need to be on your guard 00:21:16.419 --> 00:21:18.319 because there are going to be teachers 00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:20.219 who are going to come in 00:21:20.219 --> 00:21:22.919 and are going to be quite willing 00:21:22.919 --> 00:21:25.619 to distort the truth of the gospel 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:27.279 for their own gain. 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:30.359 It's not it might happen. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:32.279 He says it will happen. 00:21:33.679 --> 00:21:34.959 Rather than the gospel 00:21:34.959 --> 00:21:37.579 bringing about all what Jesus has done for you, 00:21:37.959 --> 00:21:39.500 people are going to come in 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:41.640 and they're going to distort the truth 00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:43.720 and they're going to tell you 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:45.559 it's all about what you must do 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:47.579 or something that you must achieve 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:49.900 and what you have to work for. 00:21:51.119 --> 00:21:52.359 And Jesus, at best, 00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:53.380 will just be reduced 00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:55.059 to a little bit of religious advice 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:56.740 and not to be taken seriously. 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:58.099 Those kind of people 00:21:58.099 --> 00:21:59.680 will come in and tell you that. 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:04.019 The other people who might come in 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:06.379 and lead people astray 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:08.099 for their own gain 00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:10.019 are those that are connected 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:12.700 as we refer to the health and wealth 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:14.259 or the prosperity gospel. 00:22:15.139 --> 00:22:16.639 We see it on television 00:22:16.639 --> 00:22:18.359 and they'll say something like this. 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:21.180 Well, Jesus wants you to be wealthy. 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:22.920 He wants you to be successful. 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:24.019 He wants your children 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.680 to have amazing careers. 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:27.119 He doesn't want you to be sick. 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:27.980 He doesn't want things 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:29.240 to go wrong in your life. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:31.759 And if you would only believe, 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:33.500 it's going to be put right. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.460 And by the way, 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:37.200 just send us a few dollars 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:38.440 or a few euro 00:22:38.440 --> 00:22:40.279 and we'll make sure that that happens. 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:43.700 That's a distortion 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:46.240 of the gospel of grace. 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.940 He says those teachers, 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:51.000 look at verse 28 there, 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:52.500 and 29 rather, 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:54.000 they're like wolves 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:55.779 that are going to come in 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:57.920 and tear the sheep apart. 00:22:59.240 --> 00:23:02.120 And we need to be aware of that, 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:02.960 verse 31. 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:05.019 So be on your guard. 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:07.059 Remember that for three years 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:09.160 I never stopped warning each of you, 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:10.319 night and day, 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:11.779 and with tears. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:18.420 These things will happen 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:20.519 and people will come in 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:23.140 and distort the truth. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:26.519 Now while this is primarily 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:27.720 addressed to leaders, 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:30.220 the Bible makes it clear 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:31.160 that we are all 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:32.620 to care for one another. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.039 In some ways, 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:35.579 we're all to be shepherds 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.740 of the sheep. 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:39.920 And we do this in two ways. 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:41.700 First of all, 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:44.420 we are to keep 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:46.600 our leaders accountable. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:48.539 Now in case you don't know 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:49.500 who your leaders are, 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:51.559 that's myself and Ralph. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:54.360 Keep your leaders accountable, 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.539 that's your role. 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:58.200 Because look at who the wolves 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:58.859 might be, 00:23:58.960 --> 00:23:59.599 verse 30. 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:03.220 Even from your own number, 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:05.639 men will arise 00:24:05.639 --> 00:24:07.099 and distort the truth. 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.099 From within sight, 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.099 not from outside. