Today’s Passage: “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” Acts 9:20
Today’s devotional thought will conclude our series of lessons entitled “The Gospel: What is this Good News”, a study of four men’s gospel sermons as presented in the Bible. The highlight of our study today is Paul. He is an excellent example of how we should our lives in service to God, teaching others and rescuing them from their sins.
We will focus on two primary parts of Paul’s life: his conversion in Acts 9 and 22 and his teachings and conversions of others. These teachings will include Lydia, the Philippian jailer, the men of Athens, Crispus and some Ephesian disciples (Acts 16-19). By studying Paul’s conversion and the responses to his gospel teaching to others, we can clearly see what God requires of us in order to be saved. We can also glean great wisdom from the example of Paul and how he reached his audience.
Paul's Conversion
Teachers: Jesus, Ananias
Audience: Paul (also known as Saul)
Complete Passage: Acts 9:1-22, Acts 22:3-21
The amazing accounts of Paul’s conversion show us that no matter how lost we are, God is able to save us from our sins if we obey Him. We are never beyond hope. We have never sinned so much that we are unforgiveable. Paul persecuted the church in various ways: he dragged them out of their homes, threw them into prison and even consented to Stephen’s death. Yet despite Paul’s efforts to thwart the early church, God knew that he was ignorant of wrongdoing and saw great potential in his heart.
It is important to note that regardless of Paul’s ignorance of wrongdoing, he was still guilty of sin until he was saved. As Paul would preach later, God “commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained” Acts 17:30-31.
Additionally, it is wise to note that after Jesus revealed Himself on the road to Damascus, Paul certainly believed in Christ and recognized Him as the Savior (Acts 22:10). Yet this was not enough. Ananias spoke to him and healed him of his blindness (Acts 22:14-15). And still, this was not enough. Paul was informed to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” Acts 22:16. At this point, Paul’s sins were washed away and he was saved. Everyone, including Paul, has been commanded to obey God’s instructions for salvation regardless of our goodness, blessings or potential.
Conversions following Paul’s Teachings
Teacher: Paul
Audiences: Lydia, Philippian jailer, Aeropagus, Crispus, Ephesian disciples
Complete Passage: Acts 16:11-15, Acts 16:25-34, Acts 17:22-34, Acts 18:7-8, Acts 19:1-7
Please read the passages above regarding some of the conversions that took place following Paul’s teaching. The following can be observed from these readings.
1. Though Paul saw the vision of a man asking him to come to Macedonia, when he arrived at Philippi, he took the time to teach Lydia and baptize all of her household. Incidentally, as Lydia’s conversion story is the first to be listed in Philippi, it is likely that the Philippian church, to whom Paul later wrote a letter, began in her home (Acts 16:40).
2. Paul and Silas reached other prisoners by singing praises to God. Secondly, they modeled Christian behavior by remaining in their cells and stopping the jailer from committing suicide. Thirdly, they taught the jailer what to do to be saved. He and his household were baptized that very hour. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, the jailer rejoiced!
3. Paul taught the Athenians, who worshipped false gods, about the one true God and Jesus. Most rejected him but a few believed.
4. Paul preached to the Jews but was opposed and blasphemed. He went to Justus’ house and preached. Crispus, his household and many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized.
5. Paul asked a group of disciples if they had been baptized into Jesus Christ. As they had only been baptized by John’s baptism, the disciples were then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
What lessons can we learn from Paul as we teach the lost today?
1. We must be aware that ignorance is not an excuse (Acts 17:30-31). Judgment Day will come for all (Romans 14:10). Therefore, not only should we strive to seek God’s will by reading the Bible daily, we also should strive to teach others of God’s Word. We must repent of our sins by turning away from them once we realize our wrongs, asking for God’s forgiveness and making the decision to stop sinning.
2. We may find the best opportunities when traveling the detours of life. We may bemoan the roadblocks in our way without realizing that in those times of struggles we met others who were led to the Lord by our words or actions. Or perhaps our lives did not turn out the way we intended but we find that the Lord blessed us exceedingly greater than if our dreams had come true. Paul was able to adjust to whatever path he traveled and reach lost souls along the way.
