It is essential that we be sanctified if indeed we have been justified

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

Paul refers to believers as “those who are sanctified.” Does this mean that we are only saved when we are sufficiently sanctified? Does it mean that our justification is contingent upon our sanctification? No it does not. But let us not think little of sanctification, or that it is somehow optional.

All who are justified (those who upon trusting in Christ are declared by God to be righteous) begin the life long process of sanctification (growing in holiness as we become progressively more like what God has already declared us to be).

The Roman church confuses this, teaching that justification is dependent on sanctification—works = justification (salvation.) Biblical Christianity teaches that justification, solely the work of God, is necessarily followed by sanctification, which is the work of God, that we participate in by God’s grace.

All who are justified will be sanctified (some more, some less), and then glorified when taken to Heaven. Those who are not sanctified do not end up not being justified—they never were justified.

Sanctification is a validation that one has already been justified by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. So let us cooperate with the Holy Spirit and grow in holiness as we are sanctified.

Eyes on the Lord, not on His servants

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

Though Paul had invested so much in the people and church in Ephesus, he knew full well whose sheep they were—God’s. That is why he didn’t tell them that they were answerable to him, but commended them to God, and to the word of God’s grace. No matter who our how gifted a church leader is, the only true authority is God and the leader’s only authority is the word of God that the leader speaks. And if the leaders is speaking the Word of God, he may not only speak of grace, but he will always speak of grace. Think about that.

Why point people to God, to the Word, and to God’s grace? Paul answers that question. Only God, God’s Word, and God’s grace can build us up and sanctify us.

Thank God for human leaders given by Christ to His Church (Ephesians 4:11-12). But fix your eyes and your hope on God, on His Word, and on His grace.

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (4)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:31

As we have discussed, these is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long a pastor should say in the same church. Pastors, congregations, and circumstances are all different.

As a young pastor I heard a more seasoned pastor I respected say, “Sometimes the pastor should go to a different church. The trick,” he said, “is for the pastor to know when it is time to go before the people do. Better to leave a hero than a goat.” I am not sure why those words have stuck with me, especially since I have served in the same church since January of 1985, over 37 years.

At this point, it would be most unlikely for me to leave this church to go to another church. First, because I do not want to go anywhere else. Second, what other church would want a man my age? The reality is, however, unless I die while pastoring this church, the day may come when it is time for me to step aside for a younger man to assume the responsibility of being the preaching pastor at GBC.

I want to preach until my last day. But let us pray that I will know when God wants me to step aside before the congregation collectively thinks I have overstayed my usefulness.

Until then, we begin Romans this Sunday. The last time I preached Romans there were 104 messages spread over 5 years. And since I hate not finishing what I have started, I have no plans of going anywhere soon! To God be the glory!

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (3)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31

Paul stayed in different churches for different lengths of time—three years in Ephesus. We’ve been considering how long a pastor should stay in the same church. Stated a different way, when should a pastor change churches? There is no standard answer that fits every situation, but the reality is…

Sometimes a pastor needs to be “fired.” This should be rare! But if he begins to drift theologically, is not leading biblically, or is leading the church in the direction of a new ministry fad instead of deeper into the Bible, and if the man will not repent, he must be let go.

Sometimes a church needs to be fired! I knew a man whose church insisted on being a stuffy little group with no interest in evangelism or growth. After trying to shepherd them in a more biblical direction, he eventually told them, “You people have no vision! I can’t stay in a church that has no vision.” He left and eventually the church closed it’s doors.

There are some wonderful joys that accompany a long term pastorate. It is a rare delight to witness God’s work not only in a church, but in families in that church over multiple generations. I have had the joy of baptizing young people whose parents I also baptized when they were young people. I have officiated weddings for young people whose parents I married years earlier. It is hard to put into words what a delight that is!

I know I am biased, but while there are times when it is acceptable and even right for a pastor to leave a church and the church to welcome a new shepherd—when it works out, I believe a long tenure is preferable to a short tenure.

Next time: Staying or leaving?

