The privilege of ministry

Paul had a keen sense of the grace of God in calling him to preach the gospel. It was his privilege to reveal the mystery and equip God’s people (Eph 3:8-9, 4:12). As such he sought to walk in a manner worthy of his calling so as not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:1, 30). Lord, revive in me the joy and privilege of ministry. Help me to carry out my calling in a way that makes you proud, gives me joy and benefits your people!

A reason for living

In Christ we have hope and worth. We have a hope of purpose in this life and reward in the next. We have worth in that we are God’s children; His inheritance for whom He has given His life (Eph 1:18). Hope and worth are critical emotional / spiritual needs for human beings. In recent years the Army’s suicide rate has been rising. Indeed, suicide has almost become a fad among young people. I’m convinced that people end their lives because they lack hope and worth. If you’re at the end of your rope and you just want to stop the pain, look to Jesus. In him your most critical needs are met. He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly! (Joh 10:10).

Calm in crisis

The soldiers and sailors on the ship that bore Paul to Rome were in such crisis that they barely ate. Their lives had been in peril from a storm for two weeks. Paul was the calming voice of faith in the midst of the storm. He encouraged them to eat and assured them that they would not die (Act 27:33-34). We have all been in crisis. Perhaps you’re in one now. What a comfort to know that God is in control of the situation. Nothing happens unless he allows it. You will not die until He ordains it. And for believers, that is not the worst thing that could happen, for “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21) In the worst of times, listen to the calming voice of faith. He holds you in the palm of his hand (Joh 10:28-29). Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Rom 8:38-39).

Leveraging the law

Paul, when he saw that he was in peril of being turned over to the Jews, appealed to Caesar (Act 25:11). He often leveraged his Roman citizenship to preserve his life and advance the gospel (Act 22:28, Act 16:37). Some might think it would have been more noble for Paul to conceal his identity and rely on God alone, but God builds us into who he needs including arranging our citizenship. Nehemiah relied on the king for protection and provision (Neh 2:7), while Ezra chose to rely on God alone (Ezra 8:22). There is no shame in leveraging the worldly powers for the sake of the heavenly kingdom. It is a matter of personal conviction and God’s leading.

Religion gone wrong

One way to know that your religion is rotten is when it becomes exclusive. The Jews tolerated Paul until he mentioned that God commissioned him to carry the message of the Messiah to the Gentiles (Act 24:21-22). They had become ingrown, insecure and paranoid. Anytime religion develops an “us versus them” mentality it’s in trouble, not only spiritually, but practically. How will a movement grow if other are excluded? As Christians, it’s important to protect the orthodoxy of the gospel but not be limiting it’s dissemination. People will abuse the message (Corinthians, Galatians), but that is a risk God is willing to take. Our job is to spread the good news freely without regard to nationality, race, religion, gender or social status (2Co 5:19). Jesus is for everyone!

Simple message, lifetime of application

Paul had one message with three points: Repent, turn to God, have faith in Jesus (Act 20:21). That is simply stated but applied with great difficulty. We must overcome our natural tendency to rationalize and justify our sin and acknowledge our need for forgiveness. We must turn to God and away from the world, the flesh and the devil which constantly woo us with strong appeal and clever strategies. We must learn to trust Jesus as we follow his example of holiness, service and suffering. As a shepherd and guardian of the flock, I must continually emphasize this message in His blood-bought church (Acts 20:28).

The cure for immaturity

Paul grieved when his “children” wandered from the truth (2Co 11:4). He preached and prayed and served and sacrificed, but the more he loved, the less he was loved in return (2Co 12:15). We have all experienced this with our children or with someone we tried to help. The problem with children is that they are immature. It takes time and pain to grow up. Though it breaks a parent’s (or pastor’s) heart to see his children experience pain, it is part of the maturing process (2Co 13:9, 11). It is unavoidable. Don’t be surprised by suffering. Don’t let resistance dampen your faith. Don’t let it deter you from devotion to Christ.