3. Even the most insignificant people can be great in the kingdom of heaven. Paul received a vision of a man in Macedonia who needed help, yet upon arriving in Philippi, he met a woman and baptized her and her household. Upon being imprisoned, Paul was able to save a jailer and his entire household. Look what a difference these conversions made in the region of Philippi as the church to whom Paul later wrote was established.
4. Formal Bible studies are not the only way to reach lost souls. Paul and Silas reached other prisoners by singing. They reached the jailer by responding in a very unusual way when the cell doors were opened. Though teaching others God’s Word directly is vital, so also is teaching others by our example.
5. Paul did not let rejection stop him from saving souls and neither should we. Although Paul was ridiculed, blasphemed, persecuted, thrown in prison and later killed, he never allowed fear of man to overcome his joy of preaching Christ to others.
6. Even souls who consider themselves saved may be surprised at the Day of Judgment. We are to continually test ourselves to ensure we are teaching the truth and be open to the Word so that we can correct any error in our lives (II Corinthians 13:5). Though salvation is a gift, we can lose this gift if we fail to continue living faithfully (Revelation 2:10). Paul did not look to the things he did in the past but continued striving to reach the goal, realizing that even he could lose the reward of heaven if he stopped living for the Lord (Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrews 6:4-6).
I hope that you have benefited from these studies of various gospel sermons and conversions in the Bible. It has been good for me to review and learn new insight from meditating upon them. To close our series of lessons, it is good to remember the exhortation in I Corinthians 15:2-4: “By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
We are saved by holding fast to God’s Word and obeying it. Of primary importance in evaluating our own soul’s state and preparing to teach others is the act that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and was raised as taught in the Scriptures. Hope of salvation can only come through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God bless you as you seek His will through studying His Word today!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Gospel: What is this Good News? Part III
Today’s Passage: “…and he went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:39b
We continue the study of the gospel, determining what it is and its power to save souls, as evidenced by the preaching of various men in the Bible. We have studied Peter’s and Stephen’s teachings about Christ in earlier studies. Today, we will focus on Philip’s teachings.
Philip's Sermon to the Samaritans
Teacher: Philip
Location: Samaria
Audience: Citizens of Samaria
Complete Passage: Acts 8:4-13
The Bible describes Philip’s sermons to the people very simply: “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them” Acts 8:5. Sometimes we feel that we must have vast knowledge of God’s Word and deep wisdom of His teachings and while we should study with the intention to learn as much as we can, we may miss valuable opportunities to save others if we wait until we think we are knowledgeable enough to teach. Sometimes the biggest soul-winners are not those who have been in the church for many years but new converts with a simple outlook: Jesus Christ saves. New Christians do not typically have a deep understanding of the Bible yet but they have learned enough to be saved and wish to share this joy with others. They learned that they were lost in sin and that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This passage in Acts reminds me clearly that I should “preach Christ” to those around me. The power should not and cannot be in my words but in the power of God’s Words themselves, for the gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” Romans 1:16.
The chapter continues with the revelation of the outcome of Philip’s preaching. “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” Acts 8:12. Again, we see that the crowds’ reaction to the preaching of Christ was belief and baptism; therefore, we see that these things were taught to the multitude during Philip’s sermon. If we preach Christ to others and leave out how they can attain the hope of salvation, we haven’t truly preached Christ to them at all.
According to the Bible, in order to know Christ we must keep His commandments. Following this thought, in order for us to preach Christ we must teach of His commandments regarding salvation. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” I John 2:3-5. Teaching others of Christ without sharing the plan of salvation would be like attempting to rescue a drowning man by enlightening him of the safety of the distant shore instead of lifting him into our boat of safety. When we discuss Christ with others, we should include the Bible’s teachings of how we can be in and remain in the body of Christ.
