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Web Devotional
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: www.calvarychapelsb.com
For Bible Study resources by David Guzik, go to: www.enduringword.com/library_commentaries.htm
Recommended Reading
"New
Testament Study Guide" by Pastor Chuck
Further your study of the New Testament with Pastor Chuck Smith. Explore the Gospels, Epistles, the Book of Acts, and Revelation with useful maps, definitions, teaching excerpts, charts and diagrams, and study questions.
Available in the Chapel Store - $9.89
The Old 
Testament Study Guide was designed to enhance your knowledge of the Bible quickly and easily. Pastor Chuck Smith has written a verse-by-verse overview of the Old Testament to help everyone study the Bible more effectively. As you place the Old Testament Study Guide next to your Bible, you'll discover key words that define Hebrew words commonly found in the Old Testament; excerpts of Calvary Chapel Distinctives; biblical maps, charts, and diagrams to help visualize the text; and study questions for each book.
Available in the Chapel Store - $9.89