A FAREWELL WITHOUT REGRET
Acts 20:16-38
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The difficulty in saying goodbye:
B. The urgency in Paul’s travel: v. 16
C. The invitation to friends 30 miles away: v. 17
II. THE REALITY OF YOUR FEELINGS WHEN THEY
FOLLOW THE FACTS:
A. Paul’s feelings about the past: vv. 18-21
1. His motive: v. 19 (See I Thes. 2:1-13)
2. His manner: vv. 18-19, 31, 37 (See Rom. 9:1-2; II Cor.
2:4; Phil. 3:18)
3. His message: vv. 20-21, 24 (See I Cor. 15:1-8; Gal.
1:6-12)
B. Paul’s feelings about the present: vv. 22-27
1. Viewing himself as an accountant: v. 24
2. Viewing himself as a runner: v. 24 (Phil. 3:12-14;
II Tim. 4:8)
3. Viewing himself as a steward: v. 24 (See I Cor. 4:2)
4. Viewing himself as a witness: vv. 21, 24 (II Cor.
2:15-16)
5. Viewing himself as a herald: v. 25
- Viewing himself as a watchman: v. 26, 31
(See Ezek. 3:17-21; 33:1-9)
C. Paul’s feelings about the future: vv. 28-35
(See Rom. 7:18-19)
1. Dangers around us: v. 29 (Mt. 7:15-23; 10:16)
2. Dangers among us: v. 30 (III John 9-11; I Jn. 2:18-19)
3. Dangers within us: vv. 31-35
a. Carelessness: v. 31 (See Heb. 13:7)
b. Shallowness: v. 32
c. Covetousness: v. 33 (See Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5)
d. Laziness: v. 34 (See Pro. 24:30-34; I Tim. 5:18)
e. Selfishness: v. 35
III. PRINCIPLES TO PERSONALLY APPLY: vv. 36-38
(Together becoming “people of the Word” in principle AND in practice)
A. Tearfully (emotionally) praying will not help you get
“over” grief, but can help you get “through” grief.
(Ps. 57:1-2; 120:1)
B. Tearfully (emotionally) praying has merit in dealing with
guilt, only if it is accompanied by genuine repentance.
(See Ps. 51; 139:23-24; Heb. 12:17)
C. Tearfully (emotionally) praying is a very humbling
approach in earnestly seeking guidance for all of my
fearful tomorrows. (Mt. 14:30; Ps. 88:1-2)
Sinners Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I was made by you and I was made for you, but
I have been living for myself. I am sorry for that self-rule you call sin.
I believe that Jesus Christ being my creator God, died, was buried,
and rose again to pay the insurmountable debt that my sin has
created since birth. So right now, I am turning from a life of going my
own way, to by faith, place my trust in Jesus Christ, to pay the debt of
all my sin, and to get me to heaven, when I breath my last breath.
Lord Jesus, from today on, I am yours. Thanks for saving me, this
very moment, in Jesus name, Amen.
If you just made this life changing decision, we would love to draw
along side and help you grow now in Christ. Call Grace Bible Church
at (509) 684-5936. If get an answering service, we will promptly get
back with you as soon as possible. You can also connect with us on
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loved ones on Facebook to give the good news of the gospel to those
who might have hesitated to visit this local church or with those who
live miles away.