Philip’s Teaching of an Ethiopian Man
Teacher: Philip
Location: Chariot on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza
Audience: Ethiopian official
Complete Passage: Acts 8:26-39
Observances of Philip’s teaching approach:
1. Philip took notice of what the Ethiopian man was doing and asked him if he understood what he read.
2. Philip preached to the man about Jesus, beginning with the passage in Isaiah that the man was reading.
3. Philip baptized the Ethiopian man, asking him if he believed with all his heart.
What lessons can we learn from Philip as we teach the lost today?
1. Philip took interest in a stranger and noticed what he was doing.
In order to reach the lost around us, we must have compassion for them. We must notice what they are doing and feel a genuine concern for their souls. If Philip had failed to notice that the man was reading from the book of Isaiah, he may have missed an incredible opportunity to teach him. Certainly, God sent Philip to this man, but Philip had to take the initiative to find and to teach the man. God gives us the ability to teach through our talents and He gives us what to teach through His Word yet we must make the effort to use our gifts and knowledge to approach others.
Prayerfully beseeching God to save others or even to make us soul-winners is not enough. We must put our prayers into action through works of service like speaking to the lost, mentioning Jesus, handing them gospel tracts or booklets, offering to study with them or the many other ways that an individual can lead others to Christ. Philip readily agreed to go seek a lost man and teach him the gospel of Christ. God may send lost souls into our lives at the right time and in the right manner but it is up to us to open our eyes and be aware of these opportunities.
2. Philip began with the very Scripture that the man was reading.
This point deals with an area of my knowledge that I need to personally increase. If someone is struggling with a particular passage, I should have enough knowledge as a mature Christian to answer their question. I write this as I examine my own life and do not imply that your experience has been the same. I also do not intend to contradict the point made above that we should teach Christ no matter the level of understanding so long as we teach from His Word. There are new Christians who have only developed the understanding of how to be saved and have not yet developed an understanding of the deeper teachings of the Bible and would not be expected to quote passages from the Bible. Additionally, I should point out that there are some subjects which no Christian will completely understand this side of heaven because God has only revealed to us what He wants us to know and what we can handle. As Moses wrote, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29. Yet, as I examine my own life, I know that there have been many times I have failed to study as often as I should and to meditate on God’s Word, committing the passages to memory. In later discussions with others I realized that I couldn’t remember the passage from which an important teaching came and I couldn’t even completely quote the passage. Saying, “I can’t remember it completely, but somewhere in the Bible it says something like…” just doesn’t help my teaching efforts. I write notes in my Bible and try to keep pamphlets on hand to help but nothing can take the place of having it always at hand in my memory. David was a man who appreciated God's Word and meditated on it day and night (Psalm 1:2) and I should strive to have this same appreciation and reverence for it.
3. Philip’s intent was not just to immerse the eunuch – it was to ensure that the man completely understood what he was doing so that he could be saved. Note the following passage: “Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him” Acts 8:36-38.
As an online Bible School study helper, I often meet students who feel that they were saved yet upon further study, it becomes clear that they did not truly understand what they were doing at the time or their beliefs regarding salvation were not in accordance with the Bible. After learning more clearly what the Bible teaches regarding salvation, the “light bulb comes on”, so to speak, and it is my prayer that they take a long look at the motives that were in their hearts as well as compare the steps they took in order to be saved with the commandments found only in God’s Word. We should all compare our own motives and practices as we study the Bible to ensure that we are not in error. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” II Corinthians 13:5.
It is wonderful that this passage is included in the documentation of the eunuch’s conversion because it shows us that although the man was ready to be baptized and eager to be saved, Philip was not so caught up in emotion that he neglected ensuring that the man understood what he requested. Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The man needed to realize that belief is necessary. Perhaps someone decides to be saved because others are doing so and it is out of peer pressure as opposed to a true belief in their hearts that they have sinned, need to be saved and believe that this can only take place through Jesus Christ. Each individual must search their own hearts to know if their baptism took place for any reason other than true belief in Christ as the Son of God and our Savior. Although we cannot personally judge the intentions of others, we do have the responsibility of ensuring that anyone to whom we have presented the gospel understands what the Bible teaches about being saved. Philip’s approach shows us that he was genuinely concerned about the Ethiopian man’s understanding and motive.
