Instructions for Leaders

Acts 20:13-38

– Acts 20 records Paul’s farewell message to the Elders of the Ephesian Church.  This is the only recorded sermon in the book of Acts which Paul addressed to a Christian audience

– Paul’s sermon to the Church Leaders in Ephesus breaks down into two parts:  1) Paul’s Example;  2) Paul’s Exhortation

I.  Paul’s Example (vv. 17-27;  33-35)

1)     Serving with Humility (vv. 17-19)

• Paul’s view of himself – a slave of Christ!
• Bearing the burdens of others – with tears!
• Suffering hardship for Christ

2)     Teaching without Compromise (vv. 20-21; 25-27)

• No shrinking back on the tough stuff!
• Teaching everywhere
• Teaching everyone
• Preaching the need for faith AND repentance
• No blood on Paul’s hands (cf.  Ezekiel 33: 7-9)

3)     Persevering in Faith (vv. 22-24)

• Confidence in God’s Providence
• Suffering with purpose
• Eyes fixed on the finish line

Application:  Paul’s example helps us to know what we should expect from our Church leaders.  Although these instructions are primarily for Pastors/ Elders, the principles broadly apply to all of us.

II.  Paul’s Exhortation (vv. 28-32)

1)     Pay Attention to Yourselves (v. 28)

• Lifestyle (cf. 1 Tim 3:1-7, 4:16)
• Doctrine

2)     Pay Attention to the Flock (vv. 29-32)

• Pattern for Church Leadership

1. Plurality of Elders
2. Three interchangeable terms for a single Church Office:  ‘Elder’ (presbuteros) = ‘Overseer/Bishop’ (episkopos) = ‘Pastor/Shepherd’ (poimen)

• Job Description for the ‘Pastors’

1. Care for the Flock (v. 28)
2. Defend the Flock (vv. 29-31)
3. Feed the Flock (v. 20)

Application:    Pray regularly for the Pastors/ Elders of Rosedale Baptist Church we lead, feed and defend the Flock of God