“My Race and Service Goals: An In-Depth Study of Acts 20:24″
“But I do not consider my life of any value to me, so that I may finish my course and complete the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)
1. Paul’s Viewpoint: The Value and Priorities of Life
Paul says, “I do not consider my life of any value to me.”
This sentence shows a deep commitment.
▶ Worldly View : People value their lives most—they want to live a safe, prosperous, and comfortable life.
▶ Paul’s View : He dedicated his life to a greater purpose than personal security.
➡ Questions for us:
- Have we fully dedicated our lives to serving God?
- Are the things of the world preventing us from fulfilling God’s plan?
2. The meaning of the race: a God-given responsibility
Paul says, “To finish my race…”
Here, the ‘race’ does not mean just a normal life journey, but a specific purpose set by God .
▶ Key aspects of the race:
- God’s Calling – God has given every believer a special responsibility.
- Patience and Perseverance – The race is not short, you have to keep moving forward.
- Right Direction – It is important to run in the right direction, not just in the race itself.
➡ Challenge for us:
- Have we recognized the race that God has given us?
- Aren’t we giving up our race by getting caught up in the vain things of the world?
3. Responsibility of Service: A Life of Witnessing the Gospel
Paul says, “The responsibility of the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, namely, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
▶ Paul’s Priority
- He made preaching the gospel his ultimate goal in life.
- He was willing to endure hardship, suffering, and persecution for the sake of service.
- He was not concerned with personal success, name, or fame.
➡ Lesson for us:
- Is the gospel at the center of our ministry?
- Are we putting God’s glory ahead of our own interests?
4. Challenges in running: Can you stay steady?
▶ Paul’s Obstacles
- Persecution (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)
- Prison Life
- Opposition to false teachers
- Physical weakness
But, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
➡ Lesson for us:
- Service comes with difficulties, but patience is necessary.
- If we are truly walking in God’s calling, His grace enables us.
5. The prize of the race: eternal glory
▶ 1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? So run so that you may win.”
▶ 2 Timothy 4:8 – “From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me.”
➡ Hope for us:
- This race is not just for earthly achievements, but for heavenly rewards.
- The hope of receiving the crown of eternal life gives us patience.
Conclusion: How are you running your race?
✅ Do you understand God’s plan?
✅ Are the things of the world holding you back in the race?
✅ Are you steadfast in the fight of faith?
▶ Prayer for dedication:
“Lord, help me to finish the race you have given me. May my life be dedicated to your glory. May I move forward without distraction toward eternal reward. Amen.”
Now, are you ready to run your race with determination?
