November 17, 2019 NOTES NOT EDITED
Crossing the Line
Acts 20:17-31
SIS: Winning in life is
determined by character, not skill.
An old cliché describes life as a "marathon and not a
sprint." The metaphor of life as a "race" is also used by the
Apostle Paul (Acts 20:24, NIV, 2Tim. 4:7).
This commonly accepted metaphor for life provides a deep well from which many
refreshing truths can be drawn up. I’m sure a clever soul could also glean
meaningful insights from a metaphor of life as a sprint, also. In fact, a marathon and a sprint have at
least two things in common, and probably more.
Both a sprint and a marathon have a starting line and a finish line.
But, these similarities are perhaps where the greatest divergence between the
two occurs.
I'm told that in a sprint, the key to winning is a great start. For
many sprints, the winner is determined the split second after the starting gun
breaks the silent moment of anticipation as the runners wait with straining
muscles for the "right to run."
Not so with a marathon. This start is more like a casual
gathering--perhaps even a mob of sorts. When the gun sounds, the start looks
more like thick syrup running out of a jar than projectiles fired from a rocket
launcher. The focus of a marathon is
what happens hours later--who crosses the finish line, particularly who crosses
first. By the time a marathon is finished, the runners appear as if they are
nearing death, many with cramps, and more than a few missing toenails that fell
off from the constant slamming of the feet against the ground jamming their
toes into the inner lining of their shoes.
The very fact one finishes a grueling marathon is considered a “win” in
my book, whether they cross first or dead last (pun intended).
"Crossing the Line" is the theme of my sermon this morning.
Paul, the great Apostle, is nearing the finish line of his ministry on earth.
While Paul is now an older man, the lessons of his life and the example of his
character offer a great foundation for those younger persons just getting
started in life. There is another lesson
that should be highlighted in regard to the metaphor of “life as a
marathon.” The preparation for
participation in a marathon takes place months, perhaps years before the race,
if one hopes to even cross the finish line at all. So, this message is for new “marathoners,” as
well as seasoned runners—old and young alike, all of which, moving toward the
“Finish Line of Life.”
The "Line" we cross in this metaphor of “life as a marathon,”
is death. Sooner or later we will all cross that line. Unlike a marathon where
many runners drop out long before reaching the finish line, no such comparison
exists in the marathon of life. As the Bible says, "It is appointed once that all will die, and after that face
judgement" (Heb. 9:27).
Paul’s life models at least four characteristics that all
"winners" in life must possess: piety, passion, persistence, and
pragmatism. Any person exhibiting these virtues will "cross the line"
as a winner in the race of life. Lets read Acts 20:17-31.
BACKGROUND: Paul makes
three significant speeches in the Book of Acts.
This is his last, and the only major address to believers. The first was delivered in the synagogue of Pisidian
Antioch (13:16–41), during the course of his first missionary journey. It was given to a Jewish audience. The second Paul delivered
before the Athenian Areopagus at Mars Hill (17:22–31). Paul gave this during his second mission and
was to a Gentile audience (NAC Commentary).
While all Scripture is “profitable,” the fact that this sermon in
Miletus is both Paul’s last major sermon, and given to believers, makes it
stand out. As I said above, everybody,
young and old, are approaching the finish line of life and the sooner one prepares,
the better chance one will hear the Lord say, “well done
my good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21). What virtues allowed Paul to be such a
powerful spokesman for the Kingdom of God on earth? I identify four such virtues in the
passage: Piety, Passion, Persistence,
and Pragmatism.
1. PIETY (v19)
1. PIETY (v19)
“Piety” is not a word one hears much about today, much less is it
considered an important component to “winning the race of life.” Especially when “winning the race of life”
has been almost totally defined as gaining “fame, fortune, and power in
abundance.” In fact, even the dictionary
definition of “piety” is somewhat pejorative.