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:12.680 Leaders, 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:13.420 shepherds, 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.859 people like me, 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:16.379 people like Ralph, 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:18.539 can become a wolf. 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:20.039 Now I don't think 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:21.420 we look very threatening, 00:24:21.420 --> 00:24:22.660 although, 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:24.340 doesn't Ralph mean 00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:25.160 lover of wolves 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.660 or something? 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:28.500 So we've got to be careful, 00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:29.160 Ralph. 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:32.279 But we could be, 00:24:32.279 --> 00:24:33.240 we could be wolves, 00:24:33.340 --> 00:24:34.860 we're potential wolves. 00:24:35.560 --> 00:24:37.140 And the church 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:38.019 needs to hold 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:38.800 their leaders 00:24:38.800 --> 00:24:39.740 accountable 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:41.060 to make sure 00:24:41.060 --> 00:24:42.180 that they're living 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.860 in line with the gospel 00:24:43.860 --> 00:24:45.600 and that they're teaching 00:24:45.600 --> 00:24:47.259 what is the gospel. 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:47.339 people. 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:49.400 So the church 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:51.019 needs to pray for us 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:51.980 to make sure 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:53.319 that we keep 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:54.039 the church 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:54.879 together 00:24:54.879 --> 00:24:56.460 and keep the church 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.599 in the right way. 00:24:57.960 --> 00:24:59.859 We're not superhuman. 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.859 We're fragile people 00:25:02.859 --> 00:25:04.400 who make mistakes 00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:05.680 and get things wrong. 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.660 And so we need 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.660 the church 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:09.839 to keep us accountable, 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:10.819 to pray for us, 00:25:10.879 --> 00:25:11.779 to encourage us, 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:13.920 to point out areas 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:16.320 if we're not in line 00:25:16.320 --> 00:25:17.360 with the truth 00:25:17.360 --> 00:25:18.019 of the gospel. 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:19.660 So first, 00:25:19.800 --> 00:25:21.240 keep your leaders 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:21.779 accountable. 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:22.620 Second, 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.900 care for our 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:25.840 fellow sheep. 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:28.000 The person 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:28.980 that you are 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:30.140 sitting next to 00:25:30.140 --> 00:25:31.360 or the one 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:32.600 who is behind you 00:25:32.600 --> 00:25:34.660 is your responsibility. 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:37.240 And the way 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:38.320 that we primarily 00:25:38.320 --> 00:25:39.600 care for each other, 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:40.180 we can do it 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.840 in all kinds 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:42.120 of practical ways, 00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:44.079 but primarily 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:45.019 the way we care 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:45.739 for each other 00:25:45.739 --> 00:25:47.299 is to bring 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:47.879 the gospel 00:25:47.879 --> 00:25:48.699 to each other, 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:50.159 is to remind ourselves 00:25:50.159 --> 00:25:51.000 of everything 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.839 that we have 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:53.059 through Jesus Christ. 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.239 So we should all 00:25:55.239 --> 00:25:55.859 be people 00:25:55.859 --> 00:25:56.439 who are able 00:25:56.439 --> 00:25:57.639 to read 00:25:57.639 --> 00:25:58.399 with each other, 00:25:58.899 --> 00:26:00.059 pray for each other. 00:26:01.319 --> 00:26:02.359 And I encourage us 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:03.299 all to be people 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:03.879 who do that 00:26:03.879 --> 00:26:05.079 and we say it so often, 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.079 whether you're meeting 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.879 with somebody 00:26:06.879 --> 00:26:07.619 one-to-one, 00:26:07.939 --> 00:26:08.539 whether you're meeting 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.639 in a small group 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:11.239 or whatever you do, 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:12.779 that primarily 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:14.200 we are people 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.180 who are bringing 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:15.980 God's word, 00:26:16.099 --> 00:26:17.240 the truth of his gospel, 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:19.200 into each other's lives, 00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:20.819 holding ourselves 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.519 accountable 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.819 and encouraging 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:24.079 and supporting. