Acts 20:24-38 – Take Heed

Paul’s concern for the unity of the church was coupled with an ardent desire that the church should be soundly established in true doctrine, as his address to these elders clearly shows. Without the truth of the Gospel being maintained, any supposed unity is a mere façade. That for which men will shed tears can be a strong indicator of what matters most deeply to them. Paul had shed many tears of concern for the Ephesian church (v.31). Do you ever shed tears other than for yourself and those close to you by natural ties? Is Zion’s cause dear to you? Does the Church’s living testimony to truth of God matter immensely to you?

Heresy could arise from within (v.30) – would the elders put truth first and personal ties of friendship or kinship second. Would they be so spiritually healthy as to treat false doctrine as poison that would be deadly for the flock of God? They needed to be taking heed to themselves now, as well as the flock, to not be found wanting in any future crisis. Heresy makes headway when doctrinally orthodox men are spiritually stagnant and thus become tolerant of that which should cause them alarm and stir them to resolute action.

Questions
1. Who does the apostle say they should take heed of first?
2. How can a minister make himself not responsible for the ruin of others?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that we would care deeply for the Church’s testimony to the truth.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.