4. “…and he went on his way rejoicing” Acts 8:39b.
What more inspiring sentence could be written to uplift us? This verse reminds me that not only should I teach Christ to others but I should also live a life that reflects the joyfulness and peace that I have in Him. When I was saved, I remember well the feeling that the burden of sin had been lifted off of me. I understood then what it truly meant to be saved and that was a joyful moment for me and my family. Yet do I live in such a way now, these many years later, that others consider me a joyful person? Christians should be the most joyful people in the world. While we may sorrow over the plight of the lost or mourn the loss of a loved one, our hope in Christ should renew our spirits and lift us up to the light of heaven – the JOY of Jesus’ resurrection and the HOPE of eternal life!
I pray that this study of Philip and his example of teaching others has inspired you as it has me. May God bless us all as we seek a deeper understanding of His Word and strive to be worth servants in His Kingdom. As a final note of cheer and encouragement, I am reminded of the following passage:
“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5).
God bless you this day!
We continue the study of the gospel, determining what it is and its power to save souls, as evidenced by the preaching of various men in the Bible. We have studied Peter’s and Stephen’s teachings about Christ in earlier studies. Today, we will focus on Philip’s teachings.
Philip's Sermon to the Samaritans
Teacher: Philip
Location: Samaria
Audience: Citizens of Samaria
Complete Passage: Acts 8:4-13
The Bible describes Philip’s sermons to the people very simply: “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them” Acts 8:5. Sometimes we feel that we must have vast knowledge of God’s Word and deep wisdom of His teachings and while we should study with the intention to learn as much as we can, we may miss valuable opportunities to save others if we wait until we think we are knowledgeable enough to teach. Sometimes the biggest soul-winners are not those who have been in the church for many years but new converts with a simple outlook: Jesus Christ saves. New Christians do not typically have a deep understanding of the Bible yet but they have learned enough to be saved and wish to share this joy with others. They learned that they were lost in sin and that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This passage in Acts reminds me clearly that I should “preach Christ” to those around me. The power should not and cannot be in my words but in the power of God’s Words themselves, for the gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” Romans 1:16.
The chapter continues with the revelation of the outcome of Philip’s preaching. “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” Acts 8:12. Again, we see that the crowds’ reaction to the preaching of Christ was belief and baptism; therefore, we see that these things were taught to the multitude during Philip’s sermon. If we preach Christ to others and leave out how they can attain the hope of salvation, we haven’t truly preached Christ to them at all.
According to the Bible, in order to know Christ we must keep His commandments. Following this thought, in order for us to preach Christ we must teach of His commandments regarding salvation. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” I John 2:3-5. Teaching others of Christ without sharing the plan of salvation would be like attempting to rescue a drowning man by enlightening him of the safety of the distant shore instead of lifting him into our boat of safety. When we discuss Christ with others, we should include the Bible’s teachings of how we can be in and remain in the body of Christ.
Philip’s Teaching of an Ethiopian Man
Teacher: Philip
Location: Chariot on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza
Audience: Ethiopian official
Complete Passage: Acts 8:26-39
Observances of Philip’s teaching approach:
1. Philip took notice of what the Ethiopian man was doing and asked him if he understood what he read.
2. Philip preached to the man about Jesus, beginning with the passage in Isaiah that the man was reading.
3. Philip baptized the Ethiopian man, asking him if he believed with all his heart.
What lessons can we learn from Philip as we teach the lost today?
1. Philip took interest in a stranger and noticed what he was doing.
In order to reach the lost around us, we must have compassion for them. We must notice what they are doing and feel a genuine concern for their souls. If Philip had failed to notice that the man was reading from the book of Isaiah, he may have missed an incredible opportunity to teach him. Certainly, God sent Philip to this man, but Philip had to take the initiative to find and to teach the man. God gives us the ability to teach through our talents and He gives us what to teach through His Word yet we must make the effort to use our gifts and knowledge to approach others.
