Paul The Apostle's Preaching Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

Paul the Apostle’s Preaching

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the third lesson in our series on the theme: “We cannot but speak.” This lesson deals with the challenges of the men of God that speak the word of God in truth. We will see how neither threatenings, beatings; imprisonment or the face of death could silence them. There will be times we will be called upon to speak unto both those desirous to hear our message; and before those that would rebel against: “Thus saith the Lord.” The Lord has not given us: “The spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7. We must be, “bold fearless preachers” because the Lord has sent us to speak His word with confidence and without fear.

2. We will investigate the Apostle Paul’s preaching against the false prophets and brethren among the churches. Paul’s apostleship was always being challenged; just like some of the minister’s credentials today, by false brethren and denominational preachers. I lump them both in the same condemnation; for God shall judge them both alike. We are not called by the Lord, to present soothing words to the church or the community of disbelievers; but to speak the truth in love, regardless of how it might be received. Paul said: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17. With this introduction, let’s consider: “Paul the apostle’s preaching.”

BODY OF LESSON

PAUL THE APOSTLE’S PREACHING

A. The apostle’s call. He wrote: “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.) ...But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and call me by his grace. To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I confer not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem ... but into Arabia and Damascus,” Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:15-16; Romans 1:1-5.

1. Saul was called by God to be an apostle from his mother’s womb; but, placed into this office after the persecution of Stephens, and his confrontation with the Lord “on the Damascus’ highway,” Acts 9:1-9; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1.

2. Ananias’ call by the Lord to minister unto Saul, Acts 9:10-16.

3. Saul’s conversion and commission as an apostle, Acts 9:17-19.

4. Paul speaks of his apostleship. To Timothy he wrote: “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief,” 1 Timothy 1:11-15.

5. Conclusion: Saul, although once a blasphemer, persecutor and injurious person: was called by God to be an apostle of Christ, “when it pleased God.” Notice:

a. He was trained in the Law under capable feet of Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees; and as touching the righteousness which is in the Law, he claimed to be blameless, Acts 22:3; Philippians 3:5-6.

b. The 12 apostles, as we have already noticed they were common men; declared to be “ignorant and unlearned” by the Sanhedrin Council, Acts 4:13.

c. Saul on the other hand; was an educated and very learned man. He was appointed by God to be: “the apostle to the uncircumcision; as Peter was the apostle to the circumcision,” Galatians 2:6-10.

d. It was this difference (not being numbered with the 12); Paul would be subject to during his entire apostolic ministry for Christ. False apostles, prophets, and brethren would consistently accuse him of not being an apostle. He had to defend his apostleship; everywhere he went and preached Christ.

B. His apostleship. Paul’s apostleship was always being challenged; just like some of our minister’s credentials by false brethren and denominational preachers. I lump then both in the same condemnation; for God shall judge them both alike.

1. You have been called by the Lord, not to preach soothing words to the church or the community of unbelievers; but to preach the truth regardless of how it might be received, by both groups. We must present: “The truth of Christ in love,” Ephesians 4:17.