Church Order: Preaching and Pastoral Ministry

What Moves You?

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Church Government

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2024-06-23

Synopsis: In this sermon, John Weaver examines Acts 20:17-31, focusing on Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders. He emphasizes Paul's unwavering commitment to his ministry despite knowing that bonds and afflictions await him. The central question is 'What moves you?'—what could cause a believer to abandon their faith or calling. Weaver highlights Paul's humility, compassion, and determination to finish his course with joy, preaching the whole counsel of God. He applies these truths to modern Christians, urging steadfastness and an eternal perspective.

[John Weaver] Acts chapter 20, the title of the message is What Moves You? Look in Acts chapter 20, let's begin reading with verse 17. The Bible says, And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, You know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.

[John Weaver] serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying weight of the Jews. How I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.

[John Weaver] say that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life here unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching, the kingdom of God shall see my face no more. Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, draw away disciples after them.

[John Weaver] Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I cease not to warn everyone, night and day, with tears." So the title of the message is, What Moves You? And so I will ask you this same question, What Moves You? I could ask this same question differently, does anything move you? Or I could ask if you are moved, in what direction are you being moved? I could ask it another way, what does it take to stop you? I could also ask, what do you fear? Or really and truly the correct question would be, whom do you fear?

[John Weaver] These questions are extremely important for every Christian, but they're particularly important for anyone who happens to be in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of the position or capacity. It's always bad when a Christian falls and fails, but it's even worse when a pastor or someone with greater responsibility falls and fails. In fact, the truth of the matter is God holds pastors and preachers and those involved in the ministry, basically to a higher standard than everyone else. It was James who said in James chapter 3 and verse 1, My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. And then of course in Luke chapter 12 and verse 48, our Lord said it like this, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required, and whom men have committed much, of him they will require or ask them more." So these truths then apply basically to every Christian. They also apply to everyone who happens to be in the ministry.

[John Weaver] So in the context of our message in Acts chapter 20, The Apostle Paul happens to be on his way to Jerusalem, and he's trying to get there for the Feast of Pentecost. And although he's trying to get there, he still wants to see these Ephesian elders. And so he sends for the elders, and they meet him at the little place called Miletus. And so when they arrive, Paul then gives them a summary of his ministry and how he ministered And he concludes with some very serious warnings.

[John Weaver] So, I want you to look in verse 18. To begin with, because he said that when they were come to him, he said unto them, You know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I've been with you at all seasons. Now, the word manner is a very important word. It actually is the little Greek word, pulse, which literally means how. and by what means, and after what manner.

[John Weaver] So Paul then is declaring unto them how he lived, how he worked, and how he ministered among them. Now, there are different Greek words that will express the same English word, matter. But let me just show you the impact of each one of them. I want you to hold on to chapter 20, but turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Timothy. 2nd Timothy, and notice if you would, chapter 3. Here the apostle Paul gives us the impact of this one little word. 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, and look if you would please, beginning there was verse 10. So Paul writes and he says this, But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me." Now, note what he said in verse 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, my manner of life. Now, the same truth is given to us in James chapter 1, where James is talking about someone who looks into a mirror.

[John Weaver] and turns around and then he says, and forget it what manner of man he was. In other words, you look in the mirror and you say, oh, I got dirt right there on my cheek. And then you turn around and forget it and leave the dirt on your cheek. That's what he said. He forgot what manner of man he was. And then the same word is used in 1 Peter 3 and verse 5, where God said, After this manner in the old time, holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands. After this manner. And then, of course, in 2 Peter 3 and verse 11, he's talking about the dissolution or the loosing of all things here on this earth. And he says, seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in all godliness and holiness?

[John Weaver] So when Paul talks about, you know, what manner of life I lived among you. So Paul is teaching them not only how he lived, but how he ministered and what he ministered. Let me just point out what he is saying. He is saying, I'm not a hypocrite. I did not live one thing or preach one thing and then turn around and do something entirely different. So here is the lesson that we need to learn just simply from verse 18, and that is this. A godly life must back up a biblical testimony and witness. If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless. No one believes a hypocrite. No one believes a dishonest person. So the Apostle Paul says, you know what manner of man I am. You know what I taught. You know exactly how I live. Now, look if you would in verse 19.

[John Weaver] He says, Serve my Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. Now the Bible says that Paul was testifying that he served the Lord with all humility of mind.

[John Weaver] Now, the Greek word is a very expressive word, and it's about this long, Gary. It's a long word, and here is what it means. It means basically having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one's smallness, an attitude of modesty, a loneliness of mind. So let me explain to you when the Apostle Paul said, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, what he meant. This word means the opposite of proud, arrogant, haughty, heady, high-minded. Let me go further. This word indicates that Paul did not think that he was God's gift to the world. This word indicates that Paul understood that he was not indispensable.

[John Weaver] Years ago, I heard a preacher say this. He said, if you want a long life and a long ministry, make yourself indispensable to God. That is impossible. God does not need any of us. And this is what this word means. And when the apostle Paul said, with all humility of mind, he's saying, I need God. He does not need me. That's all there is to it. And so Paul said, you know, I was not arrogant. I was not demanding.

[John Weaver] I was not a tyrant. I serve the Lord with all humility of mind."

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to notice something else he said in the same verse 19. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears. The word many in the Greek means many, much, and large. So the Apostle Paul wasn't only a humble man, he was also a very compassionate man. He had many tears. He's much like Jeremiah. You know, Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. Here's what Jeremiah said in Jeremiah chapter 9 in verse 1, especially when he saw the destruction of Jerusalem. He said, O that my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people. He said, I wish my head was a fountain. just so I could weep constantly and continually. Now look in verse 19 again. He said, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations. So it was not just tears. Now there are temptations. The Jews tried to murder the Apostle Paul on many occasions.

[John Weaver] And thankfully, they failed on many occasions. with such occasion is found in Acts chapter 23 verses 12 through 22 and this is where the Sanhedrin had agreed with some men to require the Apostle Paul to come and 40 men over 40 men the Bible said had bowed themselves with a curse that they would neither eat nor drink until they killed the Apostle Paul and of course It was discovered. And so the Captain Lysias called the guards and called the soldiers and sent Paul off.

[John Weaver] And I get tickled every time I think about this. I wonder if that curse fell upon them because I know that after a day or two when they realized Paul was gone, they had to get hungry and they had to get thirsty. So they had bound themselves with a great oath that they're not going to eat or drink until they kill Paul. Well, Paul's gone. So so much for the curse upon them.

[John Weaver] Now, the interesting thing is this. I want you to turn to First Thessalonians, Chapter two, and I want you to see what the Apostle Paul said concerning the Jews. If you look in First Thessalonians, Chapter two. Because he's talking about all the temptations he fell into in relationship to the Jews. So now, in 2 Thessalonians, oh, it's 1 Thessalonians, I'm sorry, 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, and notice he would be getting there in verse 14. Look what he said. In fact, let's go back to verse, yeah, verse 14 will be fine.

[John Weaver] He says, For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus. For you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews.

[John Weaver] Now look what he said. And of course, today, if you say something like this, then you're labeled an anti-Semite. But here's what the Apostle Paul said. Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, and they pleased not God, and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always, For the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. Wow.

[John Weaver] So he is very pointed in what he was saying. Now, I would remind you of something. The term the Jews is used several different ways in the New Testament. Sometimes it refers to the ruling clique or the ruling elite. Sometimes, of course, it refers to the nation. Sometimes it refers to the religion of the Jews. Sometimes it refers to the territory. If you're unclear of that, I would encourage you to go back and listen to the five messages I've preached in Time Fast on Jews, Judaism, and Christianity. And I show you how the word Udias is used over and over in the New Testament.

[John Weaver] He talks about the tears and the temptations. Now look at verses 20 and 21. He said,"...how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, justifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Now, note if you would please, Paul said, I have kept back nothing that was profitable unto you. So you have to ask this question, well, exactly what did the Apostle Paul preach? Well, we know that he preached repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ because he said so.

[John Weaver] But first of all, we're going to tell you this. Notice if you would, in verse 27, here's what he preached. He said, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. So that means he preached the totality of the Word of God.

[John Weaver] Now, the second thing is this. When he said he kept back nothing that was profitable, you have to ask yourself how much of the Word of God is profitable. And what does the Scripture say? All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable. So clearly, the Apostle Paul then taught the whole counsel of God. He taught the whole Word of God.

[John Weaver] Now, while I'm here, let me deal with this. Look if you would please in verse 26. The Apostle said, Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. Now, how did you get pure from the blood of all men? I asked multitudes of years back, I heard innumerable preachers say that if you did not witness to everyone that you saw, their blood was on your head and on your hands.

[John Weaver] Do you realize, while such a statement sounds pietistic, number one, it is unscriptural, and number two, it is humanly impossible. So if Alice asked me, would you please go to the store and buy a gallon of milk? Yes, sweetheart, I'll be glad to do that. And I leave. And how many people do I see? Do I stop people? Do I flag them down beside the road? And when I get into the store, there may be 200 people in there.

[John Weaver] Must I witness them to everyone? And then, if I ever got to witness to every one of them, I turn around to come home and there's more standing there. If that is true, I would leave for the store and I'd never come back home. No. That is not what the Scripture said.

[John Weaver] Now when the Apostle Paul said in verse 26, Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. How did he get pure from the blood of all men? Look in verse 27, For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. The only way that we can be pure from the blood of all men is to preach the totality of the word of God. Period. If we do not preach everything in the Scripture as God gives us the opportunity, their blood is on our hands.

[John Weaver] Let me tell you something. I like to be liked just like everyone else. But when it comes to preaching, when it comes to teaching, if it's in the Scripture, I'm required to preach it and teach it. Whether you like it or not, whether you receive it or not, that's immaterial. The proclamation is mine. The results are God's. And so the apostle Paul said, I just preach the whole counsel of God.

[John Weaver] And when you read Acts chapter 13, you'll find that some folks got glad and some folks got mad. And that's still the way it is as well.

[John Weaver] Now, let me tell you something. When you preach and teach the whole counsel of God, You have no idea what kind of ministry the Lord is going to give you. Let me explain that. He may either give you a ministry of reconciliation, or He may give you a ministry of condemnation. The Word of God is not always for reconciliation. I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Corinthians chapter 2. And I'm going to point something out before I read the Scripture. We'll look in 2 Corinthians chapter 2. 2 Corinthians chapter 2.

[John Weaver] I could ask you this question. Did Noah have a ministry of reconciliation or a ministry of condemnation? Well, he preached 120 years, never had one convert. What about Jeremiah? Did Jeremiah save the nation? No. In fact, God told him, pray not for this people. He told him that twice. And finally, in Jeremiah 14, he said, if you're going to pray, pray that I'll destroy them because that's exactly what I'm going to do. What about Isaiah? Did he save his nation? No. In other words, the point I'm trying to make is this. Sometimes God sends the word for reconciliation. Sometimes he sends the word for condemnation. So here it is.

[John Weaver] Look in 2nd Corinthians chapter 2 and notice if you would please, verse 14. Watch this.

[John Weaver] Now thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and make it manifest the savor or the sweet smell of his knowledge by us in every place. Look at this now. For we are unto God a sweet saver of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish, to the one we are the saver of death unto death, and to the other the saver of life unto life, and who is sufficient for these things. For we are not as many which corrupt the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

[John Weaver] Now note, if you would, what he said. For we are a sweet saver of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish. To the one we are the saver of death and death, to the other the saver of life and delight. So, if I have a room with 100 men and women who are all lost, And I stand up and I preach Jesus Christ. And every one of them are convicted and converted by the grace of God. You know what God does? He does this.

