Stay On Message.
Acts 20
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 [NIV]
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you…
1 Corinthians 11:23 [NIV]
2 I resolved [decided, chose] to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2 [NIV]
11 If I were preaching that old message, no one would be offended if I mentioned the Cross now and then - it would be so watered-down it wouldn't matter one way or the other.
Galatians 5:11 [MSG]
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Acts 20:32 [NIV]
3 Benefits Of The Word Of Grace.
1. Grace Builds Us Up.
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up…”
Acts 20:32a [NIV]
2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2 [NIV]
29 Do not let any [corrupt] talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 [NIV]
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6 [NKJV]
9 It is good that the heart be strengthened by grace…
Hebrews 13:9 [NIV]
1 The angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Joshua. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” 3 Joshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. 4 So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Turning to Joshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”
Zechariah 3:1–4 [NLT]
20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding…”
Nehemiah 2:20 [NIV]
2. Grace Gives Us An Identity.
32 “...And give you an inheritance….”
Acts 20:32b [NIV]
3 He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority], 4 having become as much superior to angels, since He has inherited a more excellent and glorious name than they [that is, Son—the name above all names].
Hebrews 1:3-4 [AMP]
17 And suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
Matthew 3:17 [NIV]
3 The tempter came to Him [Jesus] and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:3-4 [NIV]
15 The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” … 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs…
Romans 8:15, 17 [NIV]
3 His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…
2 Peter 1:3 [NKJV]
3. Grace Sets Us Apart And Sends Us Out.
32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Acts 20:32 [NIV]
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 [NKJV]
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8 [NIV]
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.
Acts 20:24 [NIV]
