10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Cor was written by Paul. He planted a local church at Corinth during his 2nd missionary journey. At this time, he is at Ephesus during his 3rd missionary journey. He heard a bad report about Corinth. From whom did he hear the report? From the servant of Chloe.
v. 11
“My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. “
Maybe Chloe was a rich business woman living in Ephesus or Corinth with her servants handling business between Ephesus and Corinth. Anyway, what is clear is that these first-hand observers told Paul what was happening at Corinth.
Paul wrote this letter to help them with their problems.
Problem #1: Disunity, division
In church history, division has always been a problem among the people of God. In this case, it was quarreling over who they “follow”. Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ? (v. 12)
v. 12
“What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.””
This caused a big division and disunity among them. Why? Actually, Paul, Apollos, and Peter (Cephas) had nothing to do with these divisions. They didn’t try to make their own fan clubs, but they focused on Christ in their messages. So, why was there division? It was a human, personal thing.
Paul founded the church there, and was the missionary to the Gentiles. Perhaps he attracted the Gentile believers.
Apollos was an eloquent and famous speaker who had once had a famous ministry at Corinth. At that time, oratory eloquence was highly valued. He likely attracted highly educated and philosophical believers.
Peter (Cephas) was a Jew of Jews, the main minister for the Jewish people. He was the leader of the first 12 apostles. He likely attracted the Jewish people, especially those who doubted Paul’s apostleship.
Christ – maybe we also decide to follow “Christ only” and not human leaders.
This disunity makes the church powerless and weak. Disunity, fighting with each other, these things make our enemy Satan happy. Satan is a spirit of disunity. In Genesis, Satan brought disunity between God and man, man and man, man and Creation. Even today he is bringing disunity into our churches, homes, workplaces, countries. So we must be in prayer all the time for these things.
The Holy Spirit, however, is a spirit of unity.
Eph “Make every effort to keep the unity in the bond of peace. There is one Lord, one baptism, one Spirit, one Father of all – who is above all and in all and through all.”
Eph 2:14 “Jesus has made the two one and broken the barrier of disunity.”
Gal 3:28 “There is no Greek nor Jew, no slave nor free, no male nor female, but all are equal in Christ.”
Even today Jesus is praying for our unity. “Make them one as we are one.”
v. 10
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
Paul does not command them by his authority, but approaches them in a kind, appealing manner. This means Jesus is the answer, the solution. Only Jesus brings unity.
Gal 3:28 “There is no slave nor free… We are all one in Jesus Christ.”
What does this mean? Unity does not mean uniformity. We are not all the same in our culture, background, interests, color, favorite foods, etc. We can enjoy variety – like the colors of a rainbow. It is beautiful because it has many different colors, but the colors are all united. If these colors are separated, there is no longer a rainbow.
We should be united. How? In what way should we be made one? At least there are Three areas in which we must be united.
God bless us with holy, spiritual unity.
#1 Identity
Our sense of belonging to one family.
Yes, this is our second time in 1 Cor. In the first time, we recognized that we are a church, we are saints, we are one in Christ. This is our identity – we are ONE family, united in Christ. We belong to one family.
In v. 10, 11, Paul addresses us as “brothers [and sisters].” It means, we all Christians are part of God’s family. We share unity that runs even deeper than blood brothers and sisters. The Kingdom of God is organized as a family system.
God, the Son, the Spirit are three separate entities, but organized as ONE family system.
God = Father
Jesus = Son
Holy Spirit = Helper
Romans “Those God foreknew he also predestined to become conformed to the likeness of Christ so that he might become the first brother…”
We are one in one family. This is our real, eternal identity.
#2 Faith doctrine
What do you believe in your heart?
If you are Christian, you have a faith doctrine. This is called “christology”. The doctrine of salvation is called “soltariology.”
v. 13
“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?”
Everyone knows the answers to these questions. Paul uses rhetorical questions to make what is known crystal clear. It is very simple. Even baby Christians know this. Who died for you? Paul? No. Apollos? No. Peter? No. Only Christ. Who can save us, who can give us real freedom, who can give us deliverance from hell, who can give us real peace and joy, who can give us eternal life? Absolutely, finally, Jesus.
We are one in this faith doctrine of Jesus Christ.
Yes, even I agree that Paul, Apollos, and Peter are greater men than me. I honor them, but they are the same in that they were humans, sinners, and need forgiveness, and salvation. For them, Jesus Christ died.
Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else. There is no other name given to men under heaven by which we must be saved.”
We are one in the doctrine of Christ.
#3 Priority Mission
This is practically important.
If we are Christians, we all have a mission. Check what you mission is.
A “mission” is a task given to you by God. It is not something you choose for yourself, but something given to you by God because we are servants of God. Check all the time what is your priority #1 mission.
Sometimes you feel tired, bored? Ask and check, what is your mission?
We are different in many areas – our tastes, favorite colors, height, weight, etc. We are individual people, but we must be ONE in our priority #1 mission. We can be different in our talents and gifts, but we are ONE in our priority #1 mission. What is it?
v. 10
“…perfectly united in mind and thought.” (in purpose – #1 mission)
What is it?
v. 14-17
“14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
Do not misunderstand this story, but we should understand the background of this story.
Paul is not minimizing the importance of baptism. Yes, we are baptized in the name of Christ.
But what IS important in baptism is that we are baptized INTO one family.
But the Corinthian church misunderstood. Some said, “Paul baptized me.” Others, “No, Peter did me – he’s better.” Others, “Apollos did me – he’s the best.”
It does not matter by which pastor you were baptized. Billy Graham? Pastor Park? It does not matter. We were baptized by one faith into one family.
This also involves the Great Commission of Christ. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality – trusting in Christ as your personal Savior. So, by baptism, we publicly declare our faith in Christ to this world. So, baptism is a unifying factor in the church.
v. 17 (final answer – priority #1 mission)
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
“Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”
Paul is not minimizing the importance of baptism. Yes, it is important, but our primary mission is to preach the gospel.
No matter how important baptism is, preaching the gospel must be first. Baptism cannot substitute for preaching the gospel.
In our daily lives, remember, no matter how important a thing you do, not preaching the gospel cannot be justified by doing that very important thing.
In 1 Cor later, Paul says, “When preaching the gospel I cannot boast because I am compelled to do so. Woe to me if I do not preach…” He doesn’t say, “Woe to me if I don’t baptize.” Rather, “Woe to me if I don’t preach.”
We are one in:
Identity
Doctrine
Mission
God bless us to be united in Christ.
God bless you.
Let’s pray.
Jun 14 / 2020
Comments Off on The Introduction to 1 Corinthians (1:1-9)
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way–in all your speaking and in all your knowledge– 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
From today we will study 1 Corinthians. God bless us with this new book.
The main agenda = how can we Christians live a Christian life in a non-Christian society: “The application of Christian principles to worldliness.”
The practical message: “Be wise: be a person of wisdom.”
Christ is the answer: 1:30 “Jesus Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption.”
God bless us with this new book.
This book is written in the style of a letter to the church at Corinth. So, let us see the introduction.
At that time, Corinth was the most important city in Greece, it linked north and south Greece with two ports. So, it played a very important role politically, socially, religiously, commercially. At that time, so many men and women, slaves, business people came in and out. So the standards of morals were very low – homosexuality and prostitution abounded. It was filled with all kinds of sin, and many kinds of philosophies where people spread their own speculations and conspiracies. In such a place, a church was built. But how?
Paul planted a church there in the last part of his second missionary journey. He came here and worked for more than 1.5 years. As the fruit of his mission work, he planted a church at Corinth.
So, why did he write a letter? A few years after his departure, he heard a bad report about the church he established because it was challenged by the worldly culture.
It is thought that Paul wrote to the church four times:
(5:9 “I have written to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people” – this means he had written to them previously, but the letter was lost).
Also in AD 55 or 56, he wrote a second letter, which we call today “1 Corinthians” – after that, he most likely visited Corinth, but during his visitation was challenged about his authority of his apostleship.
This was a “painful visitation” and afterward he wrote a third letter – which was lost.
Later, he wrote a fourth letter to the Corinthian church which we have in the Bible today, called “2 Corinthians.”
These books are still very relevant today. Some may ask: how are they relevant? We are separated by time and culture.
But “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword…” Timothy 4:12
As we know, even today, most of the problems the Corinthian church had at that time, are still present with us today. Yet, even though they had those problems, we have here some of the most beautiful passages in the whole Bible:
chp 13: Love
chp 15: Resurrection
v. 1
“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,”
Paul was his Roman name – after he became a Christian and became a missionary to the Gentiles, he used his Roman name (Paul) rather than his Jewish name (Saul) so that he could link himself to those to whom God had sent him.
We know that he wrote at least 13 books in the NT, and here he introduces “Sosthenes” – perhaps Paul’s secretary (he was the minister in the church during his second missionary journey – at one time, the people attacked both Paul and Sosthenes – so he was well-known to the members of that church).
v. 2-3
“To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy [KJV = “called to be saints”], together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Every local church has two addresses: geographic location + heavenly address
This church:
Geographic: in Corinth
Heavenly: in Christ
Even AICF:
Geo: In Jeonju
Heavenly: In Christ
This does not say, “Church of Corinth” but rather “Church of God IN Corinth.”
The word “ecclesia” in Greek means “called out people” and is the name for “church.” “Called” is one of the keywords.
Biblically, church is: “An assembly of people called out of this world by God to be holy and sanctified, and then sent again by God into the world to help save the world.”
So, a man of God, in the church, has been called by God already and sanctified. Yes, we know that men (people) have many problems and sins, but Paul calls them FIRST “saints” and “sanctified.” Rather than focusing on sin first, he encourages first and reminds them (and us) of their HIGH position.
What kind of encouragement was this? Identity encouragement – positional truth – “you are saints and sanctified.”
Also, today, we are saints and sanctified. If you are Christian, this is what you are today.
Before, they called dead people who lived biblically a “saint” but actually EVERY true believer is already a “saint” because they’ve been sanctified and set apart by God. We’ve already received the truest blessing of God, and have been set apart. Believe you are a saint.
But, we must remember that this is not of our own power, but only by Christ’s power and what he’s done for us.
Our identity as saints and sanctified is not based on our own achievement and performance, but based on the work of Christ, his death and resurrection.
So, our identity is sure, very safe. It was given to us by someone else (Jesus Christ) so the basic meaning of “saint” and “sanctified” = “separation” / “difference.”
This separation / difference is not to be marked by withdrawing from ordinary life, but rather it must be displayed as a difference in an ordinary life.
Also, we must know that to be a Christian is to accept Christ, to live for him, and be ready to die for him. Are you Christian? Let me repeat:
Be a man / woman for whom Christ died, know it, accept it, accept him as Lord, live your whole life for Christ, even prepare to die for Christ.
This is the definition of Christian. God bless us all to be real Christians. “I’m a saint.”
Also, this letter is a difficult letter. It had to deal with difficult problems and difficult situations. In these difficult situations, Paul’s first focus and consideration was Jesus Christ. This is an amazing principle we can apply in our real lives.
In the 9 verses we read today, the name “Jesus” or “Christ” or “him” is repeated 10 times. He is in EVERY sentence as a keyword.
called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus
to those sanctified in Christ Jesus …. who call on the the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Grace and peace to you from … Jesus Christ
…his grace given you in Christ
in him you have been enriched…
our testimony about Christ
you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ
He will keep you strong to the end… on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (remember this verse)
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord…
In our application, what can we learn from these truths?
When we deal with any matter in our lives, in any area, when we try to deal with difficult situations or problems, we may use human laws, info, counseling, wisdom, Internet surfing. This is not bad, BUT if we are really saved, whenever we try to deal with any kind of difficult situation, the FIRST thing we must do is to focus on Jesus Christ and meditate on what he has done for me, and meditate, and pray. We must approach the throne of God through prayer.
Yes, the current situation in the Corinthian church is NOT GOOD, but verse 8-9 say “he will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, God, … is faithful.”
Yes, maybe we are immature and imperfect still. We still struggle, have hardships and failures, but these things are NOT the whole picture of our lives. FINALLY, we will be blameless because of what Jesus has done for us through his death and resurrection.
“God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.”
Another keyword in this passage: “called.” Somyong in Korean – a calling to salvation, and also a calling to service.
The standard greeting of all Paul’s letters are “grace and peace.”
Grace = God’s undeserved kindness, free gift of grace and kindness in Christ. In Greek, grace is charisma.
“Those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus so that he may be the first born of many brothers.”
Romans 8 “Those he called, he justified, he sanctified, he glorified. What can we say, if God is for me, who can be against me?”
v. 8
“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thes 3:13 is almost the same. “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
He will do it.
He will do it.
He will do it.
Let’s pray.
Apr 19 / 2020
Comments Off on We are Spiritual Marathoners (Hebrews 12:12-15)
Send to: NongHyup bank 351-0158-2802-13 Song Ki-Joong
We are Spiritual Marathoners
Hebrews 12:12-15 (Pastor Heo)
“12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Warning Against Refusing God
14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
We are in Hebrews. Chp 12 starts as we studied a few weeks ago. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders…Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”
“Let us run the race…”
We can say that the Christian life in this world is like a spiritual marathon. Do you know about marathons? We know about physical marathons. They are 42.195km. This is a LONG distance. We know how difficult it is to finish this full course well. So, since we know how difficult it is to finish well, when they do finish well, they are filled with a big smile.
Like this, when we finish this race set before us well, we also will be very happy and satisfied.
2 Tim “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, and there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, that the Lord will award to me and to all who have longed for his second appearance.”
Remember, the Christian life is a marathon. God bless us to finish the race well.
v. 12-13
“12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
God is our coach, pushing us beyond our limits.
