October 26, 2025 - A Church on Purpose (Acts 20:13-24 - Johnny Whitcomb)

Devotional

Day 1: Our Soul-Satisfying Purpose: Testifying to the Good News

Paul’s life was driven by a singular, soul-satisfying purpose: to testify to the good news of God’s grace. He considered everything else secondary to this mission, declaring that his only aim was to finish the race and complete the task given to him by the Lord Jesus. This purpose gave him a reason to get out of bed each morning, even in the face of hardship and uncertainty. When we embrace this same calling—to bring God’s good news to the world—we find a deep, lasting satisfaction that transcends circumstances and anchors our lives in something eternal. [41:17]

Acts 20:24 (ESV)
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally share the good news of God’s grace with someone in your life this week, even if it feels small or simple?

Day 2: The Power of Community on Mission

Paul’s ministry was never a solo endeavor; he worked closely with the elders and believers in Ephesus, building a community marked by deep love, humility, and unity. Their togetherness was so strong that parting from one another was described as a tearing, a testament to the bonds formed through shared mission. True Christian community is not just about gathering, but about being united in purpose—serving, learning, and growing together as we bring the gospel to the world. Humility is the key that opens us to one another’s strengths and needs, allowing us to invest in something greater than ourselves. [51:46]

Acts 20:36-38 (ESV)
"And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship."

Reflection: Who in your church community do you need to reach out to this week—perhaps to encourage, serve, or simply let them know you need them on this mission together?

Day 3: A Compelling Call Greater Than Personal Achievement

The call of Jesus is not about personal achievement or fleeting happiness, but about a compelling, disruptive invitation to die to ourselves and follow Him. Unlike the world’s pursuits, which are often rooted in competition and temporary pleasure, the gospel calls us to something bigger—a purpose that grips our hearts and overflows into every area of life. This call is not about what we can get, but about what we are invited to invest in together: the transformation of lives through the message of Jesus. [59:17]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense Jesus calling you to “pick up your cross” and follow Him more fully today?

Day 4: The Gospel’s Unfailing Love and Enduring Power

The gospel’s power and progress are not dependent on our perfection or performance, but on God’s unfailing love and sovereign will. Throughout history, Christians have often failed, yet the gospel continues to move forward—not because of us, but because it is rooted in Christ’s finished work. This is the one purpose in life that cannot be taken from us, no matter our circumstances or failures. When we rest in God’s love and grace, we find a purpose that endures and a mission that will not fail. [05:01]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: Where have you been tempted to believe that your failures could stop God’s work through you? How can you rest in His unfailing love and let that free you to keep moving forward?

Day 5: Our Mission Flows from Christ’s Finished Work

Our ongoing mission to bring the gospel to the world is rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Just as Paul mirrored Christ’s journey—setting his face toward Jerusalem and proclaiming the gospel to the highest authorities—our calling is to continue what Jesus has already accomplished. The good news has reached us across centuries and continents, and now we are invited to carry it forward, confident that it is Christ’s victory, not our striving, that ensures its advance. [09:26]

John 19:30 (ESV)
"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

Reflection: How does knowing that your mission is rooted in Jesus’ finished work change the way you approach sharing your faith or serving others this week?

Sermon Summary

In Acts 20:17-24, Paul reveals a soul-satisfying purpose that transcends the fleeting pursuits and distractions of our world: to testify to the good news of God’s grace. This purpose is not just for Paul, but for all who follow Christ. In a culture where people are desperate for meaning—sometimes even waking up at 7 a.m. to jump off a break wall just to feel alive—Paul’s clarity stands in stark contrast. His life is anchored in the mission of sharing the gospel, and he invites us to join him in this calling.

The gospel, at its core, is the simple but profound truth that God saves sinners. Evil is not just an external force; it’s the reality of our own hearts. Yet God, in His love, sent Jesus to live the life we couldn’t, die the death we deserved, and rise again so that we might be restored to relationship with Him. This is not just good news for the world, but the very foundation of our purpose.

Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders are unique in Acts because they are directed from one believer to others, urging them to embrace a shared mission. The Christian life is not about what we can get out of it, but about what we invest together for the sake of the gospel. True unity and love in the church are forged not by uniformity or personal achievement, but by humility and a common commitment to Christ’s mission.

Our culture often confuses happiness with satisfaction, chasing after momentary pleasures or personal accomplishments that cannot ultimately fulfill. But the gospel offers a purpose that cannot be taken away, because it is rooted not in our performance, but in Christ’s finished work. Even when the church has failed or faltered throughout history, the gospel endures—not because of our strength, but because of God’s unfailing love and sovereign will.

