Acts 20: How to Finish Your God-Given Assignment Well

If you knew your time with someone you loved was coming to an end, what would you say? What truths would you want them to remember? In Acts 20, Paul senses that a new and difficult season lies ahead. As he travels toward Jerusalem, he pauses to meet with the Ephesian elders one last time. His words are heartfelt, urgent, and filled with wisdom. Paul reflects on his ministry, warns of future challenges, and reminds these leaders to remain faithful to the Lord and His Word. One statement rises above the rest: Paul was determined to finish the race God had given him. His focus was not on comfort, popularity, or safety, but on completing his assignment and testifying to the grace of God. Acts 20 invites us to ask an important question: Am I living in a way that will allow me to finish my race well?   In Acts 20, we see with great transparency a beautiful and tender moment. Paul chose to sail past Ephesus, knowing that stopping there would delay him. Yet his heart remained deeply tied to the believers he had poured himself into for three years.  So when he reached Miletus, he sends for the Ephesian elders—Paul knows something is going to happen when he gets to Jerusalem and he wants to say goodbye to his dear friends, the leaders of the church that he has discipled. Acts 20:22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus— the ministry of testifying to the good news of God's grace.   Does the call of God burn like that in your heart? Whether you are a business person, a minister, a school teacher, a stay-at-home mom or a doctor, every believer's call is important.   Does His love flow in you and through you? Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?   Colossians 3:17 NLT  instructs us  "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Is your life filled with the purposes of God? We have "the ministry of testifying to the good news of God's grace." Your assignment will take place in a different setting, it will look different, but the focus is the same; "How can I bring glory to God?"     25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the WHOLE WILL OF GOD.   Here's some important advice. 28 KEEP WATCH OVER YOURSELVES AND the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.   Paul was talking to elders in the church, but who has God assigned to you? Are you a mom or a dad? Do you teach girls/boys discipleship? Is there a neighbor that God has laid on your heart? Who have you been assigned to influence?   We expect it from pastors, parents and grandparents, but sometimes it is comes from surprising sources, My Sunday School teacher, Marvin Denard, told us that he was praying regularly for a young person that had recently left for college. Not related in anyway, he prayed faithfully for that young college student. When we lived in North Dakota as a young military couple, an older couple in the church took us under their wing. We always had a place to go when we got homesick or there was a holiday. We were their assignment while we were there. They became like family!   Acts 20:29 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.   MORE GOOD ADVICE 31 THEREFORE BE ALERT and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.     Sometimes telling people the Truth isn't easy. They don't always want it.   32 And 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 who are sanctified.   Are you in the WORD? Do you feed on it, or only read enough to relieve a guilty conscience? The WORD OF GOD IS POWERFUL. It will build you up!!! (So will praying in tongues, but that's another story for another day!)   Father, help us to carefully guard our hearts and the people that you have assigned to us. Help us to speak the truth in love and to be alert to discern wolves that would scatter the sheep. Guide us and empower us to live wisely so we can fulfill our assignment. I ask you to give us a heart like Paul's that endures hardship and serves well. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen   Want To Be Stronger?   Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.