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Weekly Message | September 23rd, 2007
BE SHEPHERDS OF THE CHURCH OF GOD
Passage: Acts 20:25-38
Key Verse(s): Key Verse: 20:19, 28
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
As the title of today’s message suggests, this is for shepherds, pastors and leaders. It is about spiritual leadership. However, not all of us are leaders. Some are still searching for Christ. Many are young Christians. Then, what is the value of studying about spiritual leadership? We all need a clear picture of a mature and healthy spiritual leadership. By knowing the biblical norm of spiritual leadership we can build up a godly and healthy Christian community among us as well. Today, let us consider the essential aspects of sound spiritual leadership.
First, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock” (25-28). In the first part of his address to the elders of the church of Ephesus Paul first reviewed his practices as their shepherd (pastor). He served the Lord with great humility and with tears. He preached repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ to all people. His consuming passion was to finish the race and complete the task for Jesus Christ.
In the second part of his address his tone is slightly changed. He was becoming more serious. Paul said, “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again”. Paul predicted that it would be the last time that they would ever see them again. He would not be coming back. He was going on another mission journey that might end even his own life. This was the last time for Paul with his beloved Christians—this was his farewell. Now he had to say good-bye to them.
He said, “Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men”. He declared his innocence about the blood of all people. Words such as this must be said only once—at the farewell address. With his clean conscience he was leaving the people he had served. He was speaking about God’s judgment. God saves and judges sinners. Unrepentant sinners will shed their bloods. Here, “the blood” refers to the terrible consequence of God’s judgment--death. Preachers who only preach heaven but not hell would be answerable to God. In Ezekiel 33:7-9 we read, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself”. This is God’s message to Ezekiel. Unrepentant sinners will die—spiritual, physical and eternal death. At that time unfaithful Bible teachers who distorted the truth with their false teachings will be accountable.
Paul said, “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. He preached whatever was helpful to people. He defended the truth of salvation by God’s grace (Eph 2:8-10). He passionately preached about the need for our obedience to God and the reality of God’s judgment (Rom 2:5-10; 2Cor 5:10). Those who spoke about God’s love at the expense of God’s holiness would receive stern rebuke from God. Paul proclaimed the whole will of God. Bible teachers are called to be faithful to God first. Be faithful to present the truth as whole. Do not pick and choose only certain passages.
The key is the integration. Proclaim God’s love and judgement together. Study and teach from the books of both Old Testament and the New Testament. Teach from the entire Bible. Declare the assurance of God’s salvation through Jesus and at the same time our responsibility to obey God’s commands. Speak about God’s mercy and his holiness together. Speak about both God’s tenderness and toughness. Preach the Word—instruct, correct, rebuke, encourage— with great patience and careful instruction (2 Ti 4:2). Be faithful to teach and preach in season and out of season. Speak the truth in love regardless whether people listen or not. The Bible teachers are not responsible for the ultimate outcomes of the people they serve—some may not repent and believe. God demands his servants to faithfully proclaim the word of God.
Look at verse 28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood”. Only Jesus is perfect. All other people—whatever titles they may have--are also sinners and vulnerable to the devil's temptations. What do leaders do? Keep watch!
The order is important. First watch over yourself first. What do we watch out? Do you know what is the most obvious danger of spiritual leaders—laziness. They are unprepared for their main tasks, instead get drunk and become abusive (Lk 12:45). Why do good spiritual leaders become lazy and irresponsible? Their basic spiritual disciplines break down first. Then everything else will slowly fall apart. Many lose spiritual passion, joy and even meaning. They have little strength to go on. In a practical sense, the devil has destroyed many prominent Christians through their misuse of power, money and relationships. However, before all these things happen, the breakdown of basic spiritual disciplines occurs first. Therefore, a spiritual man and woman must watch out his or her spiritual health. Live before God. Stay spiritually vibrant and active. Be clear about money matters. Watch out for pride. Counsel people as needed but never interact with others alone.
"To watch over" is to be alert and be careful. How to be careful? In 1 Cor. 10:12, we read, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." What do we watch for? Watch the quality of the spirit. The spirit of weariness, despair and unbelief is serious warning signs. The positive aspect of "Keep watch over yourselves" is to make a progress in one's walk. 1Timothy 4:15 we read, "Be diligent, give yourself wholly, so that everyone may see your progress." Good shepherds make progress in their walk with God. Good shepherds also watch for danger signs for those who are within their reach. Watch out. Keep in touch. Observe them carefully. Eyes are the windows of the souls. Look their eyes and see the sign of falling—being so anxious, fearful, guilty, and angry. Pray for them, talk to them, meet them , and help them in all you can.
“Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood”. Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin and Satan. Jesus purchased each member of the church of God with his blood. The church belongs to Christ. He charges his servants to be shepherds of his church. We remember his sacrifice for them. We regard our calling as a Bible teacher and a shepherd with a sense of gratitude. The work of a shepherd and pastor is very precious and honorable.
Second, “I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up …”(29-32). Look at verses 29 and 30: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” Paul knew that savage wolves would come among them and would not spare the flock. Under his leadership, people were safe and sound. They were well fed. After his departure, savage wolves (i.e., false teachers) (1) sneak into a Christian fellowship; (2) distort the truth; (3) draw away disciples after them; (4) do not spare the flock of God. “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” Even from the inside of the leadership, there would be such fallout. This is a fearful reality that the Christian churches have experienced for ages—especially in the time of leadership transition. Wolves are brutal. They viciously attack the sheep when they can win especially when strong shepherds are not around.
Look at verses 31: “Be on your guard”. Paul was diligent and watchful for the sake of God's sheep in Ephesus. These young leaders in Ephesus have seen how Paul had served the Lord. Paul said, “Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears”(31). Paul kept warning each of them night and day with tears. Paul was not an actor. He had no needs to cry each time he studied the Bible. "In tears" mean that Paul wholeheartedly gave himself to serve the Lord. He engaged in labor of love with due diligence and passionate heart.
Paul’s focus is not savage wolves but God. Paul planted hope with God. He said, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace”. Paul loved the Christians in Ephesus. Now he entrust them to God and the word of God’s grace. The real work of Christian leaders is to prepare his people and then at the right time entrust them to God. Parents fulfill their work and at the right moment they commit their children to God. Some of our leaders have children in college years. Whether they are here in Toledo or in other places, they are now committed to God. God had used Dr. Samuel Lee very preciously to lay the foundation of UBF ministry. Since 2002 the baton has been passed to Mother Barry. We appreciate her humble and prayerful leadership. She passed her leadership to Dr. John Jun. Increasingly, I must be away from Toledo for various occasions. Sooner or later, the baton of leadership here will pass on to responsible leaders. Grow in personal faith. Be prepared to stand alone. Take steps to be built up in the Lord.
God alone can build his people up. Those who are built up have personal faith. They can stand up in trials. They are useful for God and other people in need of help. God who begins his good work in his people is certainly able to complete the work (Phil 1:7). The word of God is sufficient to strengthen his people. Because of God’s protection and the sanctifying power of God’s word people are built up strong. They complete their journeys of faith and receive an inheritance that is prepared for all Christians who wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus.
Third, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (33-38). Paul said, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing”(33). It is easy to envy others. We all do. We all compare ourselves—our strengths and weaknesses--with others. Pastors, missionaries and Bible teachers are no exception. How could Paul not to compare and envy others? As a shepherd in this ministry, I am resolved to focus on my mission and the task God has called me to do.
He said, “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions”. Paul worked with his own hands. He supported himself and other fellow leaders with his “tent-making” business. Many Christian pastors receive support from the congregation they serve. This is normal. Many missionaries and pastors throughout ages have also served Christ with their hard work. Most of pioneering mission work requires self-supporting missionaries who are sacrificial and hard working.
Paul said, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak”. Christian leaders lead others through showing examples. How could Paul keep working to support his own needs and even for others? He remembered the words of the Lord Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Certainly, Jesus Christ must have spoken in different occasions the precise words that Paul quoted. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” First of all, it is blessed to receive. There is a time for us to receive. For normal and healthy growth in faith we all need time to receive. Little children need to receive love from parents before they give it to others. All the good and perfect gifts come from God. We receive them with joy and thanksgiving. We all receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We all receive proper instructions through the word of God before teaching to others. It is blessed to receive.
Yet, it is more blessed to give than to receive. The time must come for all of us to practice giving. Receive encouragement. But at the right time start giving encouragement to others. Receive blessings from God with hard work. Then, start giving offerings to God. We all need the blessed period of childhood. We speak, reason and behaved like little children. But in the right time we must grow up. Grow up to give than to receive. Grow up to love rather than to be loved. Grow up to comfort rather than to be comforted. Grow up to understand rather than to be understood.
How did Paul end his farewell address? When he had said all, he knelt down. All those who heard his address did the same. Then they prayed. Both Paul and all others there wept because they knew that it would be the last time. They grieved with Paul’s statement that they would never see his face again. They embraced him and kissed him. Then they accompanied to the ship. In brief, Paul planted one word in the hearts of Christian leaders. “Be shepherds of the church of God”. The church of God is the people whom God acquired with the awesome price—the blood of his Son. Among all the wonderful things we can do in this world, this is truly worthy task. “Be shepherds of the church of God”. God’s message for us today is this: be good shepherds for his people!
