Offering-Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Communion-Hebrews 12:2-3

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Theme: “Growing as a Spiritual Leader”

Acts 20:22-24

Acts 20:22-24

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

1. The Spirit’s prompting & direction (v.22)

1 Corinthians 9:16

Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

“euangelion” – Koine Greek

Acts 8:26,29 (Philip & the Ethiopian)

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road — the desert road — that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (v.26)

The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” (v.29)

Acts 10:13-16 (Peter’s Vision in Joppa)

Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

2. Walk by faith not by sight (v.22)

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

3. Predictable opposition from the enemy, Satan (v.23)

Psalm 23:5 (David)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

4. For this I was called (v.24)

Galatians 2:20-21

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Benediction-Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the LORD for ever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.