As the Apostle Paul encouraged the elders from the church at Ephesus, he declared to them the hidden motivation of his life. This was a motivation that was a driving passion and desire which allowed him to remain focused on the Lord’s work despite many challenges and difficulties he experienced. Paul said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). In this passage Paul shows us that valuing gospel faithfulness over life in the present allows us to meet future challenges with courage, protects us from the guilt of past failures, and ensures a crown of glory. The outline for the message is:
- What is gospel faithfulness? (v. 24)
- How does gospel faithfulness impact the future? (vv. 22-23)
- How does gospel faithfulness impact the past? (vv. 25-27)
- How does gospel faithfulness impact eternity? (2 Tim 4:8)