Entrusting to God and the Message of Grace
When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
SCRIPTURE:
Acts 20:32 NLT - "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
OBSERVATION:
One of the hardest things in life is knowing when it’s time – time to say goodbye. Whether it’s to a job, a career, a way of life, or even a move to a new state or country. When do we know it’s time?
Chapter 20 of Acts gives us some steps to remember in the process, and we see, even in Paul’s life, the struggle of saying goodbye, even though it was time.
After three years of preaching the gospel and establishing the church, leadership, and structure, Paul knew his time had come – God had something else for him to do. He had been faithful in fulfilling his ministry, and though it was not easy, he had to “entrust” the people, leadership, and church to God – for they are God’s, and His alone.
Acts 20:19 NLT - I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
Acts 20:32 NLT - "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
The word “entrust,” as used in the NLT, is also translated as “commend.”
Commend - To present as suitable for approval or acceptance; to recommend; or to entrust someone or something to another's care.
Entrust - To give someone responsibility or authority over something, or to place something or someone in another person’s care with confidence.
Paul not only had to trust God but also the leaders to whom he had entrusted or commended the church. God is faithful even when we are not. He will take care of His church and work through those entrusted with it. That is how the church has survived over the generations. We must not forget that it was once entrusted to and commended to us. It’s our job to raise up the next generation.
The question is: will we, and have we?
APPLICATION:
Three lessons we can learn from Paul’s life for our “succession plan.”
1. Keep the message the same and don’t alter it – the Gospel.
Acts 20:21 NLT - I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike--the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
The message of the Gospel will never grow old – we are sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is still in the business of saving souls.
As it has been said before, “Keep the main thing the main thing!” Keep Jesus as the focus—His work on the cross and making disciples (or teaching others to walk with Him).
2. Your “life’s work” will never end, but your calling will – it’s inevitable. We may think we can go on forever, but is it what God wants, and is it what is best for you and those you are raising up?
Acts 20:24 NLT - But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Paul’s work would continue, but in a different setting. He would still serve as a preacher of God’s grace, but in a new role.
Paul would get to see the leadership, and Timothy carry on the ministry's work.
3. Trust and entrust – We must trust God and entrust the work to others so it can continue. God is faithful; His church will endure until He calls us home to be with Him.
Acts 20:32 NLT - "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
Don’t get caught up in the “legacy” of thinking people should remember us for what we did rather than for who we served – Jesus. It’s not our “legacy,” but HIS GLORY!
His glory continues when we let others carry on. Even if it looks different, it will! We are not the same. If we expect everyone to look like us, speak like us, and have the same gifts, we should never allow others to serve. God has given each of us different gifts and callings, all with the same purpose – to serve Him and His church.
When it’s time for us to say goodbye, whether in ministry or in vocation, trust and entrust. Celebrate and encourage. Watch and give God the glory. Be a mentor and the biggest cheerleader for those who carry on.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me raise up the next generation so they can go farther than I ever could. In doing so, may You receive greater glory!
Acts 20:32 NLT - "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
OBSERVATION:
One of the hardest things in life is knowing when it’s time – time to say goodbye. Whether it’s to a job, a career, a way of life, or even a move to a new state or country. When do we know it’s time?
Chapter 20 of Acts gives us some steps to remember in the process, and we see, even in Paul’s life, the struggle of saying goodbye, even though it was time.
After three years of preaching the gospel and establishing the church, leadership, and structure, Paul knew his time had come – God had something else for him to do. He had been faithful in fulfilling his ministry, and though it was not easy, he had to “entrust” the people, leadership, and church to God – for they are God’s, and His alone.
Acts 20:19 NLT - I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
Acts 20:32 NLT - "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
The word “entrust,” as used in the NLT, is also translated as “commend.”
Commend - To present as suitable for approval or acceptance; to recommend; or to entrust someone or something to another's care.
Entrust - To give someone responsibility or authority over something, or to place something or someone in another person’s care with confidence.
Paul not only had to trust God but also the leaders to whom he had entrusted or commended the church. God is faithful even when we are not. He will take care of His church and work through those entrusted with it. That is how the church has survived over the generations. We must not forget that it was once entrusted to and commended to us. It’s our job to raise up the next generation.
The question is: will we, and have we?
APPLICATION:
Three lessons we can learn from Paul’s life for our “succession plan.”
1. Keep the message the same and don’t alter it – the Gospel.
Acts 20:21 NLT - I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike--the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
The message of the Gospel will never grow old – we are sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is still in the business of saving souls.
