Acts 20:25-32 // Sacrificial Service (Preached on August 21, 2022)

Paul continues his message to the Ephesian elders. Using the analogy of shepherds, and drawing from the prophet Ezekiel, Paul reminds these overseers of the whole purpose of God that he declared to them. The church belongs to God. The leadership of any local church is under the authority of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Paul gives three specific charges: guard yourself, shepherd the church, and build up others. These are responsibilities of any elder, to be carried out in sacrificial service. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep; this is the pattern for local church leadership.