Resources which seem feeble have a vital part in the accomplishment of our mission. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of Gods grace. "With joy," with cheerfulness and satisfaction of mind. If you have enjoyed this devotional, share with Facebook using the button below or pin the graphic above to Pinterest. When you start a race, you don't always think about the finish, but you should. Hearken! he had been "instant in season and out of season" in the pursuit of that one grand work of "testifying the gospel of the grace of God." It is good news from a far country. Were the warnings to keep him from going? Try it free today! Strengthen Your Relationship with God Through Daily Prayer. he saw a portal over which was written "Mercy." The prize was infinitely worthy of the work, the race, the fight. (2) In the gospel there is also revealed a motive for mercy which is in agreement with the grace of God. Start your free trial today! Finding this good news, Paul immediately dumped all the points he had gained in keeping the law, and opted for the righteousness of Jesus Christ accounted to him through faith. A third John CalvinThe Institutes of the Christian Religion. HE GOES ON, "SO THAT I MIGHT FINISH MY COURSE WITH JOY." To him life was a race, and, like a good runner, he thought of the goal as the recompense for all the difficulties of the way. And whosoever preaches perfection (as the phrase is,) that is, asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them worse than a heathen man or a publican. If the world despise him, he knows how to despise the world in return. But I am not worried about this. 12:27-29. I. It is a great gift of God, to think deliberately, to speak discreetly, to act wisely. Paul is about to head to Jerusalem and he knows that it is a dangerous place for him to go. Or (2) Perseverance unto the end. And when these two things meet together, the weakness of our virtue and the strength of a well-timed and well-managed temptation, how great must our danger be! He could not then tell what to do, for the storm waxed yet more furious: when lo! He wants me to tell others about the good news of Gods grace. These are men that had labored for the Lord with him while he was with them for three years. "For the joy that was set before Him," etc. "Neither count I my life dear to myself." The other reaches out to God and others, and finds its joy in glorifying Him and blessing them. Then since not all have the ability, why upon this pretext do all want to have nothing else to do? IV. Man's course is charted (Made ready): Yet, Christians run on the uncharted ground; Never knowing what is up ahead or around the bend. . If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.--I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man, . Pastor Joy Mitchell wraps a year in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and using scripture Acts 20:22-24 talks about how we are Finishing the Race. Paul had an extremely strong will. Acts 20:24 Sermons: But I make my life an account of - Bible Hub We are concerned in gratitude to God, and from a sense of kindness, to perform the Christian duty and finish our course, which is not only a wise and reasonable service, but made easy under all its difficulties by Divine aids. Its only for gung-ho types, who probably signed up for the Green Berets during Vietnam. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. We lose all we have been doing, as well as all we expect. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given methe task of testifying to the good news of Gods grace. 27:32): "Of all the tithes of oxen and sheep and goats, that pass under the shepherd's rod, every tenth that cometh shall be sanctified to the Lord." 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. 'So that I may finish my course,' said he wistfully; whilst before him there lay dangers clearly discerned and others that had all Alexander MaclarenExpositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, Parting Words [Footnote: Preached Prior to a Long Absence in Australia. (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. God hath said, "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. . He was able to face what lay ahead of him because he trusted God with his life and he knew how to walk in God's grace and to do it with joy. d. In Caesarea the prophet Agabus again warned Paul that he was going to be bound and turned over to the Gentiles when he went to Jerusalem. There will be always something to do as long as we live, though life were extended to never so great a length, towards finishing our course and coming off well at last. We had as good do nothing as not to do to the purpose. Why should every Christian flee from the American dream? Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I. 3. Most of the following specimens of ancient manuscripts are taken from Scrivener's Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament. Amen, Bro. See that it be immediately performed and attended to. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular. Sermon Notes for Acts 20:24 by Chuck Smith - Blue Letter Bible And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching Alexander MaclarenExpositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, Christian Perfection"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." A DIVINE CREATION. In what ways is the Christian life like the Olympics? Wesley's New Testament (1755) If you have time, you may decide to volunteer at church, but only if its convenient. If our lives and words betray the gospel of Gods grace, we are in some sense guilty of the blood of those who were tainted by our failure (20:26). They needed help in the work. How shall we know the difference between the earthly and the heavenly love? And what if you should die in the meantime, and be called off the stage of the world, while you are only considering and designing, and before you begin to act a proper part in it, or have done anything in order to it? We have discussed before on Day 13 of our 30 Bible Verses About God's Amazing Grace, bible reading plan that Paul had a total transformation of heart toward Jesus and His disciples. The longer you continue in this state the farther you are from your end. The other reaches out to God and others, and finds its joy in glorifying Him and blessing them. "It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive" (Acts xx. We believe in creating a space where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their gifts and use them for God's glory. Be focused. 5:16) forbids those widows who have other means of livelihood to live on the alms of the Church, so that the Church may have "sufficient for them that are widows indeed." They got into conflicts with their fellow workers. "Received of the Lord Jesus.". THE FACT THAT A MAN WAS ABLE TO SAY OF ALL THE AFFLICTIONS OF LIFE, "NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME." And this our Lord has taught us to desire. 