Pastor Brandon Adkisson Acts 20:25-31 1. Ministry May Outlast Our Presence (v. 25) ➡ Application: Be faithful where you are. Your influence for Christ might not be seen immediately, but your obedience has eternal impact. Supporting Scriptures: • 1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 – “Entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” • Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” ________________________________________ 2. Accountability in Ministry (v. 26) Paul is innocent of the blood of all. Like Ezekiel’s watchman, he fulfilled his duty. ➡ Application: Are you lovingly warning and guiding others with God’s Word? Don't stay silent when God calls you to speak truth in love. Supporting Scriptures: • Ezekiel 33:6– “If the watchman sees the sword coming… his blood I will require.” • James 3:1 – “Not many of you should become teachers... for you will be judged more strictly.” • Hebrews 13:17 – “They are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.” ________________________________________ 3. Preach the Whole Counsel of God (v. 27) ➡ Application: Avoid a “customized” Christianity. Embrace and live out all of Scripture—even when it convicts, not just when it comforts. Supporting Scriptures: • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God... for teaching, reproof...” • Jeremiah 23:29 – “Is not my word like fire... and like a hammer that breaks the rock?” • Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...” ________________________________________ 4. Watch Yourself First (v. 28a) ➡ Application: You can’t pour into others if you’re spiritually dry. Prioritize personal holiness, prayer, and regular repentance. Supporting Scriptures: • 1 Timothy 4:16 – “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” • Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance...” • Matthew 7:5 – “First take the log out of your own eye…” ________________________________________ 5. Shepherd the Church of God Well (v. 28b) ➡ Application: Honor the church as God's precious possession. Serve in humility, remembering who the church ultimately belongs to. Supporting Scriptures: • 1 Peter 5:2–3 – “Shepherd the flock... not domineering... but being examples.” • John 10:11 – “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” • 1 Corinthians 6:20 – “You were bought with a price…” ________________________________________ 6. Be Aware of Danger from Without and Within (vv. 29–30). ➡ Application: Test what you hear. Know the Word well enough to detect error. Guard your heart and your church from compromise. Supporting Scriptures: • 2 Peter 2:1 – “False teachers... will secretly bring in destructive heresies.” • Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets... in sheep’s clothing.” • 1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” ________________________________________ 7. Ministry with Compassionate Vigilance (v. 31) ➡ Application: Love people enough to speak the truth and to weep over their souls. Boldness and compassion are not opposites—they belong together. Supporting Scriptures: • 2 Corinthians 2:4 – “Out of much affliction and anguish of heart... with many tears.” • Romans 9:2 – “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish…” • 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 – “We were gentle among you... because you had become dear to us.” Passage Focus V. 28a- “Pay attention to yourselves…” What Paul says (Key Verb): Present Imperative (Continuous) Personal Application: Self-watch leads to church health. Do a spiritual “check-up” this week: pray Psalm 139:23-24 and take a personal inventory on yourself. Speak with a trusted friend for accountability. Passage Focus V. 28b- “…to care for the church God obtained with His own blood.” What Paul says (Key Verb): Ongoing care. Personal Application: Treat the church family as blood-bought. Speak of other believers with dignity; volunteer where help is needed because Christ paid the highest price for them. Passage Focus Vv. 29-30- “fierce wolves will come…men will arise speaking twisted things.” What Paul says (Key Verb): Future warnings: Sharpen Personal Application: Sharpen discernment. When you hear teaching (a podcast, reel, or sermon) ask: Does this align with the gospel? Compare it with Scripture before you repost or embrace it. Passage Focus V. 31- “Be alert… remembering I did not cease night or day to admonish with tears.” What Paul Says (Key Verb): Ongoing vigilance; persistent past action. Personal Application: Stay prayer-awake for others. Set a weekly reminder to pray by name for three people, especially those drifting. Let them know you’re praying and lovingly checking in. Putting It into Practice This Week 1. Whole-Bible Diet: Read one chapter of Acts daily and one from the Prophets; write one takeaway that challenges you. 2. Spiritual Health Audit: Ask, “Where am I coasting? Where is sin gaining ground?” Share the answers with a mature believer. 3. Serve Intentionally: Pick a specific need in your local body (setup, children, hospitality) and commit for a month. 4. Discern Media: Before you hit “like” or “share,” run the content through Philippians 4 : 8—Is it true, honorable, just, pure, lovely? 5. Prayer Alert: Set your phone alarm for 20:31 (8:31 p.m.). When it rings, pray for your pastors and for protection against false teaching. 6. Good-bye Grace: End every interaction this week with a word of blessing— “The Lord be with you,” “I’m thankful for you,” or a short prayer.