This purpose is compelling, disruptive, and deeply satisfying. It calls us to die to ourselves, to live in Christ, and to bring His good news to a world hungry for hope. We do this not alone, but together, as a community shaped by humility, love, and a shared mission. Our continued work flows from Christ’s finished work, and as we step into this purpose, we find the reason to get out of bed each morning—anchored in the joy and hope of the gospel.

Key Takeaways

1. Soul-Satisfying Purpose Is Found in the Gospel, Not in Achievement The deepest fulfillment in life comes not from personal accomplishments or fleeting pleasures, but from embracing the mission of testifying to God’s grace. Paul’s life demonstrates that when our aim is to share the gospel, we find a purpose that endures through every circumstance and cannot be taken from us. This purpose is not self-generated, but received from Christ, and it grounds us in something far greater than ourselves. [41:17]
2. The Christian Life Is a Shared Mission, Not a Solo Journey Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders highlights the essential togetherness of the church. Our faith is not about individual gain, but about investing together in God’s mission. True unity and love in the church are forged through humility—recognizing our need for one another and for Christ—rather than insisting on our own way or knowledge. [46:01]
3. Humility Is the Posture That Sustains Community and Mission Paul models a servant’s heart, approaching others with humility rather than authority. This humility opens the door for genuine unity, as we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers and need the gifts and perspectives of others. Only with open hands and humble hearts can we discover the fullness of what God wants to do through us as a community. [52:16]
4. The Gospel’s Call Is Compelling Because It Is Costly and Transformative Unlike the shallow calls of culture—whether to recycle more or pursue self-fulfillment—the gospel calls us to die to ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus. This is a disruptive, life-altering invitation that exposes our need and offers true hope. As we step into this call, even in small ways, we become more convinced of its power and beauty, and it overflows into the lives of those around us. [59:02]
5. The Enduring Power of the Gospel Rests on Christ’s Finished Work, Not Our Performance Throughout history, the church has often failed to live up to its calling, but the gospel continues to advance because it is rooted in God’s will and Christ’s finished work. Our purpose in sharing the gospel cannot be lost or taken away, because it does not depend on our perfection. We are invited to rest in Christ’s victory and to participate in a mission that will reach the ends of the earth.

** [69:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:04] - Reflections on the New Building
[34:31] - Reading Acts 20:17-24
[35:45] - Paul’s Example and Purpose
[37:22] - The “Call of the Wall” Story
[39:41] - The Search for Purpose
[40:58] - Paul’s Soul-Satisfying Purpose
[42:07] - The Gospel: God Saves Sinners
[44:31] - Christian to Christian: What Comes Next?
[46:01] - The Book of Acts: A Shared Mission
[48:01] - The Need for a Purpose Beyond Ourselves
[49:35] - The Difference Between Happiness and Satisfaction
[51:01] - Community Mission and Humility
[55:55] - The Compelling Call of the Gospel
[59:02] - The Disruptive Call of Jesus
[63:40] - The Gospel’s Unfailing Love
[65:01] - A Purpose That Cannot Be Taken Away
[67:10] - Paul’s Mission Mirrors Christ
[69:26] - Our Work Flows from Christ’s Finished Work
[70:35] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 20:17-24 (ESV) — 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Observation Questions

According to Paul in Acts 20:24, what does he see as his main purpose in life?
What posture does Paul say he used when serving the church in Ephesus? (see v.19)
In the sermon, what example did the pastor give of people searching for purpose in everyday life? [[39:57]]
How does Paul describe the way he shared the gospel with others? (see v.20-21)

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul say his life is “worth nothing” to him except for finishing the task Jesus gave him? What does this reveal about his priorities?
The pastor said, “To bring God’s good news to the world is our soul-satisfying purpose.” Why might this purpose be more satisfying than personal achievements or pleasures? [[41:42]]
The sermon highlights that Paul’s message to the Ephesian elders is unique because it’s from “Christian to Christian.” What does this tell us about the importance of shared mission in the church? [[44:06]]
The pastor mentioned that humility is key to unity in the church. Why is humility so important for a community on mission together? [[52:16]]

