Living for the Kingdom: Paul's Blueprint for Success
Summary
In our journey through Acts chapter 20, we delve into the heart of biblical success as modeled by the Apostle Paul. Paul's life serves as a testament to a life well-lived for the Kingdom of God, rather than for personal gain. As we reflect on his words, we are called to examine our own lives and ask, "Am I living for the Kingdom of God or for my own kingdom?"
Paul's approach to life was characterized by humility, a trait often misconstrued as weakness, yet in the Bible, it is heralded as a virtue. He served the Lord with great humility and tears, even amidst severe testing. This humility allowed him to take himself off the pedestal and place Jesus, the King of Kings, at the center of his life. He understood that true success was not about self-promotion but about making Jesus greater and himself less, as echoed in John 3:30.
Jesus simplifies the pursuit of the Kingdom in Matthew 22:37 by commanding us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This vertical and horizontal dynamic of loving God and serving others encapsulates the life we are called to live. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's definition of success.
Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders is not just a reflection of his life but a blueprint for ours. He emphasizes the importance of investing in the church, the only institution Jesus gave His life for. Our commitment to the church, the body of Christ, is a measure of our success. Paul's life was marked by giving more than receiving, a principle taught by Jesus Himself, which is the essence of Christian service.
As we consider Paul's teachings, we are reminded that our gifts and callings are unique, and success lies in faithfully walking in them. We are not responsible for how others respond to the gospel, but we are responsible for sharing it. Paul's bold proclamation of being innocent of the blood of any man stands as a challenge to us to ensure our generation hears the truth of Jesus' love.
In summary, biblical success is not about earthly accolades but about a life dedicated to serving God and others. It is about finishing the race strong, following the Holy Spirit by faith even when it's hard, and giving more than we receive. Our ultimate aim is to stand before the King as His faithful servants.
Key Takeaways:
- Biblical success is rooted in humility and service to God, not in self-promotion or earthly achievements. By living a life that points others to Jesus, we fulfill our true purpose and leave a legacy that honors God. [53:27]
- Loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments that encapsulate the essence of Kingdom living. Our success is measured by our obedience to these commandments, which form the foundation of a life well-lived in Christ. [50:17]
- The church is central to God's plan, and our investment in the body of Christ is a reflection of our commitment to His Kingdom. As believers, we are called to actively participate in and contribute to the church, recognizing its significance as the institution Jesus died for. [01:07:56]
- Sharing the gospel is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian success. We must be willing to speak the truth of Jesus' love to our generation, understanding that while salvation is God's work, the proclamation of the gospel is our responsibility. [59:30]
- Finishing the race strong is a hallmark of success in the Kingdom of God. Regardless of the stage of life we are in, we are called to remain faithful, using our gifts for God's glory and striving to complete the tasks He has set before us. [01:05:26]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 20:17-35 - Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders.
2. Matthew 22:37-40 - The greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor.
3. John 3:30 - "He must become greater; I must become less."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul emphasize as the key characteristics of his ministry in Acts 20:19? ([54:12])
2. According to Matthew 22:37-40, what are the two greatest commandments that Jesus gives us?
3. How does John 3:30 relate to Paul's message about humility and success? ([55:34])
4. What does Paul mean when he says he is "innocent of the blood of any of you" in Acts 20:26? ([59:30])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's definition of success in Acts 20 differ from common societal definitions of success? ([46:38])
2. Why does Jesus simplify the pursuit of the Kingdom to loving God and loving others in Matthew 22:37-40? How does this relate to our daily lives? ([50:17])
3. What does it mean to "finish the race" and "complete the task" as Paul describes in Acts 20:24? How can this be applied to our personal spiritual journeys? ([01:03:47])
4. How does the concept of humility in John 3:30 challenge our natural inclinations towards self-promotion? ([55:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you living for the Kingdom of God or for your own kingdom? What changes can you make to align more with God's Kingdom? ([53:27])
2. In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions to ensure that Jesus becomes greater and you become less? ([55:34])
3. How can you actively love God with all your heart, soul, and mind this week? What specific actions can you take to love your neighbor as yourself? ([50:17])
4. What steps can you take to invest more deeply in your local church community? How can you contribute to the body of Christ in a meaningful way? ([01:07:56])
5. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you share the love of Jesus with them this week? ([59:30])
6. Are there areas in your life where you need to follow the Holy Spirit by faith, even though it may be difficult? What is one step you can take in obedience this week? ([01:01:18])
7. Consider your current stage of life. What does it look like for you to "finish the race" strong? What specific goals or actions can you set to ensure you are faithful to the end? ([01:05:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility: The Root of Kingdom Success
Humility is often misunderstood in our culture, which tends to celebrate the assertive and the self-promoting. However, in the Kingdom of God, humility is the soil from which true success grows. It is not about making oneself small; it is about recognizing the greatness of God and others. Humility allows one to serve with a heart that is not seeking applause but is content with the joy of making Jesus known. It is in this lowering of oneself that one is lifted up by God, aligning with the biblical principle that the last shall be first and the servant of all is the greatest.