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (2)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31

We began last time considering how long a pastor should stay in one place shepherding the same congregation. We said there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The first consideration we wrote of is Gifting. Some men are called and gifted by God to plant churches, and these usually stay on 2-5 years.

Most pastors are not called by God to be church planters. How long should they stay in on church? Again, there is no magic answer.

New opportunities or the search for greener grass? Pastors sometimes leave a church for reasons that may or may not be good. Leaving a smaller church to pastor a larger church may be God’s will. Those who do this need to be sure that are being led by the Lord rather than by the desire for more people and a “more prestigious position.”

Sometimes pastors leave because either they are tired of the church, or the church is tired of them. Again, this may be an indicator that both pastor and congregation need a change. But there are times when both parties need to learn to adapt to each other. Hopefully, we do not bolt from our marriages at the first sign of disaffection! Neither should we from our churches!

Autobiographically: There was a time (in the days of Shiloh Community Church) that I was being interviewed for a pastorate in another church (ironically it was smaller!). I was unhappy where I was and there were many here who were unhappy with me. I was counseled by a seasoned pastor to answer one question: “Are you running to something or away from something?” The answer to that question caused me to decline the other position. I needed to stay, deny myself, work hard, and wait on the Lord. The last nearly two decades have proven that (with the aid of godly counsel) I discerned God’s will accurately and made the wise choice!

How long should a pastor stay in the same church? (1)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31

The Apostle Paul was a church planting pastor. As a church planter, the Lord brought together and raised up a number of congregations under Paul’s pioneering leadership. As a pastor, Paul served as a shepherd to those congregations, though usually not for a startlingly short time. Two congregations in which he stayed markedly longer were Corinth (probably for around 18 months), and Ephesus for three years.

How long should a pastor stay in one place shepherding the same congregation? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some variables that may cause a pastor to have tenures of various lengths.

Gifting. God gifts and calls some men to plant several churches over the course of their ministries. These men will usually stay at the newborn church until a more long term pastor takes over. This often takes two to five years. As a uniquely gifted Apostle, Paul was frequently off to plan another church much quicker, but his example is not normative. Church planting missionaries almost always aim to move on to plant another church as quickly as each new church is established.

Autobiographically: In 1985, when the Lord raised up Grace Bible Church of Moorpark (originally Shiloh Community Church) Frances and I didn’t think we would serve here long term. We had thoughts of leaving to plant another church in nearby Fillmore after 18-24 months. We are still here after 37.5 years! That reminds me of Proverbs 19:21 “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” Plans are great, but write them in pencil, not in ink!

Shepherds and sheep

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31

Paul wanted the Ephesian elders to remember how he served them—not only with diligence and doctrinal purity, but also with passion: “with tears.” Not everyone is equally demonstrable regarding tears. But with or without actual tears, responsible shepherds of God’s people think about, are concerned for, and even worry about the sheep. Why? Because spiritually minded shepherds love Christ and therefore love His people.

Because the mortal shepherds of God’s sheep are sheep as well—and are therefore fallible, and yes, even sinful—we make mistakes, we drop the ball, we fail, and we sometimes disappoint people. But rest assured that unless a shepherd is a false one, he earnestly loves and cares for the sheep.

Application #1: Shepherds love God’s people. And this applies to more than elders and deacons in the church. May all who serve do so motivated by love for Christ and for His people.

Application #2: “Remember” (as Paul said) how your earthly shepherds lovingly and even passionately serve. Thank God for them. Pray for them. And be forgiving when they are less than perfect.

False teachers and their teachings

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31

Paul’s warning was not exclusively to and for the Ephesian church and their elders. Sadly, where there is truth, there have always been those who oppose and teach contrary to the truth.

Some teach error because they are untrained. This is why properly trained elders (and especially vocational pastors) are a must! Ignorance of sound doctrine can be averted and remedied by means of rigorous training.

Others teach error because they are false prophets. They are trained, all right, but only to be more skilled in promulgating false doctrine. The Church, every local church, and the leaders in every church must have discernment to detect false doctrine so that it can be exposed, and refuted. And if false prophets do not genuinely repent, they must be denounced, warned against, and put out.