Application Questions

The pastor shared a story about people jumping off the break wall at 7 a.m. just to feel alive. What are some “break wall” moments or activities in your life that you use to find purpose or meaning? Are they truly satisfying? [[39:57]]
Paul’s purpose was to “testify to the good news of God’s grace.” What would it look like for you to make this your main purpose? Is there a specific person or group you feel called to share the gospel with? [[41:17]]
The sermon said, “The Christian life is not about what we can get out of it, but about what we invest together for the sake of the gospel.” In what ways are you currently investing in the mission of the church? Is there a new way you could get involved? [[46:01]]
The pastor emphasized humility as the posture that sustains community and mission. Is there an area in your life or in our church where you need to practice more humility? What would that look like this week? [[52:16]]
The gospel’s call is “compelling because it is costly and transformative.” Are there ways you have experienced the cost of following Jesus? How has it changed you? [[59:02]]
The sermon pointed out that our purpose in sharing the gospel “cannot be lost or taken away, because it does not depend on our perfection.” How does this truth encourage you when you feel inadequate or discouraged in your faith? [[01:05:01]]
The pastor suggested starting small spiritual conversations, like asking someone, “What can I pray for you?” Who is one person you could try this with in the next week? [[01:02:33]]

Sermon Clips

I think if you take a moment in the quiet of your own soul, you’ll realize it’s true. That I’m broken and I’m in need of something outside of myself to come into my life to rescue me. That’s that reality of that third word, the one in the middle, saves. That God did make a plan to save sinners. And that plan was his son, Jesus Christ. [00:43:17] (22 seconds) #JesusPaidOurDebt

He came to live the life we couldn’t. To die on the cross to pay for the punishment for our sins. He took it upon himself. So that when we believe in his name, we can come into right relationship with God our Father in heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen? That’s the gospel of Jesus Christ. [00:43:40] (19 seconds) #TogetherOnMission

Sometimes when I read the Bible, I’ll go to the Bible and I’ll ask, what do I get out of it? Have you ever asked that question of the Bible? You read it and you go, what do I get out of it? The book of Acts is not about I getting out of my faith very much. The book of Acts, listen to me, is about us together invested into our faith. [00:45:54] (21 seconds) #SoulAnchoredInLove

On our own, we are very bad at finding soul-satisfaction. On our own, we’re very bad for aiming our lives at an all-encompassing purpose. This is statistically true. There’s a Harvard professor, his name is Arthur Brooks. Anybody ever heard of Arthur Brooks? Anybody at all? He’s a Harvard professor. He has the most popular class at Harvard’s business school. And they call him the happiness professor. Because his whole field of research is what makes you happy, what satisfies you in life. And it’s the most popular class because all these Harvard students don’t know. Don’t know what makes them satisfied. [00:47:09] (43 seconds) #UnifiedByHumility

You can’t find satisfaction in things that are momentary, that are punctiliar, that only last for a little bit. You need to have something that will ground your soul and anchor your heart through any kind of circumstance you face in life. The ups and the downs. [00:48:10] (20 seconds) #GospelFrontAndCenter

Satisfaction is different than happiness. And this is what the Bible teaches too, Philippians 4.4. Rejoice, my soul. Again, I say rejoice. He’s creating a habit, a discipline, of telling his soul what its posture should be towards the world. That’s joy. That’s satisfaction. A lot of times in life, we face something called pleasure or happiness, which is a very different thing. Pleasure and happiness, they’re circumstantial. Okay? And they’re momentary. [00:49:30] (31 seconds) #CrossBearingDisruption

Do you see the gospel of Jesus Christ as a compelling call in your life? Do you see it as something that’s exciting to share with the world around you? Something that can overflow out of the everyday witness of your life? The idea that God is good. And you can know him. And sin and failure can’t keep you from him in Jesus Christ. That’s a compelling call. [00:56:00] (24 seconds) #RootedInHisWork

The gospel cannot fail. And it’s not failed. It’s not because of us as Christians. It’s not our ability that allows the gospel to go forth. Do you realize that? Like there are some brilliant Christians in the world. There are some smart and clever Christians in the world. But if the gospel’s dependent on us, it will fail to go forth. Because more often than not, we screw it up. We absolutely screw it up. We’re not perfect at sharing the gospel. [01:03:42] (26 seconds)

The gospel is the one purpose that can’t be taken from you because it’s the one purpose that isn’t dependent on your performance. This is the one that I’m wrestling with as a parent. Are you ready? The gospel is a better and bigger purpose than my kids. This is hard for me because I think that raising good kids, raising them to love the Lord, that’s important. But ultimately, them coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord, it won’t be dependent on me. It’s dependent on God to win them to himself. [01:05:52] (30 seconds)

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