"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." 1 Corinthians 10:11
Today's Scripture Text: Acts 9:1-19
Important Things We Can Learn From The Life of Paul
LIFE LESSON #1: An Encounter with Jesus Will Change your life!
Jesus considered Paul’s actions against the church as being against Him personally. – Acts 9:4-5
Life Lesson #2: How We Treat Other Believers Is How We are Treating Christ
So, how have you been treating Christ this week? How you've been treating other believers is the answer to how you've been treating Christ. If you act differently when the Pastor or your Life Group leader are around, you should really be more concerned with Jesus, who is always around. Instead of hearing Jesus ask you why you are persecuting him, you should want to hear Him say, 'Thanks for taking care of me.' When we encounter Jesus, things have to change.
God sends mature, Godly people into our lives to help direct and guide us. – Acts 9:10-17
Life Lesson #3: We All Need Mature, Godly Counsel
If you heard from God, then you will have no problem submitting it to Godly council for confirmation. Paul didn't submit to whom he wanted, but God sent Ananias, a mature leader, to bring confirmation and teaching to Paul. What did Ananias do before he was sent to Paul? No one really knows. Ananias wasn't famous like many of the other disciples, but he must have been a faithful man of God, for God to use him to pour into Paul! You don't have to be famous for God to use you, just faithful! When you are faithful, God will use you to strengthen others in the Lord. As we receive mature, godly counsel, God will raise us up to give mature, godly counsel!
"Those who have become my sons, I am sending to you Timothy"
Those who are sent have the same heart and Spirit as the leader of the house. 1 Corinthians 4:17 (Timothy); Philemon 1:10 (Onesimus)
Following Christ means an Abundant Life, Not an Easy Life! – Acts 9:16
"Go and tell Paul he will have all these things, but he will also suffer." Many believers think once they come to Christ they won't have any challenges. Expect battles but expect to win. Paul's life was a series of challenges. How we respond will determine the outcome. Paul was content in every situation. Under house arrest people got saved, in prison his praise breaks the chains that bind. Even the jailer came to know Christ with his entire family. He writes letters of encouragement to the complaining church after having been flogged and imprisoned once again. What would we do in these circumstances? We need to make the best of every situation!
Life Lesson #4: In the Midst of Adversity, Don’t Focus on Your Problems!
Life Lesson #5: You Will Have Problems – Just Don’t Let Your Problems Have You!
Don't focus on the problem, focus on the problem solver! Trust God that He will bring you through, because He will! What do we do with the challenges when they come. 2 Corinthians 11:24-12:10
The Lord’s Strength is enough for You!
"My grace is sufficient for you!"
2 Corinthians 12:9 Don't let the challenges make you give up - His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness! When I am weak, He is strong! The word 'Grace' means 'strength to sustain'. His grace is enough... His grace is good enough... His grace is sufficient... for you!
CHALLENGE: Have you had an encounter with Jesus; not just a simple prayer to receive him but an encounter where your life has been transformed? Saul thought he knew about Jesus, but when he encountered Jesus personally in the midst of persecuting him, Saul was transformed... so much so that even his name was changed! When God transforms you, He always confirms the encounter by sending a mature, godly leader to mentor you. Who are you being mentored by? Is it your Pastor or one sent by your Pastor? Did you choose your mentor; do you even have a mentor? Godly counsel sent by God to you will teach you that you shouldn't focus on your problems but on the Grace of God which is the strength you need when you are too weak to deal with those problems. Get a hold of God's 'strength to sustain' today and allow God to develop you and then send you to mentor others.
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Paul's life was an awesome example of perseverance and a good attitude in spite of what life throws at you. This message isn't even over yet...so much more to say about this great man of God.
ReplyDeleteWhen we look at what Paul went through for Jesus, it makes our problems seem like nothing.
ReplyDeleteHe was a great example of standing firm in the faith. No matter what you're going through, don't give up. What if Paul gave up at the first beating?