Yet, difficult times should not cause us to fear, but we are not to be satisfied with only self-survival in mind. We must be good to others to follow Christ very well. We must run tough and hard, very well. We must not choose the easy way for ourselves, but make an easier way for others to believe in Christ – by becoming good examples.
As we know, in every Christian community and society, there are some who are weaker, likely to go astray and abandon the struggle. So it is up to us to put fresh vigor into weak arms and fresh strength into failing feet.
One of life’s greatest privileges is to become an encourager to one who is in despair and a strengthener of one whose strength is failing.
As Christians, we have double-duty – before God and before man. Make your way straight in the sight of men, and God, then we will find favor before God and men. We must have a pure heart before God and an upright life before man. We are long-distance runners in this world.
So, let us run rough and tough together.
1 Peter 2:21 “To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in his steps.”
If we want to become a good example for others, we need discipline, and suffering. We must run hard and run together as co-marathoners in this world.
v. 14
“Make every effort [do your best] to live in peace with all men [even your enemies] and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
This means, without holiness we cannot be saved. Let us run rough and tough and run after peace and holiness. In our marathon, all the time, we must run after peace and holiness.
Peace
Peace is not negative in the Bible – it is intensely positive. God bless us with his peace.
Peace = everything that is made for man’s highest good and happiness (i.e. to be found in obedience to God), also right relationships between God and man, and man and man. Hatred is no more and each person pursues his neighbor’s good.
We must pursue peace with all people in this world. We must have peaceful relationships with our unbelieving relatives and neighbors, our enemies, and people in the church.
Yet, in this imperfect world, we know it is impossible for all men to live together in peace – but we must DO OUR BEST.
Romans “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men.”
Romans 14 “Let us do all we can to bring peace and mutual edification.”
Romans 5 “Therefore, we have been justified, so we have peace with God.”
How is this possible? Only through Christ.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons and daughters of God.”
2 Cor “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come.” If you memorize this, you must also memorize the next verse. 18 “All this is from God who reconciled himself to us and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
This means we have been given the ministry of reconciliation – to reconcile people to God and reconcile with other men. We are to be kind, thoughtful, considerate, to help others, pray for others, even for our enemies – even those who hate us.
But the best way to make peace between God and man and man and man: To preach the gospel – the “good news of great joy for all the people.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus is the author of our peace and the source of our peace. That’s why long ago, before he came, it was prophesied, “He will be called Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah) and in Eph “He himself is our peace.” Only real peace can be found in Jesus Christ.
Holiness
We must be holy. What is the meaning? It is literally: different and separated.
“Holiness” applied to God = his moral perfection and the fact that he is totally separated from all humanity and all creation.
“Holiness” applied to us = set apart, consecrated, set aside for a purpose.
Remember, the world’s standards are not our standards.
Romans 12 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Our actions, thoughts, concerns, purpose. Our final goal is different.
“Without holiness, no one can see God” because sin always blocks our vision of God. If we want to see God, we must renounce sin and obey God.
Important: We are made holy once for all by the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are perceived as holy by what Jesus has done for us on the cross and we are called “saints” which means “holy ones.”
But in a practical way, “holiness” means “honoring God in how we treat others” – neighbors, husband, wife, spouse, employees, children, parents, co-workers, and how we run our business, how we behave at work, etc. Holiness causes us to behave differently from unbelievers.
Yes, we must do our best to live at peace with everyone, but at the same time, we must be different (set apart) from the world.
1 John 3:2 “Yes, dear friends, we are now children of God. If we are, though what we will be has not been made know now, yet when he appears we shall be made like him and we shall see him as he really is.” This is the fulfillment of holiness when we finish our marathon course.
This is why we run after peace and holiness.
Finally, we need his grace. Without it, we cannot finish this race well. His grace is essential for us to continue our race and finish very well.
v. 15
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
We must run in the grace of God.
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God” means that it is possible to miss it. Remember, the grace of God does not fail, but we can fail to depend on his grace. The grace of God brings us the opportunity / chance to make our lives what they are meant to be. But we can miss that chance because of our sin, ignorance, laziness, procrastination, and pride. So, against that, we must be on watch in spiritual visions.
Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased, the grace of God increased all the more.” What does this mean? We should not misunderstand this sentence. It does not mean that we should sin more to experience more grace, rather it means that the more we realize HOW MUCH we need his grace, the more we realize HOW GREAT his grace is.
“It is by grace that you are saved by faith. It is not of yourselves, but is the gift of God so that no one can boast.”
Romans 5:2 “Through Jesus Christ, we have gained access into this grace in which we now stand.”
James 4:6 “God gives us more grace, greater grace, but he rejects the proud, but gives more grace to the humble.”
For our daily needs, there is daily grace. For sudden needs, there is sudden grace. For overwhelming needs, there is overwhelming grace. His grace is always available to us.
“Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Remember, his grace is always very near us, but we must be spiritually vigilant to appreciate and enjoy this grace.
Yes, the Christian life is like a marathon. So let us run hard, but let us also run together. Let us run toward peace and holiness. And let us run focusing our eyes on Jesus Christ – only he is the author and perfecter of our faith and he is the final goal of our faith.
God bless you with his peace, holiness, and grace.
『설교 전문』 할렐루야! 예배당에 오신 여러분을 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 환영합니다. 우리 주 예수 그리스도로부터 우리 모두에게 평강과 은혜가 함께 하기를 기원합니다. 아멘? 지금 우리에게 주신 하나님의 말씀은 히브리서 12장 12-15입니다. 히브리서 12: 12-15. 성경을 가지고 계신 분들은 성경을 여시고 12절에서 15절까지 함께 읽도록 하겠습니다.
12: “그러므로 힘없는 팔과 연약한 무릎을 강건케 하고
13: “너희 발을 위해 곧은길을 만들어 저는 다리가 불구가 되지 않고 고침을 받도록 하라”
14: “모든 사람과 화평하게 살고 거룩해지도록 모든 노력을 다하라. 거룩함이 없이는 어떤 사람도 주님을 보지 못하리라.”
15: “어떤 사람도 하나님의 은혜를 놓치지 않도록 주의하고 어떤 쓴 뿌리가 자라서 고통이 되어 많은 사람을 더럽히지 않도록 주의하라”
아멘. 이것이 하나님의 말씀입니다. 우리는 지금 히브리서를 공부하는 중입니다. 오늘 본문과 같은 장(12장)은 우리가 몇 주 전 공부한 바와 같이 이렇게 출발합니다. 1절은 이렇게 출발합니다.
“그러므로 우리는 구름처럼 많은 증인들로 둘러싸여 있으니 모든 장애물(hindrance)과 얽매이기(entangle) 쉬운 죄를 벗어 던지고(throw off), 우리에게 주어진 경주를 인내(perseverance, patience, endurance)로써 달리자. 우리 믿음의 지으신 자요 이를 온전케 하신 자인 예수 그리스도만을 바라보자.”
“우리에게 주어진 경주를 달리자” 이는 이렇게 표현할 수 있습니다. 이 세상에서 신앙적인 삶은 장거리 경주입니다. 마치 마라톤처럼 장거리 경주인 것입니다. 그러므로 저는 이 세상에서 신앙인의 삶은 영적인 마라톤이라 말하고 싶습니다. 우리는 영적인 마라토너들이고요. 이 땅에서의 영적인 삶은 마라톤이나 마찬가지인 거죠. 여러분은 마라톤을 알고 계시겠죠? 혹시 여러분은 마라톤 대회에 참가하신 적 있나요? 우리는 마라톤, 육신의 마라톤을 잘 압니다. 마라톤 코스는 얼마의 거리인지 아십니까? 마라톤 코스는 42.195 킬로미터입니다. 결코 짧지 않고 긴 거리입니다. 우리는 마라톤 풀 코스를 제대로 완주한다는 것이 얼마나 어려운지 알고 있습니다. 그러므로 마라톤 풀 코스를 잘 마친다는 것은 쉽지 않기 때문에, 선수들이 그 풀 코스를 훌륭하게 마무리 한 다음에는 이들은 완전한 만족감으로 행복해 하지 않을 수 없습니다. 아마 만면에 미소도 가득할 거고요. 마찬가지로 우리의 마라톤 풀 코스에서 우리가 이 풀코스를 성공적으로 완주한 다음에는 우리는 매우 행복할 것입니다. 우리는 온전한 만족감 속에서 큰 보상을 받으며 행복해 할 것입니다. 사도 바울은 이 진리를 매우 잘 알고서 디모데후서 4: 7-8에서 이렇게 말하고 있습니다.
“내가 선한 싸움을 싸우고 나의 경주를 마치고 믿음을 지켰으니, 이제 나를 위해 의의 면류관이 예비되어 있고 주 곧 의로우신 재판장이 이를 그날에 내게 상급으로 주실 것이니, 이는 내게만이 아니라 주의 두 번째 나타나심을 사모하는(long for) 모든 자에게도 마찬가지니라.”
예, 이 세상에서의 신앙인의 삶은 마라톤인 것입니다. 하나님께서 미리 우리 모두에게 축복하셔서 그의 은혜와 권능으로 우리가 이 풀 코스를 매우 성공적으로 마칠 수 있기를 기원합니다. 처음 두 절을 다시 보실까요? 12절과 13절입니다.
13: “너희 발을 위해 평편한(level)(‘straight 곧은’을 뜻함) 길을 만들어 저는(lame) 다리가 불구가 되지(disabled) 않고 고침을 받도록 하라”
예, 영적인 삶은 장거리의 달리기입니다. 우리는 영적인 달리기 선수(athlete)인 것입니다. 그러므로 우리의 하나님, 우리를 만드신 분, 즉 우리의 창조주 하나님은 우리의 감독(coach)인 거고요. 그 분은 우리가 한계에 도전하도록 독려하는 감독으로서 우리 생각으로는 이루기 어려운 일에 도전하도록 우리에게 용기를 불어 넣어주십니다. 예, 우리는 예수님의 제자들로서, 제자직분의 길을 가는 데는 자기 연단(discipline), 자기 훈련, 자기 통제(self-control)가 필수적입니다. 그러므로 자기 통제는 성령의 열매들 중 하나인 것입니다. 따라서 연단 혹은 핍박(persecution), 고난(suffering)이 우리를 두렵게 해서는 안 됩니다. 오히려 어렵고 힘든 시간들은 우리에게 참고 견디어내도록 용기를 불어넣어 주는 것입니다. 우리의 팔이 연약하고 우리의 다리가 휘청거려(shaking)도 우리는 굳건히 서야 합니다. 우리는 오직 마음속의 생존(survival in mind)만으로 만족해서는 안 됩니다. 이는 다른 사람들이 그리스도를 매우 잘 좇도록 우리가 좋은 본보기(example)가 되어야 한다는 뜻입니다. 그러므로 우리는 거세게 달리고 열심히 달려야 합니다. 그러나 이를 위해 우리는 모두 함께 거세게 달려야만 합니다. 예, 우리는 자신을 위해 쉬운 길을 택해서는 안 됩니다. 그 보다는 우리가 좋은 본보기가 됨으로써 다른 사람들을 위해 예수그리스도를 잘 믿고 따르도록 더 쉬운 길을 만들어 주어야 하는 것입니다. 아시다시피, 집회(congregation) 때마다, 모든 크리스천 사회와 공동체에는 길 잃고(go astray) 방황하다가 싸움을 포기할(abandon) 가능성이 있는 보다 연약한 사람들이 있습니다. 이들을 더욱 강건하게 만들고 이들의 연약한 팔 안에 신선한 비전을 안겨주고 실족할(failing) 발에 힘을 불어 넣어 주는 것이 우리의 의무입니다. 이것은 사실입니다. 삶의 제일 큰 특권(privilege)들 중의 하나는 절망(despair)에 빠질 수 있는 사람에게 용기를 심어주는 자(encourager), 힘이 다해 가는 사람에게 힘을 심어 주는 사람(strengthener)이 되는 일입니다. 그렇습니다. 여러분이 크리스천이라면 크리스천은 이중의 의무를 지니고 있습니다. 우리는 하나님께 일차적 의무가 있고 우리 동료들에게 이차적 의무가 있습니다. 하나님이 보시기에 정결한(pure) 마음을 가지십시오. 또한 사람이 보기에(in the sight of men) 평탄한(level) 길을 만드십시오. 그러면 우리는 하나님의 눈에도 사람의 눈에도 호의(favor)를 얻을 수 있게 됩니다. 이는 하나님께는 우리의 순수하고 깨끗하고 선한 마음을 바쳐야 하고, 동시에 사람에게는 올곧은(upright) 삶을 보여야 한다는 뜻입니다. 우리는 이 땅에서 영적인 마라토너들, 장거리 경주자들이기 때문입니다. 그러므로 튼튼한(masculine) 신앙인이 되는 것이 가장 중요합니다. 거세게, 강건하게 달립시다. 동시에 또한 우리 함께 강건하게 달립시다. 성경은 베드로전 2: 21에서 이렇게 말합니다.
“이를 위해 너희가 부르심을 받았으니, 이는 그리스도가 너희를 위하여 고난을 받으사 너희에게 본을 남겨 그의 자취를 따르게 하려 하심이니라”
이는 예수님이 우리를 위해 고난을 받으심으로써 우리에게 좋은 본보기를 남기셨음을 의미합니다. 이것은 우리가 다른 사람들에게 좋은 본을 보이기 위해 우리는 연단과 고난을 필요로 함을 뜻합니다. 우리는 열심히 달려야 합니다. 동시에 우리는 이 세상에서 마라토너 동지로서 함께 열심히 뛰어야 합니다. 여러분을 향한 하나님의 축복을 빕니다. 그러면 다음절인 14절을 보시겠습니다. 14절은 이렇게 말합니다.
