Praize Blogs

V.7- We’ve already seen several times that Paul was called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. But let’s look at Romans 15:14-19 to get his story about this.  “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.  Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.  I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” He is a minister, called by God, not man, to the work of the ministry, and qualified with grace by Jesus. So- Paul was appointed, anointed, and sent out as a shepherd for the flock of the church.

I think one thing Paul wants us all to be sure of is, he is not teaching and preaching according to his wisdom achieved in school, but by the grace of God.  For a minister to be effective with the Scriptures, he/she has to receive revelation by the Spirit, not by book knowledge.  We all receive this type of revelation, but some are not as diligent in pursuing this knowledge.  A minister appointed, elected, and called to the work has no choice but to study.  Remember the words of II Timothy 2:15? “Study to show thyself approved.”  Studying is not an options, it is a directive for all Christians. Ministers and teachers will have to answer more harshly for what they fail to do, so it is important for them to study faithfully so the Holy Ghost can work revelation in him/her. Man is not fit to teach the Word except by revelation from the Spirit.

When a minister studies diligently, and becomes filled to overflowing with the Spirit, people are saved. It is the glory of God unto salvation. When a minister is filled with the power of the Spirit; the Spirit works through him. It is only by the power of the Spirit that man can preach or teach the Word unto salvation. Remember the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19? Let’s read Acts 19:13-16.  “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.  And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.  And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?  And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”  Those men had no Spirit power within them to do the works of the ministry, so were defeated by the enemy.

This is a good lesson for us. If anyone tries to prophesy over you, pry for discernment of the Spirit within him or her before accepting the word.  And always make sure to get confirmation from the Word of God, the Spirit of God.

Are we all appointed priests? Yes. Are we all told to teach about the Lord in all the world? Yes. Are we all anointed to be ministers of the Word? No. If we were, Paul would not apply so much ink to paper reassuring us that he was called by God and anointed to preach.

V. 8- The commission was given to Paul, but he knew in his heart he was not worthy. Let’s read I Corinthians 15:9. “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”  As a persecutor of Christians, he considered himself unworthy of the title apostle. He thought of himself as the least of these, apostles. That he spoke like this is a great demonstration of humility. He’s right up there in humility with Abraham, David, Moses, and others. He thought of himself in a lowly way, but thought highly of others. John the Baptist was also a great example of humility. “...whose sandals I am not worthy to untie,” he said of Jesus. John the Baptist had the most important ministry of telling the world to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, yet he considered himself unworthy of the task. When people start thinking they have arrived. They think they are the best they can be, they begin to fall into pride, and pride brings the fall. Why did Paul consider himself so lowly? It is because he got a full dose of the grace and love of God. The other apostles left home and family for Jesus, and they were honored for it. But none gave up as much as Paul. When we think back on some of the things we’ve done in our lifetimes, we feel shame. We feel unworthy of the name Christian. If we feel that badly about the things we did, how much worse Paul must have felt for trying to destroy the move of God on earth.

One way to tell a good preacher is to look at his life. Has he suffered?  I don't mean suffering as in being beaten or tortured, although those things do happen.  I mean that often when someone accepts the call into ministry, they lose their connection family and friends who now consider them Jesus freaks. They may have to give up well-liked jobs, or move far from home. There are many ways ministers suffer for the cause of Christ.  Is temptation a constant companion? Does he have much fruit on the branches of his vine? A good pastor is humble, and always willing to put others first before his own needs. What is the gift of grace Paul is talking about here? The hope of glory.

Look at Colossians 1:24-27, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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…” And

2:1-3, “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and well.

More studies at http://www.newbeginmin1.org/BIBLESTUDYOPENING.html