INTRODUCTION
Outline.
Paul the Apostle’s Preaching
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the third lesson in our series on the theme: “We cannot but speak.” This lesson deals with the challenges of the men of God that speak the word of God in truth. We will see how neither threatenings, beatings; imprisonment or the face of death could silence them. There will be times we will be called upon to speak unto both those desirous to hear our message; and before those that would rebel against: “Thus saith the Lord.” The Lord has not given us: “The spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7. We must be, “bold fearless preachers” because the Lord has sent us to speak His word with confidence and without fear.
2. We will investigate the Apostle Paul’s preaching against the false prophets and brethren among the churches. Paul’s apostleship was always being challenged; just like some of the minister’s credentials today, by false brethren and denominational preachers. I lump them both in the same condemnation; for God shall judge them both alike. We are not called by the Lord, to present soothing words to the church or the community of disbelievers; but to speak the truth in love, regardless of how it might be received. Paul said: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17. With this introduction, let’s consider: “Paul the apostle’s preaching.”
BODY OF LESSON
PAUL THE APOSTLE’S PREACHING
A. The apostle’s call. He wrote: “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.) ...But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and call me by his grace. To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I confer not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem ... but into Arabia and Damascus,” Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:15-16; Romans 1:1-5.
1. Saul was called by God to be an apostle from his mother’s womb; but, placed into this office after the persecution of Stephens, and his confrontation with the Lord “on the Damascus’ highway,” Acts 9:1-9; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1.
2. Ananias’ call by the Lord to minister unto Saul, Acts 9:10-16.
3. Saul’s conversion and commission as an apostle, Acts 9:17-19.
4. Paul speaks of his apostleship. To Timothy he wrote: “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief,” 1 Timothy 1:11-15.
5. Conclusion: Saul, although once a blasphemer, persecutor and injurious person: was called by God to be an apostle of Christ, “when it pleased God.” Notice:
a. He was trained in the Law under capable feet of Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees; and as touching the righteousness which is in the Law, he claimed to be blameless, Acts 22:3; Philippians 3:5-6.
b. The 12 apostles, as we have already noticed they were common men; declared to be “ignorant and unlearned” by the Sanhedrin Council, Acts 4:13.
c. Saul on the other hand; was an educated and very learned man. He was appointed by God to be: “the apostle to the uncircumcision; as Peter was the apostle to the circumcision,” Galatians 2:6-10.
d. It was this difference (not being numbered with the 12); Paul would be subject to during his entire apostolic ministry for Christ. False apostles, prophets, and brethren would consistently accuse him of not being an apostle. He had to defend his apostleship; everywhere he went and preached Christ.
B. His apostleship. Paul’s apostleship was always being challenged; just like some of our minister’s credentials by false brethren and denominational preachers. I lump then both in the same condemnation; for God shall judge them both alike.
1. You have been called by the Lord, not to preach soothing words to the church or the community of unbelievers; but to preach the truth regardless of how it might be received, by both groups. We must present: “The truth of Christ in love,” Ephesians 4:17.
2. There are too many preachers just tickling the ears of the church. Notice:
a. First, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceived the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18.
b. Further, “There shall be teachers having itching ears, they shall turn away your ears from the truth,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
c. Next, “The things ye have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men,” 2 Timothy 2:2.
d. Finally, “Hold fast the faithful word, as ye have been taught,” Titus 1:9-11.
e. Conclusion: This must be our message also to all the brethren. Hold fast the faithful word; commit them to faithful men, that they might be able to teach other also – the “sound” or healthy teaching, 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13-14.
C. His commitment. Paul wrote: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17.
1. First, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” Paul understood that he could not be disobedient to his appointment as an apostle, and call to preach Christ unto both the Jews and the Gentiles. To King Agrippa he said: “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,” Acts 26:19; Acts 9:15; Acts 22:15.
2. Further, "If I be doing this (that is, preach the gospel) willingly, or of my own accord, I have a reward,” 1 Corinthians 9:17a. However, this is not the case with Paul: “He was a bond servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness...which was committed unto him according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-3.
a. His call was from his mother’s womb; as a result of the grace of God.
b. His preaching was due to God’s immeasurable grace granted unto him, Romans 9:16; 1 Timothy 1:13-16.
3. Finally, “But if against my will, a dispensation (stewardship, period of service) of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 6:17b. However, this is Paul’s case; he was involuntarily enlisted into the service of God, to preach the gospel of Christ. This was not in the beginning his will, but by the constraining grace of God. Therefore, as a “steward” it was encumbered upon him to be faithful to his work and service for Christ. Notice:
a. Paul wrote: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
b. Jesus explains the servant’s role to his master. He said: “Doth he (the master) (give) thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow (think) not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do,” Luke 17:9-10.
