When Paul was approaching his martyrdom, he wrote to Timothy, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 4. We must be prepared and resolved against difficulties and trials in our way. It was a spiritual appraisement. 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. To finish as he would desire he must keep his loins well girded. However when you are once saved, and begin to know the riches of His love and grace toward you through Jesus Christ, you will find that you will want to do all that you can for Him. These changing moons of doctrine are alienating the mass of the people from going to any place of worship at all. IV. And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God which the Lord, the righteous judge will give me on that day and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for Him to appear (2timothy 4:1-8).Paul was persistent and he persevered to finish the race strong and with joy. 1. 11. I confess that I do not totally understand what the Lord means when he tells Ezekiel that He will require the blood of wicked men from Ezekiels hand if he doesnt warn them of impending judgment. He will see that he is walking under right direction. His ministry. Cause of the erroneous idea that faith is produced by repentance. When he has the peace of a good conscience, relying on the consciousness of faithful labour, and on the assurance of Divine grace (vers. But I dont place any value on my own life. From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. They got into conflicts with their fellow workers. If the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesnt sound the warning, he is liable for the citys destruction. All rights reserved worldwide. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible I desire to speak mainly to my own friends, the members of my own congregation; and other friends who have come to give me a parting 'Godspeed' will forgive me if my observations have a more special bearing on those with whom I am more immediately connected. 3. Luke was first a follower of the apostles and then became close with Paul. Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may 'I have finished my course.'--2 TIM. Victory over fear and selfish calculation. Here is one precious unrecorded word, which was floating down to the ocean of oblivion when Paul drew it to shore and so enriched the world. Acts 20:22-24 The Message ( MSG) "But there is another urgency before me now. 1. The New Testament 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 of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. But these things dont count; nor do I hold 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 fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God. 2. 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. 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. I am sure that you can agree with me that none of us want to quit, no matter the hardships that come along in our race. His Lord to him was ever more than his own life. He has a great work to perform, and he is most anxious that nothing should mar it, or reflect discreditably upon the great purpose of the gospel. He will see that he is on the right road. The most popular option is to sign up to go to church when its convenient, drop a few bucks in the offering plate now and then, and live for the American dream of accumulating enough money and stuff to live a comfortable life. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. 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. I. 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. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Ministry is not just a task or sphere of service; it is a mentality or way of thinking that permeates all of life. 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. As a believer in Christ, you and I were bought at a price and we belong to God. Quoniam, cause xvi, qu. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. 12:3; 1 Cor. He who trusts himself will fall, for he has no power to help himself. Paul is saying that to finish the race, he put his ministry above even life itself. His one, "And there sat in the window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep; and while Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead." Prophets Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Short Devotional: Finishing The Race With Joy. It is well that this should[ be so. A second opinion concerning repentance considered. When He called people to radical self-denial, to the point of death (as taking up your cross implies), He was calling them to salvation! How committed are you to your assignment?Beloved; As believers, we encounter different people with all kinds of character.Are your members adding to or subtracting from you?If they are not adding value to your life, they are removing something valuable from your life and ministry. There appeared a great wonder. But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God's [precious, undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life]. 24). But it is not only so for he who has the life of grace is always looking on, through it, to the life of glory; and this life becomes, in the balance, very little, because he is always living on, by faith, in that life of glory, to which he is hastening. 7. Paul constantly animated by the prospect of the whole world the kingdom of Christ. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 1. Thats how Christians ought to see themselves. It is not enough to begin well, but we must finish our course too. (1) Our course is by the appointment and will of God. Not influenced by worldly motives. Thank you for registering. Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. I would consecrate it anew to Jesus in seeking the conversion of the remaining Cannibals on the New Hebrides (p. 496). I. FIRMNESS. Finishing Your Race with Joy - Acts 20:24 | Rev. c. When Peter said to Jesus, "Lord we have left all to follow you." In these days that word "grace" is not often heard; we hear of moral duties, and scientific adjustments, and human progress. But you serve anyway because you are under orders. [where 'we' can also be 'me'] (Part II). If Christ bought you with His blood, you belong to Him as His slave. About ten years later, some other missionaries had landed on another of the islands where the natives showed an interest in their teachings, and the Lord gave them about 3,500 converts in a short period of time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Discipleship, Spiritual Life, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. Some take it that Paul had an inner compulsion to go to Jerusalem, but it was not from the Holy Spirit. Paul uses the phrase preaching the kingdom (20:25) as parallel with the gospel of the grace of God (20:24). And this our Lord has taught us to desire. All I want is to finish what I must do with joy. 1. But, except, however. He wanted them, just as we want for ourselves, to sprint across the finish line, not to drop out of the race. --Acts 20:32. A. If following Christ meant hardship, slander, imprisonment, or death, he had settled the issue long ago. He laboured for the church; he gave up his comfort so that souls will be won for Christ. 27:30), "All tithes of the land, whether of corn or of the fruits of trees, are the Lord's," and further on (Lev. 1. And I was equally right in saying that such a prospect can do more; that it can make the Christian intrepid, nay triumphant, in the last hour, the trying conflict with death itself. Cf. 1. "Oh, but I am no speaker." Did they cease saying the will of the Lord be done, or did they cease seeking to dissuade him and just said, "Well the will of the Lord be done.". Today's devotional is based on Acts 20:24 which is from our. iv. But I dont reckon my life at any value, so long as I can finish my course, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of Gods grace. Let's take this journey. Acts 20. II. This cannot be reckoned among the moral precepts, because natural reason does not dictate that one Saint Thomas AquinasSumma Theologica, Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms?Objection 1: It would seem unlawful for religious to live on alms. Paul told the elders of the Ephesian church that he wanted to finish his race with joy (see Acts 20:24). With many tears he added his own personal testimony to his official statement. 1. Like a timely divine elixir! Thank you! 3:17-21; 33:1-9). Monach. These are men that had labored for the Lord with him while he was with them for three years. Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. Calmness. Minor Prophets Self-possession is a great secret of life; and I know no road to real self-possession but true religion. Cf. These mushroom gospels of the hour, which come and go like a penny newspaper, which has its day and then is thrown aside, have no claim on any man's zeal. Were the warnings to keep him from going? . Hearken! 2. When you start a race, you don't always think about the finish, but you should. He must make it known. How much do we pray for others, and how much for ourselves? Independence. It is a grand thing when a backslider is truly restored, but grander far when there is no backsliding from which to be restored. I have chosen these words with design, if possible, to disturb some part in this audience of half an hour's sleep, for the convenience and exercise whereof this place, at this season of the day, is very much celebrated. III. Labour earnestly to have the one strengthened and improved and the other mortified and subdued, that what is lacking may be perfected, and that you may strengthen the things which remain. But none of those things move me. I was right, then, when I affirmed that in view of the joyful termination of his course, the Christian can be prepared for every event of life. 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." The Christian course itself is a dispensation of grace, attended with singular privileges and great advantages, and vouchsafed to any place by special favour (Romans 6:14; 2 Corinthians 6:1). The joy of dwelling in His presence, in His kingdom forever. Upon finding Jesus Christ as Lord, he discovered that Jesus had kept the righteous demands for him, so that by believing in Jesus God had accounted him as being righteous. Give biblical support for your answer. Acts 20:24. (1). Think of the anxiety as you faced the final countdown! 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. Parting Words [Footnote: Preached Prior to a Long Absence in Australia. Seeing yourself in the ministry means that you are available to God 24-7, to use you to help others draw near to God. He said in Acts 20:22, you and I were bought at a price and we belong to God. 12:27-29. Read more Explain verse Share. I read in an old book a dream of one who was under concern of soul. The longer you continue in this state the farther you are from your end. Of Repentance. In this option, youre admittedly something of a fanatic. Or were they just the faithfulness of God to let him know what would happen if he went, and did God leave the decision to Paul? and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Apostles: Acts 20:24 But these things don't count (Acts of the Apostles Ac). 