[John Weaver] My son is preached and I'm satisfied. But then on the other hand, If I preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and all of these people gnash their teeth and clench their fists and say, we don't want to have this man to reign over us. Here's what God does in the sweet savor. He goes, my son is preaching, I'm satisfied. That's what Paul is saying. We're the saver of death unto death and life unto life. One is a ministry of reconciliation, the other is a ministry of condemnation.

[John Weaver] Let me ask you to turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 55, because you know this truth. The Word of God tells us very plainly that the Word of God is not going to return void. So if you look in Isaiah 55, beginning there with verse 8, here's what the Scripture says. God declares, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts and your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down in the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth in bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth. It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereinto I send it. Wow. So God said, my word's not going to return to me void.

[John Weaver] If he sends it for reconciliation, there's going to be reconciliation. If he sends it for condemnation, there's going to be condemnation. So the apostle Paul understood the power of the word of God. That is why he is saying, He did not shun to declare all of the counsel of God.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to go back to verse 22. Look at this. I'm getting to the point that I want to emphasize just momentarily. In verse 22, he says, Now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Say that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me." Now, he says in verse 22, Behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem. If you read commentaries, you're going to find that there is a diversity of opinion concerning this phrase, I go bound in the In other words, is Paul saying that he's going bound in the Holy Spirit, or is he going bound in his own spirit?

[John Weaver] Now, let me tell you how the controversy arises. When you look at the Greek word for spirit, it is pneuma. Pneuma. The same word is also translated as wind and breath. Now, hang on. If you read Romans chapter 8, you would find a phrase like this, the Spirit it. Why in the world would a Greek translator translate the Holy Spirit as it when we know He is the third person of the Godhead? He's a he.

[John Weaver] He is not an it. Why would it be it? And the answer is, because the word pneuma is a neuter word. It's neither masculine nor feminine. It's like the word rock. You would not say the rock she or the rock he. It'd be the rock it. It's a neuter word. It's like the word limb. It's a neuter word. It might be good grammar, it might be good Greek grammar to say the Spirit is, but it's bad theology as far as I'm concerned, because the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. Now, so the controversy basically comes around because of the word is a neuter word, and if it's just pneuma, without agios, Or without pa in front of it? Does it refer to Paul's spirit? Or does it refer to the Holy Spirit?

[John Weaver] Well, let me give you two very quick commentaries. The first one is by Matthew Poole. Listen to this. Bound in the spirit, as powerfully persuaded by a divine instinct to undertake this journey, as if I were led or drawn to it by forcible means, being bound to obey God in all things, whom I take to be my God, my guide, my sun, my shield, and I do not desire so much

[John Weaver] to act as to be acted by him." This Paul says, as if he was drawn into this journey against his will, but lest any should attempt to dissuade him from it, or that he should seem to have slighted the prediction of the prophets mentioned in Acts 21, nay, he might say this as being certain of his bonds as if he felt them already. Such things are foretold as such as know the veracity of God, they are present.

[John Weaver] Howsoever, he was content to be bound to suffer, yea, to die for Christ." So, he then goes on to say,"...howsoever, these words speak of his firm resolution to take this journey upon him." So, Matthew Poole says, both God and Paul, and then Adam Clark says it like this,"...I go bound in the Spirit, either meaning the strong influence of the divine spirit upon his mind or the strong propensity of his own will to visit Jerusalem and in that sense the word bound is sometimes used but it appears more consistent with the mind of the apostle and with the affluent influence under which we find him that he constantly acted to refer to the influence of the Holy Ghost being under the power of the Holy Spirit As Paul would have said, I have no choice. God has not left me either to the advice of friends or to my own prudence, but the Spirit of God obliges me to go to Jerusalem. So either way, what both of them are basically saying is it was Paul's determination, but his determination was based upon the Holy Spirit of God.

[John Weaver] So Paul was going to Jerusalem. He just did not know what was going to befall him. What he did know was this. Whatever happened to him was in the hands of God, and he was willing to submit to that.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to look in Acts 9, if you would, and look at what God told Ananias when God sent Ananias to Saul. In Acts 9, verses 15 and 16, But the Lord said unto him, that is Ananias, Go thy way, for he, that is Saul of Tarsus, is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Look what God says, for I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

[John Weaver] So the apostle Paul undoubtedly knew from the very beginning that he was going to have a ministry of suffering. Now, I want you to go back and look at Acts chapter 20 and let's begin reading it. Verse 22. I want to show you this in the context. Hang on. Look in verse 22. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit of Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. say that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me," here it is,"...but none of these things move me, neither count I my life here unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to

[John Weaver] testify of the gospel of the grace of God." Now notice what he said, none of these things move me.

[John Weaver] Now the word move is from the Greek word poio and poio occurs 579 times in the New Testament and it is usually translated as I do or I make. In our text however it has the force to make to make a thing out of something to make a thing out of something. None of these things move me. Every one of us has heard the old expression, when someone gets all excited and worked up over nothing, we say he or she is making a mountain out of a molehill.

[John Weaver] The Apostle Paul reverses that. He says, my mountains are all molehills. And what do you do to a molehill? You just step on it and keep going. He said, none of these things move me. He's not going to be moved. He's not going to be shaken. He's not going to be fearful. He's not going to be distraught. None of these things move me. Now, the word count, look what he says. Watch this now. Verse 24, But none of these things move me, neither count.

[John Weaver] I my life dear unto myself. The word count is echo, which means to have, to hold, or to count. So Paul is not counting his sufferings, he is not counting his afflictions, he is not counting his temptations as anything. Oh wait, hold on. He says, but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself. The word dear is the Greek word tenios. which literally means precious, of great value, of great price, and something to be held in honor and esteem, and something that is especially dear. What did he say? None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear. I wouldn't count it precious to myself. Now, you and I think of our lives, and we think our lives are precious. And they are, in one sense, the Word.

[John Weaver] But I want you to note the context. I want you to look at this. He said, but none of these things move me, that is, no affliction, no suffering, no temptation, none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself. Why? Why would he not count his life dear? Why would he not count his life precious? Here's why. So that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Wow! He said, here's why nothing moves me. All I want to do is to finish my course, to finish my ministry for God's honor and God's glory. Now, I want you to consider the word finish. He said, I might finish my course. The word finish is the word teleo or teleos would be the noun.

[John Weaver] It means to make complete. It means to make perfect. It means to accomplish. It means to carry through completely and successfully. So he said, this is what I want to do. I want to finish my course. I want to successfully complete my course. Now, wait a minute. What is his course? When you look at the word course, it is the Greek word dromos, and it refers to a course, to a life, to an office, to a ministry.

[John Weaver] So he says, here's why nothing moves me. Here's why I don't count these sufferings and afflictions and temptations as anything. Neither do I count my life as precious. Why? So that I might finish my course, my life, my office, my ministry with joy and the ministry which I've received of the Lord to testify of the gospel of the grace of God.

[John Weaver] Now, here is what Paul was concerned about. Paul was concerned about one thing, and that is that he would not be a castaway. What do I mean? Look in your Bibles, the first Corinthians chapter nine, first Corinthians chapter nine. And look, if you would, beginning there with verse 24, first Corinthians nine, verse 24. He says, No, you know that they which run in a race run all. but one receiveth a prize, so run that ye may obtain.

[John Weaver] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they that do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we are incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air, I am not a shadow-boxer, but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest by any means, when I preach to others, I myself should be a castaway." Now, the word for castaway is the word adokimos, which literally means disapproved, spurious, rejected, reprobate, or one that does not stand the test. So Paul said, The thing that I want is to stand the test. I want to finish my course. I want to run the race. I'm not interested in being disapproved. I'm not interested in being shelled, not by any stretch of the imagination.

[John Weaver] Now, let me point something out. I'm not the Apostle Paul by any stretch of the imagination. I'm not even a runner-up to the Apostle Paul. In fact, I'm not even in the running. But what I cannot understand is how some men have preached for years and then just walk away from it. They say, you know, that God called them to preach, but they leave it As if it was no big deal. I know of one man who was pastoring. And had done so for a number of years.

[John Weaver] And he had a heart attack. Well, I certainly understand when you have a heart attack, you can't function the way you normally do. And I realize there has to be a time of recovery. But this man recovered. Did he go back in the ministry? No. He opened a business and operated a business, and the business is still going today. The thing that gets me is this. If I have strength to open and run a business, I ought to have strength to study and to preach.

[John Weaver] This is what Paul is saying. Paul said, I can't just walk away from this. All I want to do is finish my course. None of these things move me. I'm not going to be pushed aside by some little suffering or some little affliction or some little temptation. No, no, I'm just not going to do that. At the same time, I know professing Christians who simply walk away from the church. They walk away from the ministry. They walk away from the preaching of the Word of God. They even walk away from the reading of their Bibles.

[John Weaver] Which to me is a scary situation. Why? Because of 1 John chapter 2 and verse 19. You know what the Bible says? They went out from us. That it might be made manifest that they were not of us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. I'm just simply pointing out the fact I don't understand how any man who's ever called to preach could walk away from it. I don't understand how any Christian who professes to be a godly person or professes to be saved can turn around and just simply walk away from the church. I don't care how mad you get. I don't care how upset you get. What moves you? You see what I'm saying? What does it take to move you away from Christ and the gospel? Unhappily, today, it does not take much. I've said this, and I don't mind saying it in her presence, but Alice and I have been married going on 62 years.

[John Weaver] I can't imagine living without her. By the same token, I've been preaching for 59 years. I can't imagine not preaching. I can't. It doesn't fit in my brain. And I certainly could not live without Jesus Christ. And I certainly do not want to die without Jesus Christ. And so the point I'm trying to make is, this is what Paul is saying. All of these afflictions, all of these sufferings, all of these temptations, none of these things move me. You know the three things that get most men? Pride, money, and women. That's true. And when you look at the apostle Paul, he said, no, I'm not going to be moved by any of those things. You know why? Because all of those things are exceedingly temporary. Nothing is permanent. Not in this life. I don't care if you're talking about money. You're not taking it with you. If you're talking about women, that'll be your downfall. If you're talking about pride, you'll find out of the judgment seat that didn't help you at all. Wow. You know what he said in Romans 8?

[John Weaver] verses 18 and 19, Paul said, for I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which will be revealed in us. It's not even worthy. And then in 1 Corinthians chapter 4, not first, but 2 Corinthians chapter 4, verses 17 and 18, he said, for our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look at the things which are seen, they're temporal, but the things which are not seen, they're eternal. So look back, if you would, at verse 24 again of Acts chapter 20. Look at what the Apostle Paul said. But none of these things move me. None of these things move me. Wow.

[John Weaver] Neither can I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy. and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Nothing did move him from his course. He finished it as unto the Lord and was ready to be offered on the scaffold as a martyr. So, look in your Bibles to 2 Timothy, 2 Timothy, chapter 4, at what he said beginning there with verse 6. 2 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 6. He said, For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. He said, I am now ready to be offered.

[John Weaver] If I was in prison, He was about to get his head chopped off. And what did he say? I'm not ready to be offered. The time of my departure is at hand. Wow! And then he says, I fought a good fight. I finished my course. You remember he said, none of these things moved me that I might finish my course. Well, he did finish his course. Persecutions did not move Paul. Pride did not move Paul. Money did not move Paul. Women did not move Paul. Death could not move Paul. He was ready.

