1. The apostle Paul was travelling to Jerusalem. 2. He did not stop at Ephesus, so he called for the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him in Miletus. 3. Paul spoke to these elders about several important subjects. 4. We are especially interested in his statement in Acts 20:32. 5. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that "God's Word will build us up." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD'S PEOPLE OCCASIONALLY NEED TO BE BUILT UP
A. Consider these examples from the Bible. 1. The Israelites became discouraged (Numbers 21:4). 2. David, a man after God's own heart, became discouraged (Psalm 22:1-2). 3. The great prophet Elijah became discouraged (1 Kings 19:3-4). 4. Nehemiah had a sad countenance before the king (Nehemiah 2:1-3). B. These examples illustrate how God's people occasionally need to be built up. C. When difficult circumstances arise, let us turn to God's Word and meditate upon it (Psalm 1:1-3; 119:97). D. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. PASSAGES FROM THE BIBLE THAT WILL BUILD US UP
A. Many passages will build us up during times of uncertainty. 1. Let us consider God's dealings with Job at an uncertain point in his life. a. Job 38:1-7; Job 40:1-7 b. Job 42:1-2, 10 (James 5:11) 2. (Isaiah 40:31) God will bless those who wait upon Him. 3. (Romans 8:28) We are assured that God works all things together for good. 4. (1 Corinthians 10:13) We will not be tested above what we can bear. B. Many passages will build us up during times of sadness. 1. Romans 15:4 2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3. John 14:1-4 C. Many passages will build us up by assuring us of the Lord's concern and help. 1. Psalm 46:1, 7, 11 2. Romans 8:35-39 3. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 4. Hebrews 4:14-16 5. Hebrews 13:5b-6
Conclusion:
1. We began by showing from Acts 20:32 that "God's Word will build us up." 2. We should deeply appreciate this because God's people occasionally need to be built up. 3. How blessed we are that God has given us His Word! 4. Let us adopt the statement in Psalm 119:97.