One dictionary defined piety as, “a belief or point of
view that is accepted with unthinking conventional reverence.” That sounds more like naivete than piety. It is common, even in modern dictionaries, to
view pious people as “intellectual lightweights.” But, let’s look at what Paul says describes his
approach to the “race of life,” and should be exemplified in all believers. Verse 19a says Paul was, serving the Lord with all humility.
Humility and piety are synonymous.
Whether the virtue go by the name of piety or humility, neither of them
are fancied much as a key component of a “winning strategy in the race of life,”
from a worldly perspective.
But, piety is foundational to “winning the race of life,” especially when winning takes into account eternity. A better definition of piety would be, “a humble attitude toward oneself informed by a deep devotion to Almighty God.” Piety means one is driven by something “infinitely” bigger and grander than oneself. Piety is far from being an “intellectual lightweight or a societal snowflake that melts at even the slightest scow of the world.” I define piety as “having a high esteem with a low profile.” A pious person does not need the praise of the public because they have experienced a personal touch from the Creator. Piety, or humility if you prefer, allows one to empty himself, of his “self,” in order to make more room for God.
Piety is not thinking less of oneself, but having a proper assessment of oneself. Paul said, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Rom. 12:3). Pride is the opposite of piety. Pride is a “false assessment of one’s own importance.”
I’m told that in the Land of Palestine there is a church with an unusual entrance. The entry is so low a person must stoop to gain entrance. This was designed to prevent pagan raiders in the Middle Ages from riding their horses into church disrupting the services. This was common problem in the Middle Ages. This entry gate had an appropriate name. It was called, “Humility Gate.”
Piety, or humility, allows us to stoop low enough to enter the very Presence of God and connect with His great power. Another virtue that all real “winners in the race of life” possess is
But, piety is foundational to “winning the race of life,” especially when winning takes into account eternity. A better definition of piety would be, “a humble attitude toward oneself informed by a deep devotion to Almighty God.” Piety means one is driven by something “infinitely” bigger and grander than oneself. Piety is far from being an “intellectual lightweight or a societal snowflake that melts at even the slightest scow of the world.” I define piety as “having a high esteem with a low profile.” A pious person does not need the praise of the public because they have experienced a personal touch from the Creator. Piety, or humility if you prefer, allows one to empty himself, of his “self,” in order to make more room for God.
Piety is not thinking less of oneself, but having a proper assessment of oneself. Paul said, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Rom. 12:3). Pride is the opposite of piety. Pride is a “false assessment of one’s own importance.”
I’m told that in the Land of Palestine there is a church with an unusual entrance. The entry is so low a person must stoop to gain entrance. This was designed to prevent pagan raiders in the Middle Ages from riding their horses into church disrupting the services. This was common problem in the Middle Ages. This entry gate had an appropriate name. It was called, “Humility Gate.”
Piety, or humility, allows us to stoop low enough to enter the very Presence of God and connect with His great power. Another virtue that all real “winners in the race of life” possess is
2. PASSION (vv 19b, 31)
Look at verse 19 again. Paul’s service to God is
described as, “serving the Lord with
all humility, with tears.” Note especially those words, “with
tears.” Now, I
guess someone could argue that these tears arose because of the tremendous “emotional
and physical” pain Paul endured in the course of his
ministry. Indeed verse 19 goes on to
say, and with the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews.
But note what Paul does NOT say.
Paul does not say that the tears are “because of” the trials, but are
something separate and in addition to (Greek, kai, “and”)
the trials. We will talk more about
Paul’s trials in a moment.
One great reference book, the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, categorizes these “tears” as “tears of solicitude over sinners.” Solicitude. When was the last time you heard that word used in a sermon? It is a good word. The dictionary defines solicitude as, “care or concern for someone or something.” Solicitude over sinners is a common theme throughout the Bible. Psalm 126:6 paints a beautiful word picture of “solicitude over sinners”
One great reference book, the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, categorizes these “tears” as “tears of solicitude over sinners.” Solicitude. When was the last time you heard that word used in a sermon? It is a good word. The dictionary defines solicitude as, “care or concern for someone or something.” Solicitude over sinners is a common theme throughout the Bible. Psalm 126:6 paints a beautiful word picture of “solicitude over sinners”
He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves
with him (NASB).
