A. PAUL DID NOT START WELL
1. Paul was completely committed to keeping the Old Testament Law. “Circumcised when I was eight days old … pure-blooded citizen of Israel … tribe of Benjamin … Pharisee … demanded strictest obedience … harshly persecuted the church …” (Philippians 3:5-6, NLT).
2. Persecuted the church. “Went everywhere to destroy the church … house to house ... dragging out … thrown in prison” (Acts 8:3, NLT).
3. Murder. “Eager to kill the Lord’s followers” (Acts 9:1, NLT).
B. INTRODUCTION: PAUL’S DREAM WAS TO FINISH INVOLVING AT LEAST THREE AREAS
1. To finish the Great Commission.
2. To be conformed to likeness of Jesus Christ.
3. Serve faithfully to death/rapture.
C. COMPLETE THE GREAT COMMISSION (4 PARTS)
1. No person left out. “He (God) … wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:4).
2. No people groups left out. “Go make disciples of every (ethna) people groups (Matthew 28:19, ELT).
3. No place left out. “To preach the gospel where the name of Christ has never been heard” (Romans 15:20, NLT).
4. No language left out. “This message would be proclaimed … to all people groups” (Luke 24:47, ELT).
5. Paul’s personal commitment. “I have been following the plan … so those who have never been told will see … so those who have never heard will understand” (Romans 15:21).
D. TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST
1. Died with Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV).
2. To know Christ. “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Philippians 3:10, NKJV).
3. Made like Christ “I press on to receive that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me … I press to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize” (Philippians 3:14, ELT).
E. TO BE FAITHFUL TO DEATH
“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize.” Philippians 3:14
1. Tradition. Paul died on flaming torch in Nero’s garden in the 60s A.D.
2. Paul’s commitment. “My life has already been poured out as a drink offering to God … I have fought a good fight … finished my course … remained faithful … now waits me … the crown of righteousness … and to all” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NLT).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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