Paul, The Power of the Pen, “So I write”
“The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17).
Paul was a writer. I don’t know what his literary past had been but I wonder if some of his success in apprehending, persecuting, and executing Christians was the result of his skills with the written word and persuasive argument. Whichever talents were used for wicked intent in the past, with his conversion came the zeal to use them all for the defense of the Gospel and to spread the Good News as far as possible. As a Christian, Paul is credited with writing thirteen of the twenty-seven New Testament books. He stated in the text that he wrote every epistle in his own handwriting. He mentions writing his own correspondence in the letter to Philemon, “I, Paul, am writing with my own hand” (Philemon 1:19). To the Galatians he boasted of writing large letters, “See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11). Some surmise that Paul wrote with large letters due to failing eyesight. Others suggest it had more to do with the length of his writings. Whatever the reason, believers today are blessed because of Paul’s passion for writing.
As Paul traveled, established churches, and developed disciples he stayed in contact with them through the written word. He wrote to individuals (Titus, Timothy, and Philemon) and these letters became the Pastoral Epistles. He wrote to seven different churches, twice to two of them, that make up the rest of the body of his writing. He wrote because he could not be there in person, “I write these things being absent,” and sometimes because he was angry, “lest being present I should use sharpness” (2 Corinthians 13:10). On other occasions he warned of their error, entreating them like dear children (1 Corinthians 4:14).
Paul’s writing carries the weight of Scriptural authority. As he sets the church at Corinth in order concerning spiritual gifts he declares that the things he writes are the commandments of the Lord and that the truly spiritual will acknowledge it! While at first reading this may sound a bit arrogant perhaps we must consider the condition of the Corinthian church. (See 1 Corinthians 14:36-40.) Paul was sincere in his love for the churches and honest in his writing. He defended his truthfulness to one church, “Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie” (Galatians 1:20). Later Peter affirms the writing of Paul’s epistles and categorizes them as “Scripture” to be received as the word of the Lord, “the wisdom given to him” (2 Peter 3:14-16).
Thank God for Paul’s passion for writing. Much of the Scripture’s direction for discipleship in the church flowed through his letters. The writing of Paul should be received with rejoicing. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #19
Paul, The Power of Timing
“Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).
Our ways are vastly different than God’s. We seldom see things the way God does. Have you ever questioned God? Have you ever asked, “God, why did you let this happen now?” His timing is always right; His ways are perfect!
From Paul’s perspective he had come along late in the day. Pentecost was past, the church was established, believers were being attracted, and miracles were being performed. In fact the church grew so fast that the religious order of the day was desperate to stop it. They approved persecution of these new followers of Jesus and labeled them with a term of derision – “Christians!” Paul (originally, Saul) was caught up in the religious zeal of stomping out this new movement before it contaminated even more of the masses.
After Paul’s conversion to Christianity he realized how blinded he had been to the genuine move of God in the earth. He often regretted his past life as a persecutor of Christians and did not consider himself worthy to be called an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9). From his writing it seemed that he felt he had come along late, “one born out of due time” (vs. 8). Perhaps he felt he was always playing “catch up” after his late, however spectacular, introduction to Jesus.
When he defended his apostleship to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9), distinguished himself from the false apostles (2 Corinthians 11), or magnified his ministry (Romans 11), it seemed he was always trying to compensate for a late start. He continually spoke of his inadequacies. Paul saw himself as the “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). “God has displayed us, the apostles, last” (1 Corinthians 4:9). He spoke of other apostles who “were in Christ before me” (Romans 16:7).
Even when he had to defend his calling he quickly followed by acknowledging the grace of God working through him to perform the work of the Lord, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Paul said, “For in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing” (2 Corinthians 12:11).
God’s purpose was fulfilled in Paul. A late arrival became an on-time blessing! He may have seemed to come on the scene late, but in God’s timing and purposes Paul was at the right place, at the right time. We must trust the master in our quest for discipleship. He will bring us where we need to be at the time we need to be there. There are no mistakes with God. He is never late. He is always right on time!
“Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).
Our ways are vastly different than God’s. We seldom see things the way God does. Have you ever questioned God? Have you ever asked, “God, why did you let this happen now?” His timing is always right; His ways are perfect!
From Paul’s perspective he had come along late in the day. Pentecost was past, the church was established, believers were being attracted, and miracles were being performed. In fact the church grew so fast that the religious order of the day was desperate to stop it. They approved persecution of these new followers of Jesus and labeled them with a term of derision – “Christians!” Paul (originally, Saul) was caught up in the religious zeal of stomping out this new movement before it contaminated even more of the masses.