And note that Paul warned not only about false prophets who come into the Church from without (including via books, TV, podcasts, etc.), but they will sometimes rise up from within the Church. Sadly, some preachers and teachers who seem to start well drift and actually become false prophets.

What are we to do? (1) We must all know the truth. When we know the truth well, error becomes increasingly obvious. Knowing the truth means knowing holy scriptures! (2) We must pray for discernment that only the Holy Spirit can give us. (3) We must be loving and bold when it comes to error. We do not want to shoot first and ask questions later. But we must be prepared to call out false teaching and teachers.

Important Footnote: Being discerning means knowing the difference between “differences of opinions” regarding matters that are less clear, and about which believers may disagree—and being able to know the difference between true and false doctrine regarding essential and non-negotiable truths.

Testifying to the gospel (3.b)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

We’ve been looking at three ways Paul described following and serving the Lord: finishing the race—well; serving in the ministry; testifying to the gospel of the grace of God. Last time we answered the question: What is the gospel? This time: How are we to testify of the gospel?

The most essential way believers are to testify of the gospel of the grace of God is to be sure we understand it so that we can communicate it to others. Sadly, many believers think they are testifying of the gospel by inviting people to church or encouraging them to clean up some area in their lives that is particularly sinful. Neither of those is the gospel. Unsure what the gospel is? Go back and read yesterday’s blog. Those are the essential components of the gospel.

A simple way of remembering the gospel is the “Three Rs.” (1) All people are RUINED by sin. (2) Jesus is the only REMEDY for our sin. (3) Each must RECEIVE Christ (by trusting in Him and repenting of sin).

Getting the gospel straight, even when stating it as simply as the Three Rs, is essential because the gospel (not how beautifully we explain it) is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16).

Yes, we are to live exemplary Christian lives, but no matter how we live, our example can save no one. To be saved, people need to hear the gospel. So tell the gospel—and then live an exemplary Christian life, not instead of telling the gospel, but to validate that you believe it!

Testifying to the gospel (3.a)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

We’ve been looking at three ways Paul described following and serving the Lord. The first was the importance of finishing the race—and finishing well. The second was serving in the ministry. The third was his priority of testifying to the gospel of the grace of God. This of course is of greatest importance, for no matter how faithfully we serve, without the gospel, all else is for naught! Two questions: (1) What is the gospel? (2) How are we to testify of the gospel?

The Gospel (good news) of the grace of God is simply this:

• God is supremely holy and requires those created in His image (human beings) to be holy as He is (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16).

• Everyone of us has failed miserably to be holy and are therefore deserving of God's just condemnation (Romans 3:23, 6:23, Luke 18:13-14).

• But because God is every bit as gracious as He is holy, He has provided one (and only one) way to be forgiven. God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, died in the place of those He came to save and then rose from the dead, thereby paying sin’s penalty and providing the necessary righteousness for them to enter Heaven (John 3:16).

• To receive the benefit of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, one must acknowledge one’s sin and need for forgiveness, trust in Christ alone for forgiveness, and turn from sin to follow Jesus as the Lord of one’s life (even though none turns from sin perfectly in this life). (Romans 10:9-10, Proverbs 28:13)

That is the gospel. Have you acknowledged your sin and need for forgiveness? Have you trusted in Christ alone for forgiveness? Have you turned from sin to follow Jesus as the Lord of your life (though imperfectly)? If so, you are a Christian. If you haven’t, I pray you do—soon!

Next time, how are believers to testify of the gospel of God’s grace?

Serving in the ministry (2)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

We began this section of Acts last time by considering the first of three ways Paul described following and serving the Lord: the importance of finishing the race—and finishing well. The second of three: Paul also spoke about his desire to serve in the ministry. What does that mean and how do we do this?

Lets begin by remembering how Jesus spoke numerous times about the importance of serving, even as He served (Matthew 20:25-28).

