Staying in Ephesus part 2
Notes
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Introduction: Paul had been entrusted with the glorious gospel
Introduction: Paul had been entrusted with the glorious gospel
Paul had exposed the false teachers and their resources and the result of their teaching which was disputes and division
He explained the goal of all Biblical teaching is to lead to faith and love
He explained the purpose of the law and its revealing of sinful behavior and that anything else contrary to the glorious gospel is unacceptable
He stated this gospel has been entrusted to him and it was the message that would change lives. That would build faith and love and he was living proof of that:
Paul now uses his own personal conversion and commission story to explain his ministry work for the glorious gospel
His first encounter with the glorious gospel was through a man called, Stephen ;
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:
Paul’s conversion is an encouraging testimony
Paul’s conversion is an encouraging testimony
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Paul now uses his own personal conversion story to explain the glorious gospel to which he was entrusted
Paul further explains how he became an apostle and why he was thankful
Paul’s conversion is an encouraging testimony
Paul’s conversion is an encouraging testimony
The New King James Version Chapter 1
according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
Paul is thankful for the ministry that Christ Jesus gave to him
Paul is thankful for the ministry that Christ Jesus gave to him
Introduction:
Introduction:
Paul now uses his own personal conversion story to explain the glorious gospel to which he was entrusted
Paul further explains how he became an apostle
A ministry Christ Jesus would give him the enabling strength to fulfill
But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
The central message of the glorious gospel is the grace of Christ Jesus our Lord
He was thankful for the strength of Christ Jesus which came with the call
His strength will cause growth that produces fruit
John 15:
But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Go in His strength
2
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
2 Coritnhians 4:
His strength strengthens the inner man
2 Corinthians
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
James 4:
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
His strength sustained Paul even in the midst of troubles
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:7
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
His strength overruled Paul’s weakness
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
Acts 9:
Paul challenged and commanded others to rely upon the strength of Christ
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
A ministry Christ Jesus counted him faithful to fulfill
Paul understood that the same grace that brought him to salvation would be the same grace he needed to fulfill his ministry
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul understood it was Christ’s estimate of him that mattered not his own or that of others
but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Christ Jesus calls us knowing exactly who we are
And he brought him to Jesus.
Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).
2 Corinthians 12:7
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Paul understood it would be the grace of God that would keep him faithful
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Paul needed the grace of Christ to strengthen his inner man
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Galatians
He was thankful for the strength of Christ Jesus which came with the call
He was thankful that Christ Jesus counted him faithful to fulfill this call.
Paul understood it was Christ’s estimate of him that mattered not his own or that of others
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Acts 9:
Christ Jesus calls us knowing exactly who we are
And he brought him to Jesus.
Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
John 1:
I’s Christ’s estimate of us that counts. It’s not what we think about ourself or others so much that is important but what does Jesus Christ think of us
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Acts 9:
Paul also understood it was the grace of God that keeps us humble. While God considers us faithful without His grace we will falter
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
He was thankful that Christ counted him faithful to fulfill the call
A ministry Christ Jesus chose for him to fulfill
A ministry Jesus chose for him
Paul was thankful that Christ Jesus chose him for this ministry
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
Paul is thankful for the mercy and grace of God 1 Timothy 1:13-14
Paul is thankful for the mercy and grace of God 1 Timothy 1:13-14
It was by His grace that Paul was overflowed with faith and love -sanctifcation
It was Christ Jesus that put Paul into his place of service
Because Christ Jesus
A place to serve chosen by Christ Jesus our Lord
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
Without salvation Paul would not have been serving the Lord
He was thankful for the grace that produced faith and love
A grace and mercy experienced at his conversion and call
A grace and mercy bestowed by Christ Jesus our Lord
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
The grace of Jesus Christ will strengthen him to fulfill his ministry
Understanding the One who has appointed us for our place of service wil
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
Acts 9:5
Understanding the One who as appointed us is able and will keep His promises strengthens us
Christ Jesus chose his place of servive
A place Christ Jesus will strengthen him to do
Jesus Christ saw what Paul could become
Jesus Christ put him into his particular ministry
The glorious gospel produces a heart of gratitude for Christ Jesus our Lord
The glorious gospel converted the apo
His first encounter with the glorious gospel was through a man called, Stephen ;
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:57
His conversion and commission by the glorious gospel came on the road to Damascus
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Understanding His person
Grateful for Christ Jesus our Lord
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
Acts 9:
Understanding His work of grace in our life = who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful
Grace g
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
The glorious gospel puts us in a place of service chosen by Christ Jesus our Lord
The glorious gospel made him a new man
of grace brings the strength needed to serve Him
A grace and mercy that brings the strength needed to serve Him
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
We receive it with grateful hearts
We rely upon it in our service to the Lord
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord = He was grateful for Christ Jesus our Lord
Understanding the whole person of Jesus Christ
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
Understanding He is the reason for our gifts and ministry
Because He counted me faithful = He was grateful for Jesus Christ’s estimate of him
Jesus Christ views us differently then we view ourself
And he brought him to Jesus.
Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).
John 1:
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
John 1:47-
It’s what we think about ourself so much that is important but what does Jesus Christ think of us
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Acts 9:13-
He was grateful for the strength of Jesus Christ in his ministry
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Mercy forgave Paul of his opposition to the gospel
A conversion
Paul was grateful for the new life given to him by the glorious gospel
He was grateful for the enabling strength found in the gospel
Paul was proactive in his disdain for the gospel and the church
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
Paul’s personal description of himself before Jesus Christ
He was a blasphemer (words = John Stott)
To slander or revile
To speak evil
To be abusive
Acts
He was a persecutor (deeds = John Stott)
Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon 1377 διώκω
to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away. 2 to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after. 2A to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal. 2B to pursue (in a hostile manner). 3 in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
He was a insolent (violent or insulter) man (thoughts = John Stott)
Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon 5197 ὑβριστής
one who, uplifted with pride, either heaps insulting language upon others or does them some shameful act of wrong.
Paul was proactive in his disdain for the gospel and the church
It began with Stephen
Even though he believed the church was guilty of blasphemy just like the Pharisees, his heroes, believed Jesus was blaspheming God
He believed the church was guilty of blasphemy just like the Pharisees, his heroes, believed Jesus was blaspheming God
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
Acts 7:
Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him.
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”
And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.
Mark 1
It continued until his conversion
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.
“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Acts 22:
“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
“While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Acts 26:
Matthew 12:
Paul was pardoned because of his ignorant unbelief
His encounter with Jesus Christ revealed to him that was a blasphemer
An ignorant unbelief that was not the unpardonable sin
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Matthew 12:
An ignorant unbelief caused by his training in unbelief
And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.
Then he said: “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
“My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Acts 26:
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Romans 10:
An ignorant unbelief caused by his trust in the flesh
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:
He was a persecutor
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Acts 9:
Paul’s training by Pharisees contributed to h
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
“My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.
Acts 26:
And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.
Then he said: “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
Acts 22:
“My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Acts 26:
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Paul’s trust in his flesh blinded him to the spiritual truth’s of the gospel
though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:4
He was an insolent man (violently arrogant)
“My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Acts
With Paul’s own description of himself before Christ is a marvelous story of the work of mercy and grace. Just read his epistles
Paul was proactive in his disdain for the gospel and the church
although I was formerly a = Paul’s former life
And I thank
Paul was forever grateful for the Christ Jesus our Lord
Christ Jesus our Lord
Paul’s encounter with Jesus Christ opened his eyes to who he really was
Understanding the whole person of Jesus Christ
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
I was a blasphemer
Acts 9:5-6
I was a persecutor
I was a violently arrogant man
He was grateful for the free mercy of God provided by the gospel
He was grateful for the exceeding grace bestowed by the gospel
Paul had a heart of gratitude for the grace of God
Paul was pardoned for his ignorant unbelief
Grace flooded his life with faith and love
Paul is following up on his statement in
The New King James Version Chapter 1
according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
Paul was living example the glorious gospel’s power to redeem
Paul rejoiced in the glorious truth of the gospel
The glorious gospel can change anyone’s life
Paul a chief sinner
That is, grace ‘overflowed’ (NRSV) like a river in spate, which cannot be contained, but bursts its banks and carries everything before it, sweeping irresistibly on. What the river of grace brought with it, however, was not devastation but blessing, in particular the ‘faith’ and the ‘love’ to which Paul has already assigned a primacy (4, 5). ‘The Nile overflows; the crops abound. Grace overflowed, and faith and love sprang up.’ Grace flooded with faith a heart previously filled with unbelief, and flooded with love a heart previously polluted with hatred. It was, in the words of Bunyan’s autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners; he borrowed both parts of his title from verses 14 and 15.
