Inspiration by E-Mail

Inspiration by E-Mail for the Week of January 29, 2012

A GOSPEL WORTH DYING FOR

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)

It’s an amazingly rich portion of the Book of Acts – Paul’s heartfelt words to the leaders of the Christian community in Ephesus. He spent some two years among them, and had left several months before. Then in Acts 20, on his way to Jerusalem, Paul spoke with these leaders. What he had to say was so important that he asked them to walk some 30 miles (50 kilometers) to meet him – and they did.

In this one sentence Paul says a lot. He described his determination, his estimation, his exertion, and his reception.

Paul’s Determination: “None of these things move me.” Despite the uncertainty of his present circumstance, despite the shadow of suffering in his horizon, despite it all – Paul refused to be moved. Rooted deeply in Jesus Christ, he was well past the decision to continue on with Jesus, determined to be unmoved.

Paul’s Estimation: “Nor do I count my life dear to myself.” Paul did not estimate his earthly life of greater worth than faithfulness to God’s call on his life. Like an accountant, he weighed carefully the credits and expenses, and estimated that he would gladly sacrifice his life for his Lord.

Paul’s Exertion: “So that I may finish my race with joy.” Like a runner pushes himself when he sees the finish line in the distance, Paul exerted himself fully. God helping him, he would finish his race, and do it with joy. Though he relied on the strength of God, he didn’t expect God to do it for him as he sat passively by.

Paul’s Reception: “The ministry which I received from the Lord.” Though he was aware of his need to put forth his effort, Paul always knew that his work, his service, was something received from the Lord. In a sense it was Paul’s ministry, his race to run; but it was a received work that he did.

The words “nor do I count my life dear to myself” or “that I may finish my race” show that even at this point, Paul had his death in mind. It would be many years until he actually died, but he considered that what he did with his life now was worth dying for. Paul preached a gospel worth dying for. It is a worthy challenge to any preacher: Is the gospel you preach worth dying for?

The gospel of moral reform? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of “save yourself through good works”? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of social action and improvement? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of religious traditions? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of merely having spiritual conversations? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of mystical mumbo-jumbo? Not worth dying for.

The gospel seeking the church of true hipness? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of self-esteem? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of ecological salvation? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of political correctness? Not worth dying for.

The gospel of emergent church feel-goodism? Not worth dying for.

Yet there remains a gospel that is worth dying for and living for – it is the gospel of the grace of God.

By David Guzik

David is the pastor of Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara

For Bible Study resources by David Guzik, click here

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