As we get into the text today, we have a theme. That theme is about taking care of needs within the church, which is something that Paul always does well. In the first 6 verses of chapter 20, we get a picture of the Apostle doing Apostle things.
- Paul leaves Ephesus after the whole riot thing, and heads to meet Titus in a place called Troas to catch up about what was going on in Corinth. The only issue is Titus wasn’t where he was supposed to be, so Paul leaves to head to Corinth. The two bump into each other in Macedonia, catching up on things concerning the Corinthians. Paul, inspired by the spirit, sits down and pens out a little letter we like to call 2 Corinthians.
- After that, Paul plans to set sail from Corinth, but the Jews are after him again. So Paul calls an audible mid-play, and pivots to head back the way he came. On the way he picks up a group of guys, to include Timothy and Luke. He and Luke ultimately send the guys ahead to meet them in Troas.
I want us to notice Paul's ability to focus on the MACRO and MICRO. He wasn’t pigeon holed into one title or gifting. He was a church planter, missionary, AND encourager. He took time while accomplishing the massive call that God handed him, to care for his brother’s and sisters as well.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:37–39.
How we live out life really matters:
32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matt 25:32–40.
- Acts 20:7 Serving starts with Jesus:
- 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. Ac 20:7.
- Son of Man came not to be served but to serve Matt 20:28.
- We don’t serve for Jesus, we serve because of Him.
2. Acts 20:10 Serving happens when we choose proximity:
- I know it seems pretty cut and dry that Paul should have helped this kid out… I mean, what was he going to do, walk off?
- Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Ro 12:15.
- “Jesus wept.” John 11:35
3. Acts 10:13-16: Serving is a lifestyle:
- A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34–35.
- In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt 5:16.
“The world doesn’t learn about God by reading the bible or watching Christian movies. The world learns about God by watching Christians.”— Phil Vischer
