At My First Answer

INTRODUCTION

Outline

1. Paul’s Divine Counselor

2. Paul’s Divine Deliverer

3. Paul’s Divine Preserver

Remarks

1. In our lesson today we will be discussing Paul’s first defense in Rome. We will be reviewing some great words of encouragement from this great apostle of Christ. We find him now in a Roman prison, near the end of his life. He charges the young evangelist in a powerful way – to preach the word and follow his example of devotion and faithfulness to Christ. He informs Timothy that: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” He said earlier: “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica,” 2 Timothy 4:9-10.

2. First, we will discuss Paul’s divine counselor. He says: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” Paul advises the Timothy that the Lord stood with him and strengthen him during his first appearance before Nero. He was on trial for his life. He reflects on his entire Christian ministry from his call and conversion to Christ in Damascus; till now, his pending conviction and death for the cause of Christ in Rome. Jesus said: “And when they bring you in…take no thought of what you might say,” Luke 12:11-12. The Lord spoke for Paul during this trial; and He will also speak for us during our trial.

3. Secondly, we will note Paul’s divine deliverer. He wrote: “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,” 2 Timothy 4:17. He recounts his first appearance before the most powerful man in the world. During his first appearance, those that laid charges against him were unsuccessful. He escaped the ax and the sentence of death from the Magistrate. The Lord delivered me from the “mouth of the lion.” Delivered him from the chopping block; from which he would soon suffer death. We can be confident, that the Lord will at his good time deliver us from all of our trials and temptations.

4. Lastly, we will discover Paul’s divine preserver. He wrote: “And the Lord will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to who is glory for ever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:18. He faces death – though ready to be offered, and the time of his departure was at hand. Paul was assured that: “There was laid up for him a crown of righteousness,” 2 Timothy 4:6-8. We can be sure that our Lord has also a crown of life laid up for us in that heavenly kingdom. With this brief introduction let’s consider our first point, Paul’s divine counselor.

BODY OF LESSON

I PAUL’S DIVINE COUNSELOR

A. At my first answer. It appears that Paul has made his first hearing before Nero; in Rome in defense of his life and ministry, for Christ. Paul had beside him a divine counselor: an attorney or defender. The Lord stood with him; and provided the testimony for his defense. Consider....

1. Isaiah wrote: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace...Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this,” Isaiah 9:6-7. Isaiah speaks of the Christ, the Son of God.

a. The word “Counsellor” in Heb., is yâ?ats, or yaw-ats'; which means: to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve:—advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel (-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.

b. This is the same idea that Jesus speaks of to His apostles.

c. He would provide for them:

1) A “Comforter,” John 14:25-26; John 15:26-27; and John 16:12-15.

2) A “Counselor,” Psalms 16:7; Psalms 32:8; Proverbs 11:14.

3) Notice the Master’s promise unto His disciples; regarding the Holy Spirit’s work, with them.

2. Jesus said: “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say,” Luke 12:11-12; John 16:1-2.

a. The Holy Ghost will be your legal defense.

b. He will “answer” for you. He will teach you what to say!

c. This also agrees with Isaiah’s witness, of the Son of God.