CHILDREN STS LESSON 8 PAUL’S FAREWELL MESSAGE TO THE EPHESIANS

TEXT: Acts 20:1-38

Apostle Paul in continuation of his missionary journey left Ephesus to sail to Macedonia and later went to Greece where he spent three months. Then he returned to Macedonia and from there went to Philippi and also to Troas. There

were many other friends of Jesus who accompanied him on this journey. In all his missionary journeys, the most important concern of Paul was to preach the gospel, get people saved and teach them the word of God in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

      When he got to Troas, he gathered the brethren together, taught them the word of God and also observed the Lord’s Supper with them. From Troas, Paul travelled to Miletus. From there, he invited the elders of the Ephesian church to come to him. He called them to give them a nal message of encouragement. The Ephesian church started with about twelve (12) people. It then grew to become a large congregation of believers due to the special work of the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul (Acts 19:1-7). In Acts 20, Apostle Paul was rounding off his missionary journey; therefore, he went round to teach, conrm and encourage the churches to carry on the work of the gospel and also to stand rm on God’s word.

      Apostle Paul was not too concerned about his personal comfort; he was consumed with passion for the gospel and to do God’s will. This is what God demands from every believer. We are commanded to surrender our lives to Jesus, consecrate our all to serve Him faithfully and acceptably all the days of our lives. Be counted among the faithful servants of God in your generation.

1. PAUL: AN EXAMPLE OF A FEARLESS AND COMMITTED LEADER:

      Acts 20:1-16

      Paul was an exemplary Christian leader. He did not only tell people what to do, he also did it. He preached the gospel even when it was risky (dangerous) to do so. When the Holy Spirit told him of the suffering awaiting him in Jerusalem, he was still determined to go there. He visited many cities, helped many people to become friends of Jesus and also taught them. He went on many missionary journeys in order to preach and teach the people. He was not afraid of the danger on the way, all he wanted to do was to full his ministry.

      Friends of Jesus are expected to follow this godly example and be faithful in

carrying out the great commission.

2. PASTORAL COUNSEL TO THE EPHESIANS:

      Acts 20:17-35

      Paul the apostle was an evangelist and a pastor. He preached in many cities

where many people became friends of Jesus. After leaving there for other cities,

he always went back to visit and encourage these friends of Jesus. He wanted to visit Jerusalem but stopped at Miletus and sent for the Ephesian elders so that he could talk to them. Paul reminded them of the good news he had preached to them and taught them how to live for God and serve Him. He told them all these because he did not want them to be deceived by false prophets. He also told them how he earned a living by working with his own hands as a tent maker. Thus, they also should not be lazy so that they will be able to take care of themselves and other members of the church.

      In later years, Paul wrote a long letter of encouragement to them which we can nd in the book of Ephesians. It is our duty not only to preach the gospel, but to teach and train new converts.

3. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE OF CHRISTLIKE LOVE:

      Acts 20:36-38

      Having delivered his farewell speech to the Ephesian believers, he knelt down

with them and prayed. It was an emotional and touching moment for both Paul and the Ephesian Christians. The meeting between Paul and the brethren shows a remarkable example of Christian fellowship and love. Paul had served the Ephesian church with great care and concern. He often shared in their joys and sorrows. He ministered and taught them with his whole heart and mind. He laboured among them not minding the trial and persecution. The people were heart broken and wept aloud especially at the thought of not seeing Paul again.

      The Christlike love between Paul and t h e Ephesian Christians should characterize our fellowship. Children should show love to their teachers who teach them God’s word. We are also to care for and love one another as Christ loved us and gave His life for us. Love is kind and never fails. Jesus desires that His friends show love to God, one another, sinners and even their enemies.

      There are many blessings that we will enjoy when we visit and maintain strong bond of love. These include: (i) Establishment of new converts (new friends of Jesus). (ii) Numerical increase in the church. (iii) Joy in heaven. (iv) Divine protection (v) Abundant provision (vi) Peace and prosperity (vii) Success (viii) Eternal life in heaven.

      These benets are only for friends of Jesus. If you are still a sinner and you want to enjoy God’s blessings, you must: (i) Know yourself as a sinner. (ii) Confess and repent of your sins. (iii) Ask God to forgive your sins. (iv) Invite Jesus into your heart as Lord and Saviour. You can then start to live for Jesus and serve Him.

QUESTIONS:

1. Paul was an example of a fearless and faithful leader. Yes/No?
2. Where did Paul meet with the Ephesian Christians?
3. Where was Paul going before he stopped over to talk to the Ephesian

      Christians?

4. Mention three important things Paul told the Ephesians.
5. Mention one important lesson you learnt from Paul’s meeting with the

      Ephesian Christians.

MEMORY VERSE: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the ock,

over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church

of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

LESSON: The preaching of the gospel is the most important work given to all friends of Jesus.

THOUGHT: I will give my life to Jesus and preach the gospel to sinners.

ACTIVITY: Children should identify those children that have been absent from

fellowship for a long time. They are to be shared into groups and assigned to visit

them.

HOMEWORK: Children should visit at least three other children and bring the

report of their visitation to the church next week.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 78 – FAITH OF OUR FATHERS

CHORUSES: (1) I have decided to follow Jesus. (2) When He calls me, I will answer. (3) Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

1. Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
2. Believers 2. Farewell 3. Establish 4. Depend 5. Emotional.