14: “모든 사람(원수, 증오자, 적대자, 이웃, 옆집 등)과 화평하게 살고 거룩해지도록 모든 노력을 다하라(최선을 다하라). 거룩함이 없이는 어떤 사람도 주님을 보지 못하리라.”
여기서 ‘어떤 사람도 주님을 보지 못하리라’가 뜻하는 것은 거룩함이 없이는 우리가 구원을 받지 못함을 의미합니다. 이게 무슨 뜻일까요? 먼저 저는 함께 강건하게 그리고 열심히 달리자고 말했습니다. 계속해서 우리는 화평과 거룩함을 향해 달려야 합니다. 마라토너로서 우리는 화평과 거룩함을 바라보고 이를 향해 달려야 하는 것입니다.
먼저, 화평에 대해 살펴보도록 하겠습니다. 성경에서 화평은 전혀 부정적인 개념이 아닙니다. 성경에서 화평은 언제나 매우 강한(intensively) 긍정의 의미를 지닙니다. 하나님께서 자기 화평으로 여러분에게 축복해 주시기를 빕니다. 화평은 두 가지입니다.
첫째, 화평은 인간의 최고의 선, 최고의 행복이 되는 모든 것입니다. 최고의 선은 오직 하나님께 순종하는 가운데 얻어질 수 있습니다.
둘째, 화평은 또한 하나님과 사람 사이 및 사람과 사람 사이의 올바른 관계를 의미합니다. 이는 더 이상 증오(hatred)가 없어지고(banished) 각자가 자기 이웃의 이익만을 추구하는(pursue, seek) 상태나 조건을 나타냅니다. 크리스천으로서 우리는 이 세상 모든 사람들과의 화평을 추구해야 합니다. 어떻게 이것이 가능할까요? 우리는 교회 내에서 조화로운 관계(harmonious relationship)를 가짐은 물론, 우리의 친지들(associates), 나아가 믿지 않는 이웃들과 우리의 원수들하고도 가능한 한 평화로운 관계를 가져야만 합니다. 예, 우리는 압니다. 이 불완전한 이 세상에서 모든 사람들이 함께 평화롭게 사는 것은 불가능합니다. 그러나 적어도 우리는 화평과 화목(reconciliation)을 추구하기 위해 최선의 노력은 기울여 보아야만 합니다. 우리는 이 세상에서 분쟁(dissention)을 야기해서는(cause) 안 됩니다. 그러므로 로마서 12:18에서는 이렇게 말하고 있습니다.
“될 수 있는 일이라면, 그것이 너희에게 달려 있는(depend on) 한(as far as), 모든 사람과 평화롭게 살아라.”
계속해서 로마서 14:19에서는 이렇게 말합니다.
“그러므로 화평으로 인도하는(lead to) 일과 서로의 덕(mutual edification)을 세우는 일에 모든 노력을 다하자(make every effort).”
또한 로마서 5:1에서는 이렇게 말하고 있습니다.
“그러므로 우리가 믿음을 통해 의롭다 여김(justified)을 받았으므로 우리 주 예수 그리스도를 통해 하나님과 화평을 누리고 있다(enjoy)”
그렇습니다. 우리가 누려야 할 최초의 화평은 하나님과 더불어입니다. 하나님과의 화평, 하나님의 화평은 어떻게 가능합니까? 오직 예수 그리스도를 통해서입니다. 또한 예수 그리스도 자신도 말씀하고 계십니다.
“화평케 하는 자에게는 복이 있나니, 이들은 하나님의 자녀들(아들 딸 들)이라 일컬어질 것이니라.”
이는 무엇을 의미합니까? 고린도후서 5:17에서는 말합니다.
“그러므로 누구든지 그리스도 안에 있으면 새로운 피조물(creation)이라. 옛 것(the old)은 지나가고 새것(the new)이 왔도다!”
이 구절은 우리에게 매우 익숙한 구절입니다. “만약 누구든지 그리스도 예수 안에 있으면 새로운 피조물이다. 옛 것은 지나가고 새것이 왔도다!” 여러분은 그 다음 절을 알고 계십니까? 만약 여러분이 이 절을 외우고 계신다면 다음절도 외워두셔야 합니다. 다음 절인 18절에서는 이렇게 말합니다.
“이 모든 것이 하나님으로부터 났으니, 그가 그리스도를 통해 우리를 자기와 화목하게 하시고 또 우리에게 화목의 사역(ministry of reconciliation)을 주셨으니”
이는 만약 우리가 새로운 피조물이면, 우리가 만약 그의 은혜로 구원을 받았으면, 우리는 하나님과 사람 사이를 화해시키는 자(reconciler)가 되는 사역을 받았음을 의미합니다. 화해시키는 자의 사역은 하나님과 사람 사이에 화평을 이룩하는 일입니다. 그렇습니다. 다른 사람들과 화평하기 위해서는 (이들을) 용서하고, (안 좋은 일을) 잊고, 친절하고, 사려 깊고, 배려하고, 돕고, 또한 다른 사람들, 특히 우리를 미워하는 원수들까지도 위해서 기도하고자 하는 의지(will)가 있어야 합니다. 그러나 여기서 기억하셔야 할 것은 하나님과 인간 사이, 그리고 인간과 인간 사이에 화평을 이루게 하는 최고의 방법은 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 복음, 즉 모든 사람들에게 큰 기쁨이 있는 좋은 소식을 전하는 일이라는 사실입니다. 말씀(the Word)이신 예수님께서 말씀하십니다.
“화평케 하는 자는 복이 있나니, 저희가 하나님의 아들로 불릴, 하나님의 아들로 인정될(recognized) 것이다”
이것이 의미하는 바는 하나님과 인간 사이, 인간과 인간 사이에 화평이 이룩되는 최선의 길은 주 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 복음 메시지, 즉 큰 기쁨을 주는 좋은 소식을 전하는 일이라는 것입니다. 왜냐하면 오직 예수님만이 우리들 평화의 지은 자, 근원, 뿌리이시기 때문입니다. 이것이 오래 전에 그가 이 세상에 오신 이유인 것입니다. 이렇게 예언되었었죠(prophesied).
“그는 평화의 왕자, 평화의 왕이라 불렸다”
에베소서 2: 14은 매우 확실합니다.
“그는 자신이 우리의 화평이시니, 둘을 하나로 만드시고 중간에 있는 적대(enmity, hatred, hostility)적 벽의 장애물들을 허무셨으며”
진정한 화평은 오직 예수 그리스도 안에서만 찾을 수 있는 것입니다.
(화평) 다음으로, 우리는 또한 거룩함을 향해 달려야 합니다. 14장 후반절에 이렇게 쓰여 있습니다.
“거룩함이 없이는 어떤 사람도 주님을 보지 못하리라.”
우리는 거룩해야 합니다. 거룩함(holiness)의 의미는 무엇입니까? 문자 그대로의 거룩함의 기본 의미, 그 근원적 의미는 ‘차이(difference)’ 및 ‘구분(separation)'(구별되었다는 뜻)입니다. 하나님에게 적용할 경우 거룩함은 그의 도덕적 온전함, 및 그가 완벽하게, 전적으로 모든 인간과 모든 피조물로부터 구분된다는 사실을 말합니다. 반면에 거룩함을 우리에게 적용할 경우, 하나님의 특별한 목적을 위해 따로 떼어 놓(set apart) 존재로서, (그 목적을 위해) 헌신하고(dedicate) 신성해진다는(consecrate) 것을 의미합니다. 우리가 비록 이 땅에 살지라도 우리는 달라야 합니다. 우리는 이 세상과는 구별되어 있습니다. 우리의 기준(standard)은 세상의 기준이 아님을 기억하십시오. 성경 로마서 12: 2에서 다음과 같이 말하고 있습니다.
“더 이상(any longer) 이 세상의 패턴을 따르지(conform) 말고 마음을 새롭게 함(renewing)으로써 변화를 받아라(transformed). 그러면 너희는 하나님의 뜻, 즉 그의 선하시고 기쁨을 주시고 온전하신 뜻이 무엇인지를 분별하고 받아들일(approve) 것이다.”
이는 이 세상의 기준을 따르지 말라는 뜻입니다. 우리의 행동, 우리의 생각, 우리의 관심, 우리의 흥미, 우리의 목적, 우리의 궁극적 목표는 (이 세상과는) 다른 것입니다. ‘거룩함이 없이는 어떤 사람도 주님을 볼 수 없으리라’의 의미는 ‘하나님은 거룩하시기 때문에 죄악은 하나님에 대한 우리의 비전(시력)을 차단하게 된다는 것입니다. 그러므로 우리가 하나님을 보기를 원한다면 죄를 끊고(renounce) 하나님께 순종해야만 합니다. 그렇습니다. 중요한 것은 물론 우리는 단번에(once and for all), 예수 그리스도의 단 한 번의 희생을 통해 거룩해졌다는 사실입니다. 우리는 하나님께로부터 예수님이 우리를 위해 행하신 사역에 의해 거룩하다고 생각되어지는 것입니다. 이는 우리가 성인(saint)(실제로는 성도)이라 불린다는 뜻입니다. 만약 우리가 정말로 거듭난 크리스천들이라면 우리 모든 크리스천들은 이미 성인이 되는 것입니다. 여러분도 성인, 저도 성인, 우리는 성인들입니다. 성인(성도)이란 우리의 위치, 우리의 지위(standing)가 거룩한 사람이라는 뜻입니다.
그러나 실질적인 면에 있어 거룩함의 의미는 하나님에 대한 우리의 공경(honoring)과 함께, 우리가 다른 사람들을 어떻게 취급하는가, 즉 우리 이웃, 우리 가족 식구들, 우리 부부(처와 남편), 자녀들, 부모님, 심지어는 우리 원수들을 어떻게 대하는가, 그리고 우리 사업을, 우리 재정을 어떻게 운영하는가, 그리고 우리의 사무실에서, 우리의 학교에서 우리의 직무를 어떻게 수행하는가와 관련을 갖습니다. 거룩함은 우리의 행위, 우리의 사고(thought), 우리의 태도가 믿지 않는 사람들과는 다르도록 만듭니다. 그렇습니다. 우리는 다른 사람들과 화평하기 위해 우리의 최선을 다해야 합니다. 그렇지만 동시에 우리는 이 세상과, 믿지 않는 자들과 달라야만 할 것입니다. 예수 그리스도의 죽으심과 부활에 의해 우리에게 부여되는 거룩함은 우리 주님을 진정한 그의 모습대로(as he really is) 볼 수 있도록 허용해줍니다(allow). 요한1서 3: 2에서는 이렇게 말하고 있습니다.
“사랑하는 친구들아 지금 우리는 하나님의 자녀들이이라. 장래에 우리가 어떻게 될지는 아직 알려지지 않았다. 그러나 그가 나타나실 때 우리는 그와 같아질 줄을 알고 있나니, 이는 우리가 그의 참 모습 그대로 그를 볼 것이기 때문이다.”
여기에 나타나는 모습이 우리가 마라톤 풀 코스를 완주한 후 이루어질 거룩함의 실현(fulfillment)입니다. 이것이 곧 우리가 화평과 거룩함을 좇아 달려야 하는 이유인 것입니다.
마지막으로, 우리는 그의 은혜를 필요로 합니다. 왜냐하면 그의 은혜가 없이는, 하나님의 은혜가 없이는 우리가 이 경주를 잘 끝낼 수 없기 때문입니다. 그의 은혜는 우리가 이 경주를 성공적으로 완주하는데 절대적으로 필수불가결합니다(necessarily essential).
마지막 절을 보실까요?
15: “어떤 사람도 하나님의 은혜를 놓치지 않도록 주의하고(see to it that) 어떤 쓴(bitter) 뿌리가 자라서 고통이 되어 많은 사람을 더럽히지(defile) 않도록 주의하라”
그러므로 우리는 하나님의 은혜가운데 달려야 합니다. 이 절의 첫 번 째 부분은 이렇게 말합니다.
“어떤 사람도 하나님의 은혜를 놓치지 않도록 주의하라.”
이 문장이 뜻하는 바는 우리가 하나님의 은혜를 잃을 수 있다는, 놓칠 수 있다는 것입니다. 하나님의 은혜는 결코 헛된(fail) 일이 아닙니다. 반드시 실행됩니다. 이 은혜는 절대적(absolute)입니다. 그러나 우리는 하나님의 은혜에 의지하지(depend on) 못할 수도 있습니다. 하나님의 은혜는 우리 자신이, 우리 삶이 그 되어야 할 바(what they are meant to be)대로 될 수 있는 기회를 우리에게 제공합니다. 그러나 우리는 하나님이 우리에게 주시는 그 기회를 죄악, 우리의 무식(ignorance), 무지(unawareness), 게으름, 지체(procrastination), 그리고 자존심으로 인해 놓칠 수 있습니다. 그러므로 그것에 대비해서 우리는 늘 영적 경계(spiritual vigilance) 가운데 깨어 있어야만 합니다. 로마서 5: 20에서 이렇게 말합니다.
“죄가 더한 곳에 은혜가 더더욱(all the more) 더했으니”
이것이 무슨 말입니까? 죄가 더한 곳에 은혜가 더더욱 더했다니요? 우리는 이 문장은 오해해서는 안 됩니다. 이 문장은 우리가 더 많은 은혜를 입기 위해 더 많은 죄를 지어야 한다는 것을 의미하는 것은 아닙니다. 절대 아니죠. 이는 우리가 얼마나 많은 죄사함, 하나님의 죄사함을 필요로 하는가를 더욱 잘 깨달을수록(the more realized), 우리는 예수 그리스도를 통한 하나님의 은혜가 얼마나 위대한가를 더욱 잘 깨달을 수 있다는 뜻입니다. 그러므로 에베소서 2장 8-9에서도 그렇게 말하고 있습니다.