245 views, 4 likes, 5 loves, 62 comments, 12 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Allen Temple Ame Church: Rev. Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life. I shall consider them as extending to the common case of Christians, and represent and urge them ill all the various views referred to in the Scripture, the more to impress and affect our minds. But none of these things trouble me. They caused him to forget the past, to rise above the present, to fix his eye with an eagle gaze on the future, and to feel that the only object worthy of his cares, and toils, and sacrifices, was the glorious consummation, the joyful termination of his course. Download this free printable or grab a notebook. Show footnotes. . 4:7). Paton lost his wife and infant son within a few months of their arrival. 4. WHAT EFFECT THE TRUTHS I HAVE BEEN URGING MAY HAVE ON YOUR MINDS, I, OF COURSE, CANNOT TELL. Today's devotional is based on Acts 20:24 which is from our 30 Bible Verses About God's Amazing Grace, bible reading plan. IV. But, hey, Im just a layman. Lets begin with a basic biblical truth: There is no such thing in the Bible as a Christian without a ministry! Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Cannot you tell of your conversion, and let men know how free grace came to you when you looked not for it? --Acts 26:18. i, qu. There is a fear lest the desire might not be gratified. You can copy the order of your preferred Bible translations from the Bibles Tab to the Version Picker (this popup) or vice versa. 24 [ a]But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my [ b]race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. His gospel of grace is the good news that He will pardon guilty sinners who trust in Christ. c. The question is: "Is Jesus the Lord of your life? But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of Gods grace. --Acts xx. The great remedy for affliction is work; and, being Christian work, it is sure to be the antidote of trial. How happy are they who have finished their course! He has cut out our work and service in the stated duties of the Christian life, and the special services in which we are engaged. You may not be gifted to preach and teach Gods Word, but you are responsible to grow to understand the whole purpose of God and through whatever gifts He has given you, to impart your understanding to others. 1. Other and indispensable duties engage his hands; but they are only by-work, they are not the grand object. "But I gufa (myself) do not account my existence in the Olam Hazeh of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the avodas kodesh sherut which I received from the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua to bear witness to the Besuras HaGeulah of the Chen vChesed Hashem. 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. Reason. God hath said, "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. But I take account of nothing, nor do I hold my life. My work is to preach the Good News of Gods loving-favor. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. 2; Can. This is rendered not only by missionaries and ministers, but by Christians in all spheres of life. I place such a man, for example, amidst the temptations and allurements of the world; BUT FOR HIM HOW IMPOTENT THEIR ASSAULTS AND SOLICITATIONS! No. III. 25:14-30). He understood that to run his race well, he needed God's amazing grace. These two are direct extremes, and stand at the greatest distance from one another, the finishing our course, and not beginning it. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 35). b. Major Prophets New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Maybe its a new diet or exercise program, a new job, or a new relationship with someone special. We must place ourselves under the entire direction of the revealed teaching of the Holy Spirit. 1. He Himself set us the example. 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. King James 2000 Bible (2) and (11) from Smith's Dictionary of the Bible; and No. Moreover, if Discourse must be Bestowed Upon Any21. Fears, discouragements, how many, and from how many sources! In E. [where 'we' can also be 'me'] (Part I), HE IN WE, AND WE IN HE! 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. Johannine Writings Welcome to Day 26. for one of our short powerful devotions from the 30 Bible Verses About God's Amazing Grace, bible reading plan. This is another import of the language of the text. The ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus. Then, in the gospel of the grace of God we are told that even faith is God's gift, and that He works it in men by His Holy Spirit. The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. I do not try to save my life. 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. Acts 20:24 NKJV. We have GREAT DESIRE "That I might," etc. accomplish, or consummate. 3. 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. The problem with that view is, if you can choose to serve, then you can also choose not to serve or to quit serving if the service isnt to your liking. A second opinion concerning repentance considered. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness that the Lord our righteous judge shall give, not only to me but to all that love His appearing. 27:30), "All tithes of the land, whether of corn or of the fruits of trees, are the Lord's," and further on (Lev. 3:12. C. Paul was anxious to finish his course with joy. 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