Acts 20:13–38

1. A GODLY LEADER LIVES A LIFE WORTH WATCHING (vv. 18–21)

Paul doesn’t say, “Remember my sermons.” He says, “Remember my life.”

You can fake gifting for a season, but you cannot fake godliness for a lifetime.

Your life is the sermon they remember.

2. A FAITHFUL SERVANT OBEYS GOD NO MATTER THE COST (vv. 22–24)

Prison is coming. Affliction is coming. Pain is coming

Paul: “My life is not about my comfort—it’s about my calling.”

Christianity in America says: “Follow Jesus and He’ll make your life easier.”

Paul says: “Follow Jesus and He’ll make your life count.”

3. A TRUE SHEPHERD FEEDS THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD (vv. 25–27)

If a pastor only preaches what’s popular, he’s not a shepherd—he’s a hireling.

Paul says, “I’m innocent of your blood.”

Why? Because he told the truth—even when it hurt.

You don’t need softer sermons. You need truer ones.

4. THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE CHURCH COMES FROM WITHIN (vv. 28–31)

Before you watch others—watch yourself.

Savage wolves will come from outside. False teachers will rise from inside.

The church belongs to God. It was bought with blood.

Shepherding is not a job—it’s a sacred trust.

Untested leadership is dangerous. Authority without holiness is lethal.

5. GOD’S GRACE—NOT MONEY—SUSTAINS GOD’S SERVANTS (vv. 32–35)

Paul doesn’t ask for money. He doesn’t build a brand.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Leadership in the kingdom is not about what you can take—it about what you leave.

A greedy leader disqualifies himself. A generous leader reflects Jesus.

6. GOSPEL GOODBYES ARE FILLED WITH HOPE AND TEARS (vv. 36–38)

This isn’t a cold theological meeting—this is family.

They don’t grieve like people with no hope and no future.

The gospel creates bonds that death itself cannot break.

Faithful ministry leaves scars—but they’re holy scars.

Is your life worth watching?

Are you feeding on the whole truth—or just the parts you like?

Are you guarding your heart?

Are you giving your life away?