1) The master does not have to acknowledge the work of his servants.
2) But, thanks unto to God our Lord will: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23.
c. If we fail in this duty, our stewardship; there will also be a “woe” pronounced unto us on the last day by the Lord: “Depart from me ye workers of iniquities, I know you not,” Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:41.
d. However, Paul did not fail in his ministry to Christ, 2 Timothy 4:6-8. He wrote regarding this work, that he:
1) Fought a good fight.
2) Finished my course.
3) Kept the faith.
e. Paul, makes mention of his desire to be faithful to his work, although bonds and afflictions abide him in Jerusalem. He said to the elders at Miletus: “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 20:25.
D. His defense of the gospel. To the Philippian church, Paul wrote: “I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds; and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace... According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:20-21.
E. His opposition from false apostles. We are now at the place in this sermon where it could include ministers and teachers in our time. Paul was constantly troubled by false apostles and brethren in his work as an apostle. Notice:
1. False apostles in the Corinthian church. Paul writes: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works,” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Mathew Henry’s Commentary, outlines the text in this manner:
a. First, “They would be as industrious and as generous in promoting error as the Paul was in preaching the truth; they would endeavor as much to undermine the kingdom of Christ, as the Paul and the apostles did to establishing it.”
b. Further, “These were counterfeit prophets like under the Old Testament, who wore the garb and learned the language of the prophets of the Lord. So also, were these counterfeit apostles under the New Testament, who seemed in many ways to be the apostles of Christ!”
c. Next, “And no marvel (says the apostle); hypocrisy they are especially when we consider the great influence Satan has upon the minds of many, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience.”
1) “As Satan is able to turn himself into any shape, or form; even to appear like an angel of light, in order to promote the kingdom of darkness.”
2) “He is also capable of equipping his ministers, to transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.”
d. Finally, “It then follows regarding these false apostles that: ‘Their end shall be according to their works.’” Reference: Mathew Henry, on 2 Corinthians 11.
2. False brethren in the Galatian church. Let’s now consider the false brethren disrupted the church at Galatia. Paul wrote: “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you,” Galatians 2:4-5. He stated:
a. That they came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ.
b. That they might bring us into bondage.
c. That he gave place by subjection, no not for an hour.
d. That the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
e. There will be occasions that missed guided men and women will bring in teachings, actions and positions contrary to “sound doctrine.” However, the man of God must stand up and defend “the truth of the gospel.” Notice Paul to the Philippian church: “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27.
1) Standing fast in the faith of the gospel is the church’s most solemn and sacred function, Ephesians 4:11-17.
2) The life of the church and its membership demands that it “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel,” Colossians 1:23-29.
3. False prophets among the churches. Peter announces in his Letter to the scattered Jews and saints there will be false teachers among them. Notice: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of which the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not,” 2 Peter 2:1-3. An analysis:
a. As there were false prophets then; there shall be false teachers now. He was of course making mention to prophets, in 2 Peter 1:20-21. Remember Jeremiah’s preaching regarding these “false prophets.” The say: “The Lord said; but the Lord had said nothing.” Jehovah speaks to Jeremiah of them:
1) First, “I have not sent the prophets, and they have run, I have not spoken unto them, and they have prophesied,” Jeremiah 23:21.
2) Further, “I have heard that which the prophets said, who prophesy in my name falsehood, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed,’” Jeremiah 23:25.
3) Finally, “Therefore, lo, I am against the prophets, an affirmation of Jehovah, stealing My words each from his neighbour,” Jeremiah 23:30.
b. They shall come in privily bringing in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord. They bring in, “dissension arising from diversity of opinions and aims.” They encourage, choices, parties, disunity and different kinds of sect (Pharisees, men from James, etc.). The come to foster divisions, contentions and offences, contrary to the word of God, Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.
c. Many shall follow their pernicious ways; that the way of truth shall be even spoken of. However, many shall follow their teachings; they shall behave so, that the way of truth shall be evil spoken of among the people.
d. They shall make merchandise of you. Their desire is to make you captives; and to make merchandise of you. Their aim is to subvert and destroy, Isaiah 9:16; 2 Peter 3:17-18.
e. But their judgment shall be swift; it lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. Solomon said: “I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work,” Ecclesiastes 3:17; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Peter 2:9-10.
4. Conclusion: These prophets and servants of God had become full of holding their peace; and felt they had to speak OUT against all unrighteousness: Peter and John, Jeremiah and the beloved apostle Paul. Each had a compelling need to stand up for the truth of God, against the enemies of Christ and the church. We need this kind of boldness today from the pulpits in America, whether Protestant, Catholic or Christian. The conditions of this nation and the governments that rule us no longer adhere to the righteousness of God; nor to the will of the people.