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

But how de we serve? First, we are not all gifted in the same way, so we do not all serve in the same way (just like every part of our physical bodies functions differently so the body is whole; Romans 12:4-5).

Second, what we may like to do might be an indicator of how God has gifted us. But remember that Jeremiah and Jonah didn’t want to do what God called them to do, so begin with things you like, but be willing to serve in ways you might not like!

Third, look for needs and try serving when and where needed. See if God blesses your efforts. This is a great way to discover where God may indeed be gifting you.

Fourth, don’t give up too quickly. Do something for a while before giving up. Many new things seem awkward at first. We often discover God’s gifting as we stay at it for a reasonable length of time.

Fifth, because life changes, be open to trying new things. And because as we age we are often not physically able to do things we used to be able to do. Be open to serving in different ways. Many older saints can serve the Lord only in behind the scenes ways. Prayer and giving others words of encouragement are ministries that even the weak, infirmed, and those house-bound can do.

The bottom line is remembering that service is not about the server (ourselves), but about those being served (others).

The third of the three, Paul wanted to testify to the gospel of the grace of God, next time.

Finishing the race (1)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

Paul’s words, “but none of these things move me” are not the apathetic words of one who does not care about anything. No, Paul care deeply but his priority care was not about himself, his hopes, and dreams, or even his own life. His chief concern was to be the man God called him to be and do the things God called him to do. He cared about that more than what people thought of him or even whether he lived or died. I wonder whether my devotion to God is truly that resolute. You?

Note the first of three ways Paul spoke of his devotion to following and serving God.

He wanted to finish the race. The Christian life is a race. Too many think of being born again as the finish line, but that is only the beginning. We run the race for the rest of our lives. It is a long distance race, not a short sprint. The race is fraught with ups and downs, triumphs and trials, great hopes and sometimes deep despair. But we must continue to run until we cross the finish line at the moment of our deaths and enter the presence of the Lord. Only then will the struggle against the world, the flesh, the devil, and with our sin be forever behind us. Though Paul doesn’t explicitly say that he wanted to finish the race strongly, I believe that is implied.

Age and/or the loss of physical strength may disallow us to run in the same ways we ran when younger. Let us strive earnestly to finish well spiritually, even if not physically. Let us cultivate hearts and minds of love, joy [Paul does mention joy], peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23). May these be what define us so that we are more like Christ when we finish the race than when we began.

When that happens, we can follow and serve the Lord in many ways, if our physical and even mental strength diminish as we continue to worship, pray, and bless people.

Whether we die in our prime or at the end of a long and tiring race, let us finish well.

The second of three, Paul wanted to serve in the ministry, next time.

Two things we can be sure of

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. Acts 20:22-23

Last time we considered going forward in faith though we do not know the future. There are things, however, that we can be assured of. Let me remind you of two.

First, persecution (as well as trials of every sort) is a certainty in this life. Job 5:2 reminds us, “Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.” And Jesus likewise reminded us in John 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulation.” And speaking of persecution, remember Paul’s words to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:12) “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Paul didn’t know precisely what was ahead for him in Jerusalem, but he counted on persecution. So ought we.

Second, as believers in Jesus Christ, who are “in Him,” no matter what we run into in this life, we can count on God’s complete, perfect and eternal forgiveness of our sins. Why? Because though we were dead in our trespasses and the uncircumcision of our flesh, He has made alive together with Him [Christ], having forgiven us of ALL trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us [speaking of our sin debt]… And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross [on which Christ was crucified] (Colossians 2:13-14, adapted).

And do not miss that it is because of the assurance of forgiveness that we can triumph even in the reality of tribulation and persecution.

Because He loves us!

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there…
Acts 20:22

Paul truly “walked by faith,” and “not by sight.”  He knew he was go to Jerusalem, but he did not know what awaited him once there.  I have to admit (and I am sure that I am not the only one) I prefer to know what is ahead to not knowing.  Maybe I am a control freak, but I am not a big fan of surprises!

Following Christ, however, requires us to go where He leads and do what He commands even when we have no way of knowing what lies ahead.