[John Weaver] And he said, if I live, I'll preach. If I die, I'll just go and be with Christ, which is far better.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to go back to the book of Acts, but I want you to look at Acts chapter 21, because here's a prophet that came and said, this to the Apostle Paul. Look in Acts chapter 21, beginning there with verse 11. Acts 21, verse 11. In fact, let's read verse 10. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet named Agabus.

[John Weaver] And when he was come near unto us, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, Now we're talking to the Holy Spirit. Thus said the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him unto the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we and they of that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

[John Weaver] Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only. but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased saying, the will of the Lord be done." Paul said, what need do we need to break my heart? I'm not only willing to be bound, I'm willing to die for the Lord Jesus Christ. Wow. Paul says, nothing moves me. I'm not going to get dead out of shape. I'm not going to get distraught. I'm not going to get discouraged. I'm not going to get heated up. I'm not going to be tempted. Nothing is going to move me that I might finish my course with joy. Now, Paul said, I'm ready to die. So here we go.

[John Weaver] Let me make an application. I've always said that no man is really and truly ready to live until he's raised to die. And that's a fact. And death should not move us from our course. We must all die. Why should we fear that which we know is going to happen, and number two, is going to issue us into glory? So, you must prepare and make sure that in your death you glorify God just like you glorify Him in your life.

[John Weaver] The Apostle Paul was in a position where he said, I am unmoved. Death does not even move me. Now listen to this. Even the most gruesome death, because he had his head chopped off. Now I would not look forward to having my head chopped off. But Paul said it doesn't move me. What was his attitude? I got to die some way. That's smooth, that's quick, it's over with. That's fine. I'm not going to get bent on shape over the way that I die.

[John Weaver] So here is the impact and the implication and the application for you to make. Because I can't answer all these questions, but here it is. What moves you? What would it take to move you away from the Word of God? Or to move you away from the faith in Jesus Christ? What would it take to make you stop praying, stop reading your Bible, and stop attending the preaching of the Word of God? What would move you away from truth?

[John Weaver] I'm afraid if you look around at a modern church member, all it takes is for someone to hurt their feelings. And they're not coming back. They're just not. When I ask what moves you, I hope and pray the answer would be nothing. Nothing's going to move me away from the worship, praise, and truth of Jesus Christ. I'm not going to be moved. You remember, the Bible says our Lord said, they steadfastly to go to Jerusalem.

[John Weaver] That's the way we must be. Help me out with this verse. 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58. Help me out. Let's see. It goes like this. The Apostle Paul said, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye what? Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work for the Lord for as much as you know that your work is not in vain in the Lord. Therefore, my beloved brethren, the steadfast, unmovable."

[John Weaver] What will it take to move you? I pray the answer will be absolutely nothing. The Apostle Paul says, nothing moves me. I want to finish my course with joy and the ministry which the Lord has given to me. We shall not be moved. We cannot be moved if we're in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our rock and our salvation. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to thee.

[John Weaver] We thank you for your word. We thank you for your truth. And we pray, Lord, you would help us to be immovable, steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord. May we not count our sufferings, our afflictions, our temptations, our earthly pleasures, as anything, that we may finish our course with joy. Give us your grace and your mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask and pray. Amen.

What Moves You?

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	624241520585586
Subject	Church Government
Course	Church Order: Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
Genre	Sermon
Date	2024-06-23
Dictation Name
Book	Book 040: Church Order and Worship - Volume 2 — Chapter 27
Source Timed Segments	75

Formatted Transcript

Opening

Acts chapter 20, the title of the message is "What Moves You?" Look in Acts chapter 20, let's begin reading with verse 17. The Bible says, "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, You know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons."

Scripture Reading — Acts 20:17-31

"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. How I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there." "Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God shall see my face no more. Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

Introduction: The Question of What Moves Us

Weaver introduces the title and poses several related questions: What moves you? Does anything move you? In what direction are you being moved? What does it take to stop you? What do you fear? Whom do you fear?

"Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone, night and day, with tears." So the title of the message is, "What Moves You?" And so I will ask you this same question, "What moves you?" I could ask this same question differently: "Does anything move you?" Or I could ask, "If you are moved, in what direction are you being moved?" I could ask it another way: "What does it take to stop you?" I could also ask, "What do you fear?" Or really and truly the correct question would be, "Whom do you fear?" These questions are extremely important for every Christian, but they're particularly important for anyone who happens to be in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of the position or capacity. It's always bad when a Christian falls and fails, but it's even worse when a pastor or someone with greater responsibility falls and fails. In fact, the truth of the matter is God holds pastors and preachers and those involved in the ministry basically to a higher standard than everyone else. It was James who said in James chapter 3 and verse 1,

Scripture Reading — James 3:1

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."

And then of course in Luke chapter 12 and verse 48, our Lord said it like this, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required, and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." So these truths then apply basically to every Christian. They also apply to everyone who happens to be in the ministry.

The Importance for All Christians, Especially Ministers

These questions are crucial for every Christian but especially for those in ministry, as God holds them to a higher standard (James 3:1; Luke 12:48).

These questions are extremely important for every Christian, but they're particularly important for anyone who happens to be in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of the position or capacity. It's always bad when a Christian falls and fails, but it's even worse when a pastor or someone with greater responsibility falls and fails. In fact, the truth of the matter is God holds pastors and preachers and those involved in the ministry basically to a higher standard than everyone else. It was James who said in James chapter 3 and verse 1,

Scripture Reading — James 3:1

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."

Paul's Manner of Life and Ministry (Acts 20:18-19)

Paul reminds the elders of his consistent, non-hypocritical life among them, serving with humility of mind, many tears, and enduring temptations from the Jews.

So, I want you to look in verse 18 to begin with, because he said that when they were come to him, he said unto them, "You know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I've been with you at all seasons." Now, the word "manner" is a very important word. It actually is the little Greek word "pos," which literally means "how," and "by what means," and "after what manner." So Paul then is declaring unto them how he lived, how he worked, and how he ministered among them. Now, there are different Greek words that will express the same English word "manner." But let me just show you the impact of each one of them. I want you to hold on to chapter 20, but turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy, and notice if you would, chapter 3. Here the apostle Paul gives us the impact of this one little word. 2 Timothy, chapter 3, and look if you would please, beginning there with verse 10. So Paul writes and he says this,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 3:10-11

"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me." Now, note what he said in verse 10: "But thou hast fully known my doctrine,

my manner of life." Now, the same truth is given to us in James chapter 1, where James is talking about someone who looks into a mirror.

and turns around and then he says, "and forgetteth what manner of man he was." In other words, you look in the mirror and you say, "Oh, I got dirt right there on my cheek." And then you turn around and forget it and leave the dirt on your cheek. That's what he said. He forgot what manner of man he was. And then the same word is used in 1 Peter 3 and verse 5, where God said, "After this manner in the old time, holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands." After this manner. And then, of course, in 2 Peter 3 and verse 11, he's talking about the dissolution or the loosing of all things here on this earth. And he says, "Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in all godliness and holiness?"

So when Paul talks about, "You know what manner of life I lived among you," Paul is teaching them not only how he lived, but how he ministered and what he ministered. Let me just point out what he is saying. He is saying, "I'm not a hypocrite. I did not live one thing or preach one thing and then turn around and do something entirely different." So here is the lesson that we need to learn just simply from verse 18, and that is this: A godly life must back up a biblical testimony and witness. If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless. No one believes a hypocrite. No one believes a dishonest person. So the Apostle Paul says, "You know what manner of man I am. You know what I taught. You know exactly how I live." Now, look if you would in verse 19.

He says, "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews." Now the Bible says that Paul was testifying that he served the Lord with all humility of mind. Now, the Greek word is a very expressive word, and it's about this long, Gary. It's a long word, and here is what it means. It means basically having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one's smallness, an attitude of modesty, a lowliness of mind. So let me explain to you when the Apostle Paul said, "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind," what he meant. This word means the opposite of proud, arrogant, haughty, heady, high-minded. Let me go further. This word indicates that Paul did not think that he was God's gift to the world. This word indicates that Paul understood that he was not indispensable.

Paul's Preaching: The Whole Counsel of God (Acts 20:20-21, 26-27)

Paul kept back nothing profitable, teaching publicly and house to house, declaring the whole counsel of God. This is how he remained pure from the blood of all men.

He talks about the tears and the temptations. Now look at verses 20 and 21. He said, "...how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Now, note if you would please, Paul said, "I have kept back nothing that was profitable unto you." So you have to ask this question, "Well, exactly what did the Apostle Paul preach?" Well, we know that he preached repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ because he said so. But first of all, we're going to tell you this. Notice if you would, in verse 27, here's what he preached. He said, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." So that means he preached the totality of the Word of God.

Now, the second thing is this. When he said he kept back nothing that was profitable, you have to ask yourself, "How much of the Word of God is profitable?" And what does the Scripture say? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable." So clearly, the Apostle Paul then taught the whole counsel of God. He taught the whole Word of God.

Now, while I'm here, let me deal with this. Look if you would please in verse 26. The Apostle said, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men." Now, how did he get pure from the blood of all men? I asked multitudes of years back, I heard innumerable preachers say that if you did not witness to everyone that you saw, their blood was on your head and on your hands. Do you realize, while such a statement sounds pietistic, number one, it is unscriptural, and number two, it is humanly impossible. So if Alice asked me, "Would you please go to the store and buy a gallon of milk?" "Yes, sweetheart, I'll be glad to do that." And I leave. And how many people do I see? Do I stop people? Do I flag them down beside the road? And when I get into the store, there may be 200 people in there.

Must I witness to everyone? And then, if I ever got to witness to every one of them, I turn around to come home and there's more standing there. If that is true, I would leave for the store and I'd never come back home. No. That is not what the Scripture said.

Now when the Apostle Paul said in verse 26, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men," how did he get pure from the blood of all men? Look in verse 27: "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." The only way that we can be pure from the blood of all men is to preach the totality of the word of God. Period. If we do not preach everything in the Scripture as God gives us the opportunity, their blood is on our hands. Let me tell you something. I like to be liked just like everyone else. But when it comes to preaching, when it comes to teaching, if it's in the Scripture, I'm required to preach it and teach it. Whether you like it or not, whether you receive it or not, that's immaterial. The proclamation is mine. The results are God's. And so the apostle Paul said, "I just preach the whole counsel of God."

The Dual Effect of Preaching: Reconciliation or Condemnation

Preaching the whole counsel of God may result in a ministry of reconciliation or condemnation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and Isaiah 55:8-11.

Now, let me tell you something. When you preach and teach the whole counsel of God, you have no idea what kind of ministry the Lord is going to give you. Let me explain that. He may either give you a ministry of reconciliation, or He may give you a ministry of condemnation. The Word of God is not always for reconciliation. I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Corinthians chapter 2. And I'm going to point something out before I read the Scripture. We'll look in 2 Corinthians chapter 2.

I could ask you this question: Did Noah have a ministry of reconciliation or a ministry of condemnation? Well, he preached 120 years, never had one convert. What about Jeremiah? Did Jeremiah save the nation? No. In fact, God told him, "Pray not for this people." He told him that twice. And finally, in Jeremiah 14, he said, "If you're going to pray, pray that I'll destroy them because that's exactly what I'm going to do." What about Isaiah? Did he save his nation? No. In other words, the point I'm trying to make is this: Sometimes God sends the word for reconciliation. Sometimes he sends the word for condemnation. So here it is.

Look in 2 Corinthians chapter 2 and notice if you would please, verse 14. Watch this.

Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

"Now thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many which corrupt the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

Now note, if you would, what he said. "For we are a sweet savor of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish. To the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life." So, if I have a room with 100 men and women who are all lost, and I stand up and I preach Jesus Christ, and every one of them are convicted and converted by the grace of God, you know what God does? He does this. My Son is preached and I'm satisfied. But then on the other hand, if I preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and all of these people gnash their teeth and clench their fists and say, "We don't want to have this man to reign over us," here's what God does in the sweet savor. He goes, "My Son is preached, I'm satisfied." That's what Paul is saying. We're the savor of death unto death and life unto life. One is a ministry of reconciliation, the other is a ministry of condemnation.

Let me ask you to turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 55, because you know this truth. The Word of God tells us very plainly that the Word of God is not going to return void. So if you look in Isaiah 55, beginning there with verse 8, here's what the Scripture says. God declares,

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:8-11

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth. It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it."

Wow. So God said, "My word's not going to return to me void."

If he sends it for reconciliation, there's going to be reconciliation. If he sends it for condemnation, there's going to be condemnation. So the apostle Paul understood the power of the word of God. That is why he is saying, he did not shun to declare all of the counsel of God.

Now, I want you to go back to verse 22. Look at this. I'm getting to the point that I want to emphasize just momentarily. In verse 22, he says, "Now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me." Now, he says in verse 22, "Behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem." If you read commentaries, you're going to find that there is a diversity of opinion concerning this phrase, "I go bound in the Spirit." In other words, is Paul saying that he's going bound in the Holy Spirit, or is he going bound in his own spirit?

Paul Bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23)

Paul goes to Jerusalem bound in the Spirit, knowing only that bonds and afflictions await him, yet he is determined to obey God.

Now, let me tell you how the controversy arises. When you look at the Greek word for spirit, it is "pneuma." "Pneuma." The same word is also translated as "wind" and "breath." Now, hang on. If you read Romans chapter 8, you would find a phrase like this, "the Spirit itself." Why in the world would a Greek translator translate the Holy Spirit as "it" when we know He is the third person of the Godhead? He's a "He." He is not an "it." Why would it be "it"? And the answer is, because the word "pneuma" is a neuter word. It's neither masculine nor feminine. It's like the word "rock." You would not say "the rock she" or "the rock he." It'd be "the rock it." It's a neuter word. It's like the word "limb." It's a neuter word. It might be good grammar, it might be good Greek grammar to say "the Spirit is," but it's bad theology as far as I'm concerned, because the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. Now, so the controversy basically comes around because the word is a neuter word, and if it's just "pneuma," without "hagios," or without "to" in front of it, does it refer to Paul's spirit? Or does it refer to the Holy Spirit?

Well, let me give you two very quick commentaries. The first one is by Matthew Poole. Listen to this: "Bound in the spirit, as powerfully persuaded by a divine instinct to undertake this journey, as if I were led or drawn to it by forcible means, being bound to obey God in all things, whom I take to be my God, my guide, my sun, my shield, and I do not desire so much to act as to be acted by him." This Paul says, as if he was drawn into this journey against his will, but lest any should attempt to dissuade him from it, or that he should seem to have slighted the prediction of the prophets mentioned in Acts 21, nay, he might say this as being certain of his bonds as if he felt them already. Such things are foretold as such as know the veracity of God, they are present.

Howsoever, he was content to be bound to suffer, yea, to die for Christ." So, he then goes on to say, "...howsoever, these words speak of his firm resolution to take this journey upon him." So, Matthew Poole says, both God and Paul, and then Adam Clarke says it like this: "...I go bound in the Spirit, either meaning the strong influence of the divine Spirit upon his mind or the strong propensity of his own will to visit Jerusalem, and in that sense the word 'bound' is sometimes used. But it appears more consistent with the mind of the apostle and with the affluent influence under which we find him that he constantly acted to refer to the influence of the Holy Ghost, being under the power of the Holy Spirit." As Paul would have said, "I have no choice. God has not left me either to the advice of friends or to my own prudence, but the Spirit of God obliges me to go to Jerusalem." So either way, what both of them are basically saying is it was Paul's determination, but his determination was based upon the Holy Spirit of God.

So Paul was going to Jerusalem. He just did not know what was going to befall him. What he did know was this: Whatever happened to him was in the hands of God, and he was willing to submit to that.

None of These Things Move Me (Acts 20:24)

Paul declares that none of the coming afflictions move him, nor does he count his life dear, so that he may finish his course with joy and the ministry received from the Lord.

testify of the gospel of the grace of God." Now notice what he said: "None of these things move me." Now the word "move" is from the Greek word "poieo," and "poieo" occurs 579 times in the New Testament and it is usually translated as "I do" or "I make." In our text however it has the force "to make," "to make a thing out of something." "None of these things move me." Every one of us has heard the old expression, when someone gets all excited and worked up over nothing, we say he or she is making a mountain out of a molehill. The Apostle Paul reverses that. He says, "My mountains are all molehills." And what do you do to a molehill? You just step on it and keep going. He said, "None of these things move me." He's not going to be moved. He's not going to be shaken. He's not going to be fearful. He's not going to be distraught. "None of these things move me." Now, the word "count," look what he says. Watch this now. Verse 24: "But none of these things move me, neither count

I my life dear unto myself." The word "count" is "echo," which means to have, to hold, or to count. So Paul is not counting his sufferings, he is not counting his afflictions, he is not counting his temptations as anything. Oh wait, hold on. He says, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." The word "dear" is the Greek word "timios," which literally means precious, of great value, of great price, and something to be held in honor and esteem, and something that is especially dear. What did he say? "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear." I wouldn't count it precious to myself. Now, you and I think of our lives, and we think our lives are precious. And they are, in one sense, the Word.

But I want you to note the context. I want you to look at this. He said, "But none of these things move me," that is, no affliction, no suffering, no temptation, "none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." Why? Why would he not count his life dear? Why would he not count his life precious? Here's why: "So that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Wow! He said, "Here's why nothing moves me. All I want to do is to finish my course, to finish my ministry for God's honor and God's glory." Now, I want you to consider the word "finish." He said, "I might finish my course." The word "finish" is the word "teleo," or "teleios" would be the noun.

It means to make complete. It means to make perfect. It means to accomplish. It means to carry through completely and successfully. So he said, "This is what I want to do. I want to finish my course. I want to successfully complete my course." Now, wait a minute. What is his course? When you look at the word "course," it is the Greek word "dromos," and it refers to a course, to a life, to an office, to a ministry.

So he says, "Here's why nothing moves me. Here's why I don't count these sufferings and afflictions and temptations as anything. Neither do I count my life as precious. Why? So that I might finish my course, my life, my office, my ministry with joy and the ministry which I've received of the Lord to testify of the gospel of the grace of God."

Paul's Concern to Not Be a Castaway (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Paul's driving concern is to finish his race and not be disapproved, keeping his body under subjection lest he be a castaway.

Now, here is what Paul was concerned about. Paul was concerned about one thing, and that is that he would not be a castaway. What do I mean? Look in your Bibles, 1 Corinthians chapter 9. 1 Corinthians chapter 9. And look, if you would, beginning there with verse 24. 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24. He says,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: I am not a shadow-boxer. But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Now, the word for "castaway" is the word "adokimos," which literally means disapproved, spurious, rejected, reprobate, or one that does not stand the test. So Paul said, "The thing that I want is to stand the test. I want to finish my course. I want to run the race. I'm not interested in being disapproved. I'm not interested in being shelved, not by any stretch of the imagination."

The Tragedy of Walking Away from Ministry or Faith

Weaver laments those who walk away from ministry or the church, citing 1 John 2:19, and emphasizes that nothing should move a believer from Christ.

Now, let me point something out. I'm not the Apostle Paul by any stretch of the imagination. I'm not even a runner-up to the Apostle Paul. In fact, I'm not even in the running. But what I cannot understand is how some men have preached for years and then just walk away from it. They say, you know, that God called them to preach, but they leave it as if it was no big deal. I know of one man who was pastoring, and had done so for a number of years.

And he had a heart attack. Well, I certainly understand when you have a heart attack, you can't function the way you normally do. And I realize there has to be a time of recovery. But this man recovered. Did he go back in the ministry? No. He opened a business and operated a business, and the business is still going today. The thing that gets me is this: If I have strength to open and run a business, I ought to have strength to study and to preach.

This is what Paul is saying. Paul said, "I can't just walk away from this. All I want to do is finish my course. None of these things move me. I'm not going to be pushed aside by some little suffering or some little affliction or some little temptation. No, no, I'm just not going to do that." At the same time, I know professing Christians who simply walk away from the church. They walk away from the ministry. They walk away from the preaching of the Word of God. They even walk away from the reading of their Bibles.

Which to me is a scary situation. Why? Because of 1 John chapter 2 and verse 19. You know what the Bible says?

Scripture Reading — 1 John 2:19

"They went out from us, that it might be made manifest that they were not of us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us."

I'm just simply pointing out the fact I don't understand how any man who's ever called to preach could walk away from it. I don't understand how any Christian who professes to be a godly person or professes to be saved can turn around and just simply walk away from the church. I don't care how mad you get. I don't care how upset you get. What moves you? You see what I'm saying? What does it take to move you away from Christ and the gospel? Unhappily, today, it does not take much. I've said this, and I don't mind saying it in her presence, but Alice and I have been married going on 62 years.

Paul's Readiness to Die and Final Exhortation

Paul was ready to be offered (2 Timothy 4:6-7) and willing to die in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-14). Weaver applies this by urging believers to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

"Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Nothing did move him from his course. He finished it as unto the Lord and was ready to be offered on the scaffold as a martyr. So, look in your Bibles to 2 Timothy, chapter 4, at what he said beginning there with verse 6. 2 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 6. He said,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

He said,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"I am now ready to be offered."

If I was in prison, he was about to get his head chopped off. And what did he say?

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"I am now ready to be offered. The time of my departure is at hand."

Wow! And then he says,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"I fought a good fight. I finished my course."

You remember he said, "None of these things moved me that I might finish my course." Well, he did finish his course. Persecutions did not move Paul. Pride did not move Paul. Money did not move Paul. Women did not move Paul. Death could not move Paul. He was ready.

And he said, "If I live, I'll preach. If I die, I'll just go and be with Christ, which is far better." Now, I want you to go back to the book of Acts, but I want you to look at Acts chapter 21, because here's a prophet that came and said this to the Apostle Paul. Look in Acts chapter 21, beginning there with verse 11. Acts 21, verse 11. In fact, let's read verse 10. "And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet named Agabus."

"And when he was come near unto us, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost," now we're talking about the Holy Spirit, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him unto the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we and they of that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem." "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done." Paul said, "What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? I'm not only willing to be bound, I'm willing to die for the Lord Jesus Christ." Wow. Paul says, "Nothing moves me. I'm not going to get all out of shape. I'm not going to get distraught. I'm not going to get discouraged. I'm not going to get heated up. I'm not going to be tempted. Nothing is going to move me that I might finish my course with joy." Now, Paul said, "I'm ready to die." So here we go.

Let me make an application. I've always said that no man is really and truly ready to live until he's ready to die. And that's a fact. And death should not move us from our course. We must all die. Why should we fear that which we know is going to happen, and number two, is going to issue us into glory? So, you must prepare and make sure that in your death you glorify God just like you glorify Him in your life.