September 23, 2007. Toledo UBF
First, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock” (25-28). In the first part of his address to the elders of the church of Ephesus Paul first reviewed his practices as their shepherd (pastor). He served the Lord with great humility and with tears. He preached repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ to all people. His consuming passion was to finish the race and complete the task for Jesus Christ.
In the second part of his address his tone is slightly changed. He was becoming more serious. Paul said, “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again”. Paul predicted that it would be the last time that they would ever see them again. He would not be coming back. He was going on another mission journey that might end even his own life. This was the last time for Paul with his beloved Christians—this was his farewell. Now he had to say good-bye to them.
He said, “Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men”. He declared his innocence about the blood of all people. Words such as this must be said only once—at the farewell address. With his clean conscience he was leaving the people he had served. He was speaking about God’s judgment. God saves and judges sinners. Unrepentant sinners will shed their bloods. Here, “the blood” refers to the terrible consequence of God’s judgment--death. Preachers who only preach heaven but not hell would be answerable to God. In Ezekiel 33:7-9 we read, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself”. This is God’s message to Ezekiel. Unrepentant sinners will die—spiritual, physical and eternal death. At that time unfaithful Bible teachers who distorted the truth with their false teachings will be accountable.
Paul said, “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. He preached whatever was helpful to people. He defended the truth of salvation by God’s grace (Eph 2:8-10). He passionately preached about the need for our obedience to God and the reality of God’s judgment (Rom 2:5-10; 2Cor 5:10). Those who spoke about God’s love at the expense of God’s holiness would receive stern rebuke from God. Paul proclaimed the whole will of God. Bible teachers are called to be faithful to God first. Be faithful to present the truth as whole. Do not pick and choose only certain passages.
The key is the integration. Proclaim God’s love and judgement together. Study and teach from the books of both Old Testament and the New Testament. Teach from the entire Bible. Declare the assurance of God’s salvation through Jesus and at the same time our responsibility to obey God’s commands. Speak about God’s mercy and his holiness together. Speak about both God’s tenderness and toughness. Preach the Word—instruct, correct, rebuke, encourage— with great patience and careful instruction (2 Ti 4:2). Be faithful to teach and preach in season and out of season. Speak the truth in love regardless whether people listen or not. The Bible teachers are not responsible for the ultimate outcomes of the people they serve—some may not repent and believe. God demands his servants to faithfully proclaim the word of God.
Look at verse 28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood”. Only Jesus is perfect. All other people—whatever titles they may have--are also sinners and vulnerable to the devil's temptations. What do leaders do? Keep watch!
The order is important. First watch over yourself first. What do we watch out? Do you know what is the most obvious danger of spiritual leaders—laziness. They are unprepared for their main tasks, instead get drunk and become abusive (Lk 12:45). Why do good spiritual leaders become lazy and irresponsible? Their basic spiritual disciplines break down first. Then everything else will slowly fall apart. Many lose spiritual passion, joy and even meaning. They have little strength to go on. In a practical sense, the devil has destroyed many prominent Christians through their misuse of power, money and relationships. However, before all these things happen, the breakdown of basic spiritual disciplines occurs first. Therefore, a spiritual man and woman must watch out his or her spiritual health. Live before God. Stay spiritually vibrant and active. Be clear about money matters. Watch out for pride. Counsel people as needed but never interact with others alone.
"To watch over" is to be alert and be careful. How to be careful? In 1 Cor. 10:12, we read, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." What do we watch for? Watch the quality of the spirit. The spirit of weariness, despair and unbelief is serious warning signs. The positive aspect of "Keep watch over yourselves" is to make a progress in one's walk. 1Timothy 4:15 we read, "Be diligent, give yourself wholly, so that everyone may see your progress." Good shepherds make progress in their walk with God. Good shepherds also watch for danger signs for those who are within their reach. Watch out. Keep in touch. Observe them carefully. Eyes are the windows of the souls. Look their eyes and see the sign of falling—being so anxious, fearful, guilty, and angry. Pray for them, talk to them, meet them , and help them in all you can.
“Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood”. Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin and Satan. Jesus purchased each member of the church of God with his blood. The church belongs to Christ. He charges his servants to be shepherds of his church. We remember his sacrifice for them. We regard our calling as a Bible teacher and a shepherd with a sense of gratitude. The work of a shepherd and pastor is very precious and honorable.
