Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Look for Love of Others - Part 2

Bryan Schneider · April 9, 2022

Acts 20:17-38

sharonrpc.org/sermons/look-for-love-of-others

Summary

The second part of the Acts 20 study asks the congregation to recognize elders whose love for neighbors is displayed in protection, biblical trust, prayer, affection, and devotion to Christ.
Paul warns that savage wolves will enter and distorted teachers will arise from within, so an elder must possess Spirit-given courage to defend the flock from destructive doctrine and conduct.
Faithful protection also resists personality cults: disciples belong to Jesus Christ, not to a pastor, favorite teacher, ministry, or faction.
An elder holds fast the apostolic pattern of sound words and commends people to God and the Word of grace, which builds them up and gives an inheritance among the sanctified.
The biblical qualifications for office describe love in action through faithfulness, self-control, hospitality, gentleness, purity, justice, generosity, and an exemplary home life.
A loving elder prays with and for the people, knows the path to the throne of grace, and expresses sincere affection through practical presence and sacrifice.
The Ephesian church later tested false teachers and persevered, yet Christ warned that correct doctrine and labor cannot replace first love.
No elder loves perfectly, but the church should choose men who keep returning to Christ and lead others to the Chief Shepherd rather than to themselves.

How does this second sermon develop the love of others beyond the shepherding emphasis of Part 1?
Why must an elder be gentle without becoming unwilling to confront a destructive wolf?
How can a personality-centered ministry draw disciples away from Christ even when it uses Christian language?
What does it mean to hold fast the apostolic pattern of sound words?
Why is the Word of grace able to build the church when an individual leader must depart?
How do the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 describe practical love rather than a merely legal checklist?
What evidence shows that a prospective elder is a praying man?
How does sincere affection among leaders shape their care for a congregation?
What warning does Revelation 2 give to a church that is doctrinally discerning and hardworking?
How can an elder lead people back to Christ during spiritually dry seasons without drawing attention to himself?

Savage wolves: False or destructive teachers who enter the church and harm the flock while appearing to belong among it.
Personality cult: A following centered on a human teacher's reputation and influence rather than discipleship to Jesus Christ.
Sound words: The faithful apostolic doctrine preserved in Scripture and entrusted to church leaders for teaching and defense.
Word of grace: God's gospel Word, which directs sinners to free grace in Christ and builds believers toward their inheritance.
Hospitality: Love of strangers expressed by welcoming and caring for people beyond one's existing circle.
Prayerful shepherding: Leading people to God's throne of grace and regularly interceding for their needs.
Apostolic deposit: The body of revealed teaching entrusted to the church and preserved in the Scriptures rather than replaced by novelty.
First love: The foundational love for Christ that must animate doctrinal vigilance, patient labor, and service in the church.