“너희가 구원을 받은 것은 믿음을 통한 그의 은혜로 인한 것이니, 이것이 너희에게서 나온 것이 아니요 하나님의 은사(gift)이니라. 이는 행위에 의한 것이 아니니 이는 아무도 자랑하지(boast) 못하게 함이니라(하나님 앞에서 자랑할 게 없다는 뜻).”
로마서 5: 2에서는 이렇게 말합니다.
“그로 인해 우리가 믿음으로 서 있는 이 은혜에 들어갈 수 있게(get access into) 되었으며”
야고보서 4: 6에는 이렇게 쓰여 있습니다.
“하나님은 우리에게 더 큰 은혜를 주셨으니”
그러나 기억하십시오. 하나님은 오만한 자(the proud)를 반대하시고(oppose) 거절하시되(reject), 겸손한 자(the humble)에게 더 많은 은혜를 주시는 것입니다. 그렇습니다. 매일의 필요를 위해서는 매일의 은혜가 있고, 급한 필요를 위해서는 급한 은혜가 있으며, 막대한(overwhelming) 필요를 위해서는 막대한 은혜가 있습니다. 그의 은혜는 언제나 우리 앞에 주어져(available) 있습니다. 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 우리에게 아주 가까이 놓여 있습니다. 이것이 히브리서 4 :16절을 통해 우리에게 용기를 불어 넣어주는 이유인 것입니다.
“그러므로 우리가 긍휼함을 얻고 우리가 필요할 때 우리를 도우시는 은혜를 받기 위해 자신 있게(with confidence), 확신을 가지고(with assurance) 은혜의 보좌(throne)(즉, 하나님 계시는 곳 presence of God) 앞에 나아가자.”
그의 은혜는 늘 우리 바로 앞에 있음을 기억하십시오. 그러나 이 은혜를 받아 이를 누리기 위해 우리는 늘 영적 경계에 들어가야 합니다. 아멘?
예, 신앙적인 삶은 이 세상에서 영적 마라톤과 같습니다. 그러므로 열심히 달리되, 또한 함께 열심히 달립시다. 화평과, (무엇?) 거룩함을 향해 달립시다. 또한 하나님의 은혜 가운데 오직 예수 그리스도만 바라보면서 달려 나갑시다. 왜냐하면 오직 예수만이 우리 믿음의 지은 자(author)이시고 온전케 하시는 자(perfector)이시기 때문입니다. 또한 예수 그리스도가 우리의 마라톤 풀 코스의 최종 목표입니다. 이것이 우리가 오직 예수 그리스에게만 우리의 눈을 고정시켜야(fix our eyes on) 하는 이유인 것입니다.
하나님께서 그의 평강과 거룩함과 은혜로 여러분을 축복하시기를 빕니다. 아멘! 다 함께 기도합시다!
- 아 멘 -
Apr 05 / 2020
Comments Off on A real child needs discipline for growth (Hebrews 12:5-11)
Send to: NongHyup bank 351-0158-2802-13 Song Ki-Joong
A real child needs discipline for growth
Hebrews 12:5-11 (Pastor Heo)
12:5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Today’s message is a little solid food for adult children of God. God bless us with this solid food.
Here’s one simple question: very important. Are you a child of God? Are you a daughter / son of God?
Before receiving this passage, we must be clear in this matter – because today’s passage is for the children of God.
If you are sure of your sonship / daughtership of God, then today’s passage is just for you. One keyword: “children / son” this word is repeated 7x.
v. 5 “The word of encouragement that addresses you as sons…”
We must be children of God to receive today’s passage. How can we become children of God. It is very simple, but only in one way. By believing in Christ as Savior and Lord can we become children of God.
John 1:12-13 “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to be call children of God…”
Only Jesus is the source of our faith – the ground, object, foundation, author, perfecter, pioneer, finisher of our faith. If we are really children of God, he will provide what we need – both in this world and the world that comes next.
However, we must also realize that discipline is essential.
Another keyword: “discipline.” In these 7 verses, the word “discipline” is repeated. The root of “discipline” and “disciple” are the same etymologically. This may have many meanings: punish, rebuke, train, teach, instruct. If we are really children of God, then discipline is essential for our growth and maturity.
Think about your personal experience between father / son, parents / children. Once, we were all children to our fathers and mothers. Today we may be fathers or mothers to our own children today.
v. 9 “moreover we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it… “
If our human fathers are normal and faithful to their human children, they will discipline them. Without discipline, our children may become tyrants. If I let my son do whatever he wants all the time, with no rules, he will become a bad boy, and I will be a bad father.
Sometimes we may feel like spanking our neighbor’s children, and they may feel like spanking our children, but we do not do that. Human fathers only discipline their own children, this shows that the children are their own.
Yes, sometimes human parents discipline children when they should not, or in the wrong way. And sometimes they do not discipline when they should. No human fathers are perfect but they do their best in the time the have with their children. And this human imperfection reminds us of the perfection of our heavenly father.
v. 8 “If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.”
At that time: “illegitimate children” were from slave girls or concubines. They received no recognition from their fathers, no discipline, no inheritance.
So, if we are disciplined by God, we can be encouraged that we really are children of God. “…if indeed we share in his sufferings that we may share in his glory. We know that our current sufferings cannot compare to the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans)
God disciplines only adult children, those he loves.
Also, as parents, we do not discipline infants – we only care for them.
And so if we are disciplined by God, it shows that we are growing and maturing and given adult standing in God’s family.
In our personal experience, there are many kinds of discipline, but let me say according to the Bible, roughly speaking, there are three kinds of discipline:
1. Corrective discipline
When we sin or do wrong we can receive corrective discipline – because he is our father and loves us.
When he disciplines us, he is not happy, he doesn’t enjoy it, he feels pain. But he disciplines us when we do wrong, when we sin, because he wants us to grow and mature.
King David is a good example of this. We know some of his stories.
He committed adultery with Bathsheba, then had her husband Uriah killed in the battlefield to hide his sin. But God knew, and like this we can hide nothing from God.
Then, his son Amnon raped his half sister. Absolom killed him, then rebelled against David to become king.
This was STEEP correction – but through this, David learned much and grew in grace. He confessed, “My God, my God, have mercy on me according to your unfailing love, and cleanse me from my sin. I know my sin. I was sinful at birth from the moment my mother conceived me.”
Yes, through this terrible experience, David grew in knowing God more. God disciplined David because he loved him so much, he was a son to God.
2. Preventative discipline
The apostle Paul is a good example of this. We know he was very dedicated and committed for his whole life to preaching the gospel. He was humble. Nevertheless, God gave him a thorn in his body to keep him from becoming conceited due to the great revelations he had from God. God allowed him to have weakness and sickness to keep him humble. Paul prayed 3 times to remove this weakness, but God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul confessed, “For Christ’s sake, I rejoice in my weakness, in my difficulties, in my persecutions, for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Through his physical weakness, he experienced the power of Jesus Christ manifested and demonstrated through his weakness.
3. Educational discipline
Job is a good example of this. God gave him to us as a good example of patience, perseverance, and endurance. Recently, today, we need these more than ever.
Job was blameless, upright, feared God, worshiped God sincerely, shunned evil. God was so proud of him even before Satan. But Satan challenged this, “Does Job fear you for nothing? If you take away all the blessings you’ve given him, then he will stop worshiping you.”
God said, “OK, strike him, but spare his life.” So Satan afflicted him.
Usually, discipline comes because we are doing poorly. But also sometimes, discipline can come because we are doing so well.
Job was a spiritual athlete. Because of his excellence, God brought a greater challenge to him so that he might rise to higher levels of spirituality.
In the later chapters of Job, “God knows the levels he is testing me, and when I come out of the fire, I will come out as gold.”
When God disciplines us, Satan tempts us to believe, “God doesn’t care for me, he has left me.” Actually, the very opposite is true. He disciplines us because he is with us, loves us, cares for us, and he wants us to grow and grow and grow until we are like Jesus in our character and attitude.
What are the benefits of discipline? There are many, but we should remember God’s right discipline in the right time, in the right way.
God’s discipline is always for our good, for our highest good. “God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good.”
God’s discipline is always to our advantage. Here are some advantages to our discipline, sufferings, and difficulties, and problems. In this world, we cannot escape these things, but we must be able to respond positively by faith.
1. Helps us to look upward and forward instead of inward
God provides patience, endurance, good character, hope, love in our suffering.
Romans “Therefore, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have gained access to this grace in which we now stand. We rejoice in the glory of God and also in our sufferings, which produces patience, endurance, character, and hope, which does not disappoint us because God has poured his love into our hearts.”
2. We can trust in God’s sovereignty for our lives
Romans 8:28 “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.”
3. Sufferings enable us to help others who are suffering
2 Cor 1:4 “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we may comfort others in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
For children, remember, discipline is essential. But discipline is not the purpose, it is only the means.
What is the purpose of God? Let’s see the last two verses:
v. 10-12 “but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
God’s plan for us is righteousness, peace, joy and holiness, sharing in his nature.
So, what about this world around us? Why do we need discipline? To live a righteous life in this unrighteous world; to live peaceful; to live holy; to live godly life in this ungodly world. So, we must continually focus our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Let us continue running with patience this race set before us. God loves you so much and desires we grow and grow and grow without stop until we become like our example, Jesus Christ.
God bless you to be victorious in living a Christian life in this world.
This is the last study for Acts, but we know that Acts is not yet complete. If you open your spiritual eyes, you can see that Acts is STILL BEING WRITTEN. Today, let us put these words into practice so that we also may be the co-authors of Acts 29. God bless you.
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we know, Paul had been in prison for 2 years just before going to Rome. Now, he’s in house arrest in Rome for another full 2 years.
Through this story, we can learn a very important lesson from Paul about HOW to make the most of a very bad situation.
He remained under house arrest – this great missionary, apostle of Christ – unable to minister as he desired. So, he simply did WHAT HE COULD. He welcomed all who came to him, he taught, preached, counseled, persuaded, prayed, wrote books of the Bible. He wrote 4 letters (Paul’s Prison Epistles) = Eph, Phil, Col, Philemon.
These remember our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yes, Jesus succeeded in his mission completely, in the wilderness and his cross. The first man, Adam, failed his mission completely in the most beautiful circumstances (The Garden of Eden).
So, who can say to God, “I cannot serve you because of my bad situation”? No one. If you find yourself in a bad situation, look for ways to serve God and glorify God.
Eph 5:15 “Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” (Within your time, save your time, because the days are evil (KJV))
v. 30-31
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
This book of Acts has a SUDDEN ending. Why? How? This shows the spread of the gospel going to Rome and the world continually as the Great Commission had directed. Why does Acts stop HERE? Because it’s not about the life of the person Paul, but about the process of the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Acts 1:8 is the key verse:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Chp 1-7 = Spread of the gospel in Jerusalem
Chp 8-11 = Spread of the gospel in Judea and Samaria
Chp 12-28 = Spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth (Rome)
Among 66 books in the Bible, Acts is the ONLY book which is not yet over – in its mission.
In the Greek Bible, *acolotos* is the last word in this book. The meaning? “Without stop; without hindrance; continually.” This makes the final word in Acts very meaningful.
Today’s Christians are the ones who are to do the continual writing of Acts in the NEXT chapter (Acts chapter 29).
You all have your own personal history, right? This is simple and easy to understand, but meaningful and important.
Everyone – Christian or non – has his own (good or bad) life story and personal history. Then, every Christian is to have TWO life stories (before / after; earthly / spiritual) Every Christian has this life story.
Earthy = temporary; on earth
Heavenly = eternal; on earth and in heaven
Check your own life story.
“One life; two stories.”
I have one LIFE, but two stories.
All Christians throughout the Bible and throughout history, all have this one life; two stories. Let me show you 3 examples:
#1: Joseph
He was hated / envied by his elder 10 brothers. They sold him into slavery to Egypt. He was Potifer’s slave (one of the king’s officials). He was wrongly accused by the wife and thrown into prison. 2 years later, he interpreted the dreams of the Pharaoh – and through this, he became the Prime Minister of Egypt (the greatest country of that time). One day, years later, in a great famine, his brothers came to buy food from him twice. In the second coming, he revealed himself to them. “I’m your brother Joseph who you sold into slavery.”
This is Joseph’s earthly life story, but he also interpreted this into two stories.
“Brothers, do not be distressed, because God sent me here ahead of you to save your lives. You intended harm for me, but God intended it for good – the saving of many lives.” This is Joseph’s spiritual life story.
Earthly life: “you sold me”
Heavenly life: “God sent me”
We are made to have meaning. If your life has meaning, you can bear almost anything. “With a strong enough WHY, you can bear almost any HOW.”
Giving our lives spiritual meaning is important.
#2 Jesus
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, 2,000 years ago through the womb of the virgin Mary. Like Joseph, he was hated and misunderstood by his fellow Jews. They delivered him to the Roman guards. Pontias Pilate was a profession in finding someone’s faults, but could not find anything wrong with Jesus. He knew he was innocent, but had no courage to set him free – so he handed him over to be executed. He was crucified, dead and buried, and rose again. This is Jesus’ life story (earthly).
Heavenly: God became man in Jesus to come to earth to save us, to die for us, and save us. He was not killed unwillingly, but chose by his own accord to be killed for the salvation of all. “Nobody takes my life from me. I lay my life down of my own accord. I have authority to lay down my life and take it up again, for I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”
Jesus died and rose again and ascended into heaven and is STILL interceding for us on the right hand of God. And one day he will come to complete it all.
