In Ephesians 5:25 Paul states, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” However, judging from the Apostle Paul’s words and actions this could describe him. Luke’s report of Paul’s final visits to the churches in the provinces of Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia illustrates this love for the churches. But it also emphasizes the importance of encouragement that speaks the truth with affection, sacrifice that trusts in the sovereignty of God, strengthening others through the Word, and discipling through personal contact with others. In this message we will see that Paul loved Christ’s church by:
- Encouraging her (vv. 1-3a)
- Sacrificing for her (v. 3b)
- Uniting her (vv. 4-6)
- Strengthening her (vv. 7-12)
- Walking alongside her (vv. 13-16)