After Paul’s conversion to Christianity he realized how blinded he had been to the genuine move of God in the earth. He often regretted his past life as a persecutor of Christians and did not consider himself worthy to be called an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9). From his writing it seemed that he felt he had come along late, “one born out of due time” (vs. 8). Perhaps he felt he was always playing “catch up” after his late, however spectacular, introduction to Jesus.
When he defended his apostleship to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9), distinguished himself from the false apostles (2 Corinthians 11), or magnified his ministry (Romans 11), it seemed he was always trying to compensate for a late start. He continually spoke of his inadequacies. Paul saw himself as the “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). “God has displayed us, the apostles, last” (1 Corinthians 4:9). He spoke of other apostles who “were in Christ before me” (Romans 16:7).
Even when he had to defend his calling he quickly followed by acknowledging the grace of God working through him to perform the work of the Lord, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Paul said, “For in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing” (2 Corinthians 12:11).
God’s purpose was fulfilled in Paul. A late arrival became an on-time blessing! He may have seemed to come on the scene late, but in God’s timing and purposes Paul was at the right place, at the right time. We must trust the master in our quest for discipleship. He will bring us where we need to be at the time we need to be there. There are no mistakes with God. He is never late. He is always right on time!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #18
Paul, The Power of Conversion
God seems to take pleasure in cracking the hard cases. Some of the most unlikely people to be converted in our view are challenged by the Gospel and changed by God’s grace. We are astounded when the impossible conversions take place before our eyes. Again, we are amazed by His grace!
Saul was one of the most unlikely to become a Christian. He was a well-trained Pharisee, a learned man of Scripture, and a zealous defender of the Jewish faith. In his view, the followers of Jesus were heretics, disciples of a rogue rabbi, a threat to long held beliefs of the Jewish people, and individuals who did not deserve to live. He saw his work as God’s work, his zeal as a godly passion and the performance of his duties as a religious cause.
Our introduction to Saul was at an execution. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was being stoned to death by the angry crowd who heard him speak before the council. Saul stood over the coats of those who were casting the stones and emotionally participated in the murder of an innocent preacher. The Saul who left the killing of Stephen was a more determined and callous man. It was almost like the scent of blood invigorated his passion like a shark in the water. He collected evidence against Christians, obtained warrants for their arrest and permission for their destruction. He planned to export his persecution to Damascus. Scripture said that he was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples” (Acts 9:1).
In the process of Saul’s journey to Damascus, he encountered something he had never before experienced. It was a spiritual confrontation, a dramatic vision of God. A blinding light struck him down on the road to Damascus. Words came to him, speaking truth to his heart, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” With amazement Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Imagine the shock when he heard the surprising response, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:4-5).
Saul’s world was radically changed. From that moment he became one of the most passionate Christians ever. The passionate persecutor becomes the powerful preacher. The righteous Pharisee becomes a radical Pentecostal. Saul, the ambassador of persecution, becomes Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.
Having experienced such great grace, he writes to churches and individuals of the power of the Gospel to change lives. He boldly declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). On several occasions he was able to share the story of his conversion. He believed what Jesus had done for him was available to anyone who would believe!
The testimony of conversion is one of the most powerful witnesses of the power of God. Eye witnesses and first hand experience is the best testimony of what God is able to do in a life filled with sin. A leader who has experienced grace in his conversion can lead others to experience it too.
God seems to take pleasure in cracking the hard cases. Some of the most unlikely people to be converted in our view are challenged by the Gospel and changed by God’s grace. We are astounded when the impossible conversions take place before our eyes. Again, we are amazed by His grace!
Saul was one of the most unlikely to become a Christian. He was a well-trained Pharisee, a learned man of Scripture, and a zealous defender of the Jewish faith. In his view, the followers of Jesus were heretics, disciples of a rogue rabbi, a threat to long held beliefs of the Jewish people, and individuals who did not deserve to live. He saw his work as God’s work, his zeal as a godly passion and the performance of his duties as a religious cause.
Our introduction to Saul was at an execution. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was being stoned to death by the angry crowd who heard him speak before the council. Saul stood over the coats of those who were casting the stones and emotionally participated in the murder of an innocent preacher. The Saul who left the killing of Stephen was a more determined and callous man. It was almost like the scent of blood invigorated his passion like a shark in the water. He collected evidence against Christians, obtained warrants for their arrest and permission for their destruction. He planned to export his persecution to Damascus. Scripture said that he was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples” (Acts 9:1).
