Further Thought: “Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member should be a channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviour desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and His character.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for men and women through whom God can reveal the power of Christianity.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 600.
“Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory.”—Page 111.
Discussion Questions:
- How does Luke portray Paul’s faith in God throughout the whole journey to Rome? How were others affected by such unconditional faith?
- Despite everything he had gone through, Paul never gave up his faith or his mission. In Rome, he continued to preach despite his limited freedom. What can we do when tempted to give up on our proclamation of the gospel to someone?
- Read Romans 1:14-15. Why did Paul feel himself under obligation—or a debtor—to preach the gospel to everybody? Are we less obligated than he was? Consider this statement: “To save souls should be the lifework of everyone who professes Christ. We are debtors to the world for the grace given us of God, for the light which has shone upon us, and for the discovered beauty and power of the truth.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 53.
- Read again the passage from Isaiah that Paul used. How could this idea apply to us? Yes, we have been given a great deal of truth, but if we harden ourselves to it, or even to aspects of it that might conflict with our own wishes or desires, what danger could we face spiritually?
- Imagine being the soldier chained to Paul. What do you think he saw in the man to whom he was so closely tied?
|
(18)
Saturday: Courage - When people in power were cowards, Paul continued to show courage and resilience to the gospel he believed
Sunday: Much time had been spent - The consequences of time not spent wisely will most of the time lead to unpleasant consequences.
Monday: no loss of life - One man saved 276 people on the ship.
Tuesday: Malta - Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.
Wednesday: Rome - Paul's consistent love for his Jewish BROTHERS even when they treated him as his enemy truly shows the transformation of the character of one who is in Christ.
Thursday: No End - This story has the ending in Christ. Even so come Lord Jesus.
Friday: channel - We must become the channel through whom the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will flow out to humanity.
Again, I cannot give what I do not have.
But do I really recognize what Christ has done or can do for me? Do I feel as a debtor? Am I thankful for Him?
"I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see."
Revelation 3:18 GNB
When I trully accept the precious gift that God is able to give me, why wouldn´t I be happy to share it? When Christ becomes real in my life, is it possible not to change? Do I need an extraordinary change in order to be as faithful as Paul?
Why did Paul feel himself under obligation—or a debtor—to preach the gospel to everybody? Are we less obligated than he was?
I believe that it was Paul's mission to preach to everyone, however Paul himself said that not every individual has the same mission. However I agree the church as a whole are to spread the gospel to the whole world.
Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people,
Eph 4:11 And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
Eph 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
1Co 12:4 But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are differences of workings, but it is the same God working all things in all.
1Co 12:7 But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit.
1Co 12:8 For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 and to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 and to another workings of powers, to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues.
1Co 12:11 But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.
1Co 12:27 And you are the body of Christ, and members in part.
1Co 12:28 And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of power?
1Co 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But zealously strive after the better gifts. And yet I show to you a more excellent way.
We get blood on our hands when the non believers we come into contact with every day is lost without us sharing the gospel.
Jesus said to every believer in Mark 16:15, ".... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Therefore, every believer becomes responsible to tell others.
Is there a penalty if we do not tell them the gospel? Yes, Paul says "Woe (judgment) is unto me, if I preach not the gospel (I Corinthians 9:16)." The believer will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ (I Corinthians 3:11-15) and will be held responsible for not giving the gospel.
We have to be more intentionally about the gospel, we can:
🔹️Invite someone to a church service. 🔹️Give out gospel tracts
🔹️Lend a helping hand
🔹️Give bible based hope to the discouraged, etc.
Make a decision to witness to someone this coming week.