Earthly: he was killed
Heavenly: he sacrificed himself
#3: Paul
Like Joseph and Jesus, he was hated and misunderstood by his Jewish brothers. They arrested him and handed him over to the Romans. Felix, Festus, and Agrippa heard his story, but none set him free. So he appealed to Caesar. He came to Rome to stand on trial before Caesar. This is Paul’s earthly life story.
Heavenly: Paul’s coming to Rome is the sovereign will of God. Some time before, Jesus appeared to him and said, “You will testify about me in Rome.” Also going to Rome and preaching the gospel was Paul’s vision. In Romans: “God, whom I serve with my whole heart is my witness about how constantly I pray for you. I long to see you and impart some spiritual gift to make you strong. I’m eager to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome. I’m not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for all who believe.”
Earthly: sent to Rome as a prisoner
Heavenly: lead to Rome as a missionary
You also have your own life story.
v. 31
31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts finishes not with Paul’s earthly life (and end) but with his spiritual life (and continuation). Earthly life is temporary, heavenly life is eternal.
Who are the ones who are continuing the book of Acts?
Acts 29 Vision
The book is like a relay race (계주/경주).
Do you have experience with this?
In the relay, the ending of the first runner becomes the starting point of the second runner – and the baton is passed on. Those who begin running at the end of Acts 28, continue into Acts 29.
31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who focus on preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ are the ones who are writing the continuation of Acts.
At the end, I want to focus on:
the kingdom of God
the Lord Jesus Christ
Kingdom of God
Do you have interest in the Kingdom of God? This is our country.
Phil 3:20 “Your citizenship is in heaven.”
So, we must be very interested in this country – this is our country (kingdom).
What / why / when / where / how is the Kingdom of God?
Who: You / us / Christians
What: Jesus’ first message is about the kingdom of God. John the Baptist’s first message was the same: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near.”
The key teaching of Jesus in his ministry was the Kingdom of God – the Beatitudes’ first and last sentences are about the KOG. “Blessed … for theirs is the KOG.”
Especially in Matthew, we can see Jesus say so many times, “The KOG is like….”
Also, our daily and first prayer is about the KOG.
“This is how you should pray: Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Jesus also teaches that your first priority must be about the KOG: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and then all these things will be added to you.”
The fulfillment of the KOG and the end of this age will happen at the same time – they coincide with each other. Jesus says, Matthew 24:14 “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached to ALL nations, and THEN then end will come.”
The fulfillment of the gospel and the end of the world will coincide.
After his resurrection, Christ stayed on earth for 40 days and spoke about the Kingdom of God. In a sense, we can say, Acts starts with the Kingdom of God and closes with the KOG.
What is it?
Kingdom of God === Kingdom of Heaven === Kingdom of Christ
It is a country. Essential elements of a state in the physical world = population, territory, government. In the spiritual world, in the KOG, the most basic idea is = rule / reign / sovereignty.
So, the KOG is the rule / reign of Christ (sovereignty of Christ). This is the rule / reign of God over ALL Creation.
But more narrowly speaking, it is about Christ’s spiritual rule over the hearts and lives of those who submit and obey willingly the will of God by confessing Christ as Savior and Lord and King.
His Lordship / Kingship / Sovereign governance – if your are really ruled by Christ, then you are a part of the KOG.
When: Now and here
It has been established already,
but not yet made complete (at the age that has yet to happen)
With Jesus’ first coming, the KOG began. “Repent, the KOG is near.” It is present, but also future. With his Second Coming, his Kingdom will be established perfectly and completely.
Where?
It is a country so it can be in a particular place, but it is not limited by space. It transcends time and space. It is in you.
How?
31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you know your position in this world? We are ambassadors of Christ. We are sent from our country to this world to establish his kingdom in this world.
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (Jesus)
This world belongs to Satan (temporarily) – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” (Next verse) “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ crucified.”
Our mission is to spread and establish his kingdom in this world: by confessing and preaching Jesus as Lord and Savior, and inviting others in.
Phil 2:10-11 “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”
This is the fulfillment of the KOG.
We are now between the first and second coming. (Between the cross and the crown).
Our mission is very simple and clear: to profess and preach Jesus as Lord and Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and to invite others in – to make the population of the KOG larger and larger.
If we do this, we also are writing Acts 29 with God in heaven.
Let us pray together.
Jun 02 / 2019
Comments Off on At last, Paul arrives in Rome (Acts 28:10-28)
10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Arrival at Rome
11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard
17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar–not that I had any charge to bring against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26 ” ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
From Rhegium to Puteoli is about 180 miles. From Puteoli, they had no more boat – but had to walk. It was another 140 miles to Rome (like from Jeonju to Seoul).
Some believers in Rome heard about Paul’s imminent arrival and intercepted his party at Appii Forum (an open square for meeting and discussion).
v. 10-15
” 10They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Arrival at Rome
11After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.”
When Paul was greeted by these Italian brothers & sisters in Christ, he was refreshed and thanked God. Imagine this, after a long, hard, dangerous journey, Paul was thankful and encouraged to see some friendly faces like you.
Today, we also can perform a similar role in the lives of full-time missionaries. TIP:
Paul Mission will have an upcoming mission conference in Gyeonggi-do. If you want you can be blessed by blessing them with your time, little money, loving hearts.
Paul arrived at Rome finally in v. 16
“16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. “
At long last, Paul arrived at Rome – the most powerful and influential city at that time. It was the fulfillment of his long-term vision. Paul received special treatment. The others were delivered to the captain of the soldiers, but he was put under house arrest in a rented house under the guard of one soldier.
What did Paul do first?
v. 17-22
“Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard
17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar–not that I had any charge to bring against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” “
Paul’s first action was to call together the Jewish brothers & sisters in Rome and explain why he had to come.
Briefly: The Jews arrested him in Jerusalem and delivered him to the Roman government. They examined him, but did not find him guilty. So they wanted to set him free. But the Jewish religious leaders disagreed strongly, so Paul was forced to appeal to Caesar.
His real purpose for meeting the Italian Christians was to share the kingdom of God and the Messiah-ship of Jesus.
This hope for which he was accused is the message of the gospel. In his defense, Paul mentioned the phrase, “the hope of Israel” several times.
on trial for my hope in the resurrection
I have hope in God for the resurrection (before Felix)
I have hope in Christ – because of this I was charged (before Agrippa)
v. 21-22
“21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” “
In Rome, everyone was talking against Christianity. “Heresy” = wrong doctrine, cult, terrible doctrine.
Christians believed in only ONE God, but Romans had many false gods, including Caesar. His hope is the hope of Israel, the hope of the world.
v. 23-24
“23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. “
This must have been the most exciting home Bible study in history. Can you be patient with me if I share the Bible with you from morning to evening? This must be 10 hours.
Paul tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and Prophets (Old Testament). He tried to convince them about Jesus from the OT.
Jesus said, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you have eternal life, but these Scriptures testify about me.”
Today’s Christians are more blessed than Christians from 2,000 years ago – because we have OT and NT.
Early Christians believed in Christ only through the witness of the OT and lived powerful influential Christian lives at that time. We must be able to live more powerful Christian lives today because we have the complete, perfect Bible. We are also much nearer to the end of this world than they were.
The main theme of the Bible is about Jesus.
The religious leaders studied hard, but refused to come to Jesus. Even today, many Christians study much but don’t come to Christ.
v. 25-28
“25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26 ” ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!””
What is the response of this congregation to Paul’s message? Disagreement, some believed, some rejected. Some were persuaded, some would not believe regardless of Paul’s passion and urging.
Today is the same. I’m delivering the sermon. This is an attempt to convince the congregation about Christ through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Sermon’s purpose is always the same: to persuade the church members about Christ by the ministry of the HS.
Some are convinced, but some reject.
This is always the same. The same sunlight melts ice and also hardens the clay.
Moses and Pharaoh experienced the same works of God, the same miracles, and powers, at the same time and same place. Moses came nearer and nearer to God, his heart softer and meeker, and humble. But Pharaoh went farther and farther from God, his heart becoming calloused and proud.
God gave Pharaoh many opportunities to repent, but he rejected them all.
Whenever we receive the Word of God, we should check our attitudes.
“Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our faith.”
Paul quoted v. 26-28 from Isaiah 6:9-10
Even though the Jews knew all about God in an academic way, they did not know God in a personal way. Though the Word of God was in their heads, it had never filtered down to their hearts and changed their lives.
Today, is the Word of God changing your life?
Conclusion:
From Paul’s journey to Rome, we can learn 3 lessons.
Remember his journey story, let’s get these lessons.
1. Nothing can stop the will of God
The will of God for Paul was that he would go to Rome and preach the gospel. Yes, we know this looked impossible – there were many plots to kill Paul, Jewish accusations against him – years of imprisonment, a shipwreck in a typhoon, bitten by a viper. There were so many hindrances – but no attack from Satan would hinder God’s will.
1 John 2:17 “This world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
Question: Do you have a vision? Just like Paul, or vision must be worldwide – but at the same time it must be focused. We must include the whole world with our hearts and prayer – but we must focus on a particular target because we are limited in knowledge and skills. God’s way is always better, he knows what he’s doing.
1 Thess “The one who calls us is faithful.”
2. We can serve God by helping others under any circumstances IF WE WILL
What are your circumstances? God knows. But remember under any circumstances, we can serve God by helping others if we choose to.
Paul’s situation was BAD from a human perspective. He was a shipwrecked prisoner but on this trek to Rome alone, he continued to minister to others:
Roman centurion, Julius
Captain and owner of the ship
Passengers of the ship
Leader of Malta and his father
People of Malta
Jewish believers
Roman believers
Almost all were affected by PAUL.
What the power and influence of only one person!
Because of this one faithful person, the gospel continued to spread.
v. 28 = if you accept the gospel, it will spread through you.
But if you reject it, the gospel will continue to spread through others.
The gospel has life.
Do not make any excuses before God.
3. God is so faithful in keeping his promise
Phil 4:19 “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ.”
But God provides what we NEED not always what we WANT.
Paul lost everything in the shipwreck – he was merely a survivor. He had nothing but life in Christ. But remember, in this terrible situation, if his first priority was eating, drinking, wearing, then he would be a literal beggar. But his priority #1 was the kingdom of God and sharing the gospel.
So, God’s promise was realized in his life.
“Do not worry about what you should eat and drink and wear. Pagans run after these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them, so seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This promise was proven in Paul’s life. Question: Is God’s promise real in your life?
v. 10
“10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. “
Still today, his promise is available. Don’t worry about what to eat, drink, wear – but seek first his kingdom and righteousness and then all these things will be given to you as well.
Let’s pray.
May 19 / 2019
Comments Off on Four Things we can do in a Storm (Acts 27:1-44)
1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.
9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.
The Storm
13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. 17 When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
The Shipwreck
27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.
33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food–you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety.
Today’s sermon may take 1 hour. If you cannot stay, you may go, but I will finish what I have to say.
Today, Paul starts from Caesarea, and he was in the care of a nice Roman centurion named Julius~~ He was accompanied by his close friends: Luke and his friend from Thessalonica.
In his first step, he was treated well. The next day, when they arrived in Sidon, Paul was allowed to go out from the ship to visit his friends there.
Caesarea to Sidon – so far so good.
From Sidon, things rapidly got worse. They didn’t sail the shorter way through the Sea because of the wind. So they sailed around Cyprus to Myra. Julius found an Alexandria ship to Italy, and he put Paul and the jailors on that ship. It was a grain ship – huge – to carry 276 people. Egyptian grain was a staple food in that day and Myra was a hub for this.
They sailed for many days to Cnidus.
This story is v. 1-6
“1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.”
From Myra to Fair Havens = v. 7-13
They arrived at Fair Havens Port – the day of the Fast had passed. The “Fast” is the Day of Atonement (Sept / Oct) – so when they arrived at Fair Havens, sailing was very dangerous and difficult during that time period. Sailing was impossible from mid-Nov – Feb. During the winter, they could not sail.
So when they arrived at Fair Havens, “Winter is Coming.” So, they would have to wait until after winter. But the captain, pilot, the majority of passengers wanted to continue sailing up to Phoenix (for three reasons):
Fair Havens – Phoenix = not far, only 40 miles
Phoenix was more comfortable and beautiful to spend winter
An enticing south wind began to blow – so they thought they could approach it without difficulty.
Most of them wanted to winter in Phoenix.
Only Paul said, “No, we should winter here. If we sail continually, there will be great loss – even to our lives and cargo.” The final decision was Julius’ – the centurion.
We know Paul has much experience traveling in the sea – 1, 2, 3 missionary journeys. Only Paul said, “Let’s stay.” But the centurion followed the advice of the majority. After that, something terrible happened.
v. 7-13
“7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.
9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. [“Winter is coming.”] So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.
The Storm
13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.”
They sailed for Phoenix, but couldn’t reach it.
v. 14
“14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island.”
“Northeaster” = euraquilo in their language
From this point, the beginning of the shipwreck happened. They threw much of the ship’s cargo and tackle into the sea. They saw no stars for many days and did not eat for 14 days. Eventually, they gave up ALL hope of being saved. They became powerless, hopeless, helpless.
We know there are many kinds of wrecks – cars, airplanes, trains, ships. The most terrifying of all is a shipwreck because it is a LONG agony for the passengers, sailors, and crew. This shipwreck is one of the most famous shipwrecks in history. This shipwreck is also one of the best told, most famous, and most profitable to the hearer.
