Stirring up the gift of God
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 2 viewsNotes
Transcript
Text: Acts 25:13-26:18
Intro: As we continue our study through the book of Acts we are about to embark upon the third and final time that the Apostle Paul’s testimony is given. In starting today I believe it is important that we understand some things concerning Paul. First, that his office was that of an Apostle. So as we read about Paul or even as we read his epistles, we need to understand his office was different than any office given today. So, although Paul is a great Christian, he is not the one in which we model or follow after. Although he gave great advice to pastor’s through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he was not pastor and therefore, I do not model my office as a pastor after him. I say all of that to get to this point.
Undeniably Paul is the Apostle given to the Gentiles, but Paul is not the pattern for the Gentiles. Paul’s salvation experience was unlike that of any Gentile before, or any Gentile to come.
There are three statement that Paul makes that are important for us in understanding this truth.
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
As we read and study our Bibles there are things that we connect with through an understanding that is wrought by our own study, life and walk with God. Paul’s testimony of salvation is not one of those times. Sure, we were both saved by grace, but I was saved by grace through faith, while Paul was saved by grace through sight. So, as we give consideration to what he said in 1 Tim. and what he says in 1 Cor. We get the this understanding. That Paul’s salvation is not a pattern for you and me, but it is a pattern for the Jew. “…to them which should hereafter believe...” The one’s who will believe when they look upon the one whom they have pierced. It why I believe that when Paul’s testimony is given it is given amongst a crowd that is largely made up of Jews.
With that being said, we begin.
It has been said that you don’t truly know what you are living for, until you know what you would die for. Paul was willing to die, rather than give up on the gospel of Christ. It is for this cause that men and women throughout the ages have been imprisoned and suffered death, for Christ they lived, therefore, for Christ they were willing to die...
Vs. 14-27 Agrippa comes to Caesarea and Festus breaks down the events concerning Paul. Festus’ account of the accusations are interesting! The Bible doesn’t record every word that Paul spoke but was there any doubt that He was preaching Christ, crucified and risen? (VS. 19)
Before giving his testimony we see Paul’s respect for Agrippa and his position: (vs. 1-3)
Paul’s Respect of Agrippa:
He respected Agrippa’s position and power.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
2. He respected Agrippa’s understanding.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
3. Paul requested Agrippa’s patience.
This was not a 1-2-3 encounter. Paul understood that if Agrippa was going to come to saving faith, it was going to be not only by word, but by the working of the Spirit!
Paul’s Review of His Early Life: (26:4-12)
His training - Vs. 4
His tradition as a Pharisee - vs. 5-8 By the way the tradition of the Jews was the hope of the Messiah.
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
God did two things in choosing Abraham.
a. God chose the line in which His promise made in Genesis 3:15 concerning the seed of the women would be fulfilled.
b. God chose a people in which He would give understanding to concerning Himself. (The word of God.)
Against hope… Abraham believed in hope!
3. His tyranny against the church. (vs. 9-12) Paul opposed the name of Jesus.
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
I have said this before, but concerning men, I believe Paul was God’s greatest enemy at the time of the early church. Therefore, what grace, mercy and love was shown to him. However like the Jew Paul was blinded by his religious zeal that he missed the very Messiah in which he had hope would come.
Paul’s Recollection of His Conversion. (26:13-18)
Paul’s flesh was struck down, in the Light of Glory. Concerning Paul being the first,
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
2. Paul spoke with the Lord - vs. 15
Concerning the pricks, I believe Christ is referring to conviction. The pricks were used as a implement used to guide an animal that didn’t care to be controlled by someone else. In his tyranny Paul had become accustomed to seeing faithful saints not only refusing to bend in the name of Christ, but also willing to suffer.
3. Paul was sent to deliver the Gospel to the lost. 16-19
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Vs. 19 Whereupon- Because of what Christ had done for him in obedience, Paul has not been disobedient unto the heavenly vision.
Paul kept His eyes on Christ! Never was Paul concerned with himself, but for Christ, and His purpose! Paul’s response to Festus in verse 24 is because Christ is in view.
Closing:
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.