Second, “I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up …”(29-32). Look at verses 29 and 30: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” Paul knew that savage wolves would come among them and would not spare the flock. Under his leadership, people were safe and sound. They were well fed. After his departure, savage wolves (i.e., false teachers) (1) sneak into a Christian fellowship; (2) distort the truth; (3) draw away disciples after them; (4) do not spare the flock of God. “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” Even from the inside of the leadership, there would be such fallout. This is a fearful reality that the Christian churches have experienced for ages—especially in the time of leadership transition. Wolves are brutal. They viciously attack the sheep when they can win especially when strong shepherds are not around.
Look at verses 31: “Be on your guard”. Paul was diligent and watchful for the sake of God's sheep in Ephesus. These young leaders in Ephesus have seen how Paul had served the Lord. Paul said, “Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears”(31). Paul kept warning each of them night and day with tears. Paul was not an actor. He had no needs to cry each time he studied the Bible. "In tears" mean that Paul wholeheartedly gave himself to serve the Lord. He engaged in labor of love with due diligence and passionate heart.
Paul’s focus is not savage wolves but God. Paul planted hope with God. He said, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace”. Paul loved the Christians in Ephesus. Now he entrust them to God and the word of God’s grace. The real work of Christian leaders is to prepare his people and then at the right time entrust them to God. Parents fulfill their work and at the right moment they commit their children to God. Some of our leaders have children in college years. Whether they are here in Toledo or in other places, they are now committed to God. God had used Dr. Samuel Lee very preciously to lay the foundation of UBF ministry. Since 2002 the baton has been passed to Mother Barry. We appreciate her humble and prayerful leadership. She passed her leadership to Dr. John Jun. Increasingly, I must be away from Toledo for various occasions. Sooner or later, the baton of leadership here will pass on to responsible leaders. Grow in personal faith. Be prepared to stand alone. Take steps to be built up in the Lord.
God alone can build his people up. Those who are built up have personal faith. They can stand up in trials. They are useful for God and other people in need of help. God who begins his good work in his people is certainly able to complete the work (Phil 1:7). The word of God is sufficient to strengthen his people. Because of God’s protection and the sanctifying power of God’s word people are built up strong. They complete their journeys of faith and receive an inheritance that is prepared for all Christians who wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus.
Third, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (33-38). Paul said, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing”(33). It is easy to envy others. We all do. We all compare ourselves—our strengths and weaknesses--with others. Pastors, missionaries and Bible teachers are no exception. How could Paul not to compare and envy others? As a shepherd in this ministry, I am resolved to focus on my mission and the task God has called me to do.
He said, “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions”. Paul worked with his own hands. He supported himself and other fellow leaders with his “tent-making” business. Many Christian pastors receive support from the congregation they serve. This is normal. Many missionaries and pastors throughout ages have also served Christ with their hard work. Most of pioneering mission work requires self-supporting missionaries who are sacrificial and hard working.
Paul said, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak”. Christian leaders lead others through showing examples. How could Paul keep working to support his own needs and even for others? He remembered the words of the Lord Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Certainly, Jesus Christ must have spoken in different occasions the precise words that Paul quoted. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” First of all, it is blessed to receive. There is a time for us to receive. For normal and healthy growth in faith we all need time to receive. Little children need to receive love from parents before they give it to others. All the good and perfect gifts come from God. We receive them with joy and thanksgiving. We all receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We all receive proper instructions through the word of God before teaching to others. It is blessed to receive.
Yet, it is more blessed to give than to receive. The time must come for all of us to practice giving. Receive encouragement. But at the right time start giving encouragement to others. Receive blessings from God with hard work. Then, start giving offerings to God. We all need the blessed period of childhood. We speak, reason and behaved like little children. But in the right time we must grow up. Grow up to give than to receive. Grow up to love rather than to be loved. Grow up to comfort rather than to be comforted. Grow up to understand rather than to be understood.
How did Paul end his farewell address? When he had said all, he knelt down. All those who heard his address did the same. Then they prayed. Both Paul and all others there wept because they knew that it would be the last time. They grieved with Paul’s statement that they would never see his face again. They embraced him and kissed him. Then they accompanied to the ship. In brief, Paul planted one word in the hearts of Christian leaders. “Be shepherds of the church of God”. The church of God is the people whom God acquired with the awesome price—the blood of his Son. Among all the wonderful things we can do in this world, this is truly worthy task. “Be shepherds of the church of God”. God’s message for us today is this: be good shepherds for his people!
September 23, 2007. Toledo UBF
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®;. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
