Motives

7-17-2014      Acts 20:28-32

S.       28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

O.      Paul starts with instruction to “feed” the church and ends with a warning. The warning is about self-serving men with impure motives.

A.      What is my motive in this ministry? I must examine my motives and keep them aligned with God’s word. I am sure that the best motive is love, love of God and love of my fellow man.

P.       Father; teach me of your love and clean my heart of all selfish motives. Amen.