Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1925-11-05

1t IS more blessed to give than to re-
ceive Acts 20;35
PRIMARY TOPTC-Paul Loving
Friend
JUNIOR TOP1C-Paurs Farewell at
Miletus,
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP.
IC-An Example OF Faithfulness.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
Responsibilities of Church Mem
bers.
After the uproa~ ut Ephesus, the
Jews laid wait for Paul TO destroy
him. This plot Of lisated him TO re-
trace his steps through Macedonia
instead Of taking a more rapid sea
voyage He tarried with the disciples
at Troas. meeting with them around
the table of the Lord. and speaking
words Of encouragement to them. In
order to be at Jerusalem on the day
of Pentecost, he did not go to Ephe-
sus, but sent for the elders of the
church at Ephesus to meet him at
Miletus. The picture of Pauls fare
we'll to the Ephesian elders is very
touching one. His object in this adj
dress was to impress upon them their
responsibilities. The analysis of his
address has been so well made by
Doctor Sitter that 1t is substantially
reproduced here.
|. Paul Reviews His Three Years
Ministry at Ephesus wv. 1920.
/. The Spirit of His Ministry ". 1917.
Cd He was humble, serving with
all humility of mind"
(2) He was tender, working for
them in tears.
CD He was faithful in the face of
trials which befell lin because the
Jews were lying in wait for him.
Q The Diligence Of His Ministry
wv. 20-2D.
% He made known everything
which was of profit unto them. This
every true minister or teacher will
do.
(2) He taught both in public and
in private. minister's work is not
done when his pulpit ministrations
are over The effectiveness of his
public work is sometimes determined
by his touch with the people in their
homes.
S 90 He neglected no class. whether
Jews or Greeks. The Christian min
lister must be exceedingly careful here.
3 The Theme Of His Ministry
~ 2D.
This was repentance and faith.
Men and women need to repent of
their sins and believe on. the Lord
Jesus Christ. f
II. Paul Presents the Present State
of Things wv. 22-2O.
1. His Immediate Purpose (v. 22).
This was to go to Jerusalem. The
constraint of the Spirit moved him
the things that should tefall him
there
.. The Shadows Lying Across His
Path ". 90.
Though bonds and affections await
ed him, he went forward to his work
with undaunteA courage
3. His Fixed Purpose ". 2N.
This was to complete his ministry,
which was to testify the gospel of
the grace of God which he had re-
ceived from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4. A Sorrowful Prediction w. 25).
Those among whom he had labored
should see his face no more.
5. He Leaves No Debt of Obligation
Behind ". 26-2D.
He was pure from the blood of all
men.
Ill. Paul Sets Forth the Ephesian
Elders Responsibility wv. 2S-35).
/. Motives to Duty (v. 25).
ID They received their call and
commission directly from the Holy
Spirit.
(2) The flock for which they must
care was purchased with the precious
blood of Christ.
.. Perils Ahead wv. 29-30).
(1) Grievous wolves would enter
the flock and mercilessly devour them.
(2) False teachers would arise
from among their number.
3. Incentives to Watch ". 31).
Pau's own example For three
years he watched night and day with
tears
4. He Commends Them to God, and
His Word ". 32)
He knew that this Word was able
to build them up.
5. He Was Unselfsh in His Ser
vice wv 33-35).
"a He did not covet any mans
silver, gold or apparel.
(2) TTe labored with his own hands
and taught
w. PauPs Prayer wv. 36-3S).
Having spoken these words he knelt
and prayed with them all.