16 August 2018 – Acts 20:27-35 (NIV)
August 10, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Scripture
27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Reflection
Last words are powerful. The things that you absolutely want someone to know if they never see you again… “be on guard”! That warning wasn’t just for the individual, but also for the leaders of the flock, for the community, as even among them false teaching would arise. Are you in a position where you oversee a group of people? Are you keeping watch over yourself and over the flock? On a personal level, loving His Word and knowing God more are part of constantly checking what is taught so that Jesus’ followers are not led astray. On a communal level, our faith is refined and in check when we are surrounded by a community that truly treasures the Word, cares for each others’ growth and are willing to dig into the Word together (Su).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for wisdom, healing and peace across your home country.