Life of Paul Part 1.
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
1. How does knowing who Paul was help us as Christians?
1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
A. Knowing an apostle of Christ was not perfect helps us with our walk.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
1. If Paul sinned and was forgiven we can be as well.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
1 Tim 1:12-
A. If we desire to be forgiven like he was we must do the things he did.
1 Cor.
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.
B. It can encourage us.
1. We can see his good attributes in our life and be ensured they are good.
2. His life can encourage us to change as he did?
3. We can be encouraged by his faith in God to keep his promises.
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
C. It helps us to see that no matter who the person is they can be changed by the Word of God.
10 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.’
Body:
1. Who was Paul?—Before he became a Christian.
A. A Jew—Hebrew of Hebrews.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Phil 3.
Phil 3.3-
1. A pharisee concerning the law.
Phil 3.3-
6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
A. Educated at the feed of Gamaliel.
3 “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.
1. He was educated to be a leader in Israel.
2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
Matt 23.
A. To this end he was very zealous.
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
B. To this end he was very zealous toward God.
3 “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.
B. He made havoc of the church.
3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
C. He was a murder.
20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’
Acts 22
2. Who was Paul?—During his encounter with the LORD?
A. Afraid.
6 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.
B. Humbled and willing to follow instructions.
6 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.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Acts 9:
C. Willing to change everything he knew when he was proven wrong.
Acts 26.13-
13 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. 14 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.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
D. Willing to repent and walk away from what he knew when he was taught right.
6 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.”
E. Willing to be obedient to the truth.
1. He was told by Ananias to be baptised.
16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
ACts 22.16
2. He arose and was baptized.
18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Acts 9.
3. Who was Paul?—After he became a Christian.
A. He forgot the things that were behind.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
B. He reached forward.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
C. He pressed toward the goal.
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
D. He did not believe at any point that he had apprehended the goal.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
E. He trusted God.
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
2 Timothy
F. He understood the responsibility that had been entrusted to Him.
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
1 Cor 9:16
Conclusion:
1. Do we have the proper zeal in our life?
2. Do we understand the responsibility that has been entrusted to us?
3. If we are wrong are we willing to change? Even if it is how we were raised or if it is all we know?
4. Are we working hard to live how God would have us to live knowing what we were saved from?