Sunday, July 20 Student Ministries Devotion Someone hiring workers looks for people who are dedicated, dependable, and willing to follow directions. God expects the same from us, and Paul is a great example. This week we will see the importance of being loyal to Christ and following His leading in our lives. What is your prayer focus for this week? Acts 20:13-24 13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. 14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 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. Question: What is the writer saying? Answer: How can I apply this to my life? Digging Deeper: Paul had a goal of going to Jerusalem (vs. 22), which God confirmed in Acts 23:11. Notice that the passage says “determined” (vs. 16) - he set his mind on a specific task and moved forward. As Paul describes God’s work in verse 18-24, we can see that it was anything but easy. Even now he was headed into another precarious situation where people would oppose him (vs. 22). But Paul’s ministry was never about himself. In verse 24, he basically says, “The bottom line is, I want to do what God wants. Nothing else matters.” If you had to write an essay defending your work as a Christian, what would you say? What would be your supporting arguments? Would you have any tips to pass on to other Christians?
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 10:00:00 +0000
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