Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: Acts 20:25-35
Sermon Title: Prayer, Care, Share
Acts 20:25-35 (NIV)
25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Introduction
As we consider our faith, we must consider other people.
Christians have a social responsibility in this world.
“As You Go” through life, think of those who are far away from God.
Proclamation
These verses were Paul’s farewell to the church people of Ephesus.
In verse 27, he reminds them that he faithfully and consistently proclaimed the Gospel.
Our Gospel proclamation must be accurate and never-ending.
Our churches, however, are not fortresses for Christians.
Hard Work
In verses 32-35, we see Paul marries hard work to his Gospel proclamation.
He calls the people of Ephesus to hard work and generosity in the community.
Inwardly focused churches are not keenly aware of the need to engage the community.
Outwardly focused churches are always seeking to enlarge the tent.
Love Your Neighbor
Helping “the weak” and loving our neighbors help us to become more like Jesus.
The life of Jesus was filled with ministry to children, the elderly, and “sinners”.
Modern day church members must minister to the same people.
Final Thoughts
Who will you care for in 2026?
Who will you invite to “Friend Day” on February 15?
As we consider our faith, we must consider other people.
Christians have a social responsibility in this world.
“As You Go” through life, think of those who are far away from God.
Proclamation
These verses were Paul’s farewell to the church people of Ephesus.
In verse 27, he reminds them that he faithfully and consistently proclaimed the Gospel.
Our Gospel proclamation must be accurate and never-ending.
Our churches, however, are not fortresses for Christians.
Hard Work
In verses 32-35, we see Paul marries hard work to his Gospel proclamation.
He calls the people of Ephesus to hard work and generosity in the community.
Inwardly focused churches are not keenly aware of the need to engage the community.
Outwardly focused churches are always seeking to enlarge the tent.
Love Your Neighbor
Helping “the weak” and loving our neighbors help us to become more like Jesus.
The life of Jesus was filled with ministry to children, the elderly, and “sinners”.
Modern day church members must minister to the same people.
Final Thoughts
Who will you care for in 2026?
Who will you invite to “Friend Day” on February 15?