We know, 2 years ago, Jesus appeared to Paul and stood beside him and promised, “You wil go to Rome.” God is faithful in keeping his promise, but we must remember, even when we serve God in this life, there will be storms. But, at the same time, we can experience peace and the presence of God.
This life is like a storm on the sea.
v. 14-20 = the terror of the storm on the sea
“14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. 17 When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. “
In this terrible storm, we must focus on what Paul did. There are at least 4 things Paul did that we also can do in our daily lives.
First, what is Paul’s status? A prisoner. But in this terrible situation – he became
Comforter,
Counselor,
Commander,
Savior.
This is the power of a Christian in a storm.
“I can imitate Paul.”
Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”
#1 Paul shared the Word of God (Comforter)
v. 21-26
“21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” “
First, Paul gently rebuked them, but then encouraged them. – He comforted them.
Yes, today also, our lives are like voyages on the sea – so we sometimes use metaphors to describe our lives.
“smooth sailing”
“don’t make waves”
“sink or swim”
This world needs comfort
It needs the good news of salvation, promise of safety, guarantee for security. We can give encouragement, the good news of salvation, the promise of security, the guarantee for safety. HOW? We cannot give encouragement with our own words, but with the Words and promise of God.
Paul did not encourage them with his own word and thinking – but with the word / promise of God.
v. 23 “Last night, an angel of the Lord whose I am and whom I serve, said, …”
He said, “I have faith in God, so believe in God!” We can encourage them with the Word of God, and not our own power – so we must be filled with the Word of God.
Col 3:16 “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
#2 Paul warned them (Commander)
“I can warn unbelievers.” HOW?
Yes, we can, we have a right.
v. 27-32
“27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away. “
Paul warned them in v. 31.
In this situation, some sailors tried to escape in lifeboats pretending they were lowering anchors. This was an act of selfishness (“Save yourself”), revolt, negligence of duty, unbelief (because Paul had already told them God’s promise – but they didn’t believe the word / promise of God and tried to save themselves by their own method).
“Unless you stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”
Today the situation is the same. We have the Word / promise of God. Do you believe the Word / promise of God? God promised “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved.” This is the promise of God.
Jesus says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
“If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, you will be saved.”
This is very simple, very clear. But still today, around us, there are many who do not believe the Word / promise of God and try to save themselves by their own work / effort / power / religion. To them, we must warn, “Repent!”
The first message of John the Baptist and Jesus, “Repent! The Kingdom of God is near.”
Repent = turn from your ways.
We can warn them. Do you believe the Word / promise of God? Remember, when you warn unbelievers, do so with love. Warning without love just hardens their hearts more.
“Do everything in love. Anything done without love is nothing.”
#3 Paul showed a good example to them (Counselor)
You also are showing examples today – what kind of example are you showing?
v. 33-38
“33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food–you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. “
Paul did a kind of communion now.
They lost all things, their property, their business, almost their lives. Still they were fearful, disappointed, afraid, depressed.
From human perspective, they had NOTHING to give thanks to God for. They could not say, “Thank you, God” but Paul still took some food and prayed openly and gave thanks in public.
What a difference just ONE person can make who has faith and trust in God.
Remember, this gives a powerful impact to others. Giving thanks to God in public is powerful – it has a great impact on others.
“Give thanks to God under all circumstances. Pray continuously.”
If we are still breathing and really saved, then we have ENOUGH reason to give thanks to God regardless of our current situation.
“In everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God – and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus.”
Yes, in our daily lives, we pray in public. This is powerful. Do not be ashamed of this. It is a simple, easy job, but powerful.
#4: Climax: Paul Saved all of them (Savior)
v. 39-44
“39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety. “
Hallelujah~ They breathed a sigh of relief.
They arrived on the island of Malta.
Finally, that ship was stuck to a sandbar. Can you imagine? The front of the ship was stuck on the bottom – and the back of the ship was broken into two pieces by the wind and waves. In this situation, the ONLY thing they could all do was jump into the sea and make for the land.
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners because that was their job – if a prisoner ran away, the soldier could be killed for neglecting his duty. But the centurion rescued all the people just for the sake of Paul. – For the sake of Paul, all 276 people were saved.
In this game of the storm, God was the super head coach and Paul was the MVP (Most Valuable Person).
Yes, then, and also at another time in history, God saved the lives of ALL people through the life of ONE person. Joseph – in the famine in Egypt, now in the life of Paul.
You know, God still wants to save the lives of ALL people through the life of ONE person: Jesus.
Imagine when you go to heaven someday, guess how many people will rush to you and say, “I’m here safe, thanks to you!”
How many? God bless you.
I want to close my sermon with this question: Are you in a storm in your life today? Does it look like your ship is going down and down? If so, you need some anchors.
God’s presence (God is there / here in your storm)
God’s ownership (you are God’s possession and creation and child)
Serving Christ by saving others (you have a mission, I have a mission)
Faith / Trust in Christ (he died for you and me and rose again from the dead and is alive with us today)
We are very safe in him. We can stand safe and true and for real IN Him – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless us to be victorious in living life in this world.
Let’s pray.
May 05 / 2019
Comments Off on Waiting is a Test of Patience and Faith (Acts 25:1-22)
1 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong.”
6 After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.
8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
Festus Consults King Agrippa
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”
Paul has been in prison for 2 years. He had returned to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey, but the leaders had arrested him. Even 40 Jewish men took an oath to not eat or drink anything until they’d killed him. So, the commander of the Roman army there sent him away to Governor Felix (about 60 miles away). Felix knew that he was innocent after hearing the case, but to receive bribes from Paul and favor from the Jews, he kept Paul in prison for 2 years. This is after that story – now the new governor Festus has become governor.
There are 2 sections today:
v. 1-12 Conciliation between Festus the new governor and the Jewish leaders
v. 13-22 Consultation between Festus and King Agrippa
Part 1
v. 1-12
“1 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong.”
6 After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.
8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!” “
Only three days after his new appointment as Governor, Festus visited Jerusalem to find favor with the Jewish leaders – and the Jewish leaders (2 years later) were still the same in their hatred of Paul and moral abasement.
Once again, the Jewish people had formed a plot to kill Paul in ambush on the way. They asked the new governor to send Paul again to Jerusalem so they might kill Paul on the way. In secular history, this governor was governor from AD 58-62 after Felix.
Paul was a Jew whose countrymen wanted to kill him.
At the same time, a Roman whose government didn’t know what to do with him.
If the new governor were to release him, the Jews would hate him. But if he kept him in prison, he would have to explain why a Roman citizen was being held in prison without charge.
In this situation, the Jewish leaders urged Festus to send Paul to them again (so they could kill him). He urged them to come to Caesarea to reopen their charges against him. 8-10 days later, he left and they followed to do as he said.
Festus opened the court, the Jews accused him, Paul defended himself. But there was nothing new – nothing different from 2 years ago. But the governor Festus didn’t want to be against the Jewish people, so he asked Paul – “Do you want to go to Jerusalem?”
Paul: “No! I appeal to Caesar!”
This was the key answer to solve ALL the problems at once. He appealed to the emperor. At that time, every Roman citizen had the right to appeal to Caesar. This did not mean that Caesar himself would hear the case, but the Supreme Court would. Who was the emperor at that time? Nero. (AD 60) He had not yet started the persecution of Christians. But when he appealed to Caesar, Festus had no choice but to send Paul to Rome.
What made Paul make this wise decision?
He knew his final destination (Rome)
He knew the fastest way to go was to appeal to Caesar
He knew the Jews would never give up their hope of killing him
v. 12
“After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!” “
Paul knew that because the Jews still wanted to kill him, it was wise to stay under the protection of Rome (they would have to guard him). But even though he appealed to Rome, Festus’ problems were not over.
Part 2
v. 13-22
“13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” “
Next Sunday, we will also hear him – what Paul said to Agrippa.
Festus’ problems were not over. He hadn’t hurt the Jews, but he also hadn’t formally charged Paul. He couldn’t send Paul to Rome without documentation. This was the official course of action.
Then, King Agrippa visited him to say, “Congratulations on your new position.”
Who is this Agrippa?
Herod Agrippa II.
Son of Herod Agrippa I who killed the apostle James and imprisoned Peter.
He was the grand nephew of Herod who killed John the Baptist.
He was great grandson of Herod the Great who killed all the boys 2 years and under in Bethlehem just to kill Jesus.
This is the last of Herod’s dynasty that ruled Palestine from 40BC – 100AD.
Just like a father to son, Agrippa received a flawed personality passed down from his father. Each son received mistakes and missed opportunities from his father. Each generation had a direct or indirect connection with Jesus but missed the opportunity. This is in the line of Esau (half-Jews). They were eager to please the Roman government who appointed them as the kings of the Jews.
From this story we can get many lessons.
From the family of Herod:
They had a great opportunity – a long history of encountering Christ – but each time they rejected forgiveness and eternal life.
One of the most sobering lessons form this family is: Families tend to pass on both positive and negative traits to the next generation.
Today’s is Children’s Day. My question: What kind of spiritual example are you setting? What will be your legacy you leave to the next generation?
Second, Paul is still in prison, but his main purpose was not his own defense but being a witness of Jesus.
v. 19
“Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.”
Paul was defending much more than religion in general. He was defending and declaring the resurrection of Christ. We also are witnesses of Christ’s resurrection.
We know there are famous graves in this world.
The Pyramids (mummified bodies of Egyptian kings)
Westminster in UK (bodies of nobles)
Wellington Nat. Cemetery in Washington DC (bodies of dead soldiers)
Mohammed’s Tomb (beautiful decorations)
Jesus’ Tomb is also very famous – because it is EMPTY – there is no landmark
Jesus’ resurrection is the basis and foundation that all that is necessary for our lives and ministries is available to us – and also a guarantee that our bodies will also be resurrected very soon.
Romans 11 “If the one who raised Christ is living in you, he will also give life to your bodies…”
Jesus “If anyone believes in me, he will have eternal life and I will raise him up at the Last Day.”
Jesus “I am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in me will live though he dies.”
If we are children of God, we also are not only defenders of ourselves, but of Christ’s resurrection. Yet, we will not escape false accusations – because Satan is “the god of this age.”
v. 7
“When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. “
Paul, simply because he was a witness of Jesus’ resurrection, was surrounded by false witnesses and accusations. He had to listen to these false accusations for more than 2 years.
Have you ever been accused, condemned, criticized wrongly for doing nothing wrong? Remember, if we are really born-again Christians, we are not free from false accusations. “Satan” means “Accuser” – The Bible says, when we suffer false accusations and criticisms, the first thing we must do is consider Christ.
Heb 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes upon Christ, the author and perfector of our faith… he endured the cross…”
1 Peter 2:19 “It is commendable if a man bears the pain of unjust sufferings because he remembers Christ. What credit is it to you if you receive a beating for doing evil? But it is credited to you if you receive such for doing good. To this you are called… No lie or cheating was found in Christ’s mouth. When he suffered, he did not make threats, but entrusted himself to God who judges justly. He bore our sins on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live righteously. By his wounds, we are healed.” He is our healer.
Our enemy, Satan, never gives up his job/ministry against us: Accusing us. Condemning, criticizing.
You must know that Satan is never gonna give you up…
Satan can see what you did (not what you will do), and he accuses you because of it, “Look at you. You’re such a ….”
We reply, “Yes, I know!” (And we should reply, “I know I’m not worthy of salvation, but I’m not saved by my deeds, but by my faith in Christ.”)
Do not be defeated by the false accusation of Satan. Our spiritual lives are a spiritual war.
Finally,
We must WAIT.
We are studying chp 25. Remember, in chp 23, God had promised that Paul would go to Rome and preach the gospel. But for two years, nothing has happened. Is God sleeping? No, he is working and waiting for the BEST time.
Our time is not the best time.
We should not be impatient when we need to be patient.
Paul waited for 2 years, but remember Joseph as well – the stories are similar.
Joseph’s story
Joseph was in prison, unjustly, for 2 years (like Paul). But Joseph continued to trust in God and God was with him and God gave him success in whatever he did.
One day the king’s cupbearer and baker were put in the same cell. They both had a dream – very meaningful – so they were upset and troubled. So Joseph explained the dreams and just as he interpreted, one man was hanged 3 days later, the other (cupbearer) was restored to his original job. In this situation, Joseph asked, “Remember me” when you are restored and work with Pharaoh again. But when he was set free, he forgot Joseph – for 2 years.
Question: When we wait for a LONG time, when the issue of waiting for God to act for us, when we have little to do but trust God and wait for him to act – are you angry? Troubled? Upset? Disappointed? Discouraged? Anxious? That time is very important and serious. A crucial time.
Being forced to wait is a good test for our patience and faith.
Then, when 2 full years had passed, the king of Egypt also had a meaningful dream. The king called all the magicians and wisemen but nobody could interpret this dream. It was JUST THEN when God made the cupbearer remember Joseph. Then (eventually) Joseph became made Prime Minister of the greatest country of that time.
God never sleeps. Remember!
Jesus “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.”
Paul “Give thanks in ALL circumstances – for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you…. God is working all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.”
Let’s pray.
Apr 14 / 2019
Comments Off on Righteousness, Self-control, and the Judgment to Come (Acts 24:1-27)
1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin– 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
In Jerusalem, 40 men? took a vow to never eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. Paul’s nephew heard of this and told the commander. The commander sent him to his higher-up Felix, the governor, guided by 470 soldiers. Felix received Paul and said, “I will hear you when your accusers come here” and put him under guard. Five days later, the accusers (the high priest and some elders) arrived. This is the same high priest who ordered Paul to be stricken on the mouth in the Sanhedrin. They also employed a professional lawyer (Tertullus).
