Blood & Tears

Key Takeaways

Paul's farewell speech reveals that faithful ministry is VITAL:

• Vigilant - Guarding what Christ bought with his blood

• Imitable - Living a life worth following

• Trusting - Entrusting everything to God and his Word

• Affectionate - Ministry marked by tears and genuine love

• Lavish - Giving more than taking

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Paul warns about "wolves" from outside and false teachers from inside. What are some modern examples of threats to the church today, both external and internal?

• Question 2

  Paul calls the elders to imitate three things: his humble service, faithful teaching, and selfless suffering. Which of these three is most challenging for you personally? Why?

• Question 3

  John recalled a seminary professor who taught that if we're not spending 50% of our time in prayer, our ministry will be inefficient. How does this challenge your current approach to work, ministry, or parenting?

• Question 4

  This passage is "drenched in tears." Paul wept over the churches he served. When was the last time you wept over someone for the sake of the gospel? What might this reveal about the depth of our love for others?

• Question 5

  Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." John confessed that during COVID, he realized he actually believed the opposite—that he was entitled to receive. Be honest: Do your actions show you believe it's better to give or to receive? What would it look like to "size people up" to see what you can give rather than what you can get?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Vigilant Hearts

READING :

Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-4

DEVOTIONAL :

The shepherd's calling is sacred because the flock was purchased with Christ's own blood. Today, reflect on the vigilance required in your spiritual life. Just as elders are called to watch over the church, each believer must guard their own heart against pride's subtle drift. John Stott's daily confession—"I'm not worthy"—wasn't self-deprecation but gospel clarity. Where have you forgotten your need for grace? The wolves Paul warned about aren't just external threats; they're the internal whispers that say you've earned God's favor. Stay vigilant. Keep your heart tethered to the cross. Remember: if Jesus' death was necessary for your salvation, then gospel-vigilance is necessary for your perseverance. Watch your life closely, for in keeping watch, you protect what Christ has purchased.

Day 2 : Lives Worth Imitating

READING :

1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:10-17

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul's boldness in saying "imitate me" should arrest us. He didn't point to his résumé, routines, or achievements—he pointed to his faith. The question isn't whether your life will influence others, but what kind of influence it will be. When you die, you'll look like your decisions. Consider today: if someone followed your example, where would they end up? Would they find Jesus or just a well-curated image? True spiritual leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about demonstrating authentic trust in Christ through both triumph and trial. Paul's scars told a story. His tears preached a sermon. His hands bore witness to sacrificial love. Don't wait for perfect circumstances to live faithfully. Your faith—imperfect, struggling, yet genuine—is what others need to see. Be someone worth following because you're following Christ.

Day 3 : Trusting the Gardener

READING :

Acts 20:32; Psalm 127:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

DEVOTIONAL :

"I commend you to God and to the word of his grace." After three years of exhausting labor, Paul's final act was surrender. This is the paradox of faithful ministry: work as if everything depends on you, trust as if everything depends on God—because it does. We spin our wheels trying to manufacture spiritual growth, forgetting that transformation is God's work, not ours. The 50% prayer principle isn't legalism; it's recognition that without abiding in Christ, we accomplish nothing of eternal value. What ministry has God given you? Your workplace? Your family? Your neighborhood? Have you entrusted it to him, or are you white-knuckling control? God's grace is able to build up and give inheritance to his people. Your job isn't to be the savior—that position is filled. Your calling is faithfulness, prayer, and trust. Plant and water, but remember: God gives the growth.

Day 4 : Tear-Stained Ministry

READING :

2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 1:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

DEVOTIONAL :

Acts 20 is drenched in tears—Paul's tears, the elders' tears, tears of love and grief and holy affection. This stands in stark contrast to our culture's obsession with professional distance and emotional control. But faithful ministry isn't clinical; it's costly. It requires not just sharing the gospel but sharing your very life. When did you last weep over someone's soul? When did you last feel the weight of spiritual concern that drove you to your knees? The gospel creates a new family, binding hearts together in ways that transcend biology. This is God's design: that his people would love one another with the fierce, sacrificial affection that mirrors Christ's love for his church. Don't mistake emotional detachment for spiritual maturity. Jesus wept. Paul wept. The Spirit produces love that breaks your heart for what breaks God's. Let your ministry be marked by tears.

Day 5 : The Blessed Paradox

READING :

Acts 20:35; Mark 10:42-45; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

DEVOTIONAL :

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Jesus' words reveal a mystery that contradicts everything our culture preaches. We size people up to see what we can extract, building lives around accumulation and self-protection. But Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and he calls us to the same radical generosity. The firewood story illustrates this beautifully: lavish giving that expects nothing in return, rooted in the joy of knowing Christ. Your security isn't in what you possess but in the one who possesses you. When you grasp this truth, you unlock supernatural freedom—the ability to give time, resources, energy, and love without keeping score. Examine your life honestly: do you believe it's better to give than receive? Your checkbook, calendar, and conversations will answer. Jesus gave everything. Those who follow him learn the secret: life is found not in grasping but in releasing, not in receiving but in giving. Give lavishly. You cannot out-give God.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

All: Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

Confession of faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Gracious Father, you bought us with the blood of your Son and called us to watch, serve, trust, love, and give. Yet we confess how easily we drift, how quickly pride replaces humility, comfort dulls vigilance, and self-interest chokes out generosity. We have guarded our own lives more than your flock. Forgive us, Lord. Fix our eyes again on Jesus, who gave himself for us, that we might give ourselves for you. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:24-25

Looking Ahead

Join us next week for Acts 22:30-23:11.