Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- Example of runner John Stephen Akhwari
- Speaking about the importance of 'finishing well'
- Paul speaks about the importance of 'finishing well'
- Looking at v24
- Reading v24
- Context
- Paul is saying goodbye to the elders of Ephesus
- He had been in Ephesus for 3 years
- The words more poignant as they were his final words in person
- Paul chose his words carefully as he was in a hurry with limited time
- Saying goodbye to those we love is never easy
- Final words from people we love are words we remember
A life worth giving (v24a)
- Paul had an extraordinary life - overview
- A road to Damascas conversion
- Great preaching
- Escape during the night
- Fast forward many years and Paul says these things do not move him
- He does not count future tribulations of worry (v22-23)
- He does not consider his life to be his own
- He wants to keep on 'keeping on'
- He does not stop but presses on
- What about us?
- Can we speak the same words as Paul?
A race worth finishing (v24b)
- Paul often used the analogy of a race when describing the Christian life
- He had already entered the race but wanted to finish it well
- He wanted the Ephesian elders to finish well too (v28-31)
- They were to pay attention to their own walk with God (v28)
- Have you felt like quitting - keep on running by His grace
- Do you feel that there is no hope?
- Remember God's amazing grace that lifts' up, restores and heals
A ministry worth completing (v24c)
- Paul wants to complete the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus - to share the gospel
- Paul knew there would be trials and dangers to his life - but he knew he had to keep going
- Example
- Paul was prepared to risk everything as he knew his life was in God's hands
- v27, 29-30
- v32 - he committed the people to God
- v32 - the word of God will build us up
- Paul reminds the people of his own life - v33-35
Closing Remarks
- Recap of points
- Rev 2:2-4
- The Ephesian church had left their first love
- Does this describe you?
- We can return back to God
- He will give us grace to run the race
- If you have never started the race - come to Jesus today