Three parts in today’s sermon:
Paul’s accusers’ (false) accusations (v. 1-9)
Paul’s (faithful) answers to his charges (v. 10-21)
The governor Felix’s (foolish) response to this case (v. 22-27)
Tertullus begins (v. 2-3) with nauseating flattery.
v. 2-3
“2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.”
This is untrue – blatant flattery.
v. 4-9 = Accusations
“4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. “
Tertullus declared Paul a man of evil character, guilty of three things:
Troublemaker (sedition)
Ringleader of the Nazarene sect (heresy)
Desecrate the temple
v. 10-21 Paul’s answer
“10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that *no more than twelve days ago* [Paul had been in Jerusalem less than 7 days] I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin– 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ” “
In his speech, Paul did not flattery Felix, he merely recognized his experience and knowledge. Then he began his defense in the order in which the charges had been made.
Troublemaker (sedition)
“I had been there less than 7 days. I gathered no assembly nor crowd.”
Ringleader of a cult (heresy)
“I believe in the same God they do. I’m a Christian, but accept the whole Old Testament. Just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean I worship a different God. I worship the same God in a new, living, acceptable way (through Christ).”
Desecrator / defiler of the temple
“I came to Jerusalem with 2 purposes: to bring alms to the poor; to offer sacrifices in the temple (to honor my Nazarite vow).”
In the temple, he was performing this Nazarite offering to God, but he was falsely arrested and accused by the crowd. But no one from that crowd is present now. So those who are there now had no right / privilege to accuse Paul now. None of them were there at that moment.
After listening to Paul’s answer, his accusers could not refute Paul anymore, so court was adjourned.
v. 22-23
“22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. “
Felix said he would wait for the commander who sent him to come. But the commander never came – so Paul remained in prison for 2 years.
v. 24
“24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.”
Druscilla was Felix’s 3rd wife.
She was Herod’s daughter
Her grandfather tried to kill Jesus in Bethlehem);
her great uncle killed John the Baptist;
her father Herod Agrippa I killed the apostle James.
Now we can see the foolish attitude of this couple.
v. 25-27
“25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. “
In the next chapter, 25, Paul will stand before Festus.
Felix put Paul in prison for at least 2 years until he finished his governorship, then handed Paul over to his successor.
There are two reasons for this:
(Felix knew Paul was not guilty – he should have been set free)
To get a bribe from Paul (wait, he’s rich enough – but he still wants dirty money from the poor prisoner)
To gain popularity from the Jews
He was a judge, but his concern was not justice, it was fame and popularity and money. So, Paul preached the gospel to this couple in three points – and it made them uncomfortable:
Righteousness
Self-control
Judgment to come
These three points are so relevant to this couple. Not only to them, but also to us today in this church building – these three topics are so important and necessary.
Today’s sermon topic:
Righteousness, Self-control, the Judgment to Come
Let us ponder these things again under the guidance and illumination of the HS.
Righteousness
We must do something about yesterday’s sin.
God is righteous and holy. Because he is, he demands righteousness / holiness from us.
“Be holy; be righteous” – the Bible commands this. But it is impossible. But the good news: the same God who demands this provides his own righteousness for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3 “Therefore, no one will become declared righteous through observing the Law. Rather, we will become aware of sin. But a new righteousness has been made known and comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in him.” There is no different “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
“God gave his one and only Son as a sacrifice of atonement to give his own blood as atonement.” (John) We are only made righteous through his righteousness.
“There is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
We are not sinless, but we are free from the power of sin when we trust Christ as personal Savior and Lord. This is good news!
Self-Control
We must do something about today’s temptation / challenge.
Mankind can control almost EVERYTHING in nature – except themselves.
Christian messages are not merely platitudes, but they contain hard-hitting behaviors. That’s why one of the fruit of the HS is self-control.
Others: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control – against these things there is no Law. (Gal 5)
The Christian life is not an easy life – it is a fighting life against temptation and against the sinful nature. You (me) are fighting against our old selves.
Gal 5:24-26 “Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Self-control is so important in the Christian life.
Judgment
We must do something about the future’s judgment.
2 Cor 5:1 “We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, not built by human hands.”
Our physical lives in this world are like tents – so our lives after this world are like buildings. While in our earthly lives, we are offered so many choices (jobs, careers, hobbies, countries); but eternity offers only two options (heaven, hell).
In this earth, so many countries, but in eternity, only two. Our relationship with God on earth will determine our relationship with him in eternity.
So we must live in light of eternity.
When we live like this, so many of our problems and worries will appear small and trivial; our values will change; our priorities will be rearranged. The more precious Jesus becomes to us, the less precious everything else becomes.
Paul “I consider everything LOSS compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord. I consider all things rubbish so that I may gain Christ and be found in him.”
“Hosanna” = “You are my Savior”
Is Jesus your Savior? Even kindergarteners can answer. But we must remember –
He MUST be our Savior,
otherwise he will be our Judge.
He must be Lord and King,
otherwise we will become slaves to something that will become nothing.
He must be our God,
otherwise we will worship something else as god = idolatry.
v. 25
“25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, *Felix was afraid* [Holy Spirit conviction – but he rejected / delayed] and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient [delay], I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently [with wrong motives] and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. “
Yes, we know Paul was a champion in sharing the message of the gospel. Felix had 2 years opportunity to be saved through the message of Paul – but he missed it because he continuously delayed. “When I find it convenient…”
Procrastination = a thief of time / our souls
Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow because you do not know what a day may bring forth…”
Past is past; present is present (gift); tomorrow is not ours – it belongs to God.
— Story —
One day in Hell, there was a meeting of Satan and his living demons. He commanded them to think up a good lie to bring more souls to Hell. (Satan is the Father of Lies). The demons gathered and tried to create lies to bring more souls to Hell.
“People of earth! There’s no God!” Satan said, “It will never work – everyone will look around at Creation and know there is a God.”
“There’s no heaven!” – Satan “No good. Everybody knows there is life after physical death. And they all want to go to heaven.”
“There’s no Hell!” – Satan “No good. Their conscience knows their sins will be judged. Their spirits already know there is Hell, that’s why they are afraid of death.”
“There’s no hurry!” – Satan “Good idea!”
Prov “Do not boast about tomorrow”
2 Cor 2:6 “NOW (x5) is the time of God’s grace! Now is the day of salvation!”
The best time to believe in Christ is NOW!
The best time to trust him is NOW!
The best time to confess him as King and Savior and Lord is NOW!
The best time to tell others the gospel message is NOW!
NOW is the time of God’s favor / grace / mercy / salvation.
Let’s pray.
Apr 07 / 2019
Comments Off on What Did you Lose and Gain for Christ? (Acts 23:11-35)
11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”
16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander.
The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20 He said: “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”
22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Paul Transferred to Caesarea
23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.” 25 He wrote a letter as follows: 26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
[Background to Paul's story]
Paul confessed that he would go to Jerusalem, and that the Holy Spirit told him he would face many trials and hardships there.
Chp 21, he arrived – and they seized him immediately and tried to kill him. The Roman commander came and bound Paul in chains – and tried to torture Paul to know the truth. But Paul revealed his Roman citizenship. So, the commander put him before the Sanhedrin – and even they were divided by his confession in the resurrection.
The commander then took Paul out and put him in the barracks. Paul was staying in the barracks that night. There may be no record, but we can guess at his emotion – tired, humiliated, lonely, depressed – but the fact was, he was not alone. Jesus was with him and said, “Take heart – take courage. You shall go to Rome. You shall not die until you testify in Rome.” The story from the beginning to the end of this section of Acts is a set of circumstances that brought Paul from Jerusalem to Rome.
[/Background of Paul's story]
23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”
16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18So he took him to the commander.
The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20 He said: “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”
22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Paul Transferred to Caesarea
23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
25 He wrote a letter as follows: 26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
Jesus said to Paul, “take courage” – but this does not mean “easy life”. Also he said, “you will go to Rome” – but this does not mean “with nothing to do”. There would be hardships and sufferings yet. He must overcome and prevail.
Paul was in the barracks and heard the voice of Christ, but almost at the same time, more than 40 men took an oath to kill him.
How foolish! They should eat and drink WELL to kill Paul! But actually at that time, people would vow with “May God curse me if I fail” – yet God had promised Paul to deliver him to Rome. So, these men could NEVER kill Paul. They went to the chief priests and elders and asked them to request Paul at the council chambers again – they would ambush him along the way.
v. 12-15
“12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” “
Please, when you decide to do some thing – be careful to do the WILL of God. Actually if we decide to do something against the will of God, it will be like a curse to me. Their plan was laid bare to the nephew of Paul.
v. 16-22
“16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander.
The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20 He said: “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”
22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” ”
Their evil plan was revealed to the nephew of Paul. This was the first (and last) biblical record of Paul’s family (Paul’s sister’s son). We know nothing about him – name, age, job, nor how he heard about this plan. Anyway, he found out the plan and came to Paul in the barracks (he was able to visit him) – because at that time, Roman prisoners were accessible by their families – to bring food or clothes, etc.
Immediately, Paul heard the bad news, and called the centurion to bring the commander. He brought him to the commander and relayed his story. The commander took him by the hand (maybe he is very young, like a teenager). The nephew then told of the plan of the Jews.
The commander heard this and sent him away (“Do not tell anyone you have said this to me.”) The commander then prepared an amazing thing – 470 soldiers to escort this ONE man. God is so interesting.
v. 23-24
“23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.””
(Paul even got a horse)
The commander knew that if Paul was killed by the assassins, it was his responsibility – so he wanted to get him OUT of Jerusalem and send him to a higher office (the governor).
Can you imagine this picture?
200 soldiers
70 horsemen
200 spearmen
vs.
40 would-be assassins
At that time, Caesarea was the Roman headquarters for that area even though Jerusalem was under Roman control. Felix was the governor of the Jewish people at that time – the same position as Pontius Pilate.
The commander wrote a letter to send:
v. 25-30
“25 He wrote a letter as follows: 26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. “
The commander’s full name is here for the first time: Claudius Lysias. (Lysias was a Greek name – maybe he was born Greek. Claudius was probably added to his name when he purchased his Roman citizenship – Claudius was the emperor at that time.)
In his letter, he rearranged the order of events, omitting his own fault in these things – bound Paul and tried to beat him.
Paul left Jerusalem for Caesarea:
v. 31-35
31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
In his career, again and again Paul was smuggled out of towns under the cover of night
chp 9, Damascus – they waited day and night at the gates to kill Paul, but his followers lowered him from the wall in a basket.
chp 17 – Thessalonica – they tried to seize Paul, but his followers sent him away at night.
chp 23 – Paul left town at night – like a king – on a horse, surrounded by 470 soldiers, not like a prisoner)
From Jerusalem to Antipatris – 470 soldiers – to avoid ambush
From Antipatris to Caesarea – only 70 horsemen for speed.
Practical lessons
Q: not happy, but serious and important:
1. What did you LOSE / give up for Jesus?
This is a serious but important and practical question.
What did *I* give up for Christ? – who gave *all* things for me?
If Jesus is really your Lord, Savior, God, King, continually ask yourself, “What did *I* give up for Christ?”
Phi 3:7-9
“Whatever I gained I consider as loss for the sake of Christ … for whose sake I have lost all things – I consider these things rubbish so I may gain and be found in Christ alone.”
“I want to *know* Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering!”
Are you disciples of Christ?
If you are really disciples, be very careful to listen to his voice.
Matthew, Mark, Luke
“Anyone who loves his father/mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who does not take up his cross daily and follow me is not worthy of me. If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. “ – not once a week, not once a year – daily
Jesus gave us his life – “I give you eternal life; you shall never perish; no one can snatch you out of my hand. My father is greater than all, so no one can snatch you out of my hand.”
Yes, God is so dramatic in handling these things. Be encouraged by the fact that God is there, Jesus is THERE – not only in the case of Paul, but even today.
“I will never leave you, nor forsake you; I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In our darkest dungeon, Jesus is there.
Is is a scary hospital? Hardworking factory? Lonely kitchen? Jesus is THERE – he is spirit.
Psalm “Where can I go to flee from your Spirit? If I go to the heaven, you are there; if I go to the depths, you are there; if I rise on the wings of dawn, you are there; if I settle on the far side of the sea, you are there.”
Recognize and proclaim this: fact is fact: God is here and now with me.
Our ways are so very limited. Our ideas are limited, desires, place, etc. But God’s ways, designs, source, are limitless. Don’t you agree? Then don’t limit God yourself by asking God to do things YOUR way.
When God intervenes, things can happen so much MORE and BETTER than we can anticipate! Let God surprise you.
“Let God surprise me!~”
Isaiah 55 “My thoughts are not your thoughts; my ways are not your ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”
God is present anytime, anyplace. He is providing, preserving, preparing, prevailing.
Conclusion:
“God prevails”
Preach the Word in season and out of season. God prevails. God overcomes. Are you ready?
A Roman commander came and arrested him and started to take him away to calm the mob.
Paul asked to speak to the crowd, so the commander let him.
He spoke in Aramaic, so the commander didn’t understand – except that he riled up the crowd again.
He commanded Paul be taken and flogged.
“Is it legal to flog a Roman citizen?”
Surprised, the commander said, “I paid lots of money for my citizenship.”
Paul, “I was born one.”
Eventually, the commander handed him over to the Sanhedrin to deal with this.
[/Review]
21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”
Paul the Roman Citizen
22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”
23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”
27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”
“Yes, I am,” he answered.
28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a big price for my citizenship.”
“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.
29 Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
Before the Sanhedrin
30 The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
—
23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”
4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “You dare to insult God’s high priest?”
