An Apostle's Guide to the Gospel

Acts 17:2 NKJV

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Whenever you go on vacation, especially to a historical spot, it is very common to go on a tour. On this tour you want an expert in the field so that you can learn the most.

Paul is placing his tour hat on and guiding us right through the gospel.

I. The Person

God uses people as His tools to share the gospel. Why? Because it gives Him glory. Think of it like this. When someone finds an old beat up car abandoned in the middle of the woods, but is able to take it and restore it so that it is roadworthy and beautiful. That is a testament to the fact they are a great mechanic. When a doctor takes on the case that no one else can do and they successfully perform the surgery, that is a testament to the fact that they are a great doctor. When God takes a dead sinner. Someone who hates righteousness, holiness, and God himself. When He takes that person and transforms them into a new creation who loves God, loves holiness, and is free from hell that is a testament to the wonderful Savior that He is!

God uses people as His mouth piece for the message of the cross.

Romans 10:14 NKJV

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Who is this person though? Bill Gaither put it like this:

What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God

Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause

A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure

Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure

Paul has a little something to say about this as well.

a. A Salvation to Testify

Acts 17:2 (NKJV)

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Notice this name that we are presented with. “Paul”. This name carries a heavy weight behind it. It carries many years of ministry. It literally shows what the touch of God can do to a cold heart of stone. Before we learn of Paul we only know of Saul.

Acts 9:1–9 NKJV

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.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 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. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

This presents the message loud and clear. We have Saul. Killer of Christians. Hater of Christ. An expert in his field. This was just a normal day for the Hebrew of Hebrews. That was until God stepped in!

You see, Saul was about His business. His plan. His ideas. He wanted to fulfill his mission and was willing to do anything it took for it. That mission being, kill the Christians.

Yet, light begins to shine around Saul and a voice shouts, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

From that point forward Saul’s plans got changed. He got a new mission. A new ministry. A new name.

His plans changed when God got a hold of him. Have yours changed? Are you saved?

Ever since that day our friend Paul had something to say. If given the opportunity he would stand and proclaim how bad he his and how great Jesus is! Paul had a salvation to testify!

Do you? Allow me to point out that every major milestone in our life is known by everyone.

Everyone knew you before you were born!

Your birth

birthdays

marriage

kids

Why is it then that the greatest milestone of our life, of our eternity, is one that we keep quiet about? If you’re saved you are going to want to tell someone.

But not only does the person God uses have a salvation to testify, they have a stand to take

b. A Stand to Take

A saved person has to live in this world. Yet they are not comfortable in it.

A saved person will eventually run into a situation where they must take a stand.

A Christian will take a stand.

Co-worker saying “GD”. Would you use your mom’s name like that?

Now, this concept of being brave in adversity is nothing new. Yet, the context of what we are looking at provides a new perspective at this concept of serving God faithfully and taking a stand when needed. Look at wording of verses 1 and 2.

Verse 1: They Verse 2: Paul. We shift from the plural to the singular.

Paul, in this instance was not leading the charge on Paganism. He was standing firm in the fact that serving God is of the greatest importance. Our friend Paul is taking a stand in front of the Christians!

It is important to point out that in our modern society our war with sin has added a new front recently. In that, not only do we do battle with those who hate the name of Christ. We also battle with those who claim the name of Christ. Progressive Christianity. Prosperity Gospel.

But, even with that information the context does not fit. Paul was with faithful ministers of the gospel. This preacher party was battling one of the most fierce temptations that there is. Weariness. They were just plain tired. They were worn out.

As Paul and Silas traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they began to approach Thessalonica. They were definitely tired and were probably talking about taking a break at the next city. This is a reasonable idea, but then Paul sees this Jewish Synagogue and says, “We need to go in there.”

This is how I imagine the conversation going.

Silas: “Paul, we just cast out an evil spirit. We have gotten beaten. Thrown in jail. Saw the jailor get saved. They say they are going to let us go. You refused to go out of the prison unless the ones in charge came and told you to leave! We have traveled through two cities and we are at our third, and you want to go in that synagogue right now?

Paul: “Yeah. Whats the problem?”

Yet we are too tired to speak to someone after work. Paul did not want to take a break because he understood the simple, but sobering truth that a break could mean the difference in someone’s eternity. You are never on break from Christianity.

In light of that Paul stood firm and went by himself.

c. Someone to Talk To

Paul went to the Jewish people. His old hangout. Not to reminisce but to preach repentance.

Romans 9:1–3 NKJV

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,

Paul knew he couldn’t lose his salvation but knows that they can gain.

Paul went to them and said, “We were wrong.”

Go to the drunks and say “That drink isn’t worth it”

“ druggies “ “that high wont last”

“ gays “ “that love isn’t real”

“harlots” “that money isn’t worth it”

Everyone talks to someone and that person is worth sharing the gospel with!

II. The Practice

Acts 17:2 (NKJV)

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

We have all heard it. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect. That is not true, practice makes permanent.

If we are going to share the gospel we need to have a good practice.

a. Paul’s Custom

This journey begins with Paul acting according to his custom. The old question, “Are we creatures of habit?” yes! Absolutely. Paul is acting according to his custom which is his habit because it is his nature.

Paul’s ministry was exactly that. Ministry.

Why? It was his custom. What is yours? Are your habits godly? The questions stands, have you been born again?

b. Paul’s Coming

Let’s read what this does not say.

Paul sent someone. Paid a missionary. Hired an evangelist. Gave an offering. Taught Sunday School. Sent a text message.Paul went to them. No one is exempt from this, we are to go to the people!

In light of that lets look at one more thing regarding this practice.

c. Paul’s Consistency

This was not a one time thing. It was his life!

For three Sabbaths! This shows the power of God because a Christian was preaching in a synagogue for three straight weeks!

Paul was seeking to disciple people. Disciple ->tell->learn->know.

I dont know enough. Have you learned more? I get nervous. Have you prayed? I don’t want to go alone. Did you ask someone to go with you? These excuses will not stand before a Holy God!

III. The Preaching

Acts 17:2 (NKJV)

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Many times we shut our hears at the mention of this word. “Im not a preacher” We think of great preachers such as Adrian Rodgers and decide that we can’t do that.

We all have the message of the gospel to share. It is our duty to share it.

a. The Method used to Present

He reasoned with them. Greek word: Dialegomi-> dialouge. Paul had a conversation with these people.

Chances are you will not be presenting the gospel from a pulpit. It will be in this manner where you asked question, answer questions. Speak and listen to the other person.

This is difficult, but God has promised to be with us.

b. Magnitude of the People

There was no telling how many people were in that synagogue. Easy way to say anyone and everyone.

What should our witnessing goal be? Just one

Everyone!

c. Means used for Preaching

The scriptures

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Not a song. Not a t-shirt. Not your favorite quote from your favorite preacher. Scripture!

The Bible is a sharp sword that should be wielded boldly and proudly. Just make sure you know how to wield it.