Sermon Notes
Introduction
Paul gives a heartfelt goodbye to the elders of the church in Ephesus. These are not casual remarks; they are his final words to leaders he deeply loves. Paul speaks about shepherding, about the weight and responsibility of caring for God’s people. He knows that danger is coming, both from outside the church and from within. False teachers will rise. The flock will be vulnerable. And so, Paul gives a solemn charge: guard your life, guard the flock, and entrust everything to the Word of God’s grace. This passage offers us a powerful vision of faithful pastoral ministry. It calls every leader and every church community to see shepherding not as a task of control or prestige, but as a sacred trust purchased by the blood of Christ and sustained by the grace of God.
1. Guard Yourself and the Flock
Paul begins with a strong command: “Pay careful attention to yourselves.” Faithful shepherding starts with the leader’s own spiritual life. If the shepherd falls, the flock is put at risk. He then says to watch over “all the flock,” reminding us that pastoral care is both personal and communal.
Acts 20:28: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
2. Ravenous Wolves
Paul warns that spiritual danger is certain and near. After his departure, “fierce wolves” will come in; false teachers who seek to harm, not help, the flock. These enemies are not just external; some will rise from within the very leadership circle.
Acts 20:29-30: I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
3. Be Alert
Paul urges the elders to stay alert and watchful. For three years, he modeled this vigilance by warning them night and day, even with tears. His example shows that true shepherding involves both truth and tenderness.
Acts 20:31-32: Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Application
- Spiritual leadership starts with personal integrity. As a community led by shepherds, we can't shepherd others well if we’re not walking closely with Christ. Thus, let us walk closely with God.
- False teaching is real and dangerous. Shepherds must guard the truth and care for the church with vigilance and love. Every leader, including small group and ministry leaders, must guard against erroneous teachings from within and from outside.
- God’s Word, not our strength, builds the church. Entrust the flock to His grace, which sustains and secures His people. We must enjoin everyone to know His word by heart. What shall we do within His church? By grace, we’ll learn to be shepherds
Study Guide
- What should spiritual leaders (elders, pastors, deacons, small group leaders) do (Ac 20:28)?
- How are you helping protect those under your care from false teaching or spiritual harm? What practical steps can you take to shepherd with both truth and love? (Ac 20:29-30)?
- What role do God’s Word and Paul’s example play in shaping how leaders care for the church (Acts 20:31–32)?