Devotional Acts 20: Leading by Example in Faith Discover in Acts 20 how to stay vigilant against enemy opposition and the importance of living a faith consistent with our words. Read more! Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional Acts 20: Leading by Example in Faith

Today’s devotional is found in the book of Acts, chapter 20, and this is what happened.

Synopsis: In this chapter, Paul summarizes his missionary journeys before returning to Jerusalem, passing through Greece, Philippi (Macedonia), Troas, and Miletus/Ephesus. In Greece, Paul stayed for three months, and when he was ready to sail for Syria, the Jews plotted against him. Realizing this, Paul traveled back through Macedonia instead of going directly to Syria. Accompanying Paul were Aristarchus, Timothy, Gaius, Sopater, Secundus, Tychicus, and Trophimus, who went straight to Troas to wait for Paul while he went first to Philippi. In Philippi, Paul stayed five days and celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread, later reuniting with his companions in Troas. In Troas, Paul spoke to the believers and extended his sermon until midnight. One listener named Eutychus, who was seated in a window, fell asleep, fell from the third story, and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, embraced him, and told everyone not to be alarmed because Eutychus was alive. Finally, Paul met with the elders of Ephesus to say goodbye before returning to Jerusalem in case they would not see each other again, encouraging them to follow the example he showed them and to remain steadfast in the faith. After his address, Paul knelt down and prayed with all of them.

Observations

These were my observations.

1. We must always remain vigilant, for the enemy is always lying in wait. In this chapter, Paul nearly suffered an attack at the hands of the Jews who were already persecuting him for his doctrine and abilities—you can read more about this in this devotional. However, the spiritual discernment provided by the Holy Spirit helped him perceive what they were planning, so he changed his travel routes (Acts 20:3 NIV). This is an example we ought to follow. Even when we are doing the will of God, it does not mean the enemy will leave us alone. On the contrary, we should expect more trials precisely because we are doing God’s will. But we should rejoice because we inherit the kingdom of heaven for standing firm in our faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:10 NIV).
2. We must leave an example worthy of being followed by others as Christians. As Christians, we are commanded to spread the gospel to all nations (Mark 16:15 NIV). But merely talking without demonstrating the fruits of our faith in Christ is very harmful. For it is by their fruit that a tree is known to be good or bad (Luke 6:44 NIV). And when we act hypocritically (i.e., when our actions do not match our beliefs), we drive people further away from God (Romans 2:24 NIV). As Christians, the best way to lead is by example, which is exactly what Paul did and what he urged church leaders to do as well (Acts 20:18–21 NIV). Even knowing that wherever we do God’s will, persecution awaits us (Acts 20:22–23 NIV). For no servant is greater than his master, and if Jesus Christ was persecuted, we undoubtedly will be too (John 15:20 NIV). Therefore, it is up to us simply to carry out what Jesus Christ commanded us, regardless of insults and mockery. Doing so reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit in us (1 Peter 4:14 NIV) and gives us peace, courage, and confidence knowing that we have placed our faith in Him who has overcome the world (John 16:33 NIV).