Paul presses on to Jerusalem only to meet ore believers along the way who would unsuccessfully try to dissuade him from going forward.

Paul finishes his farewell speech with an emotional charge to pay careful attention to the flock of God, to be alert against false teachers, to work hard in helping the weak, and then prays for them as he departs.

Paul gives a final charge to the Ephesian elders, reminding them of how he lived among them, his ultimate purpose in life, and his innocence in preaching the whole counsel of God.

The church is encouraged and built up when we invest in meaningful time together, worshiping on the Lord's Day, and seeking the priorities of the Kingdom above all else.

The church prevails over the noise of the world by observing the strategies of wicked men and overcoming them with the noble order of truth and peace.

Our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Kingdom of God because His Spirit is in us, His word is at work among us, His power is on display in the church, and Jesus is proven to be a better prize than any other kingdom could afford.

While our devotion to Christ requires us to make tough choices along the way, it's these hard decisions that will produce lasting fruit and build up Jesus' church.

Longevity in gospel labor requires faithful friends who will support us, a persevering spirit when times get hard, and trust in the faithful God who will protect His own.

"...and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15, ESV).

The Lord models prayer for us in this familiar passage.