In the process of Saul’s journey to Damascus, he encountered something he had never before experienced. It was a spiritual confrontation, a dramatic vision of God. A blinding light struck him down on the road to Damascus. Words came to him, speaking truth to his heart, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” With amazement Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Imagine the shock when he heard the surprising response, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:4-5).
Saul’s world was radically changed. From that moment he became one of the most passionate Christians ever. The passionate persecutor becomes the powerful preacher. The righteous Pharisee becomes a radical Pentecostal. Saul, the ambassador of persecution, becomes Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.
Having experienced such great grace, he writes to churches and individuals of the power of the Gospel to change lives. He boldly declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). On several occasions he was able to share the story of his conversion. He believed what Jesus had done for him was available to anyone who would believe!
The testimony of conversion is one of the most powerful witnesses of the power of God. Eye witnesses and first hand experience is the best testimony of what God is able to do in a life filled with sin. A leader who has experienced grace in his conversion can lead others to experience it too.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #17
Silas, The Power of Praise
Silas was one of the “leading men” in the Jerusalem church. He was a prophet who was selected by the apostles and elders to travel to Antioch after the first council meeting in Jerusalem concerning the Gentiles in the church. After this initial assignment Silas felt the need to stay in Antioch and continue the work of ministry in that city. The scripture doesn’t say how long this was, but eventually Paul prepared to visit the various churches he had previously established. He planned to take Barnabas but they had a disagreement over John Mark and Paul asked Silas to accompany him on this missionary journey.
Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi in Macedonia where great conversions were taking place. In the midst of revival a demon-possessed woman began to proclaim “These are men of God, hear him!” She continued following them around for several days broadcasting their credentials. Finally, Paul wearied with the spirit’s annoyance and rebuked the spirit within her. Immediately she was delivered of the evil spirit that had previously enabled her to tell fortunes. Those who profited from her fortune-telling were incensed that she was no longer able to predict events and enable their profiteering. In anger they apprehended Paul and Silas, bringing charges against them and had them beaten with rods and imprisoned.
What is most ironic in this situation is that Paul and Silas were being persecuted for doing good. Instead of people rejoicing over demonic deliverance they were angered. Instead of being rewarded for helping others, the preachers were imprisoned. Rather than being applauded, they were beaten. Where they deserved to be rewarded for their good, they were bound and placed in stocks.
The response of Paul and Silas was most remarkable. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves and despairing in their situation, they began to sing songs of praise and magnify God. While they rejoiced in the midst of trouble God answered with a powerful presence. The earth quaked and the prisoners were released. When these disciples sang in prison they praised themselves into freedom. Not only were they released but all the prisoners who heard them were freed. The leader who learns to worship in times of trouble will experience personal freedom and witness deliverance in the lives of others.
Silas was one of the “leading men” in the Jerusalem church. He was a prophet who was selected by the apostles and elders to travel to Antioch after the first council meeting in Jerusalem concerning the Gentiles in the church. After this initial assignment Silas felt the need to stay in Antioch and continue the work of ministry in that city. The scripture doesn’t say how long this was, but eventually Paul prepared to visit the various churches he had previously established. He planned to take Barnabas but they had a disagreement over John Mark and Paul asked Silas to accompany him on this missionary journey.
Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi in Macedonia where great conversions were taking place. In the midst of revival a demon-possessed woman began to proclaim “These are men of God, hear him!” She continued following them around for several days broadcasting their credentials. Finally, Paul wearied with the spirit’s annoyance and rebuked the spirit within her. Immediately she was delivered of the evil spirit that had previously enabled her to tell fortunes. Those who profited from her fortune-telling were incensed that she was no longer able to predict events and enable their profiteering. In anger they apprehended Paul and Silas, bringing charges against them and had them beaten with rods and imprisoned.
What is most ironic in this situation is that Paul and Silas were being persecuted for doing good. Instead of people rejoicing over demonic deliverance they were angered. Instead of being rewarded for helping others, the preachers were imprisoned. Rather than being applauded, they were beaten. Where they deserved to be rewarded for their good, they were bound and placed in stocks.
The response of Paul and Silas was most remarkable. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves and despairing in their situation, they began to sing songs of praise and magnify God. While they rejoiced in the midst of trouble God answered with a powerful presence. The earth quaked and the prisoners were released. When these disciples sang in prison they praised themselves into freedom. Not only were they released but all the prisoners who heard them were freed. The leader who learns to worship in times of trouble will experience personal freedom and witness deliverance in the lives of others.
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