The bag of seed is the gospel. The sheaves are the harvest of souls. The seeds are water by the tears of the sower. Paul was “passionate” about sharing the gospel of salvation with the lost—so passionate that it brought him to tears. The Lord, Himself, wept over lost souls.
The bag of seed is the gospel. The sheaves are the harvest of souls. The seeds are water by the tears of the sower. Paul was “passionate” about sharing the gospel of salvation with the lost—so passionate that it brought him to tears. The Lord, Himself, wept over lost souls.
41 As He approached and saw
the city, He wept over it, 42 saying, “If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is
hidden from your eyes (Lk. 19:41-42).
The other day, it was
about 3:00 in the moring. I could not
sleep. There had been a shooting at Saugas High School in the
Santa Clarita Valley. Two middle school
students were dead. The shooter, who has
since died, was in grave condition at that time. I felt compelled to pray for this young boy
and for those touched by the thoughtlessness of his deeds. As I prayed, God expanded my prayer to pray
in regard to the great “lostness” in our world. With all passion I could
muster, I prayed tears flowing from my eyes.
I know what it means to have “solicitude over sinners!” Nobody ever succeeds in any “race or
endeavor” that does not possess “passion” for what they are doing. This is true in everyday life, but even more
so when the “race or endeavor” is extended to include eternal life. Until our “solicitude, or passion, over
sinners brings us to tears,” we will never chase back the darkness of this
world. Passion is related to the word, “enthusiasm.” The word, “enthusiasm,” derives from
two Greek words, “en” meaning “in,” and “theos” meaning
“God.” Enthusiasm, or passion, means
being “immersed into the heart of God” and the heart of God is
passionate about the condition of lost souls.
Paul “wept” over lost souls. Jesus “wept” over a lost city. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for a lost world! God is passionate about saving lost people. We must be “passionate” about seeking and saving the lost also. Nobody becomes a “winner in the race of life” without a deep passion for what they are doing.
Paul “wept” over lost souls. Jesus “wept” over a lost city. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for a lost world! God is passionate about saving lost people. We must be “passionate” about seeking and saving the lost also. Nobody becomes a “winner in the race of life” without a deep passion for what they are doing.
A great motivation
speaker, Charles
“Tremendous Jones, who mentored thousands of successful sales people
said this about passion or enthusiasm. “A lot of people think enthusiasm is
something that falls on you. The most
challenging thing you’ll ever face in your life is to learn every day to be
excited about what you are doing!”
In the pursuit to
“win this life’s race,” passion is important, essential. In the “race to win lost souls,” passion is
infinitely more important. Paul served, “with tears” (v19b). Paul’s eyes were full of tears because his
heart was full of passion. Paul was
“enthusiastic” to the point of tears about his call in life to “seek and to
save the lost.”
Great men and women
who live lives of weighty consequence possess the virtues of piety and
passion. They also exhibit great
3. PERSISTENCE
(22-27)
22 “And now I am on my way
to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter
there, 23 except that in town after town the Holy Spirit
testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I count my life of no
value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received
from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. 25 “And now I know that none
of you will ever see my face again—everyone I went about preaching the kingdom
to. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent
of everyone’s blood, 27 for I did not shrink back from declaring
to you the whole plan of God.
