Introduction

Welcome, beloved friends. As we gather today, let's take a moment to appreciate the richness of God's Word, a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance that never fails to illuminate our path. We are here to examine the divine text of 1 Corinthians 3, a passage that shines a light on the life of Paul, his preparation for apostleship, the role of people in his mission, and his unwavering perseverance in ministry.

Before we begin, let's remember the words of the great Christian thinker, Charles Spurgeon who said, "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." This quote is a testament to the transformative power of the Bible and a reminder for us to continually seek understanding and wisdom from its pages.

Now, let's read the Scripture passage together:

[Read passage]

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we study the life and ministry of Paul, we pray for open hearts and minds to receive your truth. Guide us, Lord, as we seek to understand and apply your Word in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Let’s dive in!

Paul's Preparation for Apostleship

As we begin our teaching section today, let's remember that we are here to learn, to grow, and to be transformed by the Word of God. We are here to understand the life of Paul, a man who was radically transformed by the grace of God. His life serves as a beacon for us, illuminating the path of discipleship and apostleship. We are not here to merely acquire knowledge, but to let this knowledge shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives.

The life of Paul: Before he became an apostle, Paul was a zealous Pharisee, a man who was passionate about his faith but was misguided in his understanding of God. He was a man who persecuted Christians, believing that he was doing God's work. But on the road to Damascus, he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. This encounter transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to a proclaimer of the Gospel.

Did not happen overnight: It was a process that involved learning, unlearning, and relearning. It involved letting go of old beliefs and embracing new ones. It involved surrendering to the will of God and allowing Him to shape and mold him into the person He wanted him to be. This process was not easy, but it was necessary. It was a process that prepared him for his apostleship.

His encounter with Jesus Christ: This encounter was not just a physical one, but a spiritual one. It was an encounter that opened his eyes to the truth of the Gospel. It was an encounter that convicted him of his sins and led him to repentance. It was an encounter that ignited a passion in his heart for the Gospel. This encounter was the starting point of his transformation.

His time in Arabia: After his encounter with Jesus, Paul did not immediately start his ministry. Instead, he spent three years in Arabia, away from the public eye. During this time, he was alone with God, learning from Him, being taught by Him. This was a time of intense spiritual growth and preparation. It was a time when he was equipped with the knowledge and understanding he needed for his ministry.

His return to Damascus and Jerusalem: After his time in Arabia, Paul returned to Damascus and Jerusalem, where he began to preach the Gospel. He faced opposition and persecution, but he did not let these deter him. Instead, he persevered, standing firm in his faith and proclaiming the Gospel with boldness and conviction. This was a time of testing and proving, a time when his faith was put to the test.

His time in Antioch: After his return to Damascus and Jerusalem, Paul spent a significant amount of time in Antioch, where he was nurtured and mentored by the church. This was a time of community and fellowship, a time when he was supported and encouraged by fellow believers. This was a time of preparation and equipping, a time when he was readied for his apostolic mission.

Patterns: We see the hand of God at work in each of these, shaping and molding Paul, preparing him for his apostleship. We see a man who was willing to surrender to the will of God, to be led by Him, to be used by Him. We see a man who was not perfect, but who was willing to be perfected by God. We see a man who was not strong in his own strength, but who was strong in the strength of God. We see a man who was not wise in his own wisdom, but who was wise in the wisdom of God. We see a man who was not righteous in his own righteousness, but who was righteous in the righteousness of God.

We too are called to be transformed by the grace of God: We too are called to be prepared for the work that God has for us. We too are called to surrender to the will of God, to be led by Him, to be used by Him. We too are called to be strong in the strength of God, to be wise in the wisdom of God, to be righteous in the righteousness of God. We too are called to be disciples of Christ, to be apostles of the Gospel.

People's Part in Paul's Journey

Paul found himself surrounded by a community of believers who played a significant role in his mission ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO