Encouragement is more than just a feel good word to put our hope in – its a calling to something. Today we are looking at four encouragements Paul called the Ephesian elders to and how to spot a wolf that wants to destroy the flock.
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The Riot and the Dance
For one night only, on Monday, March 19th, The Riot and the Dance, a nature documentary praising God and attributing the marvels of creation to the Creator.
Take a look at the trailer – buy tickets and show your support for films that honor God!
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Encourage – Called to
Acts 20
Paul encouraged = The word used in Acts 20:1 is the Greek word parakaleō which means to call to something.
Our faith in Christ is an active thing.
Not passive.
We don’t just exist; we exist to the glory of God!
Four Things We are Called to:
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We are called to gather – Acts 20:7 / Hebrews 10:24-25 – We are to learn the Word of God together and break bread together (eat!).
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We are called to serve the Lord with all humility – Acts 20:19 – We are called not to consume but to contribute
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We are called to be a people on mission and to persevere – Acts 20:24 – our lives are about Christ and we are called to make disciples. When we get tired, take comfort in Christ’s perseverance for us.
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We are called to be on guard against wolves – Acts 20:28-31 – there will be people from among us that rise up and teach twisted things.
Wolves & What the Teach
A wolf is a metaphor used to describe someone who is greedy, cruel, and/or destructive.
Paul describes them as speaking twisted things.
Biblical Times Wolves:
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Judaizer – taught a combination of God’s grace and human effort – Acts 15
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Pagans – worldly, materialistic, worship created things – Romans 1
Current Wolves Examples:
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Universalists – claim that everyone will go to heaven
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Sexual revolution – claim that there is not just male and female Romans 1
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Prosperity Gospel – preaching that Jesus is about man and what we can get from Him
Opposite of a Wolf
Through Paul’s example we see what is opposite of a wolf:
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Does not shrink back from teaching what is profitable
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Proclaims the whole counsel of God
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Warns and admonishes against sin
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Commends people to the Lord and assures them of eternity
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Does not covet
Resources
Amazon Links are affiliate links – meaning I get a very small referral credit from Amazon for recommend products, at no cost to you – that goes to supporting the podcast.
Acts 20 sermon from New City Church – http://newcitydenver.org/sermons/how-jesus-builds-a-great-church/
