April 17, 2006
Paul’s Testimony
Introduction:
I dreaded oral exams in high school. I was always afraid the teacher would ask me the wrong question. Humiliation was sure to follow. Nevertheless, I was able to bluff my way through with vague answers more times then I care to admit.
Sometimes we are the same way with witnessing. What if someone asks us the wrong question – one we’re not prepared to answer like: Why do you believe in creation when evolution seems to make sense? How can you believe in the resurrection of Jesus, when it seems so absurd? What makes you think the Bible is the only word of God?
Bluffing our way through with vague answers won’t work when it comes to witnessing for the Lord. Peter wrote: but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (I Peter 3:15) Here the word “sanctify” means to revere and to give authority to God in our hearts. We need to study His word and commit ourselves to the truth. Then, the Holy Spirit enables to give the correct answers to tough questions. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you (Matthew 10:19-20).
Core of the Lesson:
Paul considered it a privilege to give his testimony to everyone everywhere. In chapter 22, Luke recorded for the second time Paul’s conversion experience as told by Paul himself. Whenever God repeats Himself, He expects us to sit up and listen.
O God can and will use anyone that He desires to complete His plan
O Paul was not seeking the truth. He thought he already knew the truth and he was zealous in the cause he fought for (see verse3)
O Although the others saw the Light, Paul was the only one it blinded. Luke never mentions how many men accompanied Paul. Neither does Luke mention how the experience effected the others. Perhaps, Paul was so zealous that he needed sterner correction than his companions did. We do know that God had a special mission for Paul
O God does whatever is necessary in our lives, as He did in Paul’s life, to move us toward His desired end
O Paul’s companions heard the voice of God, but did not perceive it. Scripture tells us that God’s voice sounds like thunder (John 12:29, 2 Samuel 22:14, Job 37:4,5; 40:9). We can relate it to being in one room and hearing someone talk in another room. We are aware that someone spoke, but we are unable to comprehend the words
O Ananias was a devout man and had a good reputation with the Jews as well as with the believers. It is important to be the same to all people
O Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ usually does not win popularity contests.
Few wanted to hear about Jesus and fewer still wanted to know Him. The majority of people preferred to hear about love, peace, and joy. However when Paul spoke of the reality of Jesus Christ, his audience began to squirm. They stood convicted. In that state of mind, destruction of the one who made them feel uncomfortable seemed reasonable. Hoping to rid themselves of the quilt, they lashed out at the messenger not realizing that the Lord Jesus convicted them not Paul.
Conclusion and Challenge:
Although we would never consider stoning someone for preaching something that makes us feel guilty, we do cast verbal bullets in their direction. Like the Jews and Gentiles of Paul’s day, we don’t want to face the ugliness of our sin. Ignoring it seems like the easiest remedy. When that fails, rationalization creeps in. Thus, professors teach that homosexuality stems from an extra “Y” chromosome, alcoholism sprouts from a chemical imbalance, and murder shoots up from a genetic disorder. Therefore, nothing is our fault. We were simply born that way with no possibility of change.
The Bible says we were born with a sinful nature. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; as so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Romans 5:12). We are without excuse and cannot become righteous in God’s eyes through our own efforts. Nevertheless, God provided the only true remedy – Jesus Christ – the Second Adam. In Him rests the cure for all our sin-birth defects. We can rationalize all we want; but, until we face the Truth and accept His as our cure, we will continue in our sin. The fact remains, we are sinners; we have a free will to choose our sin or to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
Prayer Requests:
Melinda & Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis and husband, Barb, J.J., Nora, Ann, Trinity, Wyatt, Johanna, Irene, Enos, Jace, Sam, Joe, Mona, Emma, Samantha, Ray, Wyoming Ave. Baptist Church, April, Doreen, Mary, Donna, Pat, Homer, salvation for unsaved, offenses received from fellow “Soldiers,” our Monday Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Jace, a thirteen-year-old who recently had surgery to remove a tumor between his eyes, is recovering. The doctors are very please at the results of his surgery and were able to do far more than they thought they’d be able to do. We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Read Acts 23. Paul’s Trials Begin
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. Sounds hopeless and unfair, but God in His infinite wisdom and abundant love has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.