Read the Book: Fall Bible PlanSample

A Legacy of Grace

Acts 20:17-38

Years ago Steven Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, stated that for us to have lives of influence, we must “begin with the end in mind.”  In other words, we must keep in our mind’s eye that visual of a completed “project” of our lives to keep us persevering to get to the end. When we live with the end in mind, the attributes of intentionality and urgency will mark our lives. 

We see this in Paul, as his ultimate goal was “to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead" (Phil 3:10-11). We not only know that this desire is what drove Paul’s life but we actually have his own epitaph that he shared near the end of his life. In Acts 20:17-38 Paul knows he will not see the Ephesian elders again and with tears he reminds them how he lived his life:

• Striving for authenticity (verse 18b)
• With humility in face of suffering (verse 19)
• Sharing the gospel (verses 20-21)
• Without love for material possessions (verses 22-24)
• Caring about the health of God’s church (verses 28-31)
• Loving others over his own needs (verses 32-35)

When we witness a life well-lived, it forces necessary reflection of our own lives. Are we living with urgency and intentionality? Do we live with a vision for the ultimate end of our life? Has the gospel saturated our lives so much that it is bearing fruit in the lives around us? As we ponder these questions, please remember that Paul would be extremely offended if we viewed him as some type of “super Christian.” He was not super. He was simply redeemed by an awesome Christ. 

Family connection: Paul left a legacy of obedience, saying yes to whatever God called him to at whatever the cost. As a family, talk about what it looks like to be obedient. What is one way you can be obedient to God this week?