As soon as we start walking as toddlers, we hear the words, “pay attention” and “be careful.” Over and over again. Usually from our moms. Dads are more likely to let us smash into the wall or trip over the dog in order to learn our lessons. There’s an argument to be made for moms’ methods, but even dads would agree that when the danger is real, cautionary words are the more prudent way. In Acts 20:28-31, Paul is continuing his conversation with the elders from Ephesus. This is to be the last earthly meeting of dear friends and beloved brothers in Christ. Paul is heading into danger with his planned trip to Jerusalem. They’ve warned him, but he’s determined. For his part, Paul also warns them about false teachers and other threats to their personal walks with Christ and the overall health of the church. He tells them to “pay careful attention” and to “be alert.” And that need for attentiveness and caution is as real today as it was in the 1st century when these men spoke together.

Series: The Book of Acts
Message: 56 – Pay Careful Attention
Text: Acts 20:28-31
Todd Dugard
Harvest Bible Chapel
September 21, 2025

I must pay careful attention to myself and the church.

Why? Because that’s the calling (v. 28a)

Ephesians 4:11-12

Ephesians 4:15 b-16

These elders/overseers…must keep watch over themselves, taking care of their own theological, spiritual, and ethical integrity. If they do not nurture themselves, they cannot take care of others.
— Eckhard J. Schnabel

Why? Because Jesus paid dearly for her (v. 28b)

Luke 22:20

Hebrews 9:14

Hebrews 9:22 b

1 John 1:7

Why? Because the threats against her are fierce (v. 29-30)

Matthew 7:15

Why? Because the Word compels it (v. 31)

My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God’s word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes—many times—my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens—and it happens every day in some measure—I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth.
— John Piper, Finally Alive.

Psalms 119:10 5