Generous Justice - Tim Keller

While reading the twentieth chapter of Acts, meditating again on Paul’s farewell address to the elders at Ephesus, I was struck by Paul’s emphasis in verses 33-35.  Listen again to him,

“I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.  In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Remarkable words!  Paul purposively worked hard with his hands in order to set an example.  He wanted the saints to see his concern for the weak.  He wanted them to know, to truly know, that it is more blessed to given than to receive.  It is a sober reminder.

My reading this passage was aptly timed.  Not long ago, I listened to a short, but powerful message by Tim Keller entitled “Generous Justice.”  In a winsome but convicting way, he wove together the doctrine of justification with the Christian’s duty to care for the weak and poor.  In the usual hustle and bustle of life, working on different projects and what not, it’s easy to forget the concerns of the poor.  This message grabbed me, looked me in the eye, and said, “Don’t forget to walk as your Lord walked.  Remember the poor.”  The conviction lasted for about an hour before it was swallowed up with other thoughts.  Reading the passage out of Acts resuscitated my memory.  I feel as if the Lord is getting my attention.

Perhaps you could be reminded as well?  How about taking thirty minutes sometime soon in order to give it a listen.  You won’t regret it.

**Must Listen Factor: **High

**Difficulty: **Easy

Length: 30 minutes

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