www.scatteredchristians.org
The
entire King James Bible is written FOR us, but it is not all written TO
us!
We
learn from the "For" and study Paul's writings to apply the 'TO!"
Sermon
Notes
June
29, 2008
Part I
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.
Acts 20:24
How did Paul not let things move him?
How do we not let things move us?
Why is there joy missing from some church folks?
What is moving them to such dissatisfaction with others?
Why would there ever be any joy missing from the church family?
I Timothy 1:16 - Howbeit
for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew
forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe
on him to life everlasting.
Instead of putting one's counseling skills and wisdom of words to manipulate
folks, let's turn to Paul's example - his pattern of longsuffering that
Christ showed to him to show to us.
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. Acts
20:24
I. Neither
count I my life dear unto myself!
-
Philippians 3:7-10
-
Philippians 1:20-25
-
II Corinthians 1:24
II. None
of these things move me!
-
Church
-
Local Assembly / Church?
-
to saints which are at...
-
to the faithful
-
unto churches
-
church of God which is at...
-
all the saints... with the bishops, etc.
-
the churches of the saints
-
Body of Christ
-
A Great Mystery
-
Ephesians 5:25-32
-
"Invisible" Church
-
"Universal" Church
-
Gates of hell not prevail against this one, not the local assemblies!
Paul's emphasis is on the individual Christian, not the assembly!
There is a purpose for that local assembly as it patterns itself
after the church - the body of Christ.
-
Ephesians 4:11-16
-
Not Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:41-47
Why did Paul have such joy with the people?
-
They were following him as he preached!
-
Ephesians 4:2
-
Romans 15:5
-
I Thessalonians 1:3
-
II Thessalonians 1:4
-
Philippians 2:1-3
-
II Corinthians 7:6,7
-
their earnest desire TOWARDS PAUL.
-
their mourning TOWARDS PAUL.
-
their fervent mind TOWARDS PAUL.
-
Mourning?
Even when rebuked, Paul's followers could take it!
They made those changes in their lives!
Why are we short of joy here in our
church family?
WE ARE NOT ALL PAUL FOLLOWERS YET!
We still have left over Great Commission followers; Bible Believers
who followed a man; former Ruckman, Gipp, Hyles, Baptist teachings followers.
We still have those who are still moveable - we have those who still count
their own life dear unto themselves!
So, the real question is this:
WHAT DID PAUL DO CONCERNING THOSE
WHO WOULD NOT FOLLOW HIM?
We answer that one in part II Wednesday night.