Paul says that he is “bound by the Spirit” to
follow God’s plan for his life. The NIV
translates it, “compelled by the Spirit.” The ESV translates it, “constrained by the Spirit.” This is
an interesting word choice by Paul. The
original (from GK, deo) had
several meanings such as to “fasten two objects together; bind someone
physically in chains; or put someone in prison.” It came to have a more metaphorical use
as to be “under the spell of a sorcerer, or spirit.” That is Paul’s use here, but the Spirit is
not an evil spirit, rather the Holy Spirit, or God. The word meant to be completely possessed in
mind, body and spirit. The situation was
one of absolute control by another. Paul
surrendered himself absolutely to God and His will—body, mind, and spirit. This is what it means to be “saved.” Jesus is our Absolute Lord and in absolute
control of our lives—or, at least He should be.
To make the word even stronger Paul uses a participle form which has the
sense of something on-going. To make the
word even stronger still, Paul puts the verb in the perfect tense which means
it is impossible for this condition to change.
This verse could be paraphrased by saying, “I am absolutely and
totally under the control of the Holy Spirit and absolutely nothing can ever
change this relationship nor hinder my pursuit of preaching the gospel anywhere
at any time to anybody.” This is what God expects from each of us.
Paul realized that he was going to face “chains and afflictions.”
(v23) He did not know whether
he would become a martyr at that time for the faith. His words, “but
I count my life of no value to myself” (v24) certainly indicate that martyrdom
was an immediate possibility (and one eventually Paul WOULD face). Paul was steadfast and undeterrable in regard
to his mission to “finish my course and the
ministry” (v24).
No circumstances, no
suffering, no hardship, and not even the prospect of death itself could
discourage Paul or drive him off course.
He was “bound in the Spirit” to
pursue God’s purpose for His life. This
is the “heart of a winner—the heart of a soul-winner—persistence.” When one is consumed by the Spirit of
Almighty God, one can endure any and every challenge that presents itself. Someone possessed mind, body and spirit, by
God is unstoppable in his or her mission.
They have a PERSISTENCE that presses on.
I remember the story
of a TALL TEXAN who worked unloading blacksmith’s anvils from
ships in the Port of Houston. The anvils
weighed over 75 pounds. He would strain
to pick up an anvil and carry it across the gangplank from the ship to the
shore. One by one he
struggled with the heavy anvils. On one
trip across the gangplank with an anvil in his arms, the gangplank broke. The Texan fell into the water. He came up for the first time and hollered,
“Somebody help me!” Nobody moved to help
him. He came up a second time and
hollered, “Help, help me!” The crowd
just watched. Totally exhausted, for a
third time, the Texan bobbed to the surface and cried out, “Please, please,
somebody help me . . . I am about to drop this anvil!” That’s PERSISTENCE!
A person possessed by the Spirit of God is PERSISTENT and nothing in life can discourage, dissuade, or deter him or her from God’s purpose for their life. Winners, especially soul-winners, possess the virtues of piety, passion, persistence, and
A person possessed by the Spirit of God is PERSISTENT and nothing in life can discourage, dissuade, or deter him or her from God’s purpose for their life. Winners, especially soul-winners, possess the virtues of piety, passion, persistence, and
4. PRAGMATISM (28-31)
CAVEAT! Let
me say at this point about this point of “pragmatism” I am not endorsing the
philosophical school of thought that goes by this name. William James is generally given credit for
developing this school of philosophy. According to James (Dewey, Santayana, et.
al.), what is good, right, or true is determined by what produces the desired
result. Right or wrong, according to
this school is determined by what works, or what is effective. According to
Scripture, this philosophy is devilish and defective because sometimes, at
least, Satanic lies are quite effective at getting the results people desire,
such as fame and fortune. (See Mt.
23:23-24; 1Cor. 2:14). Simply because an
idea produces a “desirable effect” does not make it right or true. Truth is always determined by what
corresponds to the Word of God.
That said, there is a pragmatism that is helpful and beneficial, and in fact, godly. We might call this form of pragmatism by its more colloquial name, “Common Sense.” Paul concludes his sermon to the believers at Miletus with some “common sense, practical” bits of advice.