In the life of the Apostle Paul, we see a powerful example of humility in action. Despite his many accomplishments, Paul chose to serve the Lord with great humility, often with tears and in the midst of severe testing. His focus was not on building his own legacy but on pointing others to Jesus, making Him greater in every aspect of his life. This approach to life is not only countercultural but also counterintuitive, yet it is the path to true success in the eyes of God. [53:27]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, choosing to elevate others above yourself?
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Day 2: Love: The Essence of Kingdom Living
The greatest commandments, to love God and love others, are not just lofty ideals but practical directives for daily living. This love is not a fleeting emotion but a committed choice that influences every decision and action. To love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind is to give Him the preeminence in one's life, allowing His will and His ways to guide one's path. To love one's neighbor as oneself is to see others through the lens of compassion and to act towards them with kindness and generosity. This dual dynamic of love is the foundation upon which a life of biblical success is built.
Success in the Kingdom of God is not measured by the standards of the world but by obedience to these commandments. They are the heartbeat of a life that is lived well in Christ. When one's life is anchored in love for God and expressed through love for others, every action becomes an act of worship and every interaction an opportunity to demonstrate the grace of God. This is the essence of Kingdom living, where success is not about what one accumulates but about the love one disseminates. [50:17]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: In what practical ways can you demonstrate love to God and to those around you today?
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Day 3: The Church: Our Commitment to Christ's Body
The church is not an afterthought in God's plan; it is central to His purpose for humanity. It is the community through which believers are nurtured, equipped, and sent out to reflect the love of Christ to the world. The Apostle Paul understood the value of the church, dedicating himself to its growth and health. Investing in the church means more than just attending services; it involves actively participating in its life, serving according to one's gifts, and contributing to its mission. This investment is a tangible expression of one's commitment to the Kingdom of God and a reflection of the value placed on the institution for which Jesus gave His life.
The church is the body of Christ, and each member plays a vital role in its functioning. As believers, the call to invest in the church is a call to stewardship, to use what has been given for the edification of others and the glory of God. This commitment is a measure of success in the Kingdom, where the currency is not money or fame but faithfulness and service. By investing in the church, one invests in eternity, building treasures that will last beyond this life. [01:07:56]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your investment in the life and mission of your local church?
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Day 4: Proclaiming the Gospel: Our Sacred Responsibility
Sharing the gospel is not an optional activity for the believer; it is a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by Jesus Himself. It is through the proclamation of the gospel that the love of Jesus is made known to the world. While the outcome of salvation is in God's hands, the act of sharing the message is ours to carry out. The Apostle Paul's bold declaration of being innocent of the blood of all men challenges us to consider whether we are doing our part to ensure that our generation hears the truth of Jesus' love.
The call to share the gospel is a call to courage, to step out of our comfort zones and speak life into the lives of those around us. It is a call to be light in the darkness, offering hope where there is despair. Our success as Christians is not found in the number of people we convert but in our faithfulness to convey the message of salvation to all who will listen. This is our legacy, the mark we leave on eternity, as we work to fulfill the Great Commission. [59:30]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel, and how can you begin to share Jesus' love with them this week?
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Day 5: Finishing Strong: Our Enduring Call
The race set before us is not a sprint but a marathon, and success in the Kingdom of God is about finishing strong. Regardless of the stage of life we find ourselves in, we are called to remain faithful, using our gifts for God's glory and striving to complete the tasks He has set before us. This endurance is not born out of our own strength but out of a reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to press on even when the journey is difficult.
Finishing strong means not growing weary in doing good, but persevering in the face of challenges. It means being steadfast in our faith, unwavering in our commitment, and diligent in our service. As we run the race, we look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Our aim is to one day stand before the King as His faithful servants, having run the race well and completed the work He entrusted to us. [01:05:26]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to persevere or renew your commitment to finish strong for the Lord?
Quotes
1) "Success is finishing strong. Starting the race is amazing, but nobody remembers how you start; everybody remembers how you finish." [01:03:47] (Download)
2) "Success is being faithful to do what Jesus has asked me to do. Success is knowing those gifts and walking in those gifts." [01:06:05] (Download)
3) "Success is deeply committing and investing into the church, the only institution that Jesus ever gave his life for." [01:07:56] (Download)
4) "Success is following the Holy Spirit by faith even when it's hard. That's success." [01:01:18] (Download)
5) "We are either going to point people to ourselves or we're going to point people to Our Savior, King Jesus." [56:15] (Download)
6) "Success is giving my attention and time to ensure that my generation hears the truth about Jesus's love for them." [57:33] (Download)
7) "Paul says success is humbly serving and pointing others to God and not me. Christianity is about the legacy of a savior who can save and use even the most broken." [55:34] (Download)
8) "Paul ends with saying this: success is us giving way more than we expect to receive. This is straight from the mouth of Jesus." [01:11:13] (Download)
9) "Paul's success list is way different than our culture's. It's not about popularity or money, but standing before the king one day as his son or daughter." [01:13:04] (Download)
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