Dare To Be A Paul

1. Dare To Be A Paul Text: Acts 20:22-24 Scripture Reading: Rev. 21:1-7

2. Intro Paul warned the elders of Ephesus at Miletus of the dangers and apostasy they would face, encouraged them to remain faithful, and bid them farewell for he knew he would not see them again (Acts 20:16-38) Acts 20:22-24 (NKJ) 22. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23. except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Dare To Be A Paul

3. Intro • Paul was always determined to press on to his life’s goal • of reaching Heaven: • Phil. 3:13-14, 20-21: Nothing could move him from his goal! • II Tim. 4:6-8: Near the end of his life he was able to encourage Timothy by saying he had attained his goal, despite the obstacles he faced. Paul is an example of one unmoved in his faith and trust in God! Dare to be like Paul! Dare To Be A Paul

4. Physical Afflictions • Persecutions: • Paul’s life seemed to be in jeopardy at all times (II Cor. 11:23-27). • He understood that all who live godly will be persecuted (II Tim. 3:12). If severe persecution were to arise, would you remain immovable in your faith, or would you be moved? (Mt. 13:20-21: “Rocky Soil” saints quickly fall away) • Physical problems: • Paul was afflicted with some physical ailment – II Cor. 12:7-10 • He did not allow physical sickness to keep him from preaching! (Gal. 4:12-14) II Tim. 3:12 12. Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Dare to be a Paul in being immovable from your faith despite physical afflictions! Dare To Be A Paul

5. Fleshly Desires Rom. 7:22-23 22. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23. but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Paul was determined to not let fleshly desires keep him from his eternal prize–I Cor. 9:27 • Paul gives us the means to overcome fleshly desires: • He listed the works of the flesh so we can identify them – Gal. 5:19-21 • He let us know we are to hate evil and abstain from the very appearance of it – Rom. 12:9; I Thess. 5:22 There are those who let fleshly desires move them away from God! (II Tim. 4:10) Dare to be a Paul in being immovable from your goal of Heaven by denying improper temptations! Dare To Be A Paul

6. Worldly Position & Honor • Paul could have enjoyed many honors and prestige among • his people (Phil. 3:4-6) • He counted such things as “rubbish” for the sake of Christ – Phil. 3:7-11 • He knew those things stood in the way of his goal – Phil. 3:12-14 Phil. 3:7-8 7. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ • Many let their worldly • positions keep them from • God: • Jn. 12:42-43: Jewish Rulers • Acts 26:28: King Agrippa Too many people have refused to deny themselves worldly honor for the sacrificial way of the cross! Dare to be a Paul in immovable obedience to the gospel despite your station in life! Dare To Be A Paul

7. Standing Alone Paul knew what it was like to face opposition within the church and desertion of fellow Christians II Tim. 4:16 16. At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. Even though all forsook him, Paul wasn’t moved from his goal II Tim. 4:17 17. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. • Even if we feel all alone, • God is with us • II Tim. 4:17; Mt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-6 We must remember a majority doesn’t make a thing right! (Mt. 7:13-14) Dare to be a Paul in remaining immovable in doing right even if you stand alone! Dare To Be A Paul

8. Possible Obstacles • Family: • Acts 22:3: He was a student of Gamaliel (5:34). • Gal. 1:14: He excelled at his studies. • When confronted with the gospel, he obeyed the gospel and made every effort to reach his own people – Acts 22:16; 26:19-20; Rom. 9:1-3 • When confronted with the error of persecuting the church he: • Did not seek to justify or make excuses. • He asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” and obeyed (Acts 22:10-16)! Acts 22:10 10. "And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.' Many today let family & excuses move them away from their God! (Is. 59:2; Mt. 10:37) Dare to be a Paul in being immovable from the faith despite family or other excuses! Dare To Be A Paul

9. Conclusion Is Heaven your goal? Don’t let anything or anyone in this world move you from attaining it! (Mt. 16:26) Paul let nothing stand in his way; nothing moved him from his goal! Dare To Be A Paul

10. Conclusion • The obstacles are many, but the reward for being faithful • to the end is worth being immovable! • Rom. 8:18; Rev. 21:7 (21:1-6) Rev. 21:7 7. "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. Heaven was Paul’s goal and he was immovable in attaining it! (II Tim. 4:6-8) Dare to be like Paul and be immovable from the goal of Heaven and eternal life! Dare To Be A Paul

11. “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” Hear The Gospel (Jn. 5:24; Rom. 10:17) Believe In Christ (Jn. 3:16-18; Jn. 8:24) Repent Of Sins (Lk. 13:35; Acts 2:38) Confess Christ (Mt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10) Be Baptized (Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16) Remain Faithful (Jn. 8:31; Rev. 2:10) For The Erring Saint: Repent (Acts 8:22), Confess (I Jn. 1:9), Pray (Acts 8:22)