Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 10, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 20. This chapter covers the final leg of Paul’s third missionary journey. After spending 3 years in Ephesus, Paul visits the churches in Macedonia and Greece. After a few months in Corinth, Paul backtracks to Philippi, Troas, and meets with the Ephesian leadership in Miletus. As we trace Paul’s final journey, we learn a lot about a man that treasured Jesus. We see what he valued most, where he spent his time, how he handled crisis, and what he talked about with his closest friends. These principles challenge us to ask, “Does my life look like I treasure Jesus?”
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Reflecting on Matthew 13:44, what does a life completely surrendered to Jesus look like? Is there an “old field” you need to let go of?
We see in Acts 20, and throughout scripture Paul was not concerned with his comfort or safety but focused on finishing the race that Jesus set out for him to run. Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if you are more concerned with comfort and safety or completing the work that Jesus has for you to do.
Paul surrounded himself with other believers who would encourage him and had the same mission, not people who would challenge or question his work. Do you surround yourself with other believers with the same charge? Are you close to people in our church where they would know what is going on in your life?
Eutychus fell out of the 3rd story window as Paul preached; Paul reacted to this crisis with compassion. Do you respond to problems with this type of compassion?
In Acts 20, Paul reminded the elders from Ephesus of how he lived and ministered when he was with them and throughout his missionary journeys. His life was characterized by humility, tears, perseverance, and boldness in preaching in private and public. Are these the things that describe your life?
Do you treasure Jesus above all else? Does your calendar, business, thoughts, words, and bank account reflect that Jesus is your treasure?