Category: Paul’s apostleship

Solace!

Saturday, March 17, 2018

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 KJV).

Without further delay, we need to enjoy the solace of the God of all comfort.

Today’s Scripture is the Apostle Paul at the lowest point in his whole ministry. Keep reading: “[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: [9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: [10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;….” Did you sense Paul’s great depression in verse 8?

When the Apostle refers to his “trouble… in Asia,” that would have been something that occurred in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). On its western shore sat the city of Ephesus. Here, in Acts chapter 19, Paul had preached Jesus Christ and founded the church at Ephesus. You would do well to read the chapter sometime. Paul’s preaching the truth caused a revival in that spiritually dead, pagan city. With the idol-makers losing customers, they lashed out and caused a riot. Paul could have lost his life! Thankfully, God supported him physically (but most importantly, spiritually).

Saint, when you get “pressed out of measure” in ministry, “above strength, insomuch that [you] despair even of life,” you just keep on going! After all, “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;….” If the saints of old found solace in the God of all comfort, then we will too!

Our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?”

Spiritual!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37 KJV).

Without further delay, we need to be spiritual!

What does it mean to be “spiritual?” If you asked 100 people, you would get 100 different answers. We need not wonder as to the correct response. God’s Spirit, the Author of today’s Scripture, led the Apostle Paul to identify the standard for true spirituality in this the Dispensation of Grace. Rather than conditioned upon giving, praying, hand raising, performing miracles, singing, dancing, and speaking in tongues, spirituality is all about whether we listen to God’s spokesman to us Gentiles. “Spiritual” means that the Holy Spirit is leading you. The Holy Ghost wants you to know that His apostle of us Gentiles is Paul (Romans 11:13; cf. Acts 26:14-18). Do you believe that… or not (1 Corinthians 14:38)?

If someone is a “prophet”—speaking on God’s behalf—then he will acknowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking in and through the Apostle Paul. If someone is “spiritual”—controlled by God’s Spirit—then he will acknowledge that Paul is God’s spokesman to us in the Dispensation of Grace. Ephesians 3:1-5: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;….”

First Corinthians 3:1-3 speaks of three categories of Christians. Firstly, there are the numerous “babes,” those who can handle only Bible basics, spiritual milk instead of solid food (remember Hebrews 5:11-14?). Secondly, we have the countless “carnal” Christians, those constantly driven by the flesh’s sinful desires. Lastly, there are the “spiritual” believers, the few who are able to delve into deep Bible truths. Beloved, are we interested in doing God’s will? Do we want to be “spiritual?” Then, we had better believe today’s Scripture!

Sagacious!

Saturday, March 3, 2018

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,…” (Ephesians 3:9,10 KJV).

Without further delay, we need to manifest the wisdom of God.

With the mystery revealed to Paul, and now given us through his epistles, Romans through Philemon, we know “the wisdom of God.” God wisely kept a secret, showing it to man only once He saved and commissioned Paul in Acts chapter 9. First Corinthians chapter 2 says: “[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Part of the mystery program is the formation of the Church the Body of Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles reconciled in one body by Calvary’s cross. In those Christians—their mortal bodies (2 Corinthians 4:10,11; 1 Timothy 3:16)—God would show His wisdom to all people and angels (cf. today’s Scripture). Even today, as these believers live and function on a daily basis, they literally are God’s life on display. Sagacious means, “having or exhibiting wisdom and calm judgment.” With the Dispensation of Grace given to us through Paul’s ministry (Ephesians 3:1,2), we can show the world God’s wisdom, how He Himself lives (especially how to view and handle troubles and tragedies).

We have God’s life outlined in the grace principles Jesus Christ first committed to Paul. Obviously, though, there is no wisdom of God manifested if there is no wisdom of God internalized. Christians, if ignorant of the rightly divided Word of God, will exhibit ignorance before the world. Instead of glorifying God, they will be a reproach to the name of Christ. Never forget, Bible scoffers will then have all the more reason to mock.

Sufficient!

Friday, March 2, 2018

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV).

Without further delay, we need to recognize God’s grace as sufficient.

