“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” Acts 20:32. As Paul is giving his farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus, there are several topics in which Paul is instructing them. They needed encouragement and so do we.
First, he commends them to God. Paul will no longer be with them to guide them along the journey to eternity. They will have to turn to God’s Word to direct their bark as their chart and compass. They are to cast all their cares upon God; for He cares for you (2 Peter 5:7). These elders are to be looking unto Jesus at all times for their strength and help and so should we (Hebrews 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2).
Second, he commends them to the Word of His Grace. The words that Paul gave to the elders would not change. These elders would have the written word and could study it and know what was important and what they ought to be doing to be taking care of God’s flock. We can study it and learn from God’s Word just what He would have us to do. This Word will encourage us when the storms of life come raging about us. When the way seems dark and drear and clouds are low, so low that they are blocking our view of God, we can turn to the pages of the Bible and find the Light of the World. This Word will then direct our steps along the strait and narrow path toward God no matter how dim the way seems (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 7:13-14). This is the only way in which the Bible will help. To have a Bible and not know what it says is like not having a Bible at all.
Thirdly, let us notice that our passage says that the “word of his grace, is able to build us up.” This help is for those who keep it close to them and dive into it daily to partake of the nutrients. If a person fails to study their Bible, it is a locked source of help. We must open up the pages of God’s Word, but just an open Bible will not help. We must study the contents. We must study the words. We must study the subjects and we must study the thoughts. It is the mind of God revealed to us. The Word of God tells us how to form ourselves into the image of God. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). The only way to know this is to study God’s Word.
If a person thinks that they can enough nourishment that is required by God for their life in just the time spent in Bible Study and Worship service at the church building they are sadly mistaken. That would be like eating once a week and thinking that is all that is needed to make a strong healthy body. If we are going to do the things that life requires of us we need to eat regularly. If we are going to fight the spiritual battles of life we are going to need to have the nourishment to sustain us through the battles. That means a regular diet of studying God’s Word. Just coming to Bible Study and Worship will give us enough to build us up and to give us an inheritance among them that are sanctified will not give us all the nourishment we need. Let us set time aside each day for Bible study and prayer. This is not just reading the Bible but studying the Bible. This is also praying according to what the Bible says. That may be a good place to start: find out what the Bible says about prayer, how to pray and the proper attitude in prayer.
The Bible, God’s Word, is also able to give us an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. If we are going to get this inheritance we must be among them that are sanctified. Those that are sanctified are those who are “in Christ.” Those who are “in Christ” are those who have died to the old man of sin (Romans 6). They have been washed in His blood (Revelation 1:5). They are living a faithful life (Revelation 2:10). Which means that they are studying and worshipping with the saints when the doors of the church building are opened: they want to meet with the saints. The inheritance is more than words can describe. Let us ever work on being built up with the Word of God. Let us obtain this inheritance that is reserved for those who are sanctified. Let us be among the sanctified. Love, Keith