As a word of comfort, the truth is, there are many more things that we are unsure of than we can be sure of in life.  How many times have we started out confident of what lies ahead, only to discover that what we anticipated didn’t turn out the way we were sure it would?  All of life requires more faith than we often realize.

The good news for we who know Christ is that the God who loves us, is in complete control of all things; so whether we think we know what is up ahead—or like Paul, have no idea—we need not fear or be anxious. In fact, it is a lack of faith when we are anxious. We can rest knowing that even if what befalls us is the last thing we would choose, God is in control and His plans are always for our good and for His glory.  Because He loves us!

Encouraging leaders

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Last time we considered how leaders in the Church must think if they are to take heed to all the flock. This time let us consider the flock’s responsibility to their leaders. Someone invented clergy appreciation month. Nice gesture and the cards are appreciated, but if you want to encourage your leaders, here are some things that are really encouraging:

Pray for them and for their families.

Participate. Few can participate every time the church doors are open, but attend as often as you are able. This includes not only Sunday worship, but Thursday worship, prayer meetings, Home Fellowships, and even work days. Nothing says “I care and am all in” like being there!

Put into practice what you learn. Medical doctors lament and patients wonder why their health fails improve when patients do not take the prescribed measures, whether medication, or diet, or exercise. Those who preach, teach, and/or counsel are doctors for your souls. As they take heed to you to, take heed to their biblical preaching, teaching, and/or counseling.

Pardon them. Remember that leaders are sheep too. As sheep, leaders are sinners who make mistakes. So when you pray for them, forgive them when they drop the ball.

Thinking like leaders

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Having considered Paul’s exhortation to take heed to ourselves, let’s think for a moment about the fact that these words were spoken to elders about taking heed to all the flock.(1) Leadership comes with responsibilities. Single people assume new responsibilities when they marry. Husbands and wives assume new responsibilities when they have children.(2) The same is true for elders, and their assistants, deacons.

It is challenging enough to take heed to oneself, but when one is responsible to hake heed for a congregation of people, the load of responsibility increases. To those who are elders (and deacons), or who may aspire to either of these biblical offices in the church, just as a parent sacrifices some personal freedom to care for children, so must you. Praying for, following up on, counseling, and assisting in practical ways are all part of the package.

One of the marks of a leader is that they think about their charges and their needs, a lot! When Frances and I are together with no other demand on our thoughts and conversation, we talk about our children, grandchildren, and the church. Thinking this way is a mark of leadership. Leaders think this way, even if they are not aware of it. If you are a leader or aspire to be, and if thinking this way doesn’t come naturally, ask the Lord to develop it in you.

Next time, a word to the flock about your leaders.

Notes:
(1) Note that the elders are to take heed to all the flock. Obviously, some in the flock need less care than others, but giving heed to all the flock means giving thought and care to all, neglecting none, even if some need less attention.
(2) One of the best ways to grow up and learn to be responsible is to marry and have children. It is little wonder that when people marry later and do not have children, they tend to be less responsible than those who marry and have children earlier.

Promised results of "taking heed"

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

We are considering Paul’s words to “take heed” to ourselves. The sense is that we must pay careful attention. To what? To ourselves—but not in a preoccupation with ourselves manner. Rather, as Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:16):

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

We are to “take heed” to ourselves in light of biblical doctrine. In other words, we must know ourselves and biblical doctrine, conforming ourselves to the unchanging Word of God. And, as Paul adds, we must “continue” in this endeavor so that we do not drift and fade away from the faith.

What is the promise we can expect if we continue to “take heed”? Salvation. Salvation is not a result of “taking heed.” No one can save themselves, much less others by how carefully we live. Salvation is solely a result of what Christ has done to save us by dying and rising from the dead to pay our sin debt. What Paul is promising to those who “take heed” and “continue” to do so is that our salvation will be validated by lives of “taking heed.” Additionally, that our lifestyles match our profession of faith in Christ goes a long way in influencing others as well.

Paul’s exhortation to “take heed” is urgently important, not only for elders but for every believer in Christ.