Two men in human history suffered far beyond the norm. Obviously, the first is the God-Man, our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered the most. Never will we fathom the torment He endured physically and spiritually as He faced the wrath of a righteous God and sinful men. The second is the Apostle Paul, laboring so diligently to preach to wretched sinners in all nations that Christ was crucified for them.

As Paul conducted his ministry, Satan caused him such hardship and grief. Unbelieving Jews constantly plotted to kill him; the Roman government eagerly helped those Jews suppress that “illegal religion;” many of Paul’s Christian friends betrayed and abandoned him; evil spirits mocked him; he was whipped, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, robbed; and so on. Friend, whenever you think you have it rough, cancel your “pity party” by reading Paul’s afflictions recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33!

In addition to the aforementioned trials and tribulations, some mysterious “thorn in the flesh” troubled Paul (today’s Scripture). While Satan attempted to hinder Paul, God utilized it to keep Paul from being worshipped. Paul begged the Lord in prayer three times to have that problem depart, but it did not. The Lord Jesus Christ replied to Paul’s prayer, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul took that revealed Word and concluded, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God’s grace is enough for you too!

Second Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;….”

Strengthened!

Monday, February 26, 2018

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:16).

Without further delay, we need to be strengthened by God’s Spirit in the inner man.

The Apostle Paul advised young Pastor Timothy at Ephesus: “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do” (1 Timothy 1:4). Accentuating religious stories and lauding personalities should be discouraged in ministry; they only cause uncertainties. The local church should engage in “godly edifying.” Edification means constructing a building or strengthening someone spiritually.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, God’s goal is to produce mature saints, Christians who have grown up into grace doctrines beyond elementary level. Only perfected saints do the work of the ministry (which leads to everyone’s maturity). By and large, though, the professing “Church” is weak, mixed up, spiritually crippled. Why? There is ungodly entertainment and no godly edification! We read books about Scripture, but we rarely read Scripture. We sing about the Bible, but we seldom read the Bible. We talk about Scripture, but we hardly study Scripture.

God’s power lies in His Word, as 1 Thessalonians 2:13 says: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Friend, you toss out the Bible, you thereby remove faith (Romans 10:17), and the Holy Spirit has nothing to use to strengthen you internally. Now you know why the alleged “Church” is able only to confuse and amuse you!

Second Timothy 3:16,17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect [spiritually mature!], throughly furnished unto all good works.” Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, were the final installment of God’s revelation to man (see Colossians 1:23-28, especially verses 23-26). Since Pauline authority and doctrine are largely ignored today, we need not marvel at or wonder why spiritually impotency is characteristic of most Christians.

Paul’s Stocks and Bonds

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks” (Acts 16:23,24 KJV).

Financial stocks and bonds are sources of great wealth. The Apostle Paul, although poor (2 Corinthians 11:27; Philippians 4:11-13), had much experience with “stocks” and “bonds.”

As the context of today’s Scripture proves (verse 12 onward), he, Silas, Luke, and others travel to Philippi (northern Greece) to preach the Gospel of Grace. A Gentile religious woman, Lydia, and an unnamed devil-possessed slave girl are two of their converts. The girl’s owners—furious that their “money-making machine” has disappeared—drag Paul and Silas into the marketplace (court). There, they persuade the authorities to arrange for the Apostles to be beaten with rods (“caning”). Paul and Silas receive “many stripes [wounds].”

Paul and Silas are then imprisoned, eventually evangelizing the jailor and his household (today’s Scripture to the chapter’s end). While captive, their feet are “fast [secure] in the stocks.” The “stocks” were an instrument of punishment consisting of an adjustable wooden structure with holes for securing a person’s hands and feet. Confined to such a device, criminals could be subject to public ridicule and abuse of all kinds. What torture Paul and Silas were willing to endure for our Lord Jesus Christ!

Later, in Acts 20:22-24, Paul confessed: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” These “bonds” are chains, shackles, instruments of imprisonment. The Apostle is in “bonds” in Acts 25:14; Acts 26:29; Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 1:7,13-16; Colossians 4:3,18; 2 Timothy 2:9; and Philemon 10 and 13.

“Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9).

The Wise Masterbuilder #15

Friday, January 19, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

The solution to Christendom’s schisms—sectarianism/denominationalism—is “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Paul is our Apostle, God’s spokesman to us Gentiles in the Dispensation of Grace (Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1,2): we do not exalt Paul but we “magnify” his God-given “office”/apostleship (Romans 11:13). He is the “wise masterbuilder” who laid the foundation—Jesus Christ “according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25,26; cf. today’s Scripture).

We study all the Bible: we do not discard the non-Pauline Bible Books. Nevertheless, we understand that, in Paul’s epistles alone, we find our doctrine, duty, walk, destiny, and hope as members of the Church Body of Christ. Paul is not “just another world religious leader.” He has been God’s messenger to the nations these last 2,000 years—the entire Dispensation of the Grace of God. If we ignore Paul, we discount Jesus Christ who sent him to us. When we emphasize Christ’s earthly ministry (Matthew through John), we overlook His subsequent heavenly ministry (Romans through Philemon).

Whenever someone says that doctrine does not matter, remember today’s Scripture. God the Holy Spirit believed that the Corinthians should follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Jesus Christ. In the Dispensation of Grace, Paul is the “pattern”—for salvation unto eternal life and salvation from false teaching (cf. 1 Timothy 1:12-17). Do we agree with Him?

Colossians chapter 1: “[25] Whereof I [Paul] am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory!”

-FINIS!-

The Wise Masterbuilder #14

Thursday, January 18, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

We study all of the Bible—Genesis to Revelation—as God inspired it all. However, we are not the only saints in God’s Word. The nation Israel needs Scripture written to and about her: these are the non-Pauline Books. When we “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), we are simply recognizing distinctions that God has already made in His Book.

Nonetheless, most rebel and voice their excuses and objections. “I follow Jesus; I do not follow some man such as Paul!” “You throw away everything before Paul!” “You Paul-worshipper!” The Holy Spirit anticipated these protestations and mischaracterizations, as 1 Corinthians chapter 14 shows: “[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Pay close attention to verse 38!!

Do you remember our comments when we started? God values free will. If we want to stay biblically-confused (so as to support our denomination), if we prefer spiritual darkness (so as to keep our preconceived ideas), God will give us our way! To wit, “If you want to be without knowledge of Paul’s special ministry and message, be without knowledge!” (Unfortunately, many church members—and even most genuine Christians—have actually chosen this route. Notice, God gave them their desire!!)

However, for us who are interested in “godly edifying” (1 Timothy 1:4), we remember Paul’s words in 2 Timothy chapter 1: “[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”

Let us conclude this devotionals arc….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How was Jesus Christ crucified among the Galatians?”

The Wise Masterbuilder #13

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Today’s Scripture with its successive verses: “[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. [14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

The Corinthians were not building proper doctrine in their inner man. Such loss of reward will be apparent at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10; Colossians 3:23-25). If there is to be grace edification in our lives, we must follow the “wise masterbuilder”—Paul (today’s Scripture). Notice the admonitions throughout the first Corinthian epistle: “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (4:15,16). “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (11:1). “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (14:37).

To achieve spiritual maturity in the Dispensation of Grace, we follow the Apostle Paul as he follows the Lord Jesus Christ….

The Wise Masterbuilder #12

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Earlier, 1 Corinthians chapter 2 said: “[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Had Satan really known Father God would use Jesus Christ’s crucifixion to form the Church the Body of Christ, Satan would have done everything he could to keep Jesus off the cross. (Paul could not teach these immature Corinthian believers such wisdom.)

By letting Satan work through sinful Israel and sinful Rome, God let him bring about his own defeat. Colossians chapter 2: “[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Today, through Christ’s crosswork, God is forming the Body of Christ, an entity He is training to accomplish His will in the heavenly places in the ages to come (Ephesians 1:9-23; Ephesians 2:6,7; et cetera). The doctrine that will spiritually mature that Body is the grace principles outlined in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Saints at Corinth were largely ignoring Paul’s ministry; hence, he told them to “take heed” (beware) in today’s Scripture. They were not building on the proper foundation—“the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25,26). Rather than using gold, silver, and precious stones—sound Bible doctrine, the Scriptures rightly divided—they were using wood, hay, and stubble. Israeli kingdom doctrine would not develop them; Peter and Christ’s earthly ministry were not to the nations.

Therefore, throughout 1 Corinthians, we read, “follow Paul….”