Jesus is Worth the Risk
Acts 20:17-25
Paul continues on mission to share Christ! While in Troas, it’s recorded that they celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, which along with 1 Cor. 16 is the earliest evidence for the Christians celebrating Christ and having Church on Sunday. Paul preached so late, and so long, that a man named Eutychus (name means “lucky one”), fell to his death out of a three story window. Paul saw him come back to life! Paul travels 30 miles from Ephesus to a place called Miletus. Paul’s mission was to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost.
Worthy of us Tending to His Church (Acts 20:17-18) Paul knew the value of accountability towards helping churches he had been involved to remain healthy. When Paul would revisit a local church, he’d encourage, instruct, and equip the leadership. He’s task during this session was to inform them of his future plans.
Worthy of us Humbly Serving Through Trials (Acts 20:19) The elders had seen Paul’s humble service to God in the midst of trails. Despite this opposition, he continued to proclaim Christ! David Platt ask the question we must all answer: “Do we believe the reward found in Jesus is worth the risk of following Him?” (Slide Provided)
Worthy of us Taking Time to Teach (Acts 20:20-21) We must teach generation upon generation the gospel, that Jesus is all we need, and to become feed by the Word of God. This is a risk that will always be worth it. If you are a Sunday School teacher or a small group leader I praise you for your labor!
Worthy of us Treasuring Him Above Everything (Acts 20:22-25) Matthew 6:21”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” CH Spurgeon said: “To risk all with Jesus is to end all risk” (slide provided)
a. Above the Unknowable (Acts 20:22) We don’t know what the future holds. Some may look at the proposed building and say that we don’t need this. I would loving tell you that you haven’t been to recent events in which we’ve had to overflow our fellowship hall to outside tents. We need it! We need it for the future. Our school district is wonderful, even phenomenal, yet in 5 or 10 years every school in our nation will likely have to teach things that no 3rd grader should have to know about until their parents feel they are mature enough to be taught. It will be a slow fade, but rest assured that if the Church doesn’t act it will be costly! I’m not referring to money, but souls. If our church doesn’t act it will be costly. I want you to seriously consider praying about Oak Hill Baptist Church one day hosting a Christian School. This would be a long-term goal. Tuition would more than pay for new building programs and would be a mission to our community. Is it risky? Yes, but Jesus is worth the risk! I have talked to a lot of families in the last 7 years that realize the great void of not having a Christian School in this area. We’re not trying to compete with others, yet we are simply trying to be obedient. I’m asking you to pray and for us to respond to God’s call if it is indeed His will!
b. Above the Uncomfortable (Acts 20:23) Most scholars believe that Paul isn’t trying to go against the Holy Spirit’s leading, but that the Holy Spirit is preparing Paul for what he will face. Jesus tells those who are entertaining the thought of following Him a hard message. Listen to Luke 9:57-62 “57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus[a] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Following Jesus will not be easy, but worth it!
c. For an Unparalleled Passion (Acts 20:24) Paul was willing to undergo any risk, knowing that Jesus is worth it.
d. For an Unimaginable Providence (Acts 20:25) Paul does address what is believed to be another group of Ephesians later stated in 1 Tim. 1:3, but it’s very possible he did not see the before referred to people.
What are you holding on to or holding back for? Are you not taking risk because you’re fearful of the unknowable, or the uncomfortable? Jesus must be our Treasure above everything for an unparalleled passion and an unimaginable providence. Your time, finances, and conversations will reflect whether or not Jesus is worth the risk to you.