"Take heed..."

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Therefore—meaning, because of what has just been said. What has been said? Paul, you remember, was meeting with the Ephesian elders for the last time, and was giving them a few final words of exhortation and encouragement. He had reminded them of how he served the church in Ephesus. Therefore, in light of what they knew from his example and teaching, Paul exhorted the elders to “take heed.”

Synonyms for this Greek word translated “take heed,” include: “pay careful attention, be cautious, be on guard, devote thought to.” The idea is that as believers (and this applies to all believers, not just to elders!) we must be active (rather than passive) about following Christ. We must pay careful attention to Who and what we believe (Christ and His Word), and live accordingly. It is simply not good enough to believe in Jesus and then continue down life’s path as though we don’t.

In a parallel passage (1 Timothy 4:11-16), Paul exhorts young Timothy (v.16) to:

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Pay careful attention both to ourselves, and to biblical doctrine. How? By knowing both, and by conforming ourselves to the unchanging Word of God. Paul adds that we must “continue” in this endeavor. Why? Because we all have a proclivity to drift and to fade. So let us “take heed!”

What is the promise we can expect of we continue to take heed? More next time…

Who is responsible for what?

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
Acts 20:26

In verse twenty-six Paul declares that he was innocent of the blood of all men.(1) Why? Because he faithfully told them the gospel. To understand this we need to know what Paul knew about a prophecy in Ezekiel 3:17-19. In that passage, God told Ezekiel that if he delivered God’s message and the people rejected it, their blood (due to God’s wrath) would be on their own heads, but if he did not deliver God’s message, the people’s blood (due to God’s wrath) would be at least in part on Ezekiel’s hands.

This passage in Ezekiel is a solemn warning to believers who are commissioned to warn the lost of God’s wrath, and the only escape from that wrath: faith in Christ and repentance. The idea is that if we issue the warning and people reject it, we have done what we can and bear no culpability for what happens to them. But if we do not issue the warning, we bear a measure of responsibility.

To be clear, people are not condemned because believers did, or did not, declare the gospel. If that were literally so, believers would be lost for not witnessing. Not sharing Christ and the gospel is sin, but believers’ sins are forgiven. That fact does not make the sin of not sharing Christ any less sinful, but our salvation is not undone because of it.

And be clear about this, lost people are condemned for their own sins—not for the sins of believers who do not tell them about Christ.

So what is the point? It is a sober reminder to believers that declaring Christ and the gospel—or not—is indeed a big deal. Paul was merely saying that because he faithfully declared God’s message, he had done his part. Now it was up to those who heard the message either to believe and repent, or not. Can you and I say the same regarding the non-believers in our spheres of influence?

(1) Footnote: the words “all men,” refer (a) to all people, not merely all males; and (b) refer to all the people in Ephesus (the people to whom Paul was speaking), not all the people in the world.

Christians must never “get beyond” the gospel!

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

We have been considering what it means to declare the whole counsel of God. The most important and often most neglected aspect of the whole counsel of God is the gospel. Ironic isn’t it!? Sadly, many Christians think the gospel is only for the unsaved. After we are saved—so this misdirected thinking goes—believers need to move on to how to live the Christian life. Some even misunderstand, and therefore cite, Hebrews 6:1-2 to bolster their position.

Yes Believers do need instruction about living the Christian life, but the most essential instruction about living the Christian life is the gospel! Why? Because without the gospel, instruction on living the Christian life rapidly devolves into legalistic “do, do, do,” instead of trusting in Christ. You see, the gospel is the only correct motivation to live the Christian life because living the Christian life is a response to God’s saving grace—never a means of obtaining or securing that grace. That’s why Christians need to continually hear the gospel.

We are familiar with Romans 1:16: “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.” But salvation does not end with our initial justification. Salvation includes a lifetime of life-changing sanctification by which we grow in grace. The power of the gospel is no less essential for the sanctification part of our salvation as it is for the justification part of our salvation.

Read your Bible to know how to live the Christian life, but only always in light of the gospel that motivates and empowers Christian living.