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.859 So first, 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.660 keep your leaders 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:28.220 accountable 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:29.700 and second, 00:26:29.880 --> 00:26:30.740 care for your 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:32.059 fellow sheep. 00:26:33.640 --> 00:26:34.500 So first, 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.279 he reminds us 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:36.099 what the church's 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:36.940 message should be, 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.920 that it's all about 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:39.099 the gospel of grace. 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:40.699 And second, 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.740 he reminds us 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.879 how the church leaders 00:26:42.879 --> 00:26:44.459 should behave. 00:26:46.459 --> 00:26:47.059 Third, 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:48.819 he tells us 00:26:48.819 --> 00:26:50.779 where the church's 00:26:50.779 --> 00:26:51.480 finances 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:53.039 should go. 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:55.719 Verse 32, 00:26:57.639 --> 00:26:59.000 Now I commit you 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.559 to God 00:26:59.559 --> 00:27:01.559 and to the word 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.319 of his grace 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:03.699 which can build 00:27:03.699 --> 00:27:04.240 you up 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.639 and give you 00:27:05.639 --> 00:27:06.559 an inheritance 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:08.480 among all those 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.740 who are sanctified. 00:27:11.179 --> 00:27:11.399 Well, 00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:11.659 you say, 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.639 what's that got to do 00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:13.359 with finances? 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.099 I don't see anything 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.980 about money there. 00:27:16.079 --> 00:27:16.480 Well, 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.359 Paul knows that 00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:17.960 the church 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.980 is never going 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.720 to be generous. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.819 We are always 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.480 going to be 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.379 tight-fisted 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:24.799 until we grasp 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:26.259 and experience 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:27.799 the word of grace. 00:27:27.899 --> 00:27:29.059 So he says to us, 00:27:29.319 --> 00:27:29.899 verse 33, 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.359 he says, 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:31.639 I commit you, 00:27:32.139 --> 00:27:32.719 I put you 00:27:32.719 --> 00:27:33.759 into the care 00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:35.759 of God 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:36.879 and to the word 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:38.139 of his grace. 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.319 The word of grace 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:41.279 is the gospel 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:41.759 of grace 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.319 that we've just 00:27:42.319 --> 00:27:43.399 been talking about. 00:27:43.959 --> 00:27:45.039 It's all that Jesus 00:27:45.039 --> 00:27:45.979 has done for us, 00:27:46.079 --> 00:27:46.819 everything that he 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.879 has achieved for us. 00:27:48.199 --> 00:27:49.019 It gives us, 00:27:49.139 --> 00:27:49.679 look at the rest 00:27:49.679 --> 00:27:50.419 of verse 32, 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:51.879 or it can build us up, 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:52.859 strengthen us, 00:27:53.319 --> 00:27:54.359 and it will give you 00:27:54.359 --> 00:27:55.319 an inheritance, 00:27:56.719 --> 00:27:58.019 that eternal's place 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:59.400 in his eternal kingdom 00:27:59.400 --> 00:28:00.460 among all those 00:28:00.460 --> 00:28:01.539 who are sanctified. 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:05.259 So the gospel of grace 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:06.539 gives us everything 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.339 that we need 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:07.879 for now 00:28:07.879 --> 00:28:09.160 and for all eternity. 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:11.039 So this is what 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:12.119 we are to live on 00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:12.940 as a church. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:13.920 In some ways, 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:14.539 this is to be 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:16.420 the diet of our church. 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:18.379 It is to be grace 00:28:18.379 --> 00:28:19.460 plus grace 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:20.460 plus grace. 00:28:20.579 --> 00:28:21.359 We're constantly 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:22.259 to be drinking 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.700 and eating it in, 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:25.019 committing ourselves 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:26.619 to the grace of God. 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.460 And the more 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.220 we understand 00:28:30.220 --> 00:28:31.539 this word of grace, 00:28:32.359 --> 00:28:34.420 the more we allow it 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:36.119 to change our lives, 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.980 it will show us 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.259 how rich 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:41.259 we really are. 