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, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul is here talking to the elders of the church at Ephesus, he is giving them a farewell address, he will see them no more.

This is a sad time for all, Paul is sharing all that he has done, he is warning them, encouraging them.

Paul is like his saviour, he is focused. Jesus set his eyes to go to Jerusalem, so did Paul, both of them knew what to expect at Jerusalem, Jesus suffered death on the cross, Paul will suffer persecution and imprisonment but to both of them, this meant nothing.

They were completely focused on what they had to do, Paul did not count his life of any consequence.

Constantly, we hear people ask, what is your purpose in life?

You must have a reason for living, well for Paul it is summed up in these words in Galatians 2:

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

So why are you here On earth?

So that Christ can be seen in you and be glorified both in death and in life, your life is not your own. Paul has given his whole life joyfully to Christ, because he knew what Christ had done for him.

Our purpose is to testify of Christ, in the final words of this verse, we have our commission to testify the gospel of the grace of God, this is our purpose.

Our focus, should be on two things:

Giving our lives solely unto Christ in joyful and heartfelt surrender and testifying of the glorious gospel of the grace of God, then like Paul, we will be able to say these wonderful words, that he said in 2 Timothy chapter 4:

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I hope and pray all of us, will be able to say these words.

God bless you

Keith