The Apostle Paul was in a position where he said, "I am unmoved. Death does not even move me." Now listen to this. Even the most gruesome death, because he had his head chopped off. Now I would not look forward to having my head chopped off. But Paul said it doesn't move me. What was his attitude? "I got to die some way. That's smooth, that's quick, it's over with. That's fine. I'm not going to get bent out of shape over the way that I die."

So here is the impact and the implication and the application for you to make. Because I can't answer all these questions, but here it is: What moves you? What would it take to move you away from the Word of God? Or to move you away from the faith in Jesus Christ? What would it take to make you stop praying, stop reading your Bible, and stop attending the preaching of the Word of God? What would move you away from truth? I'm afraid if you look around at a modern church member, all it takes is for someone to hurt their feelings. And they're not coming back. They're just not. When I ask what moves you, I hope and pray the answer would be nothing. Nothing's going to move me away from the worship, praise, and truth of Jesus Christ. I'm not going to be moved. You remember, the Bible says our Lord set his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem.

That's the way we must be. Help me out with this verse. 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58. Help me out. Let's see. It goes like this. The Apostle Paul said,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye what? Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable."

What will it take to move you? I pray the answer will be absolutely nothing. The Apostle Paul says, "Nothing moves me. I want to finish my course with joy and the ministry which the Lord has given to me." We shall not be moved. We cannot be moved if we're in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our rock and our salvation. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to thee. We thank you for your word. We thank you for your truth. And we pray, Lord, you would help us to be immovable, steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord. May we not count our sufferings, our afflictions, our temptations, our earthly pleasures, as anything, that we may finish our course with joy. Give us your grace and your mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask and pray. Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Steadfastness in Ministry

Summary: Paul exemplifies unwavering commitment to his calling despite knowing suffering awaits, refusing to be moved by afflictions or the threat of death.

Evidence: Acts 20:24: 'But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy...'

Humility in Service

Summary: Paul served the Lord with all humility of mind, recognizing his own smallness and dependence on God rather than pride or self-importance.

Evidence: Acts 20:19: 'Serving the Lord with all humility of mind...' Weaver explains the Greek word means having a humble opinion of oneself.

Preaching the Whole Counsel of God

Summary: Paul declared all of God's counsel, keeping back nothing profitable, which is the only way to be pure from the blood of all men.

Evidence: Acts 20:27: 'For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.'

The Dual Effect of the Gospel

Summary: The preaching of Christ results in either a savor of life unto life or death unto death, depending on the hearers' response.

Evidence: 2 Corinthians 2:15-16: 'For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life.'

Eternal Perspective on Suffering

Summary: Present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with future glory; believers should focus on the unseen eternal things.

Evidence: Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 are cited to show that afflictions are light and momentary compared to eternal glory.

Readiness to Die for Christ

Summary: Paul was ready not only to be bound but to die for the name of the Lord Jesus, and no man is truly ready to live until he is ready to die.

Evidence: Acts 21:13: 'For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'

Key Arguments

A godly life must back up a biblical testimony

Summary: Paul's manner of life was consistent with his teaching; hypocrisy renders witness worthless.

Evidence: Acts 20:18: 'Ye know... after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.' Weaver states, 'If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless.'

Purity from blood comes through declaring the whole counsel

Summary: Paul was pure from the blood of all men because he did not shrink from declaring all of God's counsel, not by witnessing to every individual.

Evidence: Acts 20:26-27: 'I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.'

God's Word accomplishes its purpose, whether reconciliation or condemnation

Summary: Isaiah 55:11 shows God's Word will not return void; it prospers in the thing for which He sends it, even if that is condemnation.

Evidence: Isaiah 55:11: 'So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void...'

Paul's determination was Spirit-led

Summary: Whether 'bound in the spirit' refers to Paul's own spirit or the Holy Spirit, his resolve to go to Jerusalem was divinely directed.

Evidence: Acts 20:22: 'I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem.' Weaver cites Matthew Poole and Adam Clarke on the interpretation.

Finishing the course requires not counting one's life dear

Summary: Paul did not consider his life precious compared to completing his ministry; believers must prioritize eternal goals over temporary safety or comfort.

Evidence: Acts 20:24: 'Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy...'

True believers will continue; apostasy reveals false profession

Summary: Those who walk away from the faith show they were never truly of us, as 1 John 2:19 indicates.

Evidence: 1 John 2:19: 'They went out from us, that it might be made manifest that they were not of us...'

Scripture References

Acts 20:17-31

Context: The primary text of the sermon, Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders.

James 3:1

Context: Cited to show that teachers will receive greater condemnation, emphasizing higher standards for ministers.

Luke 12:48

Context: To whom much is given, much is required; used to reinforce the greater accountability of those in ministry.

2 Timothy 3:10-11

Context: Paul's manner of life, doctrine, and persecutions are fully known; used to illustrate the word 'manner'.

James 1:23-24

Context: A man beholding his natural face in a mirror and forgetting what manner of man he was; illustrates the word 'manner'.

1 Peter 3:5

Context: Holy women of old adorned themselves after this manner; another use of the word 'manner'.

2 Peter 3:11

Context: What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness; illustrates 'manner'.

Jeremiah 9:1

Context: Jeremiah's desire for a fountain of tears to weep for his people; compared to Paul's many tears.

Acts 23:12-22

Context: The plot of more than forty Jews to kill Paul, illustrating the temptations he faced.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Context: Paul's description of the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and persecuted the apostles.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Context: Believers are a sweet savor of Christ, either life unto life or death unto death.

Isaiah 55:8-11

Context: God's Word will not return void but will accomplish His purpose.

Acts 9:15-16

Context: God told Ananias that Paul would suffer great things for Christ's name.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Context: Paul's discipline to run the race and not be a castaway.

1 John 2:19

Context: Those who leave the fellowship show they were not truly of us.

Romans 8:18

Context: The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Context: Light affliction works an eternal weight of glory; we look at unseen eternal things.

2 Timothy 4:6-7

Context: Paul is ready to be offered, having fought the good fight and finished his course.

Acts 21:10-14

Context: Agabus prophesies Paul's binding, and Paul declares his readiness to die in Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Context: Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Historical References

Matthew Poole's commentary on Acts 20:22

Context: Weaver quotes Poole's view that Paul was bound in the spirit by a divine instinct, powerfully persuaded to undertake the journey.

Adam Clarke's commentary on Acts 20:22

Context: Weaver cites Clarke's interpretation that Paul was under the influence of the Holy Spirit, obliging him to go to Jerusalem.

The Sanhedrin plot against Paul (Acts 23:12-22)

Context: More than forty Jews bound themselves with an oath to kill Paul, illustrating the temptations he faced.

Jeremiah as the weeping prophet

Context: Weaver compares Paul's many tears to Jeremiah's lament over Jerusalem in Jeremiah 9:1.

Noah's ministry of condemnation

Context: Weaver uses Noah as an example of a ministry that resulted in condemnation, preaching 120 years without converts.

Isaiah's ministry

Context: Isaiah did not save his nation; his ministry also served God's purpose of condemnation.

Important Quotes

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Significance: This is the central verse of the sermon, encapsulating Paul's unwavering commitment to his calling despite suffering.

If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless. No one believes a hypocrite. No one believes a dishonest person.

Significance: Weaver emphasizes the necessity of a godly life backing up a biblical testimony.

The only way that we can be pure from the blood of all men is to preach the totality of the word of God. Period.

Significance: Clarifies the misinterpretation of Acts 20:26 and defines the preacher's responsibility.

My mountains are all molehills. And what do you do to a molehill? You just step on it and keep going.

Significance: A memorable illustration of Paul's attitude toward afflictions, reversing the common saying.

No man is really and truly ready to live until he's ready to die.

Significance: A key application point, linking readiness to die with faithful living.

What moves you? What would it take to move you away from the Word of God? Or to move you away from the faith in Jesus Christ?

Significance: The central application question, challenging listeners to examine their own steadfastness.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to be 'moved' in the context of Acts 20:24, and what are some things that commonly move believers away from their faith or ministry?

Context: Weaver asks repeatedly, 'What moves you?' and lists pride, money, and women as common pitfalls.

How can we cultivate the kind of humility Paul demonstrated, recognizing that we are not indispensable to God?

Context: Weaver explains that Paul's humility meant he did not think he was God's gift to the world and understood he needed God.

In what ways might modern preachers and teachers be tempted to 'shun to declare the whole counsel of God,' and what are the consequences?

Context: Weaver stresses that Paul kept back nothing profitable and declared all of God's counsel, which is the only way to be pure from blood.

How should we understand the dual effect of the gospel as a savor of life unto life and death unto death? How does this affect our expectations in evangelism?

Context: Weaver explains that sometimes God sends the Word for reconciliation and sometimes for condemnation, citing 2 Corinthians 2:14-17.

What does it practically mean to 'not count your life dear' for the sake of finishing your course with joy?

Context: Paul did not consider his life precious compared to completing his ministry; Weaver applies this to modern believers.

Why do some people walk away from ministry or the church, and what does 1 John 2:19 teach us about those who leave?

Context: Weaver expresses bewilderment at those who abandon their calling and cites 1 John 2:19 to indicate they were never truly of us.

How can we develop a readiness to die that enables us to live fearlessly for Christ?

Context: Weaver states that no man is ready to live until he is ready to die, and Paul was willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Applications

Examine what moves you

Summary: Believers should honestly assess what could cause them to drift from Christ, His Word, or the church, and resolve to be immovable.

Evidence: Weaver asks, 'What moves you? What would it take to move you away from the Word of God?'

Cultivate humility in service

Summary: Like Paul, serve the Lord with a deep sense of one's own smallness and dependence on God, avoiding pride and self-importance.

Evidence: Weaver explains the Greek word for humility and says, 'I need God. He does not need me.'

Preach and teach the whole counsel of God

Summary: Ministers must not shrink from declaring all of Scripture, even difficult truths, to remain pure from the blood of all men.

Evidence: Acts 20:27 and Weaver's statement: 'If it's in the Scripture, I'm required to preach it and teach it.'

Maintain an eternal perspective on suffering

Summary: View present afflictions as light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory, focusing on unseen realities.

Evidence: Weaver cites Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 to encourage looking at eternal things.

Finish your course with joy

Summary: Make it your goal to complete the ministry or calling God has given you, not allowing anything to deter you.

Evidence: Paul's example: 'None of these things move me... that I might finish my course with joy.'

Be ready to die, and thus ready to live

Summary: Prepare for death by living faithfully, so that death does not move you from your course but ushers you into glory.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'No man is really and truly ready to live until he's ready to die.'

Remain steadfast and unmovable

Summary: In all circumstances, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor is not in vain.

Evidence: 1 Corinthians 15:58 is quoted as the concluding exhortation.

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T13:16:19Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T00:05:34Z

Clean Transcript

What Moves You?

