²² And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
²⁴ But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

There are times when the Christian will ask, “What is my job as a believer?” There are a multitude of possible answers for this age old question. One answer may be that we are to become students of the Bible in order to show ourselves as approved workmen unto God. While this is important, I don’t believe this is our most important job. Another answer may be that we are to sing praises of thanks to Lord for all that He has done for us. While this is important, I don’t believe this is our most important job. Still another answer could be that we are to pursue a Christ-like character. Again, while this is important, I don’t believe this is our most important job.

As Paul prepared to leave Ephesus for Rome, he addressed the Ephesian leaders and poured his heart out to them. He told them that he had no idea what was ahead of him. The only thing he knew was that the Holy Spirit was leading and the same Holy Spirit would go before him. As a believer, there is comfort here. There is comfort in knowing that when the Lord wants us to go somewhere or do something, His guidance and provision goes ahead of you.

This is what Paul knew. Even though Paul knew that prison awaited him, he set his heading and his mind toward that of Rome, believing the Lord wanted and needed him there. In Acts 20:24, Paul answers the question, “What is my job as a believer?” v.24, ‘But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.‘     Our primary job is to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. We are to tell others how great, how wonderful, and how merciful our Savior has been to us. Paul said this was more important to him than his own life. Is it more important than our own lives?