The glorious gospel glorifies God
Paul’s chorus of praise
Stott, John. The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Stott, John. The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Paul’s testimony He was grateful for his salvation He was grateful for his ministryHe found his strength in the Lord JesusThe man Paul use to be - formerly Blasphemer Persecuter Violent manThe mercy of God was shown because his ignorance to the gospel and unbeliefHe experienced the abounding grace of God by receiving the faith and love found in Jesus Christ He gives a statement that is trustworthy and worthy of acceptance Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners Paul said he was the greatest sinnerHe was shown mercy as an example to others
Grace that came from the Lord
Grace that was poured out or overflowed
Grace that increased his faith in Christ Jesus and love for Christ Jesus
Paul shares a faithful saying to summarize the gospel
Paul shares a faithful saying to summarize the gospel
1 of 5 in the pastoral letters
A ‘concise summary of the gospel’ (John Stott)
A saying that was possibly found in a hymn or creed of the early church but now was given ‘apostolic endorsement’ (John Stott)
A saying that contains 4 truths
The truth of the saying can be trusted to be true
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
The truth of the saying is worthy of universal acceptance
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
The truth of the saying is the heart of the gospel
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
The truth of the saying is individually accepted
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
One cannot reflect on this faithful saying without remembering the story of Thomas Bilney, who was converted through it. Elected in 1520 a Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, ‘little Bilney’ (as he was called on account of his shortness of stature) was searching for peace but could not find it. ‘But at last’, he wrote, ‘I heard speak of Jesus, even then when the New Testament was first set forth by Erasmus … And at the first reading (as I well remember) I chanced upon this sentence of St. Paul (O most sweet and comfortable sentence to my soul!) in . “It is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be embraced, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am the chief and principal.” This one sentence, through God’s instruction and inward working, which I did not then perceive, did so exhilarate my heart, being before wounded with the guilt of my sins, and being almost in despair, that even immediately I seemed unto myself inwardly to feel a marvellous comfort and quietness, insomuch that “my bruised bones leaped for joy” (). After this, the Scripture began to be more pleasant unto me than the honey or the honey-comb …’
Stott, John. The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Stott, John. The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Stott, John. The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Ephesians 3
Stott, John. The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Paul explains one purpose for his own salvation
Paul explains one purpose for his own salvation
His salvation story was an example of the patience and power of the gospel
Jesus Christ is a merciful Savior
Jesus Christ is a patient Savior
His salvation story was an encouragement to others to come to the Savior
If Jesus Christ can redeem Paul I am not to difficult to redeem
If Jesus Christ can give eternal life to Paul He can and will give it to me
Paul bursts into praise over the grace and mercy of God he had personally experienced
Paul bursts into praise over the grace and mercy of God he had personally experienced
This was the God he was so desperately trying to please and honor before he met Jesus Christ. This was the God he thought would only accept him if he could keep the law blamelessly. But on the road to Damascus he discovered that this great King and God would only accept faith in Jesus Christ not his works. Faith alone would make him acceptable to the God he longed to please
Praise to the King
Who is eternal
Who is immortal
Who is invisible
Who is the only God
Praise to the immortal King
Praise to the invisible King
Praise God the only wiseone
Honor and glory to Him forever and ever Amen.
Paul was grateful for his own salvation
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Paul was thankful for his own salvation
Paul was faithful to his ministry because he believed in the call of God upon his life
Paul was confident the gospel could change anyone for he was a living example
Paul was filled with praise for the Lord for all of these things