Acts 20:24 NIV
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
This was Paul's statement to the leaders in ephesus concerning his journey to Jerusalem. Paul was urged by the Holy Spirit to go and preach the good news of God's grace there. He knew he will face hardships and severe trials. So he spoke that statement. Let's take the verse piece by piece for us to understand the statement he made.
"... I consider my life worth nothing to me..."
SELF-DENIAL
This is quite common to Christians, because Jesus spoke this statement to His disciples "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
The statement is a perfect example of self-denial. Why? Are you willing to go to a place that you know rejection, persecution, or even death will be a consequence of you preaching of that good news? That needs alot of self-denial.
"... my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-..."
LORDSHIP
A key essential to the christian faith. Yet, sometimes this the most ignored and the most hated. Lordship requires 100% submission to Jesus, not 99.99999% but 100%. Lordship is hard because again it needs death to self and giving our desires, dreams, and plans to Him.
Giving Him our desires, dreams, and plans is quite hard but He knows what is best for us. So He will give us much more on what we expect if give Him our desires, dreams, and plans.
"... the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
PURPOSE
Now our purpose here is to submit to God's authority (that requires self-denial) through making disciples.
Are you making disciples?
