Acts
16: 16-34
“Pleasure in the job leads to perfection in the
work”(Aristotle)
Paul was a “mentally talented” /intelligent man.
He was a learned man in Greek Philosophy &
Jewish Law, but he found Someone far
greater than Philosophical Reasoning and
Religious Rituals.
He met Jesus Christ and his life was turned
up-side-down.
People have
a misconception that spirituality and
intelligence cannot blend together-it’s either or.
The mental and spiritual aspects are separate
entities of the human body, but they can co-exist.
Paul is a classic example that it can.
He devoted
his life, time, energy, mental talents to spreading
the Gospel.
He was able
to explain deep Theological truths in
simple layman’s language, so that people can understand and implement it.
Even though
the Gospel was simplified, some still
found reason to argue and to be skeptical.
You must
have a spirit of discernment-some are trying to win you over to their beliefs,
it’s not that they want to know the truth.
3 Keys to unlock the doors of opportunity
- Prayer
- Praise
- Persecution
Prayer- Verse 25
Be faithful in the gathering of prayer sessions
with other believers and by yourself
Jesus will
make His Presence known (
Be
intentional-if
there are no prayer groups in your workplace/neighborhood/family –start one!
Divine act-supernatural things happen when we
pray
Praise –Verse 26
It lifts up
the down-cast spirit/burdens
It opens the
door for God to visit with us (He
resides in the praises of His people)
It breaks yokes and sets people free
It creates opportunities for miracles
Persecution
Mathew 5:10-12
There are Cost implications to serving Jesus, but the
rewards outweigh it .
Persecution
is a cost you must pay if you want to be
His disciple; some are paying with their lives/die, but they count it a joy
It prepares
the way for miracles-as in the case of
Paul
It prepares
the way for provision-as in the case
of Joseph
It prepares
the Way for expansion-as in the case of
the early church
It prepared
the way for salvation-as in the case of
Jesus
Don’t sit on the ash heap when you are
persecuted at your workplace, in the family, neighborhood-
Start
praying for them
Start
praising God in the midst of the difficulties
Paul & Silas were imprisoned not
for any wrong-doing, but for rebuking /reprimanding the slave-girl.
Her owners
had them arrested because it messed up
their finances
Why did Paul rebuke her when she spoke the truth?
Her heart did not agree with what her mouth was
confessing (Romans 10:8-10**)
If she did she would not have been a
fortune-teller
Conclusion
A great door
for ministry is opening. Therefore:
- Guard yourselves
- Be Steadfast in faith
- Be courageous
- Serve and do everything with love for God and His creation
- Endure persecution by changing your perception about the circumstances & situations to it
- Stay positive by committing your feelings/emotions to the Lord. Don’t become weighed down by it stand up and stand out in the midst of the persecution.
Paul took
pleasure in His work as a servant of the Gospel. How about you?
By: Pastor Alicia Lawrence
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