Paul’s Philosophy of Ministry

Acts 20:17-38

Paul is encouraging the elders of the Ephesian church and we can glean from his statements to them his “philosophy” of ministry…

1. Serve With Humility. (v.19a) 
2. Expect Opposition. (v.19b,23)
3. Be Sure My Walk Matches My Talk. (v.20)
4. Focus On Soul Winning. (v.20b)
5. Do Not Compromise God’s Message. (v.20a,21-23)
6. Be Dedicated To Christ. (v.24)
7. Be Joyful. (v.24b)
8. Don’t Quit. (v.24b-c)
9. Fulfill My Responsibilities. (v.25-27)
10. Warn God’s People of Spiritual Dangers. (v.28-31)
11. Understand That It Is God That Gives Growth. (v.32)
12. Be Content. (v.33-34)
13. Be Generous, Hospitable, and Kind. (v.35)
14. Saturate My Life and Ministry with Prayer. (v.36)
15. Expect Opposition. (v.19b,23)
16. Do Not Allow Others To Influence Me Out Of God’s Will. (v.37-38)

Don’t Worry About It!

Matthew 6:25-34

Christians worry. New Christians worry, those saved for a long time worry, young people worry, senior citizens worry, Pastors worry, Sunday school teachers worry, bus workers worry, choir members worry. Worry, Worry, Worry! Worry is a very real and serious issue for believers of all ages and stations in life.

The following are observations from the Bible concerning worry…

1. Worry Is Distracting. 
   Six times in this passage “taking thought” is addressed. This does not mean that we should not think about or address these needs, but it does mean that we are not to be anxious or worry about them. Another aspect of the phrase “taking thought” has the idea of “being distracted by.” The Lord is warning us to not allow ourselves to be distracted by the temporal things of this world and life. Worry is distracting.
2. Worry Is Demonic. 
   That is a strong statement. Worldliness can take many forms, a few of which are addressed in our Lord’s sermon here are: hypocrisy, materialism, and worry. Satan tempts the Christian to worry. God never instructs His children to worry. Anything that draws away my focus on, service to, commitment to, and faith in the Lord is of the Devil! Worry is demonic.
3. Worry Is Disobedience.
   “…I say unto you, take no thought…” This is not a suggestion, it is a clear command. Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing…” The Lord is not suggesting that we simply ignore what we eat, wear, live in, etc., but He clearly commands us not to worry about these things. We cannot allow them to distract us from our faith in God, our service for God, and our focus on the Lord. Worry is disobedience.