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Acts chapter 20, the title of the message is "What Moves You?" Look in Acts chapter 20, let's begin reading with verse 17. The Bible says, "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, You know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons."
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"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. How I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there."
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"Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God shall see my face no more. Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
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"Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone, night and day, with tears." So the title of the message is, "What Moves You?" And so I will ask you this same question, "What moves you?" I could ask this same question differently: "Does anything move you?" Or I could ask, "If you are moved, in what direction are you being moved?" I could ask it another way: "What does it take to stop you?" I could also ask, "What do you fear?" Or really and truly the correct question would be, "Whom do you fear?"
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These questions are extremely important for every Christian, but they're particularly important for anyone who happens to be in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of the position or capacity. It's always bad when a Christian falls and fails, but it's even worse when a pastor or someone with greater responsibility falls and fails. In fact, the truth of the matter is God holds pastors and preachers and those involved in the ministry basically to a higher standard than everyone else. It was James who said in James chapter 3 and verse 1, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." And then of course in Luke chapter 12 and verse 48, our Lord said it like this, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required, and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." So these truths then apply basically to every Christian. They also apply to everyone who happens to be in the ministry.
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So in the context of our message in Acts chapter 20, the Apostle Paul happens to be on his way to Jerusalem, and he's trying to get there for the Feast of Pentecost. And although he's trying to get there, he still wants to see these Ephesian elders. And so he sends for the elders, and they meet him at the little place called Miletus. And so when they arrive, Paul then gives them a summary of his ministry and how he ministered, and he concludes with some very serious warnings.
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So, I want you to look in verse 18 to begin with, because he said that when they were come to him, he said unto them, "You know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I've been with you at all seasons." Now, the word "manner" is a very important word. It actually is the little Greek word "pos," which literally means "how," and "by what means," and "after what manner."
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So Paul then is declaring unto them how he lived, how he worked, and how he ministered among them. Now, there are different Greek words that will express the same English word "manner." But let me just show you the impact of each one of them. I want you to hold on to chapter 20, but turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy, and notice if you would, chapter 3. Here the apostle Paul gives us the impact of this one little word. 2 Timothy, chapter 3, and look if you would please, beginning there with verse 10. So Paul writes and he says this, "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me." Now, note what he said in verse 10: "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, my manner of life." Now, the same truth is given to us in James chapter 1, where James is talking about someone who looks into a mirror.
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and turns around and then he says, "and forgetteth what manner of man he was." In other words, you look in the mirror and you say, "Oh, I got dirt right there on my cheek." And then you turn around and forget it and leave the dirt on your cheek. That's what he said. He forgot what manner of man he was. And then the same word is used in 1 Peter 3 and verse 5, where God said, "After this manner in the old time, holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands." After this manner. And then, of course, in 2 Peter 3 and verse 11, he's talking about the dissolution or the loosing of all things here on this earth. And he says, "Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in all godliness and holiness?"
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So when Paul talks about, "You know what manner of life I lived among you," Paul is teaching them not only how he lived, but how he ministered and what he ministered. Let me just point out what he is saying. He is saying, "I'm not a hypocrite. I did not live one thing or preach one thing and then turn around and do something entirely different." So here is the lesson that we need to learn just simply from verse 18, and that is this: A godly life must back up a biblical testimony and witness. If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless. No one believes a hypocrite. No one believes a dishonest person. So the Apostle Paul says, "You know what manner of man I am. You know what I taught. You know exactly how I live." Now, look if you would in verse 19.
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He says, "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews." Now the Bible says that Paul was testifying that he served the Lord with all humility of mind.
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Now, the Greek word is a very expressive word, and it's about this long, Gary. It's a long word, and here is what it means. It means basically having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one's smallness, an attitude of modesty, a lowliness of mind. So let me explain to you when the Apostle Paul said, "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind," what he meant. This word means the opposite of proud, arrogant, haughty, heady, high-minded. Let me go further. This word indicates that Paul did not think that he was God's gift to the world. This word indicates that Paul understood that he was not indispensable.
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Years ago, I heard a preacher say this. He said, "If you want a long life and a long ministry, make yourself indispensable to God." That is impossible. God does not need any of us. And this is what this word means. And when the apostle Paul said, "With all humility of mind," he's saying, "I need God. He does not need me." That's all there is to it. And so Paul said, "You know, I was not arrogant. I was not demanding.
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I was not a tyrant. I served the Lord with all humility of mind."
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Now, I want you to notice something else he said in the same verse 19: "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears." The word "many" in the Greek means many, much, and large. So the Apostle Paul wasn't only a humble man, he was also a very compassionate man. He had many tears. He's much like Jeremiah. You know, Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. Here's what Jeremiah said in Jeremiah chapter 9 and verse 1, especially when he saw the destruction of Jerusalem. He said, "O that my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people." He said, "I wish my head was a fountain just so I could weep constantly and continually." Now look in verse 19 again. He said, "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations." So it was not just tears. Now there are temptations. The Jews tried to murder the Apostle Paul on many occasions.
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And thankfully, they failed on many occasions. One such occasion is found in Acts chapter 23 verses 12 through 22, and this is where the Sanhedrin had agreed with some men to require the Apostle Paul to come, and 40 men—over 40 men the Bible said—had bound themselves with a curse that they would neither eat nor drink until they killed the Apostle Paul. And of course it was discovered. And so the captain Lysias called the guards and called the soldiers and sent Paul off.
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And I get tickled every time I think about this. I wonder if that curse fell upon them because I know that after a day or two when they realized Paul was gone, they had to get hungry and they had to get thirsty. So they had bound themselves with a great oath that they're not going to eat or drink until they kill Paul. Well, Paul's gone. So so much for the curse upon them.
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Now, the interesting thing is this. I want you to turn to 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, and I want you to see what the Apostle Paul said concerning the Jews. If you look in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, because he's talking about all the temptations he fell into in relationship to the Jews. So now, in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, and notice if you would, beginning there in verse 14. Look what he said. In fact, let's go back to verse—yeah, verse 14 will be fine.
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He says, "For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus. For you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews."
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Now look what he said. And of course, today, if you say something like this, then you're labeled an anti-Semite. But here's what the Apostle Paul said: "Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, and they please not God, and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always. For the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost." Wow.
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So he is very pointed in what he was saying. Now, I would remind you of something. The term "the Jews" is used several different ways in the New Testament. Sometimes it refers to the ruling clique or the ruling elite. Sometimes, of course, it refers to the nation. Sometimes it refers to the religion of the Jews. Sometimes it refers to the territory. If you're unclear of that, I would encourage you to go back and listen to the five messages I've preached in times past on Jews, Judaism, and Christianity. And I show you how the word "Ioudaios" is used over and over in the New Testament.
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He talks about the tears and the temptations. Now look at verses 20 and 21. He said, "...how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Now, note if you would please, Paul said, "I have kept back nothing that was profitable unto you." So you have to ask this question, "Well, exactly what did the Apostle Paul preach?" Well, we know that he preached repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ because he said so.
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But first of all, we're going to tell you this. Notice if you would, in verse 27, here's what he preached. He said, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." So that means he preached the totality of the Word of God.
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Now, the second thing is this. When he said he kept back nothing that was profitable, you have to ask yourself, "How much of the Word of God is profitable?" And what does the Scripture say? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable." So clearly, the Apostle Paul then taught the whole counsel of God. He taught the whole Word of God.
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Now, while I'm here, let me deal with this. Look if you would please in verse 26. The Apostle said, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men." Now, how did he get pure from the blood of all men? I asked multitudes of years back, I heard innumerable preachers say that if you did not witness to everyone that you saw, their blood was on your head and on your hands.
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Do you realize, while such a statement sounds pietistic, number one, it is unscriptural, and number two, it is humanly impossible. So if Alice asked me, "Would you please go to the store and buy a gallon of milk?" "Yes, sweetheart, I'll be glad to do that." And I leave. And how many people do I see? Do I stop people? Do I flag them down beside the road? And when I get into the store, there may be 200 people in there.
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Must I witness to everyone? And then, if I ever got to witness to every one of them, I turn around to come home and there's more standing there. If that is true, I would leave for the store and I'd never come back home. No. That is not what the Scripture said.
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Now when the Apostle Paul said in verse 26, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men," how did he get pure from the blood of all men? Look in verse 27: "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." The only way that we can be pure from the blood of all men is to preach the totality of the word of God. Period. If we do not preach everything in the Scripture as God gives us the opportunity, their blood is on our hands.
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Let me tell you something. I like to be liked just like everyone else. But when it comes to preaching, when it comes to teaching, if it's in the Scripture, I'm required to preach it and teach it. Whether you like it or not, whether you receive it or not, that's immaterial. The proclamation is mine. The results are God's. And so the apostle Paul said, "I just preach the whole counsel of God."
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And when you read Acts chapter 13, you'll find that some folks got glad and some folks got mad. And that's still the way it is as well.
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Now, let me tell you something. When you preach and teach the whole counsel of God, you have no idea what kind of ministry the Lord is going to give you. Let me explain that. He may either give you a ministry of reconciliation, or He may give you a ministry of condemnation. The Word of God is not always for reconciliation. I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Corinthians chapter 2. And I'm going to point something out before I read the Scripture. We'll look in 2 Corinthians chapter 2.
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I could ask you this question: Did Noah have a ministry of reconciliation or a ministry of condemnation? Well, he preached 120 years, never had one convert. What about Jeremiah? Did Jeremiah save the nation? No. In fact, God told him, "Pray not for this people." He told him that twice. And finally, in Jeremiah 14, he said, "If you're going to pray, pray that I'll destroy them because that's exactly what I'm going to do." What about Isaiah? Did he save his nation? No. In other words, the point I'm trying to make is this: Sometimes God sends the word for reconciliation. Sometimes he sends the word for condemnation. So here it is.
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Look in 2 Corinthians chapter 2 and notice if you would please, verse 14. Watch this.
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"Now thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many which corrupt the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."
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Now note, if you would, what he said. "For we are a sweet savor of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish. To the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life." So, if I have a room with 100 men and women who are all lost, and I stand up and I preach Jesus Christ, and every one of them are convicted and converted by the grace of God, you know what God does? He does this.
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My Son is preached and I'm satisfied. But then on the other hand, if I preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and all of these people gnash their teeth and clench their fists and say, "We don't want to have this man to reign over us," here's what God does in the sweet savor. He goes, "My Son is preached, I'm satisfied." That's what Paul is saying. We're the savor of death unto death and life unto life. One is a ministry of reconciliation, the other is a ministry of condemnation.
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Let me ask you to turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 55, because you know this truth. The Word of God tells us very plainly that the Word of God is not going to return void. So if you look in Isaiah 55, beginning there with verse 8, here's what the Scripture says. God declares, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth. It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it." Wow. So God said, "My word's not going to return to me void."
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If he sends it for reconciliation, there's going to be reconciliation. If he sends it for condemnation, there's going to be condemnation. So the apostle Paul understood the power of the word of God. That is why he is saying, he did not shun to declare all of the counsel of God.
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Now, I want you to go back to verse 22. Look at this. I'm getting to the point that I want to emphasize just momentarily. In verse 22, he says, "Now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me." Now, he says in verse 22, "Behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem." If you read commentaries, you're going to find that there is a diversity of opinion concerning this phrase, "I go bound in the Spirit." In other words, is Paul saying that he's going bound in the Holy Spirit, or is he going bound in his own spirit?
