BIG IDEA:
THE GOSPEL MINISTRY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION:
In Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, you might expect him to strike a joyful, triumphant – even exuberant tone as he anticipates the closure of his ministry. Instead he sums up his pastoral charge as testifying “solemnly” – Why this solemn tone? The gospel is good news. The grace of God is amazing and so undeserved. Why this solemn tone?
This same word was used just above where Paul noted that the Holy Spirit had been solemnly testifying to him about the trials and hardships and pain and suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem.
Here Paul sums up his charge in the ministry:
“to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”
He is driven to fulfil this mission until he reaches the end of his ordained race.
THE GOSPEL MINISTRY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
Look at how flippant many people are today about spiritual things; how casual they are about their relationship to Jesus Christ; how lightly they consider the depths of gospel doctrine and its implications
I. SERIOUS BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THIS FINAL FAREWELL CONTEXT
– Paul will not be seeing the faces of these precious spiritual leaders from the church at Ephesus again until the Lord returns. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
– Paul knows of the damage that false teachers will do to the flock in the near future – ravenous wolves – arising from within. Perversion tears apart the flock.
– Paul knows of the certainty of the trials and pain and hardship just around the corner for him. Pain is never pleasant.
II. SERIOUS BUSINESS BECAUSE THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD IMPLIES:
– THE HUMBLE CONFESSION OF DESERVED CONDEMNATION FOR HIS OWN SIN
– AND THE HIGH COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
– The Gospel cost Jesus Christ His life on the cross.
– Grace is God’s riches at Christ’s expense
– No easy believism for the Apostle Paul; no wealth and health gospel; only fellowship with the sufferings of Christ and genuine discipleship – taking up the cross daily and following Christ.
III. SERIOUS BUSINESS BECAUSE THE GOSPEL MINISTRY DEALS WITH ULTIMATE DESTINY
No trivial matter at stake
– Difference is between Life and Death
– Difference is between Light and Darkness
– Difference is between Heaven and Hell
THE GOSPEL MINISTRY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS