Week 30 (20 - 26 July): The Heart of a True Servant

It was another wonderful Saturday Home Fellowship with joyful conversations and delicious food. The Chinese Home Fellowship was blessed to have Ps Ben join us as we read Acts 20 and 21.

Acts 20 records the ending of Paul’s third missionary journey. As he made his way to Jerusalem, Paul knew that this would likely be his final meeting with the Ephesians elders. His farewell to the elders was deeply personal and emotional. 

As Paul shares about his ministry, we see the heart of a true servant of God. Instead of speaking of his accomplishments, Paul shared how he served the Lord with humility, tears and perseverance. He was courageous and faithful – despite trials, oppositions and sufferings, Paul never stopped proclaiming the gospel. 

The verse that captured our heart was Acts 20:24: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me: the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace”. Paul’s greatest desire was not personal success but to stay faithful to the calling of God. 

As we reflected on Paul’s ministry, we were reminded of what God is doing at Bukit Batok. Ps Ben shared the joy of seeing Bukit Batok residents joining us at the recent Anniversary celebration. This was an encouraging reminder that fruitful ministry doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time, obedience, patient sowing and faithful service while trusting God on the journey. 

Acts 21:1-17 continues this theme. Although believers and prophets repeatedly warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem because of the dangers awaiting him, he remained steadfast because he knew God’s will was more important than anything in his life. These passages challenge us to reflect our walk with God. Is God truly at the center of our life? Are we more concerned with comfort and hardships than obeying God's calling? 

During our discussion, we also considered whether these Spirit-led warnings could be God’s will for Paul to stay back. Cecelia shared that these were temptations to Paul rather than God’s will. Much like how Satan tested Jesus in the wilderness when Jesus was challenged to jump from the highest point of the temple. Paul stood firm in the mission God gave him, just as Jesus remained steadfast in His Father’s will.

I pray that Paul’s story encourages us to pursue a life in which God takes center stage. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us and give us wisdom to choose righteousness that pleases God, and the grace we need to stay faithful and courageous. 

Blessings

中义小组