That said, there is a pragmatism that is helpful and beneficial, and in fact, godly. We might call this form of pragmatism by its more colloquial name, “Common Sense.” Paul concludes his sermon to the believers at Miletus with some “common sense, practical” bits of advice.
In a “foot race, or
race of any kind,” the winning edge goes to those who do what is practical,
like eating right and getting enough rest before a race, or like buying the
right kind of foot wear sufficient for many hours of running. Or, if you are a wide receiver in the NFL,
buying special gloves that cause the ball to stick like glue. There are all kinds of “practical” things a
person can do enhance one’s performance in the race of life. In the case of gaining a winning edge in
business, as a practical matter, research can be very helpful. Knowing the ever-changing mindset of those in
your marketplace is critical to maintaining a “winning edge.”
Pragmatism as Paul presents it here is simply to “watch out for pitfalls.” Paul says it like this in verse 28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”
“Keeping watch” is a very practical matter. It might be informed by spiritual principles,
but is deals with situations as we find them, not as we would hope to find
them. For example, Paul describes a
“practical” matter of how to keep the church organization running efficiently
and effectively—appoint “overseers.”
A church that does not have strong leadership, or that has a
congregation that does not submit to the leadership God has ordained, is little
more than a “mob.” Instead of ruling
according to the Providence of God, such a church will be ruled by the Power of
men. Those with the loudest voices and
most intimidating ways will generally rule the day. Paul ends his sermon with the practical
advice of seeking God-called leadership for the church, and following that
leader as he, or they, follow God.
Pragmatism simply
reminds us to use our minds, as well as our heart and spirit. [REPEAT]
As we said about gaining a winning edge in business through research, this can
also apply—with caution—to gaining a winning edge in growing a church. For example, it is wise to take note of some
trends that have become evident in our present day in regard to the new
environment the church finds Herself in.
For example:
❶Christianity
is becoming less popular in society, not more; ❷Morality is getting worse, not
better; ❸ Society is becoming less familiar
with Biblical truth, not more; ❹Operating a church organization
requires more funds, not less; ❺Kids going off to the university are encountering more
hostility to faith, not less;
❻And this is a big one—churches are becoming more tolerant of sin, not less tolerant. Paul realizes that the church constantly faces practical issues that can become very big spiritual problems if not put in check very quickly. If we use the language of Paul to describe all the various practical challenges impacting the spiritual well-being of the church today we would say, as in verse 29: savage wolves . . . with deviant doctrine enter and lure away disciples after them.
❻And this is a big one—churches are becoming more tolerant of sin, not less tolerant. Paul realizes that the church constantly faces practical issues that can become very big spiritual problems if not put in check very quickly. If we use the language of Paul to describe all the various practical challenges impacting the spiritual well-being of the church today we would say, as in verse 29: savage wolves . . . with deviant doctrine enter and lure away disciples after them.
These are days when,
as a practical matter, churches need to be on “high alert” (keep watch) for dangerous
trends that will bring great harm to the flock.
The “Overseers” must be
ever mindful of what is taking place in the world in which we minister, making
practical adjustments to enhance the presentation of the gospel to the
community.
Also, as a practical
matter, the “Overseers” must keep watch for
new opportunities for, and new approaches to, presenting the gospel to the
lost. Overseers
must find “practical” ways to get the “spiritual” gospel into the ears
and hearts of lost people, while at the same time, guarding against “deviant doctrine” creeping into the Church’s
message. It does absolutely no good to become more
effective at delivering a defective gospel—in fact, that is much worse.
Paul exemplifies four
virtues, when displayed in abundance, will make believers more effective in “running
the race of life and crossing the line as a winner.” As we said in the beginning, “Winning
in life is determined by character, not skill.”
A winning life
includes piety, passion, persistence, and pragmatism. When your life exhibits these virtues, you
will most certainly be a winner when that day comes that you “Cross the
Line.” You will be able to declare as
Paul:
I
have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in
store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have
longed for his appearing (2Tim.
4:7).