Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro:

AG:

TS: In this morning’s text, Paul meets with the Ephesian Elders.

He is on a path which will lead him to Jerusalem and then he hopes to Rome.

He is carrying an offering for the believers in Jerusalem.

Along the way, he was being warned that he would be attacked and bound in Jerusalem, but he could not be persuaded.

Although Paul’s speech differed from his others in Acts, note that

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(1) this was the only speech delivered to already-believing Christians;

(2) it had many parallels with language in Pauline letters (e.g., reference to his serving the Lord, his persecution, his not shrinking from teaching them, his ministry to both Jews and Greeks, the need for repentance, his not caring about his own life, and language regarding finishing the course, etc.).

Looking Back

EX: Paul reminisced about his time with the Ephesians

He served the Lord with Humility

He had proclaimed the gospel

Repentance

He had held nothing back

AP: We need look back occasionally

a. Remember where we have been

b.

Remember the things God has done in and around us.

c.

Remember the lessons learned

The time spent in reflection can lead to powerful worship!

That is why we still sing of salvation

It leads us to a place of gratitude and praise.

It is especially beautiful when we have shared experiences and worship God with each other.

As beneficial as the looking back can be, we must never live there.

Like Paul we must continue

Pressing Forward

Paul was prepared for the next chapter in his life

Bound for Jerusalem

Facing the unknown

in’t know details, but had warnings

Imprisonment and affliction awaited.

Not afraid to suffer

his earthly life wasn’t so precious that he avoided discomfort.

He was ready to face what was ahead so that he finished strong.

AP: The future is uncertain, but we must keep moving.

It comes down to faith.

we trust God’s grace to provide for us tomorrow.

we trust His plan an purposes.

Move forward as He leads.

We don’t need all of the details, just keep following Him.

Keep obeying His word

Keep listening to His voice

Paul’s final words to the elders of Ephesus came as....

Words of Warning

EX: Paul warned them of future troubles

Reminded them to Pay attention

for self

for church God has made you oversee

Warned of Coming trouble:

a. wolves

b. internal heresy

Paul prayed and commended them to God’s keeping

AP: Paul’s advise is just as relevant today as the day He spoke it.

Jesus too had warned us:

1 Peter 5:8-

Conclusion

Let us heed Paul’s advice:

Remember what God has done

Press on to the future

Stay on guard.

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1 Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., & Powell, D. (2007).

The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p.

1660).

Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.