5. Application: When will the confessing messengers of the Lord; in the pulpits across America, grow tired of holding their peace; regarding the sins of our nation? Who is speaking out against the disgraceful behavior in the office of the Presidency, the courts, the congress and their congregations?
a. How long will they remain silent? Over:
1) The Russian’s meddling in America’s democracy.
2) The NRA’s strangle hold in the Republican Party on vital and common sense gun reform policies and legislation.
3) The President’s dereliction to duty in protecting America from its adversaries “both foreign and domestic.”
4) The continued defamation of the FBI, CIA, NSA and other security and law enforcement agencies that have sworn to protect America, by our President and some of our elected congressional officials.
b. When will they speak out against the hatred, bigotry and racial slurs spouted out of the mouths of our President, congressional officials, church leaders and many people across the American landscape.
c. When will our pulpit preach justice for all, and denounce the current policies, Presidential orders and congressional bills that discriminate openly against people of color; different religious groups; and apposing political parties.
d. When will the ministers, evangelists, preachers and church leaders speak out against the continued racial prejudices that exist in America’s “so called” religious organizations, schools, colleges and workplaces, (Evangelicals; Baptist, Methodist, etc.). Might I remind you?
1) That Rev. Billy Graham was one of the most influential evangelical ministers in America, who recently died at the age of 99. We pray comfort for his family.
a) Sadly, however, I must ask: “Did he ever preach a sermon against the evils of prejudice, bigotry and racial hatred in America?” He began his life’s work as an evangelist when these times were the most volatile and hostile in America.
b) Did Rev. Billy Graham show leadership when the leaders of many religious groups, congressional officials and even our current president (Donald Trump), spake unkindly, recklessly and in disparaging words against President Barak Obama (America’s first black President)? I think he did not! Further:
i. He and many other evangelical leaders had the audience of the people of America; but they did not demonstrate courage or the “spirit of Christ” to speak out against these attacks.
ii. They were all learned men; but, failed in their call and commitment to Christ, to the word of God; and to their ministerial duties.
iii. They were also aware of the reverent respect the Lord has ordained that believers and all men are to show towards His duly appointed leaders, governments and dignitaries, 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Romans 13:1-5; 1 Peter 2:13-17.
c) I pray that the new leadership in the Billy Graham Ministries, as well as, the entire religious movement of “evangelicals”; will take up the “banner of Christ” and dissolve their allegiance to political, financial and other worldly powers, Ephesians 6:12.
e. The pulpits, of these “alleged servants of the Lord” have remained silent as a tomb; in these critical issues; as well as, the disgraceful behavior going uncheck in the White House, the Congress and the Courts of our country. God is not pleased with such leadership or shameful silence of His ministers, evangelists and leaders.
1) When the “servants of God” fail to speak out against evils and injustices; and ignore divisive rhetoric and religious prejudices, they are no longer: “The salt of the earth: because they have lost their savor... They thenceforth are good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men,” Matthew 5:13.
2) The servants of the Lord are called to be: “The light of the world; and to glorify God in all that they say and do,” Matthew 5:16.
3) These messengers (Evangelicals) have placed their loyalty in their “political party” rather than to their call to preach with passion “the love of Christ”; and seek the inclusion of all people in the faith, and in America’s democracy. They, on the other hand, have become “respecter of persons,” James 2:10; Acts 10:34-35.
f. As I hasten now to a conclusion, let me cite the words of Lord, of the religious leaders and political officials of His day: “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in,” Matthew 23:13. Let us be careful, not to be numbered with such in our faith and devotion.
1) Beloved of God, as I conclude, I charge you all to pray for this nation and for all of its leaders everywhere, both religious and political. Pray that God will restore order, respect and integrity to the office of the Presidency, to the Congress and to our Supreme Court.
2) Remember the words of Paul: “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentile unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will,” 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
I think Paul’s words to Timothy, says it all. As I summarize, we discussed....
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
Paul the Apostle’s Preaching
B. Summarize main points.
1. We investigated Paul’s stand against false prophets and brethren among the churches. Paul’s apostleship was always being challenged; just like some of the minister’s credentials today, by false brethren and denominational preachers. We cannot preach soothing words to the church or the community; but to speak the truth in love. Paul said: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17.
2. Let us charge God’s spokesman as did Paul the Corinthians: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity,” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.
3. Let us pray for the ministers and evangelists of the churches of Christ to foster the same boldness and assurance in their preaching. That truly, “if God be for us, no one can be against us!” See Romans 8:31.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H,B.R,C,B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
