Motivation For Christian Walk

Fear Of The Lord

Paul says because of the fear of the Lord he persuades men and is made manifest to God. Paul is saying that he knows that the Lord has called him to be a minister to the Gentiles. This is God’s calling on his life.

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen [g]instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16

Paul Understood that he must fulfill what God called him to do out of reverence for the Lord. He could not just choose to stop because things got difficult or people questioned his motives. He was called by God to take a message of salvation to a people group that had no hope without him. The Gentiles knew nothing of the one true God and his salvation. He was the catalyst that God chose to reach the Gentiles.

11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. 12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their [f]fulfillment be! 13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my [g]fellow countrymen and save some of them. Romans 11:11-14

Paul understood that God’s plan involved the salvation of the Gentiles for the purpose of redemption of Israel. God chose Paul to bless the Gentile nation which is ultimately going to turn the nation of Israel to Jesus.

Paul knew that his job was to persuade men that Jesus is the Son of God. He also persuaded them that Jesus was their Savior. His teachings revealed that all people fall short of the glory of God because of their sin. He also taught that Jesus is their Savior by what he did on the cross of Calvary.

Made Manifest to God and also to the conscience of the Corinthians.

Paul was a changed man because of the fear of God. He use to be a persecutor of the church. He was a murderer and an ungodly man. He maintained his propensity to sin, but the fear of God was a prohibited measure that prevented him from continuing the lifestyle he once lived.

He hoped that the change on his life was so apparent that his changed life would be reciprocated in their lives. He hoped that people would see what God had done in his life and give the people hope that he could do the same for them.

Application

The fear of God should motivate us to walk the Christian walk with a healthy reverence towards God. It should do it in three ways: Making disciples, sanctifying our lives, and serving as a testimony to others

First a fear of God should cause us to understand that making disciples is not optional but a command. When Jesus commissioned the disciples to go into all nations making disciples, he didn’t ask if the wanted to or if they thought they were gifted that way. He had an expectation that they would go make disciples all over the world. He has the same expectation for all believers.“21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21 We are called to make disciples with the life God has given us. By doing this we are continuing the mission of Christ. Which is to seek and save the lost and to reconcile a lost and dying world back to God.

Secondly, the fear of God should modify our behaviors. God has put forth principles and guidelines in his word for righteous and unrighteous living. We are to live righteously by adhering to the word of God. He has given us His Spirit to help us with this. Unfortunately, many people do not have a fear of God and will do whatever they want. As long as they don’t get caught, they think they will be alright. What they don’t realize is that God sees all things and holds people accountable for all things. There is no such thing as “getting away with it”. Others don’t believe that the consequences that come with sin are a reality.

Finally, Our fear of God should so radically change our lives that others will see that we are followers of Christ. When they do, in times of crisis, they will come to you and you will be able to share Christ with them!

Concern For the Church

Paul explains that he is not commending himself for the work that he did in Corinth, but that he is calling for the church to defend him. The people that he is referring to that take pride in appearances are the Pharisees. All the righteous things they did were to make the people think they were righteous. Paul points out that they were not sincere in their hearts regarding their relationship with God. They were more interested in holding their power and position over the people.

Paul did not operate this way. He wanted the church to defend him against the Pharisees attempt to discredit him. If the Pharisees could discredit Paul then they could discredit his message. If they discredited the message they would destroy the church. If they could destroy the church the could feasibly end the mission of Christ.

Application

There is a growing trend in America and around the world that stands against “organized religion”. They believe it to be too judgmental or intolerant, too old school and out of touch with modern culture, and not relevant in people’s lives. This is a lie from Satan that we see is very pervasive in our world.

I believe the chaos that we have in America and all over the world is because people have turned away from the church and Jesus Christ. As a result we are facing the consequences of our choices.

We must turn back to Christ and get back to His church. The Church also has to be more proactive in making a difference in the lives of people. We must stand for the Word of God and not fall to the pressure of the world to compromise.

If the world can call into question the motive of the church to be insincere, then they can discredit the gospel of the church. Let me give you an example: Just a short few years ago vocational ministry was a respected profession. Today it is seen as a profession that is dying and has no relevance any more.

Folks we need Godly people in vocational ministry! We need lay people actively living their faith among unbelievers! We need church members living their faith in action and not merely word.

Passion For the Truth

Paul says that if they are beside themselves it is for God, If they are of sound mind then it is for them. What Paul is saying is that the world thinks Paul is out of his mind because of his teaching. They believe he is a mad man.

While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” Acts 26:24

People of the world don’t understand Christ followers. They do things and think in much different ways. So much so that people may think that you are crazy.

Paul reminded the Corinthian Church that he was not crazy and they fully understood his teaching and what he was about. It was for their benefit.

Application

Christians are called to be different from the world. The world will call you crazy and try to show you to be a fool. However, a person that follows Jesus is not afraid to stand alone for the sake of Christ. Your demonstration of holding firm will be a blessing to someone else!

Gratitude For Christ

Paul recognizes the price that was paid for him. He had been saved to follow Christ. He did not have to face the lake of fire for all of eternity. The grace and mercy of God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ was a reality in his life and could be a reality in anyone’s life that trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Paul says that his love for Christ controls his life. Everything that he does he does for the glory of Christ. The decisions he makes, the suffering he endures, the long hours he puts in, the endurance of heartbreak of people in ministry, is worth his calling to pursue and follow Jesus.

Paul said that he could no longer live for himself, but only for the Lord.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 [s]But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know [t]which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy [u]in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Phil. 1:21-26

Paul lived for Christ who gave his life for him. He knew that even if it cost him his life, he would be with Jesus!

Application

How is your love for Christ? Does it it control you? Do you live for Him rather than yourself? Is He your Savior and Lord? He can be today!