DO NOT SHUN TO DECLARE THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD
26 THEREFORE I TESTIFY TO YOU THIS DAY THAT I AM INNOCENT [clean] OF THE BLOOD OF ALL MEN.
27 FOR I HAVE NOT SHUNNED TO DECLARE TO YOU THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD."
Acts 20:26,27 (NKJV)
The whole counsel of God in the passage is all about telling the truth, the balance message that is consistent with the Scriptures (2 Timothy 4:2)
It is the truth of the Word of God that makes free (John 8:32).
• Every leader should endeavour to teach the truth, the undiluted Word of God, to those under their leadership.
• A leader should not shy away from telling the truth:
2 PREACH THE WORD! BE READY IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON. CONVINCE, REBUKE, EXHORT WITH ALL LONG SUFFERING AND TEACHING.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 AND THEY WILL TURN THEIR EARS AWAY FROM THE TRUTH, AND BE TURNED ASIDE TO FABLES" (2 Timothy 4:2-4 NKJV).
READ: Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:15,16; 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Every person is a leader in his or her own right. The people you have influence over directly or indirectly are the ones under your leadership.
• Use you influence positively. Use you position; in the family, your nuclear and extended family, and the place where you work, and wherever you may find yourself, to influence people for God positively.
• Teach the Word of God through your conduct. Know that God will hold you responsible for the people you have the opportunity to influence for Him but you fail to.
• Endeavour to use your life and resources, all you have, to expand God’s kingdom on earth.
There is a reward in working for the expansion of God’s kingdom on the earth (Luke 12:31).
Remember, nothing you achieve on earth matters to God as what you do for His kingdom (Mark 8:36).
Thus, let your stand for Christ be known anywhere you find yourself.
Apostle Paul said, his life worth nothing if he uses it not for Jesus Christ:
“BUT MY LIFE IS WORTH NOTHING TO ME UNLESS I USE IT FOR FINISHING THE WORK ASSIGNED ME BY THE LORD JESUS—THE WORK OF TELLING OTHERS THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE WONDERFUL GRACE OF GOD."
Acts 20:24 (NLT)
• If Paul did that, use his life for God, then; what are you doing for Jesus Christ?
• Jesus gave His life for you, died and resurrected that you may be justified; what will you do for Him in return?
The best way to reciprocate Jesus’ gesture is to surrender your life to Him unwaveringly.
And also, when you work to bring other people to embrace the salvation God has made available through Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Note:
Love of many is waxing cold, and evil is increasing in the world, however you can take your stand for God (Revelation 2:4,5).
• Can God count on you?
• Can He rely on you?
Working for God in ministry and standing to live as a true disciple may attract persecution but it worth it: "YES, AND ALL WHO DESIRE TO LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS WILL SUFFER PERSECUTION" (2 Timothy 3:12).
16 THEREFORE WE DO NOT LOSE HEART. EVEN THOUGH OUR OUTWARD MAN IS PERISHING, YET THE INWARD MAN IS BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY.
17 FOR OUR LIGHT AFFLICTION, which is but for a moment, is working for us far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 WHILE WE DO NOT LOOK AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN, BUT AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN. FOR THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORARY, BUT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV)
God’s investment in you shall not be a waste in Jesus’ name.
Peace!