If We Never Meet Again Face To Face
IF WE NEVER AGAIN MEET FACE TO FACE
Glann M. Lee
Introduction:
I. Song: “If We Never Meet Again”, Albert E. Brumley
Soon we’ll come to the end of life’s journey
And perhaps we’ll never meet any more,
Till we gather in heaven’s bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
O so often we’re parted with sorrow,
Benedictions often quicken our pain,
But we never shall sorrow in heaven,
God be with you till we meet again.
O they say we shall meet by the river,
Where no storm-clouds ever darken the sky,
And they say we’ll be happy in heaven
In the wonderful sweet by and by.
Chorus:
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle thru this world and it strive,
There’s another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the shining river of life;
Where the charming roses bloom forever and ever,
And where separations come no more,
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore.
II. Text: Acts 20:18-38.
A. In Paul’s farewell to the Ephesians elders, he reminded them of his life and work among them.
B. He recalled former days to encourage their future fidelity.
C. Paul: Acts 20:25 – “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.”
III. Final words are cherished.
A. President Regan’s farewell address, November 5, 1994: “I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life.”
B. We may not have time to say goodbye.
C. James 4:14 – “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
D. What would you say to your Christian family if you knew you would never meet them again in this life?
E. Paul’s meeting with the elders of Ephesus at Miletus was such a farewell.
IV. Paul’s farewell included...
A. Paul’s conduct. Acts 20:19-20.
B. Paul’s consistency. Acts 20:20-21.
C. Paul’s credibility. Acts 20:20-21, 27.
D. Paul’s cross for Christ. Acts 20:22-24.
E. Paul’s esteem for the church. Acts 20:28.
F. Paul’s charge to the elders.. Acts 20:28-32.
Discussion:
I. PAUL’S CONDUCT.
A. Acts 20:19-20.
B. Acts 20:31 – Paul worked in Ephesus for about three years.
1. He spent three months in the synagogue.
2. He taught in the school of Tyrannus.
3. He lived “among them”.
D. They knew Paul’s behavior.
1. They saw him frequently for several years.
2. His life was consistent – his spiritual interest in them was evident from the first till the last.
3. Paul did not get a “spiritual hot streak” only to “cool off” when wind blew another direction.
II. PAUL’S CONSISTENCY.
A. Acts 20:20 – “...I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”
B. “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable...”
1. The word “shrink” was used of lowering the sails – a term Paul would have known from his sailing experiences.
2. Paul never lowered the sails in his spiritual work.
3. Paul did not make decisions about what to preach or promote based on personal interest.
4. He did not fail to preach the “whole counsel of God”.
C. Paul knew what was profitable for them to hear and to do.
1. He encouraged right and righteousness – not convenience.
2. This spiritual disposition needs to be in preachers, elders and churches today.
D. Paul was solid as a rock – consistent.
III. PAUL’S CREDIBILITY.
A. Acts 20:20-21, 27.
B. He preached useful information.
C. He taught “publicly” – a necessity – and worship.
D. He taught privately – “from house to house” – a necessity in helping people to grow.
D. He testified to Jews and Greeks the requirements of the gospel.
E. Paul never lowered the sails, compromised the truth, or hindered the church through his personal conduct.
F. Paul’s example should be followed; his encouragement