27). Thus whether youre a waiter, an accountant, a carpenter, or a housewife, if youre a Christian you must see yourself as being in the ministry, just as Im in the ministry. The stubborn will keeps him going on his purposes even though the Spirit may be seeking to warn him otherwise. Paul uses the phrase preaching the kingdom (20:25) as parallel with the gospel of the grace of God (20:24). II. 27). Is the means by which the Father loveth, acteth, createth, redeemeth, governeth, and perfecteth all things. Poetical Books I don't care how great of a start you had. How shall we know the difference between the earthly and the heavenly love? Acts 20:24The New King James Version. contrariwise. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.--ACTS 20:19. 27:30), "All tithes of the land, whether of corn or of the fruits of trees, are the Lord's," and further on (Lev. To this purpose the apostle directs (Hebrews 6:11). You live a pared-down lifestyle and give away lots of money to the Lords work. This Person differs in nothing, from the Father, but only in this that He is begotten of Him. C. Paul was anxious to finish his course with joy. They started with gusto. Or, you may even give up the comforts of America and go live in difficult conditions to reach people for Jesus. Phil. He did not value his life. "It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive" (Acts xx. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Acts 20:24 KJ21 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:22-24 The Message ( MSG) "But there is another urgency before me now. Acts 20:24 NKJV - But none of these things move | Biblia General Character. It's my love for myself that would cause me to ask God to send them back. All rights reserved. The dominance of the same ruling thought finds utterance once again in his last Epistle (2Timothy 4:7). 3:16). HE GOES ON, "SO THAT I MIGHT FINISH MY COURSE WITH JOY." We must place ourselves under the entire direction of the revealed teaching of the Holy Spirit. But my life means nothing to me. He said in Acts 20:22, "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there" Yet he still went. In his first visit after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, the church was very wary of him some of them even questioned his conversion. Endure embarrassment; it will pave way to your victory. 3:3-4). Then since not all have the ability, why upon this pretext do all want to have nothing else to do? Paul told these men, For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (20:27). The trick is not just to begin well, but to finish well. 12. He wanted them, just as we want for ourselves, to sprint across the finish line, not to drop out of the race. When you seek God's presence, you will be filled with His grace, strength, and joy to do the work that is laid before you. He is of the same mind in everything in all worlds, loveth the same objects in as infinite a measure. Think of the anxiety as you faced the final countdown! Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes under a Necessity of Precept? 1. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. To hold on a consistent life, through God's grace, to the end; and when that end comes, to put no shame on our profession; but to be able to "testify the grace of God," and glorify a dying hour; and then, as we pass away, to see the crown waiting in our Saviour's hand, and to have the full and confident expectation that we are going to receive the recompense. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms. 2. He could willingly "suffer the loss of all things," and even "count them but dung," that the great cause might be served (Romans 8:18). 18-20, 26, 27). When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the captain of the ship sought to turn him back. Connect: Join me on Facebook and Instagram for daily encouragement. Fears, discouragements, how many, and from how many sources! I pray God that you remove my selfishness so I follow what's best for You, not what's best for me. A. (1) Our course is by the appointment and will of God. 8-13). "How can I be forgiven?" We should live each day all-out for the Lord, knowing that if He brings trials into our lives, He will also give us the grace to endure them. Acts 20:24. I think Ill opt for an easier course. Because Paul didnt see himself as a volunteer for Jesus. Is not it always to be "living witnesses" by our life by our words by our works to the gospel the great, gladdening process the perfect goodness and free favour of God. 4:3. To that house come in and be at rest. c. In chapter 21 verse 4 certain disciples in the church in Tyre told Paul by the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, The Whole Bible You may not like the food, you may not like your living quarters, and you may not like where the army assigns you to go. But the fact that what was aspiration whilst he was in the very thick of his difficulties came to be calm retrospect at the close is to me very beautiful and significant. (5) Unless we finish our course, all we have done in the meantime will be lost and in vain. By having a deep inner life which supersedes that outer life, which to every natural man is everything. 4. Independence. Besides, we are under the strongest obligations to God. 11. What did Paul mean when he said he had kept the faith? American Standard Version And it should be our daily endeavour that the longer we live the better we may be, more refined from all sinful and earthly allay, more improved and confirmed in the Divine life, and fitted for the heavenly state, that our last days may be our best days, and our last works more than the first. When you live. Excitement of travelling. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. But now, on the other hand, when a Christian forsakes his profession and lets go his confidence; when the prevalence of sin and the power of temptation carry him off, and he is again entangled and overcome; how dishonourable is it to religion, what a reflection does it cast upon the Divine grace! We have here , 1. Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 1. We must be prepared and resolved against difficulties and trials in our way. Acts 20:24 NIV - However, I consider my life worth - Bible Gateway He fled to the next house, the mansion of Truth. When Paul first met Jesus he asked, "What would you have me to do Lord?". Cause of the erroneous idea that faith is produced by repentance. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry . Monach. The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave meto tell people the Good News about God's grace. 5. All rights reserved worldwide. "I have not Shunned to Declare unto You all the Counsel of God" (Acts xx. Those who are not moved by any reason of humanity or charity, ought at least to be somewhat moved by the authority John CalvinOf Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith, Our Inheritance"And 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 them which are sanctified." Acts 20:24 - Bible.com He had relentlessly persecuted the Christians because of his religious beliefs but then God spoke to him on the Damascus road and through God's amazing grace, Paul transformed from being a hate-filled villain to a passionate hero for Jesus!
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