GREAT
CHALLENGE TO SERVE THE LORD AND FINISH IT
(Ang Dakilang Hamon na Maglingkod sa Panginoon at Tapusin Ito)
(Acts 20:19–24) v.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:"
v.20: "And how I kept back
nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you
publicly, and from house to house,"
v.21: "Testifying both to the
Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ."
v.22: "And now, behold, I go
bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me
there:"
v.23: "Save that the Holy
Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide
me."
v.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."
The Five Challenges of Service
I. TO SERVE THE LORD COMPASSIONATELY
(Maglingkod sa Panginoon na may pagmamahal)
(Acts 20:19) 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:
* Paul challenges us to have true love while serving the Lord and winning
souls to Him.
* A servant’s tears are evidence of their love for sinners who need
salvation.
(Psalm 126:5–6) "They that sow in tears shall
reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall
doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
II. TO SERVE THE LORD COMMITTEDLY
(Maglingkod sa Panginoon na may sinserong puso)
(Acts 20:20) [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,
* Paul is a good example of sincerity in fulfilling the Great Commission
from house to house.
* The local church in Jerusalem was sincere in preaching and filled the
city with Christ’s doctrine.
(Acts 5:28–29): "Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we
straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye
have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood
upon us.
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the
[other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
III. TO SERVE THE LORD COURAGEOUSLY
(Maglingkod sa Panginoon nang may katapangan)
(Acts 20:24) 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.
* Total courage is needed because the enemy always has threats to
frighten us.
* Paul valued finishing the work with courage more than his own life.
(2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the
spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
IV. TO SERVE THE LORD COOPERATIVELY
(Maglingkod sa Panginoon nang may pagkakaisa)
* Unity is vital because God is pleased when His people work together.
* The church in Jerusalem had total unity in soul-winning, and God
blessed them with three thousand souls in one day.
(Acts 2:41) Acts 2:41 Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto
them] about three thousand souls.
V. TO SERVE THE LORD COMPLETELY
(Maglingkod sa Panginoon na handang tapusin ito)
(Acts 20:24) 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.
* Paul was fully prepared to finish the ministry entrusted to him by the
Lord.
* He testified that he successfully finished his calling through love,
sincerity, courage, and unity.
Conclusion:
Paul remained happy and steadfast, ready to receive the blessings
prepared by God for his hardworking and faithful service.
(2 Timothy 4:7–8): "2Tim 4:7 I have fought a
good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
2Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall
give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing."
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