dennis j adams

Paul as he traveled throughout the known world was constantly thoughtful of the Lord’s provision. Knowing that what he had been called to do was not for any novice or unstructured individual.

His response to the call of God on his life was be no means something small or empty to the ears of mankind. He tool the gospel where ever he want and he presented it in power that it brought. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 ESV) His mannerisms were rough and he never stood down from a challenge! He stood before kings and magistrates to declare the Word of God. The Lord honored Paul in such a way that many today would not accept the roll that he had. Paul came from a rich family and was highly educated. He was Roman citizen and also a known Jewish leader, however this meant nothing to Him. When compared to what Christ had offered him, he counted all that he earned and had as rubbish!

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8 ESV)

The uniqueness of his ministry was that he never gave up pursuing the greatness of God’s promises and Word. He continued to press on the gain more of Christ!

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)

Here we have Paul’s heart wrapped up in the text of Philippians 3:12-14 expressing that through all his relationship he had had with Christ he had yet to attain more. His desire was uncanny! His heart ran after Jesus and the work that he was called to do! When he finally comes to an appropriate time where he could address the Church he tells of a man (describing himself) who had an experience withe God where he was taken into the third heaven. He converses with God in such a manner as to express his overwhelming dedication to the cause of Christ. Even to the level masquerading a disease that was like a thorn in his flesh. He came to the confession of weakness! But God answered in the most dynamic way:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me,  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ESV)

Paul again expresses his desire to see God manifested in power through His Word and promise. He is about to end is life with the axe upon his neck and He states his unfathomable dedication again to God and the faith that he had in His Word.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of myI have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV)

What can be drawn from this his wealth of faith and commitment is that today as ever before we need to trust and rely on God so that we may enter into the Throne of Grace and obtain mercy and grace to help in the time of need! (Hebrews 4:16)

Dennis

All scripture used in this blog is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.