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:44.480 It will transform us 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:47.000 into model givers. 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.619 It will make us 00:28:48.619 --> 00:28:51.039 incredibly generous. 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:54.139 Paul's own life 00:28:54.139 --> 00:28:55.440 was an example of this. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.639 Look at verse 33. 00:28:58.019 --> 00:29:00.180 The grace of God 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:01.200 had so affected 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.200 Paul's life 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:03.940 that he had become 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:04.680 generous 00:29:04.680 --> 00:29:05.900 in giving. 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:08.000 Look at verse 33. 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:10.619 I have not coveted 00:29:10.619 --> 00:29:11.720 anyone's silver 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:12.559 or gold 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:13.599 or clothing. 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.059 He's saying, 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:15.460 I'm not in this 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.339 for the money. 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.379 I'm not in this 00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:18.460 to get a bigger car 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:19.900 or a bigger house. 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.379 Verse 34. 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:22.720 You yourselves know 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:24.039 that these hands 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:24.619 of mine 00:29:24.619 --> 00:29:25.720 have supplied 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:27.440 my own needs 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.539 and the needs 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:29.480 of my companions. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:30.680 Look at my hands. 00:29:30.799 --> 00:29:31.559 There's splinters 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.380 in these hands. 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:34.079 Look at the calluses 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:35.740 from the tent making 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.259 that I've done. 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:38.120 I worked hard for you 00:29:38.120 --> 00:29:39.240 so that I could give 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.180 the gospel of grace 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.360 freely to you. 00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:45.380 The grace 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.500 had so gripped 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.559 Paul's life 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:49.640 that it had changed 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:50.180 Paul 00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:52.319 into a generous giver. 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:53.460 He was literally 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.240 willing to give 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:55.259 his life for them. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:00.700 You see, 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:01.619 if we learn 00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.480 and understand 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:04.359 the word of grace 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.099 and allow that 00:30:05.099 --> 00:30:06.099 to impact 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.939 our lives, 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:09.119 it will cause us 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:09.659 likewise 00:30:09.659 --> 00:30:10.740 to be generous 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:12.460 to those in need. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.500 Look at verse 35. 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:15.879 In everything I did, 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:17.500 I showed you 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.259 that by this 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:19.439 kind of hard work, 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.860 we must help 00:30:20.860 --> 00:30:21.680 the weak, 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.519 literally those 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.500 who are unable 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:26.019 to help themselves. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:28.080 Remembering the words 00:30:28.080 --> 00:30:28.900 the Lord Jesus 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:29.860 himself said, 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:31.240 it is more blessed 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.019 to give 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:34.080 than to receive. 00:30:35.519 --> 00:30:36.620 The weak 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.900 in our society 00:30:37.900 --> 00:30:39.820 are the poor, 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:41.860 the refugees, 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:44.140 those who live 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:44.820 in countries 00:30:44.820 --> 00:30:45.559 destroyed 00:30:45.559 --> 00:30:46.620 and broken 00:30:46.619 --> 00:30:47.339 by war 00:30:47.339 --> 00:30:48.079 and famine. 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:50.039 The weak 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:51.879 are all around us 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:53.279 within the community 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:54.879 of this church family, 00:30:55.239 --> 00:30:56.279 in our wider 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:56.899 community 00:30:56.899 --> 00:30:57.879 of Carragalline. 00:30:58.179 --> 00:30:58.459 Now, 00:30:58.599 --> 00:30:59.879 we have received 00:30:59.879 --> 00:31:00.839 so much 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:02.359 through the Lord Jesus. 