A Concerned Heart (Part One)

Last week we began to examine Paul’s message to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, that we might see a heart for ministry. In last week’s articles we looked at a consistent heart—consistent in attitude, lifestyle, and service. Now we move to Acts 20:20-21 for this week in order to see a concerned heart… which begins with being:

Concerned with the Message (v.20a)

“How I kept back nothing that was helpful”

The phrase “kept back” means “to draw in or suppress.” In other words, he says he put no limit on the message, but gave them all the truth of God that was needful. I think that, within this statement, there are two significant implications–

1) Positive Implications- “kept back” in v.20 is the same word as “shunned” in v.27. In other words, Paul gave them the whole counsel of God! What is helpful or profitable? Paul would tell Timothy that it was “all Scripture” (2 Tim 3:16). There is a great duty to share the truth of God in all its depth and fullness—superficially hitting the high spots just doesn’t get it done! If you are concerned that people know God, you must be prepared to build into their lives the whole counsel of God.

If you truly care for someone, what better thing can you give them than eternal truth? How can you respond better than giving them what is “profitable?”

If the Word of God is pure, profitable, life changing, and eternally satisfying—should it not be understood? Without question, one of the great sins of the evangelical church of our day is the sin of withholding the Word of God—it must be proclaimed!

2) Negative Implications- “nothing”

He not only gave them what was enjoyable, Paul also gave them what was needful. He gave them what was profitable—be it easy or hard, painful or pleasant—even if it wasn’t always welcome! Notice…

• “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor 4:1-2)
• “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Gal 4:16)

There comes a time when what should be said must be said—and it always involves a risk—the risk of being misunderstood, misrepresented, or even rejected. There is a very real confrontational aspect to the ministry of the Word, and there will be times when eventually confrontation must come—or compromise will!

• Gal. 2:11- Paul confronts Peter
• 2 Tim. 4- teachers for itching ears

Albert Barnes wrote, “Not to please their fancy, to gratify their taste, to flatter their pride, or to promote their own popularity. It will be his aim to declare that only which will tend to their real welfare. Even if it is unpalatable, if it be the language of reproof and admonition- yet, by the grace of God it will be delivered.”

If you care, you warn- you lovingly confront. Remember, the Scriptures are profitable, Paul says, “for reproof.” The result is a changed life! Part of a concerned heart is caring enough to tell the truth, even when it is not enjoyable. Sometimes ministry is more about afflicting the comfortable than it is about comforting the afflicted. God requires a concerned heart to give the message straight—both in positive and, when necessary, negative terms. We’ll resume here tomorrow.