You Need a Savior

Acts 20:25-26 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
 
THE previous lesson focused on God’s irresistible will to command Paul to Jerusalem, even with the promise of suffering and bondage there. Now we “return” to Paul’s farewell to the elders at Ephesus.
   With, “Therefore, I declare to you today” Paul announced he had some vital parting words. He desired the elders understand that he loved them, and he loved all the people of Ephesus with the love God had granted his redeemed heart.
   God’s love is action love. Paul loved them so much he took action to tell all men, Jew and Gentie, the way from death to life is possible because of Jesus’ gospel. Paul is innocent of the Lord’s judgment because he has faithfully proclaimed the whole will of God.
   God’s whole will is God’s comprehensive plan that began in eternity past to save mankind. Paul taught God’s will had advanced through Eden’s sin, God’s redemptive promise and the law and the prophets. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled God’s purpose to reconcile the lost sinner to himself. Paul pointedly taught God’s will to judge all to heaven and hell will be administered at Jesus’ return.
   When we read the epistles, we know Paul preached the entire truth. He preached evil’s condemnation: Romans 3:9-12 We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
   He preached salvation from our worthless lives through faith in Jesus: Romans 8:1-3 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man. Sin is the curse of all mankind. Faith in Jesus saves one from the curse into God’s eternal life blessing.
   Paul told everyone he loved them so much they needed to know: “You are a sinner. You need a Savior. Jesus is Savior. Here is how he becomes your Savior.” When you might wonder, “Should I tell my friend about Jesus?” remember God has placed his love in the true Christian’s heart. You are to love all people and tell them the truth of God’s love.