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:03.359 We have received 00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:04.539 grace upon grace. 00:31:04.959 --> 00:31:05.839 We have received 00:31:05.839 --> 00:31:07.099 his eternal kingdom 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:09.179 so that we can 00:31:09.179 --> 00:31:10.379 generously give 00:31:10.379 --> 00:31:11.799 to those in need. 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.839 Look at the end 00:31:12.839 --> 00:31:13.619 of verse 35. 00:31:13.719 --> 00:31:14.019 He says, 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:15.079 it is more blessed 00:31:15.079 --> 00:31:16.200 to give 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:18.039 than to receive. 00:31:20.639 --> 00:31:21.619 Paul is getting 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:22.440 to the end 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.200 of his journey 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:24.139 around Europe. 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:25.559 Five years 00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:26.220 he had travelled 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:26.660 around 00:31:26.660 --> 00:31:27.579 and we know 00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:28.220 from the rest 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:28.779 of scripture 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.519 that one of the 00:31:29.519 --> 00:31:30.200 reasons why 00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:31.019 he went around 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:31.819 those places 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:33.740 was to take up 00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:34.400 a collection 00:31:34.400 --> 00:31:35.879 to be able 00:31:35.879 --> 00:31:36.779 to bring back 00:31:36.779 --> 00:31:37.960 to the church 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:38.700 in Jerusalem 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.980 that was going 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:41.079 through a hard time 00:31:41.079 --> 00:31:41.980 and because of famine. 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:44.740 And so I think 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.319 the principle 00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:46.160 here for us 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.279 is if we've 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:47.920 received this 00:31:47.920 --> 00:31:48.799 amazing grace 00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:50.160 we too 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:51.180 will give 00:31:51.180 --> 00:31:51.660 freely 00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:52.920 to those 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:53.799 who are in 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.660 desperate need. 00:31:55.539 --> 00:31:56.660 We no longer 00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.279 have to be 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:57.980 tight-fisted. 00:31:58.900 --> 00:31:59.819 We no longer 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.420 need to be 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:01.480 worried in terms 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.299 of the future 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:04.180 because we have 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:05.440 received all 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:06.059 that we need 00:32:06.059 --> 00:32:06.859 through Christ. 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:07.059 Christ. 00:32:09.719 --> 00:32:10.939 So Paul has 00:32:10.939 --> 00:32:11.740 this opportunity 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.639 to speak to 00:32:12.639 --> 00:32:13.159 the leaders 00:32:13.159 --> 00:32:15.579 of this church 00:32:15.579 --> 00:32:17.039 an influential 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:18.759 city in that 00:32:18.759 --> 00:32:19.699 part of Turkey 00:32:19.699 --> 00:32:22.019 and it's the 00:32:22.019 --> 00:32:22.679 same word 00:32:22.679 --> 00:32:23.199 and it's the 00:32:23.199 --> 00:32:23.899 same message 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.799 that he speaks 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.579 to the church 00:32:25.579 --> 00:32:26.379 today. 00:32:27.899 --> 00:32:29.019 If we want 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.579 to see a 00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:30.379 healthy church 00:32:30.379 --> 00:32:31.179 the church's 00:32:31.179 --> 00:32:32.899 message has 00:32:32.899 --> 00:32:33.479 to remain 00:32:33.479 --> 00:32:34.379 focused on 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:34.859 the gospel 00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:35.500 of grace. 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:37.420 the church 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:39.059 leaders have 00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:39.619 to be about 00:32:39.619 --> 00:32:40.539 protection and 00:32:40.539 --> 00:32:41.559 care not 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:42.640 power and 00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:43.200 control. 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:44.940 And the 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:45.440 church's 00:32:45.440 --> 00:32:47.339 finances are 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:48.160 to be directed 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:48.980 towards the 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.839 weak and 00:32:49.839 --> 00:32:50.380 the poor 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:51.819 not the 00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:52.440 improvement 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:53.720 of the 00:32:53.720 --> 00:32:54.220 church's 00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:54.859 lifestyle. 00:32:56.119 --> 00:32:57.140 This is 00:32:57.140 --> 00:32:57.579 what will 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:58.680 lead to a 00:32:58.680 --> 00:32:59.640 healthy church 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:01.039 and a 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.839 healthy church 00:33:01.839 --> 00:33:02.740 that grasps 00:33:02.740 --> 00:33:03.579 these things 00:33:03.579 --> 00:33:05.180 will become 00:33:05.180 --> 00:33:05.620 a church 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:06.640 that transforms 00:33:06.640 --> 00:33:08.000 their life 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:08.660 and the 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:09.220 community 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:10.400 society 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:11.279 and the 00:33:11.279 --> 00:33:11.680 nation 00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:12.720 all around 00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:13.200 us. 