As it has been said before, “Keep the main thing the main thing!” Keep Jesus as the focus—His work on the cross and making disciples (or teaching others to walk with Him).
2. Your “life’s work” will never end, but your calling will – it’s inevitable. We may think we can go on forever, but is it what God wants, and is it what is best for you and those you are raising up?
Acts 20:24 NLT - But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Paul’s work would continue, but in a different setting. He would still serve as a preacher of God’s grace, but in a new role.
Paul would get to see the leadership, and Timothy carry on the ministry's work.
3. Trust and entrust – We must trust God and entrust the work to others so it can continue. God is faithful; His church will endure until He calls us home to be with Him.
Acts 20:32 NLT - "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
Don’t get caught up in the “legacy” of thinking people should remember us for what we did rather than for who we served – Jesus. It’s not our “legacy,” but HIS GLORY!
His glory continues when we let others carry on. Even if it looks different, it will! We are not the same. If we expect everyone to look like us, speak like us, and have the same gifts, we should never allow others to serve. God has given each of us different gifts and callings, all with the same purpose – to serve Him and His church.
When it’s time for us to say goodbye, whether in ministry or in vocation, trust and entrust. Celebrate and encourage. Watch and give God the glory. Be a mentor and the biggest cheerleader for those who carry on.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me raise up the next generation so they can go farther than I ever could. In doing so, may You receive greater glory!
“Sometimes God says, ‘wait,’ and He always knows what He’s doing when He says it.” – David Guzik.
Why does God ask us to wait? Often, there is something He needs us to learn, or the timing isn't right. In either case, He is teaching us patience and trust in Him.
The NKJV version of this verse helps explain why Paul said he would “be back later, God willing.”
Acts 18:20-21 NKJV - When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul knew he needed to return for the feast in Jerusalem. All Jewish men were required to be present at certain feasts. Paul was being obedient to God’s Word and, at the same time, open to God, allowing him to return—if it was His will.
APPLICATION:
What in your life has God said “yes,” “no,” or “wait”? Are you like Paul, obedient?
If God has said “no,” are you pouting about it or trying to convince God that you know better? Or have you, like Paul, listened to the Macedonian Call – perhaps He needs you somewhere else?
If God has said “wait,” are you waiting? Or have you taken it as a “no”? If He has said, "wait," be busy with what He has given you to do today. Doing today prepares for tomorrow. Often, the lessons we learn before God says yes are what we need to accomplish what He has for us.
If God has said “yes,” what are you waiting for? In my life, I’ve found that, as much as I don’t like to wait, I often dislike "yes" even more. Why is that? Fear of the unknown, uncertainty, and a sense of unworthiness. All of which can be worse than the wait.
What is the solution to all of this? Be like Paul—may we always begin everything with "The Lord willing." Or, if you prefer the southern version, "Lord willing and the creek don’t rise."
Remember this in all of it:
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen to what You say and do as You ask, even if it means waiting. During the waiting, may I be found looking to You, learning to trust You and the lessons I need. When the time is right, even if You say, “no,” help me listen and obey.
The NKJV version of this verse helps explain why Paul said he would “be back later, God willing.”
Acts 18:20-21 NKJV - When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul knew he needed to return for the feast in Jerusalem. All Jewish men were required to be present at certain feasts. Paul was being obedient to God’s Word and, at the same time, open to God, allowing him to return—if it was His will.
APPLICATION:
What in your life has God said “yes,” “no,” or “wait”? Are you like Paul, obedient?
If God has said “no,” are you pouting about it or trying to convince God that you know better? Or have you, like Paul, listened to the Macedonian Call – perhaps He needs you somewhere else?
If God has said “wait,” are you waiting? Or have you taken it as a “no”? If He has said, "wait," be busy with what He has given you to do today. Doing today prepares for tomorrow. Often, the lessons we learn before God says yes are what we need to accomplish what He has for us.
If God has said “yes,” what are you waiting for? In my life, I’ve found that, as much as I don’t like to wait, I often dislike "yes" even more. Why is that? Fear of the unknown, uncertainty, and a sense of unworthiness. All of which can be worse than the wait.
What is the solution to all of this? Be like Paul—may we always begin everything with "The Lord willing." Or, if you prefer the southern version, "Lord willing and the creek don’t rise."
Remember this in all of it:
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT - Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen to what You say and do as You ask, even if it means waiting. During the waiting, may I be found looking to You, learning to trust You and the lessons I need. When the time is right, even if You say, “no,” help me listen and obey.
What has God entrusted to you? Be faithful. When it’s time to pass it on, encourage, celebrate, and cheer them on.
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