Devotional
for the Week 23 July 2007
Apostle
Paul's Conviction & Response to the Gospel!
Scripture Text: Galatians
1:11-2:4
The
Book of Galatians reveals Paul’s heart and enables us
to understand Paul’s motivation in preaching the Gospel.
1.
Personal Conviction
Paul was convinced of what he was doing. It was in his heart
to preach the gospel to all men through all ways and means (Galatians
1:11). Deep in his heart, Paul believed that this message was
from God. It was something which had altered his life and would
alter the lives of those around. Like Paul, when we do missions,
we need to constantly think about what drives us to share Christ
and the gospel with the world. Like Paul, it is only when this
conviction overtakes us that missions can flow naturally from
our hearts. In other words, missions is not just something we
do. It is something we are. Because we are convinced that Jesus
is the solution to human salvation.
Some of us are too concerned about our own lives to see what
God is doing. We need to hang on to the conviction of Jesus
Christ even when we go through deep periods of darkness and
questioning. God gives us some kind of ‘conscience’
to know that even while we struggle, we still can trust in Christ.
2.
Zeal
Paul morphed from a zealous follower of traditions to a man
who adapted himself to do only God’s will. Paul was a
tremendous learner. He had a habit of asking many questions
and in the process, of growing by enquiry. (Galatians 1:13-14).
3.
Innovation
In Galatians 1:15, we see that Paul is not a traditionalist.
He was convicted that God had set him apart to do something
very different (i.e. he was open to the Lord’s leading).
As a result, Paul adapted himself to do God’s work among
the Gentles. For instance, he changed his name from Saul (a
Jewish name) to Paul (a name which was acceptable to the Romans.)
Because of Paul’s ability adapt, his ministry birthed
many Gentile converts.
How do we apply Act 1:8? How do we bring the Gospel to all the
nations? We must come against the misconception that only missionaries
do missions. The Church today, must realize that they are God’s
missionaries. Even if we don’t leave Singapore, we cannot
be lazy. The Church needs to constantly ask how missions can
be fulfilled in their lives. Like Paul, we must constantly challenge
ourselves to find the best way to affect people’s lives
across the world.
4.
Discipline (Galations 1:23)
As Paul grew in his relationship with God, he was completely
transformed. His relationships with the people around him exemplified
this. Paul was able to work with different ages and types of
people such as Barnabas, Titus and Timothy. Because of this,
he was able to more effectively communicate the Gospel to the
nations. As Christians, we must not have judgmental spirits.
Let us not judge others. Instead, we should recognize that each
has his own struggles and we should pray that God will bring
light to their lives.
Prayer Response:
Lord,
by Your Spirit, put in me a deep conviction to preach Your Gospel
to the nations. Give me zeal, an innovative spirit and much
discipline to reach out to the lost. In Jesus name, I renounce
judgment, laziness or any other obstacle to preaching the Good
News to all. Amen.
Devotional based on message by Rev Dr K Rajendran