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:14.580 This is 00:33:14.580 --> 00:33:15.220 what will 00:33:15.220 --> 00:33:15.840 bring true 00:33:15.840 --> 00:33:16.279 life. 00:33:17.060 --> 00:33:17.500 This is 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:17.880 what will 00:33:17.880 --> 00:33:18.180 bring 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:19.240 lasting 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:19.940 change. 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:21.820 Let's pray 00:33:21.820 --> 00:33:22.560 together. 00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:38.200 Father, help 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:38.859 us to be 00:33:38.859 --> 00:33:41.539 people who 00:33:41.539 --> 00:33:42.539 hear clearly 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:45.099 what you 00:33:45.099 --> 00:33:45.579 are saying 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:46.259 to us 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.319 as a 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:47.700 church. 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:53.319 please help 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:53.900 us to be 00:33:53.900 --> 00:33:54.400 always 00:33:54.400 --> 00:33:55.039 talking 00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:56.819 about the 00:33:56.819 --> 00:33:57.240 grace 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:59.240 of God's 00:33:59.240 --> 00:33:59.620 gospel. 00:34:01.080 --> 00:34:01.840 Help us 00:34:01.840 --> 00:34:02.200 to keep 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:02.960 that central. 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:04.779 Help us 00:34:04.779 --> 00:34:05.319 to practice 00:34:05.319 --> 00:34:05.620 it. 00:34:05.740 --> 00:34:06.039 Help us 00:34:06.039 --> 00:34:06.420 to live 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:06.640 it. 00:34:06.640 --> 00:34:06.759 Amen. 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.380 We pray 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:12.740 for the 00:34:12.740 --> 00:34:13.280 leaders of 00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:13.940 this church 00:34:13.940 --> 00:34:16.139 church, that 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:16.619 we would be 00:34:16.619 --> 00:34:17.159 people who 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:17.800 care well 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:18.519 and protect 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:19.980 the flock. 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:23.300 And we 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:23.740 pray for 00:34:23.740 --> 00:34:24.579 ourselves that 00:34:24.579 --> 00:34:25.380 we would all 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:25.880 be good 00:34:25.880 --> 00:34:26.639 shepherds to 00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:27.200 one another, 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:29.300 taking 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:30.320 responsibility 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:30.460 responsibility 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:32.019 to care 00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:32.440 for one 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:34.300 another, and 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:34.559 to be 00:34:34.559 --> 00:34:35.400 accountable to 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:35.920 one another. 00:34:39.240 --> 00:34:39.980 Help us 00:34:39.980 --> 00:34:41.400 to see how 00:34:41.400 --> 00:34:41.880 much we 00:34:41.880 --> 00:34:42.820 have received, 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:45.620 and to be 00:34:45.620 --> 00:34:46.420 generous in 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:46.920 our giving 00:34:46.920 --> 00:34:48.920 to those 00:34:48.920 --> 00:34:49.280 who are 00:34:49.280 --> 00:34:49.600 weak. 00:34:53.140 --> 00:34:53.960 We thank 00:34:53.960 --> 00:34:54.480 you for all 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:54.980 that you are 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:55.820 doing among 00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:58.180 us, and 00:34:58.180 --> 00:34:58.800 we pray that 00:34:58.800 --> 00:34:59.160 we would 00:34:59.160 --> 00:34:59.780 continually 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:01.800 fall in 00:35:01.800 --> 00:35:03.580 line with 00:35:03.580 --> 00:35:04.100 what it is 00:35:04.100 --> 00:35:04.560 to be a 00:35:04.560 --> 00:35:05.360 healthy church. 00:35:05.820 --> 00:35:06.420 Help us to 00:35:06.420 --> 00:35:07.100 take away the 00:35:07.100 --> 00:35:07.600 things that 00:35:07.600 --> 00:35:08.280 are unhealthy, 00:35:09.160 --> 00:35:10.519 and show us 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:11.360 how we should 00:35:11.360 --> 00:35:11.600 be. 00:35:12.700 --> 00:35:13.260 And we pray 00:35:13.260 --> 00:35:13.800 that through 00:35:13.800 --> 00:35:15.180 us, you 00:35:15.180 --> 00:35:15.820 would continue 00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:16.500 your mission 00:35:16.500 --> 00:35:17.860 in this world 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:19.000 and in this 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:21.320 community, and 00:35:21.320 --> 00:35:21.800 that people 00:35:21.800 --> 00:35:22.460 will come to 00:35:22.460 --> 00:35:22.940 see the 00:35:22.940 --> 00:35:24.080 wonder of 00:35:24.080 --> 00:35:24.700 your kingdom, 00:35:25.500 --> 00:35:26.100 and the 00:35:26.100 --> 00:35:26.840 transformation 00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:28.220 that Christ 00:35:28.220 --> 00:35:28.780 alone can 00:35:28.780 --> 00:35:29.080 bring. 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:31.380 we ask it 00:35:31.380 --> 00:35:31.740 all in 00:35:31.740 --> 00:35:32.040 Jesus' 00:35:32.260 --> 00:35:32.480 name. 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:33.840 Amen. 00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:33.960 Amen.