第114章

In answer to his call they came, and he spoke to them strong, touching words of admonition and farewell."Ye know," he said, "from the first day that Icame into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how Ikept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."Paul had ever exalted the divine law.He had shown that in the law there is no power to save men from the penalty of disobedience.Wrongdoers must repent of their sins and humble themselves before God, whose just wrath they have incurred by breaking His law, and they must also exercise faith in the blood of Christ as their only means of pardon.The Son of God had died as their sacrifice and had ascended to heaven to stand before the Father as their advocate.By repentance and faith they might be freed from the condemnation of sin and through the grace of Christ be enabled henceforth to render obedience to the low of God.

"And now, behold," Paul continued, "I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."Paul had no designed to bear this testimony; but, while he was speaking, the Spirit of Inspiration came upon him, confirming his fears that this would be his last meeting with his Ephesian brethren.

"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." No fear of giving offense, no desire for friendship or applause, could lead Paul to withhold the words that God had given him for their instruction, warning, or correction.From His servants today God requires fearlessness in preaching the word and in carrying out its precepts.The minister of Christ is not to present to the people only those truths that are the most pleasing, while he withholds others that might cause them pain.He should watch with deep solicitude the development of character.If he sees that any of his flock are cherishing sin he must as a faithful shepherd give them from God's word the instruction that is applicable to their case.Should he permit them in their self-confidence to go on unwarned, he would be held responsible for their souls.The pastor who fulfills his high commission must give his people faithful instruction on every point of the Christian faith, showing them what they must be and do in order to stand perfect in the day of God.He only who is a faithful teacher of the truth will at the close of his work be able to say with Paul, "I am pure from the blood of all men.""Take heed therefore unto yourselves," the apostle admonished his brethren, "and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." If ministers of the gospel were to bear constantly in mind the fact that they are dealing with the purchase of the blood of Christ, they would have a deeper sense of the importance of their work.They are to take heed to themselves and to their flock.Their own example is to illustrate and enforce their instructions.As teachers of the way of life they should give no occasion for the truth to be evil spoken of.As representatives of Christ they are to maintain the honor of His name.By their devotion, their purity of life, their godly conversation, they are to prove themselves worthy of their high calling.

The dangers that would assail the church at Ephesus were revealed to the apostle."I know this," he said, "that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Paul trembled for the church as, looking into the future, he saw the attacks which she must suffer from both external and internal foes.With solemn earnestness he bade his brethren guard vigilantly their sacred trusts.For an example he pointed them to his own unwearied labors among them: "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years Iceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.