Prayerfully beseeching God to save others or even to make us soul-winners is not enough. We must put our prayers into action through works of service like speaking to the lost, mentioning Jesus, handing them gospel tracts or booklets, offering to study with them or the many other ways that an individual can lead others to Christ. Philip readily agreed to go seek a lost man and teach him the gospel of Christ. God may send lost souls into our lives at the right time and in the right manner but it is up to us to open our eyes and be aware of these opportunities.
2. Philip began with the very Scripture that the man was reading.
This point deals with an area of my knowledge that I need to personally increase. If someone is struggling with a particular passage, I should have enough knowledge as a mature Christian to answer their question. I write this as I examine my own life and do not imply that your experience has been the same. I also do not intend to contradict the point made above that we should teach Christ no matter the level of understanding so long as we teach from His Word. There are new Christians who have only developed the understanding of how to be saved and have not yet developed an understanding of the deeper teachings of the Bible and would not be expected to quote passages from the Bible. Additionally, I should point out that there are some subjects which no Christian will completely understand this side of heaven because God has only revealed to us what He wants us to know and what we can handle. As Moses wrote, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29. Yet, as I examine my own life, I know that there have been many times I have failed to study as often as I should and to meditate on God’s Word, committing the passages to memory. In later discussions with others I realized that I couldn’t remember the passage from which an important teaching came and I couldn’t even completely quote the passage. Saying, “I can’t remember it completely, but somewhere in the Bible it says something like…” just doesn’t help my teaching efforts. I write notes in my Bible and try to keep pamphlets on hand to help but nothing can take the place of having it always at hand in my memory. David was a man who appreciated God's Word and meditated on it day and night (Psalm 1:2) and I should strive to have this same appreciation and reverence for it.
3. Philip’s intent was not just to immerse the eunuch – it was to ensure that the man completely understood what he was doing so that he could be saved. Note the following passage: “Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him” Acts 8:36-38.
As an online Bible School study helper, I often meet students who feel that they were saved yet upon further study, it becomes clear that they did not truly understand what they were doing at the time or their beliefs regarding salvation were not in accordance with the Bible. After learning more clearly what the Bible teaches regarding salvation, the “light bulb comes on”, so to speak, and it is my prayer that they take a long look at the motives that were in their hearts as well as compare the steps they took in order to be saved with the commandments found only in God’s Word. We should all compare our own motives and practices as we study the Bible to ensure that we are not in error. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” II Corinthians 13:5.
It is wonderful that this passage is included in the documentation of the eunuch’s conversion because it shows us that although the man was ready to be baptized and eager to be saved, Philip was not so caught up in emotion that he neglected ensuring that the man understood what he requested. Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The man needed to realize that belief is necessary. Perhaps someone decides to be saved because others are doing so and it is out of peer pressure as opposed to a true belief in their hearts that they have sinned, need to be saved and believe that this can only take place through Jesus Christ. Each individual must search their own hearts to know if their baptism took place for any reason other than true belief in Christ as the Son of God and our Savior. Although we cannot personally judge the intentions of others, we do have the responsibility of ensuring that anyone to whom we have presented the gospel understands what the Bible teaches about being saved. Philip’s approach shows us that he was genuinely concerned about the Ethiopian man’s understanding and motive.
4. “…and he went on his way rejoicing” Acts 8:39b.
What more inspiring sentence could be written to uplift us? This verse reminds me that not only should I teach Christ to others but I should also live a life that reflects the joyfulness and peace that I have in Him. When I was saved, I remember well the feeling that the burden of sin had been lifted off of me. I understood then what it truly meant to be saved and that was a joyful moment for me and my family. Yet do I live in such a way now, these many years later, that others consider me a joyful person? Christians should be the most joyful people in the world. While we may sorrow over the plight of the lost or mourn the loss of a loved one, our hope in Christ should renew our spirits and lift us up to the light of heaven – the JOY of Jesus’ resurrection and the HOPE of eternal life!
I pray that this study of Philip and his example of teaching others has inspired you as it has me. May God bless us all as we seek a deeper understanding of His Word and strive to be worth servants in His Kingdom. As a final note of cheer and encouragement, I am reminded of the following passage:
“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5).
God bless you this day!
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