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Now, let me tell you how the controversy arises. When you look at the Greek word for spirit, it is "pneuma." "Pneuma." The same word is also translated as "wind" and "breath." Now, hang on. If you read Romans chapter 8, you would find a phrase like this, "the Spirit itself." Why in the world would a Greek translator translate the Holy Spirit as "it" when we know He is the third person of the Godhead? He's a "He."
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He is not an "it." Why would it be "it"? And the answer is, because the word "pneuma" is a neuter word. It's neither masculine nor feminine. It's like the word "rock." You would not say "the rock she" or "the rock he." It'd be "the rock it." It's a neuter word. It's like the word "limb." It's a neuter word. It might be good grammar, it might be good Greek grammar to say "the Spirit is," but it's bad theology as far as I'm concerned, because the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. Now, so the controversy basically comes around because the word is a neuter word, and if it's just "pneuma," without "hagios," or without "to" in front of it, does it refer to Paul's spirit? Or does it refer to the Holy Spirit?
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Well, let me give you two very quick commentaries. The first one is by Matthew Poole. Listen to this: "Bound in the spirit, as powerfully persuaded by a divine instinct to undertake this journey, as if I were led or drawn to it by forcible means, being bound to obey God in all things, whom I take to be my God, my guide, my sun, my shield, and I do not desire so much
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to act as to be acted by him." This Paul says, as if he was drawn into this journey against his will, but lest any should attempt to dissuade him from it, or that he should seem to have slighted the prediction of the prophets mentioned in Acts 21, nay, he might say this as being certain of his bonds as if he felt them already. Such things are foretold as such as know the veracity of God, they are present.
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Howsoever, he was content to be bound to suffer, yea, to die for Christ." So, he then goes on to say, "...howsoever, these words speak of his firm resolution to take this journey upon him." So, Matthew Poole says, both God and Paul, and then Adam Clarke says it like this: "...I go bound in the Spirit, either meaning the strong influence of the divine Spirit upon his mind or the strong propensity of his own will to visit Jerusalem, and in that sense the word 'bound' is sometimes used. But it appears more consistent with the mind of the apostle and with the affluent influence under which we find him that he constantly acted to refer to the influence of the Holy Ghost, being under the power of the Holy Spirit." As Paul would have said, "I have no choice. God has not left me either to the advice of friends or to my own prudence, but the Spirit of God obliges me to go to Jerusalem." So either way, what both of them are basically saying is it was Paul's determination, but his determination was based upon the Holy Spirit of God.
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So Paul was going to Jerusalem. He just did not know what was going to befall him. What he did know was this: Whatever happened to him was in the hands of God, and he was willing to submit to that.
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Now, I want you to look in Acts 9, if you would, and look at what God told Ananias when God sent Ananias to Saul. In Acts 9, verses 15 and 16, "But the Lord said unto him," that is Ananias, "Go thy way, for he," that is Saul of Tarsus, "is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel." Look what God says: "For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
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So the apostle Paul undoubtedly knew from the very beginning that he was going to have a ministry of suffering. Now, I want you to go back and look at Acts chapter 20 and let's begin reading it. Verse 22. I want to show you this in the context. Hang on. Look in verse 22: "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me." Here it is: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to
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testify of the gospel of the grace of God." Now notice what he said: "None of these things move me."
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Now the word "move" is from the Greek word "poieo," and "poieo" occurs 579 times in the New Testament and it is usually translated as "I do" or "I make." In our text however it has the force "to make," "to make a thing out of something." "None of these things move me." Every one of us has heard the old expression, when someone gets all excited and worked up over nothing, we say he or she is making a mountain out of a molehill.
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The Apostle Paul reverses that. He says, "My mountains are all molehills." And what do you do to a molehill? You just step on it and keep going. He said, "None of these things move me." He's not going to be moved. He's not going to be shaken. He's not going to be fearful. He's not going to be distraught. "None of these things move me." Now, the word "count," look what he says. Watch this now. Verse 24: "But none of these things move me, neither count
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I my life dear unto myself." The word "count" is "echo," which means to have, to hold, or to count. So Paul is not counting his sufferings, he is not counting his afflictions, he is not counting his temptations as anything. Oh wait, hold on. He says, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." The word "dear" is the Greek word "timios," which literally means precious, of great value, of great price, and something to be held in honor and esteem, and something that is especially dear. What did he say? "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear." I wouldn't count it precious to myself. Now, you and I think of our lives, and we think our lives are precious. And they are, in one sense, the Word.
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But I want you to note the context. I want you to look at this. He said, "But none of these things move me," that is, no affliction, no suffering, no temptation, "none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." Why? Why would he not count his life dear? Why would he not count his life precious? Here's why: "So that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Wow! He said, "Here's why nothing moves me. All I want to do is to finish my course, to finish my ministry for God's honor and God's glory." Now, I want you to consider the word "finish." He said, "I might finish my course." The word "finish" is the word "teleo," or "teleios" would be the noun.
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It means to make complete. It means to make perfect. It means to accomplish. It means to carry through completely and successfully. So he said, "This is what I want to do. I want to finish my course. I want to successfully complete my course." Now, wait a minute. What is his course? When you look at the word "course," it is the Greek word "dromos," and it refers to a course, to a life, to an office, to a ministry.
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So he says, "Here's why nothing moves me. Here's why I don't count these sufferings and afflictions and temptations as anything. Neither do I count my life as precious. Why? So that I might finish my course, my life, my office, my ministry with joy and the ministry which I've received of the Lord to testify of the gospel of the grace of God."
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Now, here is what Paul was concerned about. Paul was concerned about one thing, and that is that he would not be a castaway. What do I mean? Look in your Bibles, 1 Corinthians chapter 9. 1 Corinthians chapter 9. And look, if you would, beginning there with verse 24. 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24. He says, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."
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"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: I am not a shadow-boxer. But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Now, the word for "castaway" is the word "adokimos," which literally means disapproved, spurious, rejected, reprobate, or one that does not stand the test. So Paul said, "The thing that I want is to stand the test. I want to finish my course. I want to run the race. I'm not interested in being disapproved. I'm not interested in being shelved, not by any stretch of the imagination."
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Now, let me point something out. I'm not the Apostle Paul by any stretch of the imagination. I'm not even a runner-up to the Apostle Paul. In fact, I'm not even in the running. But what I cannot understand is how some men have preached for years and then just walk away from it. They say, you know, that God called them to preach, but they leave it as if it was no big deal. I know of one man who was pastoring, and had done so for a number of years.
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And he had a heart attack. Well, I certainly understand when you have a heart attack, you can't function the way you normally do. And I realize there has to be a time of recovery. But this man recovered. Did he go back in the ministry? No. He opened a business and operated a business, and the business is still going today. The thing that gets me is this: If I have strength to open and run a business, I ought to have strength to study and to preach.
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This is what Paul is saying. Paul said, "I can't just walk away from this. All I want to do is finish my course. None of these things move me. I'm not going to be pushed aside by some little suffering or some little affliction or some little temptation. No, no, I'm just not going to do that." At the same time, I know professing Christians who simply walk away from the church. They walk away from the ministry. They walk away from the preaching of the Word of God. They even walk away from the reading of their Bibles.
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Which to me is a scary situation. Why? Because of 1 John chapter 2 and verse 19. You know what the Bible says? "They went out from us, that it might be made manifest that they were not of us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us." I'm just simply pointing out the fact I don't understand how any man who's ever called to preach could walk away from it. I don't understand how any Christian who professes to be a godly person or professes to be saved can turn around and just simply walk away from the church. I don't care how mad you get. I don't care how upset you get. What moves you? You see what I'm saying? What does it take to move you away from Christ and the gospel? Unhappily, today, it does not take much. I've said this, and I don't mind saying it in her presence, but Alice and I have been married going on 62 years.
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I can't imagine living without her. By the same token, I've been preaching for 59 years. I can't imagine not preaching. I can't. It doesn't fit in my brain. And I certainly could not live without Jesus Christ. And I certainly do not want to die without Jesus Christ. And so the point I'm trying to make is, this is what Paul is saying. All of these afflictions, all of these sufferings, all of these temptations, none of these things move me. You know the three things that get most men? Pride, money, and women. That's true. And when you look at the apostle Paul, he said, "No, I'm not going to be moved by any of those things." You know why? Because all of those things are exceedingly temporary. Nothing is permanent. Not in this life. I don't care if you're talking about money. You're not taking it with you. If you're talking about women, that'll be your downfall. If you're talking about pride, you'll find out at the judgment seat that didn't help you at all. Wow. You know what he said in Romans 8?
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verses 18 and 19, Paul said, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which will be revealed in us." It's not even worthy. And then in 2 Corinthians chapter 4, verses 17 and 18, he said, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." So look back, if you would, at verse 24 again of Acts chapter 20. Look at what the Apostle Paul said: "But none of these things move me." None of these things move me. Wow.
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"Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Nothing did move him from his course. He finished it as unto the Lord and was ready to be offered on the scaffold as a martyr. So, look in your Bibles to 2 Timothy, chapter 4, at what he said beginning there with verse 6. 2 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 6. He said, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." He said, "I am now ready to be offered."
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If I was in prison, he was about to get his head chopped off. And what did he say? "I am now ready to be offered. The time of my departure is at hand." Wow! And then he says, "I fought a good fight. I finished my course." You remember he said, "None of these things moved me that I might finish my course." Well, he did finish his course. Persecutions did not move Paul. Pride did not move Paul. Money did not move Paul. Women did not move Paul. Death could not move Paul. He was ready.
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And he said, "If I live, I'll preach. If I die, I'll just go and be with Christ, which is far better."
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Now, I want you to go back to the book of Acts, but I want you to look at Acts chapter 21, because here's a prophet that came and said this to the Apostle Paul. Look in Acts chapter 21, beginning there with verse 11. Acts 21, verse 11. In fact, let's read verse 10. "And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet named Agabus."
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"And when he was come near unto us, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost," now we're talking about the Holy Spirit, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him unto the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we and they of that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem."
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"Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done." Paul said, "What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? I'm not only willing to be bound, I'm willing to die for the Lord Jesus Christ." Wow. Paul says, "Nothing moves me. I'm not going to get all out of shape. I'm not going to get distraught. I'm not going to get discouraged. I'm not going to get heated up. I'm not going to be tempted. Nothing is going to move me that I might finish my course with joy." Now, Paul said, "I'm ready to die." So here we go.
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Let me make an application. I've always said that no man is really and truly ready to live until he's ready to die. And that's a fact. And death should not move us from our course. We must all die. Why should we fear that which we know is going to happen, and number two, is going to issue us into glory? So, you must prepare and make sure that in your death you glorify God just like you glorify Him in your life.
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The Apostle Paul was in a position where he said, "I am unmoved. Death does not even move me." Now listen to this. Even the most gruesome death, because he had his head chopped off. Now I would not look forward to having my head chopped off. But Paul said it doesn't move me. What was his attitude? "I got to die some way. That's smooth, that's quick, it's over with. That's fine. I'm not going to get bent out of shape over the way that I die."
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So here is the impact and the implication and the application for you to make. Because I can't answer all these questions, but here it is: What moves you? What would it take to move you away from the Word of God? Or to move you away from the faith in Jesus Christ? What would it take to make you stop praying, stop reading your Bible, and stop attending the preaching of the Word of God? What would move you away from truth?
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I'm afraid if you look around at a modern church member, all it takes is for someone to hurt their feelings. And they're not coming back. They're just not. When I ask what moves you, I hope and pray the answer would be nothing. Nothing's going to move me away from the worship, praise, and truth of Jesus Christ. I'm not going to be moved. You remember, the Bible says our Lord set his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem.
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That's the way we must be. Help me out with this verse. 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58. Help me out. Let's see. It goes like this. The Apostle Paul said, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye what? Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable."
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What will it take to move you? I pray the answer will be absolutely nothing. The Apostle Paul says, "Nothing moves me. I want to finish my course with joy and the ministry which the Lord has given to me." We shall not be moved. We cannot be moved if we're in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our rock and our salvation. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to thee.
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We thank you for your word. We thank you for your truth. And we pray, Lord, you would help us to be immovable, steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord. May we not count our sufferings, our afflictions, our temptations, our earthly pleasures, as anything, that we may finish our course with joy. Give us your grace and your mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask and pray. Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T13:16:19Z

What Moves You?

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

In this sermon, John Weaver examines Acts 20:17-31, focusing on Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders. He emphasizes Paul's unwavering commitment to his ministry despite knowing that bonds and afflictions await him. The central question is 'What moves you?'—what could cause a believer to abandon their faith or calling. Weaver highlights Paul's humility, compassion, and determination to finish his course with joy, preaching the whole counsel of God. He applies these truths to modern Christians, urging steadfastness and an eternal perspective.

Opening

Scripture Reading — Acts 20:17-31

"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. How I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there." "Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God shall see my face no more. Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

Introduction: The Question of What Moves Us

Scripture Reading — James 3:1

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."

The Importance for All Christians, Especially Ministers

These questions are crucial for every Christian but especially for those in ministry, as God holds them to a higher standard (James 3:1; Luke 12:48).

Scripture Reading — James 3:1

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."

Paul's Manner of Life and Ministry (Acts 20:18-19)

Paul reminds the elders of his consistent, non-hypocritical life among them, serving with humility of mind, many tears, and enduring temptations from the Jews.

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 3:10-11

"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me." Now, note what he said in verse 10: "But thou hast fully known my doctrine,

my manner of life." Now, the same truth is given to us in James chapter 1, where James is talking about someone who looks into a mirror.

Paul's Preaching: The Whole Counsel of God (Acts 20:20-21, 26-27)

Paul kept back nothing profitable, teaching publicly and house to house, declaring the whole counsel of God. This is how he remained pure from the blood of all men.

The Dual Effect of Preaching: Reconciliation or Condemnation

Preaching the whole counsel of God may result in a ministry of reconciliation or condemnation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and Isaiah 55:8-11.

Look in 2 Corinthians chapter 2 and notice if you would please, verse 14. Watch this.

Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

"Now thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many which corrupt the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:8-11

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth. It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it."

Wow. So God said, "My word's not going to return to me void."

Paul Bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23)

Paul goes to Jerusalem bound in the Spirit, knowing only that bonds and afflictions await him, yet he is determined to obey God.

So Paul was going to Jerusalem. He just did not know what was going to befall him. What he did know was this: Whatever happened to him was in the hands of God, and he was willing to submit to that.

None of These Things Move Me (Acts 20:24)

Paul declares that none of the coming afflictions move him, nor does he count his life dear, so that he may finish his course with joy and the ministry received from the Lord.

Paul's Concern to Not Be a Castaway (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Paul's driving concern is to finish his race and not be disapproved, keeping his body under subjection lest he be a castaway.

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

The Tragedy of Walking Away from Ministry or Faith

Weaver laments those who walk away from ministry or the church, citing 1 John 2:19, and emphasizes that nothing should move a believer from Christ.

Which to me is a scary situation. Why? Because of 1 John chapter 2 and verse 19. You know what the Bible says?

Scripture Reading — 1 John 2:19

"They went out from us, that it might be made manifest that they were not of us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us."

Paul's Readiness to Die and Final Exhortation

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

He said,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"I am now ready to be offered."

If I was in prison, he was about to get his head chopped off. And what did he say?

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"I am now ready to be offered. The time of my departure is at hand."

Wow! And then he says,

Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 4:6-7

"I fought a good fight. I finished my course."

That's the way we must be. Help me out with this verse. 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58. Help me out. Let's see. It goes like this. The Apostle Paul said,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye what? Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable."

What Moves You?

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	624241520585586
Subject	Church Government
Course	Church Order: Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
Genre	Sermon
Date	2024-06-23
Dictation Name
Book	Book 040: Church Order and Worship - Volume 2 — Chapter 27
Source Timed Segments	75

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Question of What Moves Us: Weaver introduces the title and poses several related questions: What moves you? Does anything move you? In what direction are you being moved? What does it take to stop you? What do you fear? Whom do you fear?
The Importance for All Christians, Especially Ministers: These questions are crucial for every Christian but especially for those in ministry, as God holds them to a higher standard (James 3:1; Luke 12:48).
Paul's Manner of Life and Ministry (Acts 20:18-19): Paul reminds the elders of his consistent, non-hypocritical life among them, serving with humility of mind, many tears, and enduring temptations from the Jews.
Paul's Preaching: The Whole Counsel of God (Acts 20:20-21, 26-27): Paul kept back nothing profitable, teaching publicly and house to house, declaring the whole counsel of God. This is how he remained pure from the blood of all men.
The Dual Effect of Preaching: Reconciliation or Condemnation: Preaching the whole counsel of God may result in a ministry of reconciliation or condemnation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and Isaiah 55:8-11.
Paul Bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23): Paul goes to Jerusalem bound in the Spirit, knowing only that bonds and afflictions await him, yet he is determined to obey God.
None of These Things Move Me (Acts 20:24): Paul declares that none of the coming afflictions move him, nor does he count his life dear, so that he may finish his course with joy and the ministry received from the Lord.
Paul's Concern to Not Be a Castaway (1 Corinthians 9:24-27): Paul's driving concern is to finish his race and not be disapproved, keeping his body under subjection lest he be a castaway.
The Tragedy of Walking Away from Ministry or Faith: Weaver laments those who walk away from ministry or the church, citing 1 John 2:19, and emphasizes that nothing should move a believer from Christ.
Paul's Readiness to Die and Final Exhortation: Paul was ready to be offered (2 Timothy 4:6-7) and willing to die in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-14). Weaver applies this by urging believers to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Major Themes

Key Arguments

A godly life must back up a biblical testimony

Paul's manner of life was consistent with his teaching; hypocrisy renders witness worthless.

Acts 20:18: 'Ye know... after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.' Weaver states, 'If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless.'

Purity from blood comes through declaring the whole counsel

Paul was pure from the blood of all men because he did not shrink from declaring all of God's counsel, not by witnessing to every individual.

Acts 20:26-27: 'I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.'

God's Word accomplishes its purpose, whether reconciliation or condemnation

Isaiah 55:11 shows God's Word will not return void; it prospers in the thing for which He sends it, even if that is condemnation.

Isaiah 55:11: 'So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void...'

Paul's determination was Spirit-led

Whether 'bound in the spirit' refers to Paul's own spirit or the Holy Spirit, his resolve to go to Jerusalem was divinely directed.

Acts 20:22: 'I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem.' Weaver cites Matthew Poole and Adam Clarke on the interpretation.

Finishing the course requires not counting one's life dear

Paul did not consider his life precious compared to completing his ministry; believers must prioritize eternal goals over temporary safety or comfort.

Acts 20:24: 'Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy...'

True believers will continue; apostasy reveals false profession

Those who walk away from the faith show they were never truly of us, as 1 John 2:19 indicates.

1 John 2:19: 'They went out from us, that it might be made manifest that they were not of us...'

Scripture References

Acts 20:17-31: The primary text of the sermon, Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders.
James 3:1: Cited to show that teachers will receive greater condemnation, emphasizing higher standards for ministers.
Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much is required; used to reinforce the greater accountability of those in ministry.
2 Timothy 3:10-11: Paul's manner of life, doctrine, and persecutions are fully known; used to illustrate the word 'manner'.
James 1:23-24: A man beholding his natural face in a mirror and forgetting what manner of man he was; illustrates the word 'manner'.
1 Peter 3:5: Holy women of old adorned themselves after this manner; another use of the word 'manner'.
2 Peter 3:11: What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness; illustrates 'manner'.
Jeremiah 9:1: Jeremiah's desire for a fountain of tears to weep for his people; compared to Paul's many tears.
Acts 23:12-22: The plot of more than forty Jews to kill Paul, illustrating the temptations he faced.
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16: Paul's description of the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and persecuted the apostles.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17: Believers are a sweet savor of Christ, either life unto life or death unto death.
Isaiah 55:8-11: God's Word will not return void but will accomplish His purpose.
Acts 9:15-16: God told Ananias that Paul would suffer great things for Christ's name.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Paul's discipline to run the race and not be a castaway.
1 John 2:19: Those who leave the fellowship show they were not truly of us.
Romans 8:18: The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18: Light affliction works an eternal weight of glory; we look at unseen eternal things.
2 Timothy 4:6-7: Paul is ready to be offered, having fought the good fight and finished his course.
Acts 21:10-14: Agabus prophesies Paul's binding, and Paul declares his readiness to die in Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Historical References

Matthew Poole's commentary on Acts 20:22: Weaver quotes Poole's view that Paul was bound in the spirit by a divine instinct, powerfully persuaded to undertake the journey.
Adam Clarke's commentary on Acts 20:22: Weaver cites Clarke's interpretation that Paul was under the influence of the Holy Spirit, obliging him to go to Jerusalem.
The Sanhedrin plot against Paul (Acts 23:12-22): More than forty Jews bound themselves with an oath to kill Paul, illustrating the temptations he faced.
Jeremiah as the weeping prophet: Weaver compares Paul's many tears to Jeremiah's lament over Jerusalem in Jeremiah 9:1.
Noah's ministry of condemnation: Weaver uses Noah as an example of a ministry that resulted in condemnation, preaching 120 years without converts.
Isaiah's ministry: Isaiah did not save his nation; his ministry also served God's purpose of condemnation.

Important Quotes

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

This is the central verse of the sermon, encapsulating Paul's unwavering commitment to his calling despite suffering.

If our lives are not true, our witness is worthless. No one believes a hypocrite. No one believes a dishonest person.

Weaver emphasizes the necessity of a godly life backing up a biblical testimony.

The only way that we can be pure from the blood of all men is to preach the totality of the word of God. Period.

Clarifies the misinterpretation of Acts 20:26 and defines the preacher's responsibility.

My mountains are all molehills. And what do you do to a molehill? You just step on it and keep going.

A memorable illustration of Paul's attitude toward afflictions, reversing the common saying.

No man is really and truly ready to live until he's ready to die.

A key application point, linking readiness to die with faithful living.

What moves you? What would it take to move you away from the Word of God? Or to move you away from the faith in Jesus Christ?

The central application question, challenging listeners to examine their own steadfastness.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

What does it mean to be 'moved' in the context of Acts 20:24, and what are some things that commonly move believers away from their faith or ministry?

[Context]

Weaver asks repeatedly, 'What moves you?' and lists pride, money, and women as common pitfalls.

[Question]

How can we cultivate the kind of humility Paul demonstrated, recognizing that we are not indispensable to God?

[Context]

Weaver explains that Paul's humility meant he did not think he was God's gift to the world and understood he needed God.

[Question]

In what ways might modern preachers and teachers be tempted to 'shun to declare the whole counsel of God,' and what are the consequences?

[Context]

Weaver stresses that Paul kept back nothing profitable and declared all of God's counsel, which is the only way to be pure from blood.

[Question]

How should we understand the dual effect of the gospel as a savor of life unto life and death unto death? How does this affect our expectations in evangelism?

[Context]

Weaver explains that sometimes God sends the Word for reconciliation and sometimes for condemnation, citing 2 Corinthians 2:14-17.

[Question]

What does it practically mean to 'not count your life dear' for the sake of finishing your course with joy?

[Context]

Paul did not consider his life precious compared to completing his ministry; Weaver applies this to modern believers.

[Question]

Why do some people walk away from ministry or the church, and what does 1 John 2:19 teach us about those who leave?

[Context]

Weaver expresses bewilderment at those who abandon their calling and cites 1 John 2:19 to indicate they were never truly of us.

[Question]

How can we develop a readiness to die that enables us to live fearlessly for Christ?

[Context]

Weaver states that no man is ready to live until he is ready to die, and Paul was willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Applications

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