5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'”
6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)
9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
**11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” **
Now we see the picture:
Paul is standing before the Sanhedrin – much as Jesus once did. Jesus’ apostles Peter, James, and John were also there, and now here is Paul.
Look at how many great opportunities they had to be saved, but they missed them all.
v. 1
“Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, ‘My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.'”
“Conscience” is one of Paul’s favorite words. (here and 24:16 “I did my best to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”) – He also mentioned this word 20 times in his epistles.
Conscience is the inner witness that approves when we do right and disapproves when we do wrong. It does not make the standards, it only applies the standards of any person – right or wrong, good or bad.
Conscience can be related to a window. God’s Word is the light. The cleaner the window, the more light shines in.
Good / pure consciences are those that let God’s light in so that we are properly convicted when we do wrong and encouraged when we do right.
Defiled consciences are those that have been sinned against so much, they become unreliable. These consciences become evil, seared consciences.
Imagine this situation with Paul. This is the Supreme Court.
Usually, when addressing the court, they will bow, and address, “Rulers of the people, and elders of the nation…” But Paul said, “My brothers…” – he put himself on equal footing with the court.
Due to this initial address, they were so angry. The High Priest ordered he be struck!
Paul said, “God will strike you! You sit in the seat of the Law, but violate that Law!”
Others, “He’s the High Priest.”
Paul, “Ooops, sorry, didn’t know that.” (is this truth or a lie? we don’t actually know)
Then, in THIS situation, he began his defense again.
To the crowd, he shared with his personal experience.
Now, to the court, he shared with his faith, in the resurrection of the dead.
According to their doctrine, Sadducees were “sad, you see” and didn’t believe in spiritual things – they only believed in the visible, secular world.
But the Pharisees believed in spirits, and angels, and the resurrection of the dead.
So, there became an uproar in the court over this, and Paul was again in the middle of it. He was taken out by the guards and thrown again into the dark barracks.
Imagine how Paul would feel in this situation. This was one of the darkest nights in Paul’s life. Paul was emotionally, physically, spiritually exhausted and humiliated – he was completely alone and disheartened.
In this situation (we also can become like this) Jesus himself stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!”
v. 11
“11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” “
This story is similar to the story in the OT with Shadrach, Mishach and Abednego. When these three spoke BOLDLY and the king threatened to throw them into the fire, the three said to him, “King! We do not defend ourselves before you only. God is able to rescue us from this fire! But even if he doesn’t, we want you to know that we will never serve your gods, nor bow to the image of gold you have made!”
They were thrown into the fire, and the guards who took them close died from the heat. The king looked in, and saw FOUR! men. He’s an unbeliever, but he saw four men walking through the fire, unbound, unharmed. The fourth man looked like a Son of God.
(This is another pre-incarnation of Jesus Christ in human history.)
John 1:14 – We know that Jesus was incarnated as a baby.
But here, in the OT, we also see the incarnation of God.
And again, Jesus – the same yesterday, today, and forever – stood beside Paul and said, “Take courage!”
This same sentence is still being spoken by Christ to us today~ but some hear and others don’t here.
There are 5 times in the NT this encouragement is spoken by Christ. In all situations, it is ONLY Jesus Christ who said, “Take heart, take courage.” Only Jesus has the right to say this to us.
To the bedridden paralytic – “Take heart! Your sins are forgiven.”
A woman, subjected to bleeding for 12 years – touched his cloak (he knew who) – “My daughter, take heart! Your faith has healed you.”
To his terrified disciples, on the stormy sea, Jesus approached by walking on the water (they thought it was a ghost) – “Take courage! It is I!”
On the night before his crucifixion, in the upper room – “Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in me.” (Also in John – “Take heart! For I have overcome the world!”)
Here in Acts – to Paul
All of these are only said by Jesus.
If I say to you, ‘Take courage’ it will have a minor impact. But if CHRIST says this to you – directly, strongly – it will have a MAJOR impact on your life – because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So, HOW can we listen to his living voice today, now and here?
A: Through his Word.
John 1:1 “In the Beginning was the Word… we have seen his glory…”
Romans 10 “Do not say in your hearts, who will ascend or descend to bring Christ to you? The Word is near you – in your mouth, in your heart.”
We can hear his Word through the Bible.
Also, in the OT, God said to Joshua this same message – multiple times, “Be strong and VERY courageous!”
Joshua “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Psalm 1:2 “Blessed is the man who meditates on the word of the Lord day and night…”
HOW can we meditate on the Word of God?
We already know (in our hearts).
Do you know how to worry? You think about it all the time, all the ins-and-outs, all the bad possibilities. You are meditating on your worry…
If you think about something over and over in your mind – this is meditation.
If you think negatively over and over in your mind, this is worry. If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate.
If you think about the Word of God over and over in your mind, this is meditation.
Merely shift your attention from your PROBLEM -> The WORD of God. The MORE you meditation on the Word of God, the less you will worry. (Your mind cannot think about both things at once. Whichever you meditate on will fill your thoughts.)
Romans 8:34 “Who is it that condemns us? Jesus Christ is sitting on the right hand of God and interceding for us.”
TAKE COURAGE!
There are three messages here:
Message of Courage (encouragement)
Message of Commendation (praise) – “As *you have* testified about me in Jerusalem” – Jesus did not rebuke him for no (obvious) fruit, but Jesus praised him for his ministry. Remember, there is NO failure in our preaching the gospel to this world – because preaching the gospel ITSELF is success.
Message of Confidence – “You *will go* to Rome.” (You will not die before you finish your mission)
Are you servants of Christ? Then you have a mission – given to you by Christ. And the servants of Christ are immortal until your task is DONE. No servant of Christ dies until his / her task is done – that which is given by Christ.
[Background from last week (chp 21). After Paul was arrested and being carried to the barracks, he decided: NOW was the time to share his story.]
1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.
3 Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as also the high priest and all the Council can testify. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’
8 ” ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.
9 ” ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
10 ” ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.
11 ” ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.
12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.
14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’
17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking. ‘Quick!’ he said to me. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
19 ” ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’
21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'”
In the Bible, Paul is the only person whose conversion experience is repeated more than once. (Here, chp 22, and chp 26).
Paul is calling the people who arrested him, beat him, and tried to kill him as, “brothers and fathers.” How is this possible? He was filled with the HS. The HS makes us gentle, kind, meek, etc.
“Listen to my defense” – in Greek (apollo gia) – from this Greek word “apologize / apologetics.” In seminary, there is the “study of reasonable, logical Christian faith and doctrine” – Apologetics – and we are all apologists (defenders of the Christian doctrine).
Paul’s defense is paradoxical. It emphasizes two different things.
1. Stresses his Identification
(and commonality with those he wishes to evangelize)
v. 2-5 (He identifies himself with the crowd)
For example: “Yes, my practical language is Aramaic, I’m a Jew, I grew up here, I was educated under Gamaliel – whom you all respect (one of the greatest scholars of that time), and I was once zealous for God as you are today – but wrongly. I persecuted Christians once as you are now persecuting me. I arrested them, as you are arresting me. I was like you at one time.”
2. Emphasized the difference between himself and the crowd
“I met Jesus. I was converted and the conversion was not an issue of defection, but divine intervention. I met Christ, the God of the Jews and the Gentiles, the God of all people.”
“Even though I’m in this world, Jesus has set me apart and consecrated me for a special purpose.”
I’m the same as you, but I’m different from you.
This is also our identification
without loss of our identity.
Also Christ was identified with us
without loss of his identity.
This is the key point, main idea, given to us in this text.
“Jesus is like me” – born as a full man, lived in a particular part of history, with a birthday and birth place – born as a boy baby in a real time, way, through a real human mother. He grew up in wisdom and stature as human beings do. He was subject to the ordinary laws of human development in body and soul. He possessed a human nature, was subject to human weakness and infirmaries (he had to eat, sleep, rest – experienced hunger, sickness, pain, etc). He exposed himself to all kinds of temptations we experience today.
Hebrews 2:18 “Jesus suffered when he was tempted, so he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
“We do not have a High Priest with is unable to sympathize with us – he was tempted as we are in every way, yet was without sin.”
That’s why he can empathize with us fully because he experienced these things.
“Jesus is different from me.” – fully God.
“Jesus is God.”
“Jesus is full God.”
There are 5 things to share as evidence of Jesus’ divinity.
1. Divine titles are given to Christ
He’s called “Son of God”, Savior, Lord, Alpha and Omega, First and Last. But more importantly, he is called directly “God.”
The English word “Lord” is translated from Greek “cureos” is translated from Hebrew “adonai” which means “God.”
“Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)
2. Divine worship is ascribed to him
Who are you worshiping now?
Jesus himself says, “Worship belongs to God alone.”
In the temptation of Christ, Satan tempted him, “If you bow down and worship me, I’ll give you all these things.”
Jesus refused and quoted Scripture: “Go away from me, it is written, ‘Worship God alone.'”
“At the name of Christ, all knees should bow and all tongues confess that Christ is Lord.”
All creation, all angels, spiritual beings, all humans will worship Christ. This means, he is “God.”
3. He possesses qualities and properties of divinity
1. Pre-existence
Before Creation of the world, he IS. “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Before the foundation of the universe, I AM.
John 1:1 “In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”
2. He has self-existence and life-giving power
John 1:1 “In him was Light and the light was life giving.”
Jesus says, “I’m Life.” – this means he is self-existent outside our life. All life has its source in Christ.
3. He possesses immutability
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
All Creation changes – the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, you and me. Only God is unchangeable, immutable in his character, power, wisdom, etc. Only God is unchangeable. And Jesus is unchangeable. “He is…” God.
The fullness of diety dwells in Christ
The very essence and nature of God are in Christ.
4. Divine jobs are ascribed to Christ
What is your job? Everybody has a job.
Man has man’s job, God has God’s job.
What is the business of God?
Creating
Can you create something out of nothing? No. Only God is creator. Jesus is Creator of the universe.
John “Through Christ, all things were created. All that has been made has been made through him and finds its being in him.”
The Creation is the revelation of Christ’s mind, wisdom, power, and might.
He is sustainer of all things, keeper of all things, before all Creation, and in him, all things hold together.
Hebrews: “Christ is the exact representation of God’s glory and sustaining all things through his powerful word.”
Jesus’ powerful word causes all things to hold together.
The pulse (in your heart) of life is regulated and controlled by the throbbing of the mighty heart of Christ – creator, sustainer, forgiver.
He alone has the right and authority to forgive sins. But forgiveness of sin is the right of only God.
He does not merely say, “You’re forgiven” but he actually, actively forgives our sins.
“The blood of Christ purifies our sins.”
5. He raises the dead
This is the job of God. But Jesus repeats this several times in the book of John, “I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live though he die… And I will raise them up in the final day.”
6. He is the judge over all Creation
These are the jobs of God:
Creator
Sustainer
Forgiver
Raiser of the Dead
Judge
Through these jobs, we can know that Jesus is God.
Divine Attributes
1. Omnipotent (All powerful)
“All authority, all power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Jesus
We know the storm (typhoon) obeyed Christ. All Creation obeys Christ – this means he has all power and authority on earth – also in heaven, and also in hell – even Satan obeys Christ.
2. Omniscience (all-knowing)
He knows all and sees all – past, present, and future.
He does not learn this knowledge by study – he simply knows everything through immediate perception.
Jesus knows all realities, possibilities, all potential, all happenings, all motives, all thoughts, all secrets, all mysteries. He knows what you are thinking – he knows our hidden motives. He knows, and we have nothing to hide from the sight of God.
3. Omnipresence (everywhere at once)
He fills all things at all times – he is in all men, all evangelists, all missionaries, all Creation.
“All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me, so go and make disciples of all nations. And behold, I am with you always until the end of the Age.” (Great Commission)
Jesus is the same as us, but also different.
Also, Paul is explaining this to the men in Jerusalem.
Also, we are the same as this.
We have certain similarities with others, non-believers – membership cards, skills, passions, workplaces, age, children, life status, life situation. Take these things and use them as a springboard for the gospel.
Jesus also did this for the Samaritan woman at the well.
What was her immediate concern? Water.
She came to the well for water. So, Jesus approached her through the matter of water. “Will you also give me something to drink?” Because her first concern was water, Jesus approached her with water.
But soon, Jesus shifted from physical water to spiritual water. “Whoever drinks this water, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. The water I give them will be a spring of water welling up in them to eternal life.”
Soon, she was evangelized by Christ and immediately she also became a powerful evangelist (running into the town to tell everyone).
Her life up to that point had been very shameful – she’d had 5 husbands up to that time, and she didn’t like to speak in public. But in leaving her water, she ran into town, shouting and proclaiming, “Come and see!”
Question:
Is Jesus your Lord?
IF Jesus is really really your Lord (my Lord), we should say to him (every day, every moment), “What shall I do, Lord?”
If he is your Lord, this means, you are his servant / slave. So, you must be ready ALL THE TIME to obey the command of the Lord.
Paul saw Jesus as Lord, and his FIRST response was, “What shall I do, Lord?”
This means he was READY to obey the command of Christ.
So, if Jesus is really your Lord, you should be prepared ALL THE TIME to say, “Lord, what shall I do?”
Then, when we ask this, we must LISTEN.
LISTEN….
If you do like this, “Lord, what must I do?” and immediately go do your own thing, then this sentence is useless. You must be ready to LISTEN.
Jesus spoke to Saul from heaven, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Jesus spoke to Paul through Ananias.
He spoke to Paul through his friends, and through circumstances, and through visions / dreams.
Jesus spoke to Paul in several ways.
Like this, today, because Jesus is alive and the same yesterday, today, and forever, IF we ask, “Lord, what shall I do?”, then he will speak to us in various ways – but most of all through:
