Faithfulness in Transition: Paul's Call to Endurance

In Acts 20:17-24, Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders offers a powerful example of what it means to live faithfully for the gospel, especially in seasons of transition and uncertainty. Paul’s life and words remind us that the Christian journey is not about seeking comfort or popularity, but about steadfast obedience to Christ, even when it costs us dearly. He recounts his ministry among the Ephesians—marked by humility, tears, and trials—emphasizing that he never shrank back from proclaiming the whole counsel of God, regardless of how unpopular or difficult it made him.

Paul’s message is clear: faithfulness to Christ will often put us at odds with the world. The gospel calls for repentance and faith in Jesus, a message that confronts human pride and self-sufficiency. This is never a popular message, but it is the only one that saves. Paul’s example challenges us to examine our own lives: are we more concerned with being liked, or with being faithful to the truth of Christ? Are we willing to speak the truth in love, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly?

Furthermore, Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit despite knowing suffering awaits, teaches us that following Jesus is a call to sacrificial living. Obedience to God’s call may lead us into hardship, not away from it. Paul’s commitment was not conditional on comfort or safety; he was willing to endure whatever was necessary to fulfill the ministry given to him by Christ. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to endure for the sake of the gospel, and whether we are preparing ourselves—and the next generation—to stand firm in faith when trials come.

Finally, Paul’s singular focus was to finish his race well, to complete the ministry entrusted to him. He did not count his life as precious in itself, but valued obedience to Christ above all. The Christian life is a long race, requiring endurance, focus, and the encouragement of fellow believers. We are called to lay aside distractions, persevere through weariness, and help one another keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The goal is not just to start well, but to finish well, hearing Christ’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faithfulness Over Popularity: Living for Christ means choosing faithfulness to God over the approval of people. The gospel message—repentance and faith in Jesus—will never be universally popular, but it is the only message that brings true life. We must resist the temptation to water down the truth for the sake of acceptance, and instead stand firm as ambassadors for Christ, even when it costs us relationships or reputation. [23:35]
• 2. Sacrifice Over Comfort: The call to follow Jesus is a call to sacrificial living, not a pursuit of ease. Paul was compelled by the Spirit to go where suffering awaited, demonstrating that obedience often leads us into difficulty rather than away from it. True commitment to Christ means being willing to endure hardship, trusting that God’s purposes are worth any cost, and preparing ourselves and our children to stand firm in a world increasingly hostile to the gospel. [75:48]
• 3. Finishing Well Requires Focus: The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring perseverance and a singular focus on Christ. Paul’s determination to finish his course reminds us that distractions—whether comfort, success, or worldly desires—can easily derail us. We must continually realign our priorities, valuing obedience to God above all else, and seek the encouragement and accountability of the church to help us endure to the end. [78:42]
• 4. The Power of Gospel Community: Endurance in the faith is not meant to be a solo endeavor. God has given us the church—life groups, discipleship groups, and spiritual friendships—to encourage, strengthen, and help us keep running the race. We need others to pray for us, challenge us, and walk alongside us, especially when we are weary or tempted to give up. Investing in gospel community is essential for long-term faithfulness. [83:35]
• 5. Obedience Is the True Measure of Success: In God’s economy, success is not measured by comfort, popularity, or even visible results, but by obedience to His call. Paul’s willingness to count his life as nothing for the sake of the gospel challenges us to evaluate what we are living for. The ultimate joy is not in starting the race, but in finishing it faithfully, pleasing God above all and hearing His “well done.” [79:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Introduction and Context: Acts 20
• [03:10] - Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
• [07:30] - The Cost of Faithfulness
• [12:20] - Repentance and Faith: The Unpopular Message
• [18:05] - Avoiding the Trap of Popularity
• [23:35] - Standing Firm in the Gospel
• [28:50] - Sacrificial Living Over Comfort
• [34:15] - Paul’s Call to Suffer for Christ
• [41:00] - Preparing the Next Generation
• [47:20] - Finishing the Race Well
• [53:10] - The Role of Gospel Community
• [59:30] - Endurance and Encouragement
• [65:00] - Practical Steps: Life Groups and D-Groups
• [71:30] - Commitment and Obedience
• [75:48] - The Example of James Calvert
• [78:42] - Focused Living and Avoiding Distractions
• [83:35] - Encouragement to Persevere
• [97:50] - Announcements and Next Steps
• [101:21] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

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

1. According to Acts 20:18-21, what are some specific ways Paul describes his ministry among the Ephesians?
2. What does Paul say is awaiting him in Jerusalem, and how does he respond to that knowledge?
3. In verse 24, what does Paul say is his main purpose or goal in life?
4. The sermon mentions that Paul’s message of repentance and faith was unpopular. What evidence from Acts 20 or the sermon supports this? [[00:12:20]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize humility, tears, and trials as part of his ministry? What does this reveal about his approach to serving Christ? [[00:07:30]]
2. The sermon says, “Faithfulness to Christ will often put us at odds with the world.” Why is the gospel message of repentance and faith so often unpopular or resisted? [[00:12:20]]
3. Paul is “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem, even though suffering awaits. What does this teach about the relationship between obedience to God and personal comfort? [[01:15:48]]
4. The sermon highlights that Paul’s focus was to “finish the race well.” What does it mean to finish well in the Christian life, and why is this so important? [[01:18:42]]

Application Questions

1. Paul chose faithfulness to God over popularity with people. In your own life, where do you feel pressure to be liked or accepted, and how does that affect your willingness to stand for Christ? [[00:23:35]]
2. The sermon warns against “watering down” the gospel to make it more acceptable. Are there situations where you have been tempted to soften the truth of the gospel? How can you lovingly speak the truth, even when it’s hard? [[00:23:35]]
3. Paul was willing to endure hardship and even suffering for the sake of the gospel. What is one area of your life where following Jesus has cost you something? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [[01:15:48]]
4. Parents and mentors: The sermon asks if we are preparing the next generation to stand firm in faith. What are some practical ways you can help your children or younger believers be ready to follow Jesus when it’s unpopular or costly? [[01:17:14]]
5. The Christian life is described as a marathon, not a sprint. What are some distractions or comforts that tend to pull you away from focusing on Christ? What is one step you can take this week to “realign your priorities”? [[01:18:42]]
6. The sermon stresses the importance of gospel community—life groups, D-groups, and spiritual friendships. Are you currently connected to a group of believers who encourage and challenge you? If not, what is holding you back from joining one? [[01:23:35]]
7. Paul did not count his life as precious, but valued obedience to Christ above all. What is one area where you need to surrender your own comfort, plans, or reputation in order to be obedient to God’s call? [[01:19:33]]